OSAWATOMIE — Santa lives. Christmas in October will still be Christmas in October in Osawatomie this year. The Grinch – the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – has had a change of heart. The Osawatomie Journal reported that the KDHE has reversed itself and now says that Osawatomie volunteers are exempt from new state rules on rehabilitating older houses with lead paint. Because of the KDHE’s reversal, Christmas in October organizer Diane Neal said the group decided to have the event this year. Volunteers help paint and repair of houses for Osawatomie residents who aren’t able or can’t afford to. Volunteers will work on about four or five houses this year, she said. The KDHE may even send someone to help out, she said. To donate or volunteer, call Diane Neal at (913) 731-1193 or Allen Neal at (913) 731-0759.
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 8:30 a.m.
