News Briefs: Catch up on school, local and national news

National:

Midterm elections ended on Nov. 8 after over 40 million pre-election ballots were casted in 47 states, according to CNN.

The parties of registered voters were almost evenly divided, though around 18% of voters were undecided. Major issues influencing votes were the economy, abortion, crime, democracy and immigration.

Senior Avery Guck voted for the first time last Tuesday. She believes her participation in voting is part of her responsibility as a citizen, and her main incentive for voting was to elect candidates that prioritize reproductive rights.

“It’s important for me to vote because I actively participate in discussions about the way our world works, and I feel like it’s my duty as a citizen to be able to participate because that’s my freedom,” Guck said.

The largest concern during the polls was inflation. Prices in the Midwest have risen 8.1% from last year, according to NBC News.

Local: 

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment announced on Oct. 25 that the “Recycle Right” campaign staff will begin work in Prairie Village this month. The JCDHE assisted by Republic Services — Prairie Village’s trash and recycling service — will inspect each recycling bin, searching for waste that can’t be recycled and leaving a list of items that shouldn’t be in the bin.

The goal of the campaign is to improve recycling throughout Johnson County. Their work includes spreading information concerning what and where to recycle and compost household waste.

Freshman Shubra Durgavathi began helping the community by reducing paper waste by limiting the amount of paper she used while attending Indian Hills, now she combats climate change as a member of the Environmental Club. 

After hearing about the Recycle Right program, Durgavathi took interest hoping to expand on her work of helping the environment.

“The program is connected to what we’re already doing, which is all for the better of the community,” Durgavathi said.

The survey will designate what trash and non-recyclables should be kept out of recycling bins in Johnson County. The City of Prairie Village will fund the program so residents don’t have to pay.

Observations will take place for two weeks — after starting on Nov. 7 — and then staff will move to another area in the county.

East: 

Student Council juniors are hosting the Chili Cook Off on Nov. 16 from 6:30-8 pm in the cafeteria. The cook-off is part of StuCo’s Can Drive Fundraiser.

All proceeds will go to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau after cans are collected and funds are raised to donate food, clothes and holiday gifts for residents who can’t afford them.

A group of 4-6 people is needed to register. Registration for each team will cost $25 or $5 for individuals who wish to taste test. Event registration is open until Nov. 16 through using the class of 2024 Instagram page.

The cook-off is open to all parents, staff and students. Junior class representatives Abi Limbird and Emma Kuhlman have made posters advertising for the event to hang throughout the school and post on social media.

“No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a fundraiser that you can enjoy and find ways to help out JCCB because every class has unique fundraising ideas,” Kuhlman said.

After learning online during her freshman year, Kuhlman wanted to find an alternative to the restaurant nights the junior class had held in previous years. She hopes a change in event will help bring more attention to the drive.