Exploring Discovering De Soto Exploring
De De SotoSoto
On-line feature magazine about De Soto– its community of people, businesses, organizations, and all the things that make it special and unique! A community located in Johnson County, Kansas.
End of Summer/Fall Preview Edition 2015
De Soto’s on-line feature publication
Steve’s Meat Market Reopens 95th Street Bridge Reopens/Scenic Drive Pioneer 4-H Club reports on a successful end of Summer Johnson County Fair De Soto Residents Return and Bring The Bahamas to Kansas End of Summer/Fall Events: •De Soto Days “Fun in the Sun” •Sunflower Artfest •The Great Kaw Adventure Race •Cookin’ on the Kaw Blues & BBQ Festival and more disoveries from De Soto...
A variety of Checking, Savings and Money Market Accounts for all your Personal, Family and Business Needs
Consumer and Business Loans– Commercial Real Estate, Rental Properties, Home Equity Lines of Credit (subject to approval)
“Your Hometown Bank”
33485 Lexington Avenue in De Soto 913-583-3222
24 Hour Telephone Banking: (800) 480-1747
Vive Customer Service: (888) 309-2240
LOBBY HOURS: Monday–Friday 8am to 5pm, Sat 9am to noon Night Drop–ATM Available 24 Hours a Day DRIVE THRU HOURS: Monday – Wednesday 8am to 5pm, Thursday – Friday 8am to 6pm, Sat 9am to noon
Sponsorship by TriCentury Bank TriCentury Bank may appear to be a new name to De Soto, however, its roots are well established in providing a strong and sound community banking model, sustainable for the long term, In November of 2014, Travis Hicks partnered with Lindsay Olsen and a group of investors, and purchased the former Equity Bank to bring the bank into local ownership. (This was the former FCB bank, that was acquired by Equity Bank in a 2012 merger.) Travis, CEO of TriCentury Bank, is a native of De Soto and a lifelong area resident. He is proud to bring “Locally Owned” TriCentury Bank to the community, being the only Bank with its headquarters in De Soto. He brings a wealth of banking expertise and great community support.
The bank brings “tradition” into the beautifully-designed building located at Golden and 83rd Streets in De Soto. A branch is also located in Spring Hill at 708 South Webster, (913-592-5700). TriCentury was founded in 1894 as the Simpson Shanks & Company Bank in rural Simpson, Kansas. It is one of the oldest bank charters in Kansas and has proven its strength and resilience in over three centuries. The small community banking model has always been an integral part of the bank’s history. Community is a large part of TriCentury Bank supporting many events and local organizations.
continued on page 7
Discovering
Exploring De Soto
De Soto A community located in Johnson County, Kansas.
ADDITIONAL LINKS TO DE SOTO ON-LINE NEWS: SHAWNEE DISPATCH
Education News from De Soto
www.shawneedispatch.com
CITY OF DE SOTO
City Government & City News
De Soto’s on-line feature publication 95TH STREET BRIDGE REOPENS page 5
www.desotoks.us
GREEN PRIDE
De Soto High School News
dhsnews.org
#232 School District HIGH RANKINGS FOR USD 232 page 6 USD School District News and District Newsletter DE SOTO page 8 www.usd232.org End-of-Summer/Fall EVENTS STEVE’S MEAT MARKET REOPENS page 10 UPCOMING EVENTS: Fresh Promises FARMERS Market page 11 DE SOTO DAYS September 3•4•5 COMPASS ART/ART SHOWS page 12 www.desotodays.com DE SOTO RESIDENT BRINGS THE TIDES & TRADEWINDS BAHAMAS TO KANSAS page 13 ART SHOW RECEPTION FALL FESTIVAL/FAITH AT UMC page 14 September 4 5-9pm
www.buttonwoodartspace. com
REMEMBERING 9/11 page 15 THE GREAT KAW PIONEER 4-H CLUB Reports on a Successful ADVENTURE RACE End-of-Summer JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR September 26 page 16 begins at 9 am
and more discoveries from De Soto...
Discovering De Soto is a free on-line features publication, independently owned and published by RMB prints & design LLC. Publishing Quarterly with modifications and updates on Facebook. Not responsible for errors or misprints. Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, however “RMB prints & design LLC” is not responsible for the accuracy of information not liable for any incurrances as a result of this publication. A Business, Organization or Entity Featured is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product, business or organization. There is no monitary exchange for editorial features, excluding “Sponsorship” Page.
www.desotoks.org
SUNFLOWER ARTFEST September 25•26•27
www.desotoartsks.org/ sunflower-artfest.html
COOKIN’ ON THE KAW BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL October 9 5-10pm www.desotoks.org
Discovering De Soto WELCOME!
Welcome to the End-of-Summer/Fall Preview Edition of “Discovering De Soto.” This is your on-line feature magazine about De Soto–its community of people, businesses, organizations, schools and all the things that make it special and unique! In June, Joel Johns of the Edge.com on-line newspapers unexpectedly approached me about taking over the De Soto Edge. To give you some background...The De Soto Edge Online-Newspaper was started in January of 2013 and served as De Soto’s on-line news source till 2014. Prior to that, The De Soto Explorer Newspaper served as De Soto’s main news source for 14 years, beginning in 1998.
PEOPLE, EVENTS, FOOD, THE ARTS, FAITH, and HEALTH will part of each publication.
“Like us” on facebook and check for notifications: discoveringdesoto
My background is as a graphic designer working in advertising, promotions for several major newspapers. My husband’s job relocation brought us to De Soto over 15 years ago, where I began developing my fine art rural & inspirational photography. I also helped develop the Sunflower Artfest, which introduced me to “networking” with the community, where I met so many of you. I look forward to continuing to work with the community and featuring the people, places, businesses and organizations of our town. Your support through advertising and spreading the word about “Discovering De Soto” will ensure its success. Rose Burgweger, managing editor
Photo by Rose M. Burgweger • RMBPRINTS.COM
Over the summer I contemplated about continuing a De Soto publication, while brainstorming ideas. I realized that there are just too many wonderful things about the community that needed to be shared. Because I have a rural & inspirational business, I did not want to take on a 24/7 job with an on-line newspaper. Instead, Discovering De Soto, will publish quarterly and be a features publication More in depth, rather than the quick scans, that our present day fuels.
So take some time as you flip through the pages. Use this as a resource and pass it on to those that have De Soto roots, and continue being a great community!
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next issue: Holidays mid-November featuring: De Soto’s Food Pantry Your Local Guide to Artists/Artisians Homemade in De Soto Christmas Nostalgia and more...
95th Street After being closed for six months, 95th Street is now accessible again. It was reopened July 31 and replaced the one-lane pony truss bridge over Cedar Creek that the county had built in 1950. It is listed on Bridgehunter. com with other historic and notable bridges of the u.s. There are several great photos by Robert Elder on the site: http://bridgehunter. com/ks/johnson/461079704441/ 95th Street is a beautiful hidden gem of De Soto, with many scenic views along its route traveling east and west from Cedar Creek Road to Lexington Avenue, ending at Edgerton. You’ll get a picturesque view of rural Johnson County –complete with cows, sheep, and hay bales along this local country road. An early morning drive will calm your soul with the morning mist that often appears.
95th Street–Same Scenic View Photo by Rose M. Burgweger • RMBPRINTS.COM
Drive carefully as you climb the hills, where pedestrians may be walking or jogging and are obstructed from your view. Deer also are crossing many rural roads in De Soto– especially at dusk. So slow down and enjoy the green pastures and all that is along the countryside and rural roads. –Staff Writer
Photo by Rose M. Burgweger • RMBPRINTS.COM
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Discovering De Soto DE SOTO SCHOOLS
Each school day, the district welcomes more than 7,000 students through the doors of its 12 campuses with seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. USD 232 encompasses an area of 100+ square miles in northwest Johnson County and draws from the communities of De Soto, Shawnee, Lenexa, a portion of Olathe, and unincorporated county areas. Recently the district has received several high rankings in the state and nation.
De Soto USD 232 named Best School District in Kansas Ranked 11th Best in the Nation
MSN Money and StartClass ranked De Soto USD 232 as the Best School District in the State of Kansas and 11th best in the nation. According to MSN, researchers sifted through data from the U.S. Department of Education and identified the best school district in every state (also including Washington, D.C.). Each school district was evaluated using its Smart Rating system and scored on a scale from 1 to 100. De Soto USD 232 received a score of 95.
Top six percent in Nation DHS is ranked fourth out of 332 high schools in Kansas. Of the 332 Kansas high schools in the 2015 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings, De Soto High School is ranked fourth as the Best High School in Kansas. The ranking is based on College Readiness and student performance in the areas of Mathematics and Reading. To be elibible, a school must be awarded a national gold or silver medal
De Soto High School also earned a high national ranking placing the school among the top six percent of all high schools in the country, according to the study by U.S. News & World Report. Report at: http://www.usnewscom/education/besthigh-schools/kansas/rankings?int=c0b4c1
–Information from USD 232 Web Site www.usd232.org PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF USD 232
“The ratings are based on student math and reading proficiency on state assessment tests, with a few other institutional factors considered as well (i.e. student-teacher ratio, student discipline, etc.). Each state’s selection for “Best School District” is determined by the highest average Smart Rating of all the schools in the district. Districts that have only one school or have charter schools were not included.” – msn.com
De Soto High School among the best in Kansas
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Optimist Club Award
Ethan Thurlow, a junior at the De Soto High School, and a member of the DHS Varsity Golf Team, received an award for great commitment to others and community service during the Burning Tree Optimist Golf Academy in De Soto, KS. Ethan received this award in Wichita, KS at the Kansas State Optimist Convention Award Luncheon.
Sponsorship by TriCentury Bank continued from page 2 They are sponsors for De Soto Days and the Sunflower Artfest, and are active in both the De Soto Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. As you enter from Golden and Lexington, you’ll notice their informative electronic LED sign displaying the time, temperature, and a variety of community events. TriCentury recently hosted a local Job Fair with Express Employment Professionals. Upcoming Community Events include:
TriCentury Bank can help you with all of your business financing needs, with (see web site for details of accepted professional bankers that have hands insurance plans/current card required) on expertise in business and real estate September 23rd from 9 am to 1 pm projects. They understand your business, United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat our market, and your needs. Flu Shot Clinic
held at TriCentury Bank back parking lot October 25 from 3 pm to 5 pm
Visit their web site at: www.tricentury.com Along with information about their services TriCentury Bank is one of the strongest in and a variety of available accounts, you’ll the market with consistant and comparable find a helpful Mortgage Calculator, FDIC pricing. They offer a variety of bank accounts, deposit information, and links to both including “VIVE” for those not qualifying personal and business check ordering. for standard accounts. You’ll find a variety –Staff Writer of checking and savings accounts for your personal, family and business needs. TriCentury Bank
LOBBY HOURS: Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm Saturday 9 am to noon DRIVE THRU HOURS: Monday – Wednesday 8 am to 5pm Thursday – Friday 8 am to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to noon 7
Discovering De Soto EVENTS
51st Annual
De Soto Days www.desotodaysks.com
Labor Day Weekend, September 3-4-5 at Miller Memorial Park This year’s theme, “FUN in the SUN”, was a last hurrah to summer and a friendly welcome to autumn. There was an incredible amount of activies and entertainment to choose from. On the De Soto Days web site, delightful music from the tropics greeted guests and gave details of all that was part of this weekend.
Thursday’s Events: Evans Midland Carnival 6 -10 De Soto’s Got Talent 6 - 7:30 White Tigers 7:30 - 8 Matt Snook 8 - 10 Friday’s Events: Evans Midland Carnival 6 -10 The Rippers 7 - 11
Saturday’s Events: 11:30 - 12 noon Fun in the Sun Parade Classic Car Cruise & Dog Walk
* Rainout date is Sunday, Sept 6 • 2:00 p.m.
12:30 - 1 DHS Dance and Cheer Get Your Picture w/ “Slugger” Kaw Prairie Band field B
1st Annual Fire Muster 12:30 - 4:30 Dunk Tank 1 -4 Sponsored by De Soto Food Pantry Classic Car Show 1 - 4 field A Hula Hoop Contest 2 - 3 Bingo 2 - 4 Sponsored by De Soto United Methodist Church Drone Demonstration 3 - 5 field B Evans Midland Carnival 2 - 10 Get Your Picture w/ KC’s Sporting’s “Blue the Dog” 4- 6 455 Rocket 6 - 8 Kickball Tournament 6 - 11 Pompous Jack 8 - 10
Note: In case of Rainout, all entertainment will be held at the VFW at the regular scheduled times.
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Photo by Linda Lane • PHOTOGRAPHYBYLANE.COM
9th Annual Fine Arts Show presented by the De Soto Arts Council
Sunflower Artfest 2015
www.desotoartsks.org/events
Friday, September 25 • 5 - 7 Saturday, September 26 • 10 - 7 Sunday, September 27 • 10 - 5 The Barn at Kill Creek Farm Two De Soto artist were looking at the fields of Sunflowers planted by the De Soto Rotary Club at Zimmerman’s Kill Creek Farm. “We need to have an art show here!” is how this Fine Arts Event began. It has blossomed into a fun, family event with Fine Artists Booths, Plein Air Events, Sunflower Exhibit Event, Sunflower Collector Posters for purchase, and Pioneer 4H Activities for Children. Middle and Senior High School students will also participate along with JCDS Emerging Artists. Lots of great live entertainment throughout the event. Visit the De Soto Arts Council web site for more information: www.desotoartsks.org 1st Annual
“The Great Kaw Adventure Race” Saturday, September 26 • 9am - 2pm
The Eudora Conventions and Visitors Bureau, the City of Eudora & the City of De Soto are working together on this new, exciting event. The first leg of the race will begin in downtown Eudora, and will continue on the Kansas (Kaw) River, canoeing to De Soto’s Riverfest Park. There they will run through downtown De Soto. The final portion will be bicycling from De Soto back to downtown Eudora. The course is 25 miles and begins at 9:00 am till approximately 2 pm. De Soto Volunteers needed! Contact Lana McPherson at 583-5250.
12th Annual
Cookin’ on the Kaw Blues & BBQ Festival www.cookinonthekaw.com
Friday, October 9 • 5pm - 10pm
49 BBQ teams will compete from across the Metro area. Enjoy music with 51% Blues.
Advance Admission is $7.50 or $12.50 at the gate. People’s Choice ticket $5.00 to sample ten BBQ wings and vote on your favorite from 6 - 8 pm. Enjoy food for purchase from Fireside BBQ and beverages in the Beer Garden for only $4.00/beer. Proceeds benefit De Soto Chamber of Commerce. Purchase tickets online www.cookinonthekaw.com.
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Discovering De Soto FOOD Steve’s Meat Market is a third generation business that has been part of De Soto since September 1969. It has been part of De Soto and surrounding communities for family gatherings for generations– weddings, graduations, backyard barbecues and homemade dinners have fed many hungry people. It has been an icon in our town with its “red cow” signage and many know of their great fresh meat, and hamburger with that special taste. For many years they have hosted the Fishing Derby for the community.
Steve’s Meat Market Reopens– nicely Remodeled
On February 18, 2015 Steve’s Meat Market caught on fire as a result of a power surge. The retail store was closed for several months. Here are photos and additional details of the event.
The night of February 18th would close the retail store of Steve’s Meat Market for many months. There was a power surge going through De Soto that night that initiated a fire at Steve’s Meat Market. The surge by-passed all the safety features that were internal in Steve’s Meat Market and a fire originated in the compression/electrical room. That small room contained 90% of the heat, and it was smoke and water that damaged much of the retail meat store. Smoke and flames were seen from across the street, where someone phoned 911. The fire safety feature installed at Steve’s also went off and within minutes Jade Alarm was notified of the fire. The De Soto fire department came within five minutes and fought that fire in ten degree weather and made sure it would not reignite. It was this “great response of everything working as it should–with the Jade Alarm and Consolidated Fire Department, that saved the building.” said Mitch Prudden, 2nd generation owner of Steve’s Meat Market. Photography by Rose M. Burgweger
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“In the 46 years that we have been in business, there have been occassional power surges that have ruined compressors, and have done other minor damage, but never anything of this magnitude.” Mitch commented. You’ll find plenty on the web, about that night, as it was covered in the Kansas City Star local edition, and several TV stations: www.kshb.com/news/region-kansas/crewsbattle-fire-at-steves-meat-market-in-de-soto Originally it was thought that Steve’s retail store located at 32685 Lexington Avenue in De Soto, would be up in a few weeks. However, it would need extensive work and it was several months before it would reopen. The wholesale side of Steve’s Meat Market was closed only one day. Half of their building was usable and they kept the USDA inspected
STEVE’S MEAT MARKET STORE HOURS: TUESDAY-FRIDAY 9 TO 6 SATURDAY 9 TO 5 Closed Sunday & Monday
processing facility
processing facility going –working with farmers, restaurants, and wholesale orders. You can learn more about their operation at:
www.stevesmeat.com
Mitch is “Proud of the Remodel. We are better off now than before, but it is a terrible way to get a remodel done.” He learned alot about construction and I learned about the families’ perseverance as I saw this Rock on his desk that says, “never, never give up!” Mitch closed with “We were very fortunate in many ways,”
–Rose Burgweger
Natural compound from green tomatoes (and apples) increases muscle, protects against muscle atrophy
Fresh Promises FARMERS MARKET
–University of Iowa http://now.uiowa.edu/2014/04/green-good
You’ll enjoy a variety of fresh produce, soaps, pies, herbs, honey, jellies and more at your local “Fresh Promises Farmer’s Market” at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm. While there, you’ll enjoy Frenzel’s BBQ with a variety of sandwiches. Wednesdays 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm • June through September
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Discovering De Soto PEOPLE & ARTS
Compass Art
by Rich Britnell Professor, School of Industrial and Graphic Design at Auburn University GeographicsArt on Etsy www.GeographicsArt.com
I actually began the “Discovering De Soto” logo with a brown compass on Rich’s site, and began working with my type around the art. As I took another look at his work, the current image caught my eye. It brought more color, with blue and golden yellow. While De Soto is unfortunately not near an ocean, we do have the Kaw River. Sunflowers are symbolic of Kansas. So this “Rose Compass” illustration worked better.
All the nautical lines reminded me of all the When I began designing the logo for intregal lines in our community of people “Discovering De Soto”I googled “compasses” working together in a myriad of organizations. and looked over a myriad of images. There is an incredible network in De Soto. In Looking through Rich Britnell’s Geographic my year’s of being part of the De Soto Arts Art on Etsy, was a great find! Council, my favorite part was to network with the community–its businesses, schools organiA love of Geography, Art & Design fuels the passion of Rich’s work. Rich has always had an zations and people. “Discovering De Soto” will be a great avenue to do this! affinity for old maps and geography, which is –Rose M. Burgweger, Managing Editor evident in the old style maps and documents that he creates. Most of his artwork is coastal Because of my great love of the arts, I look in nature, including gulf coast maps, treasure forward to featuring many of the artists that maps, pirate maps and old style sea charts of live in our community. Because of the beauty the American coastline. The artwork is based of De Soto, I think many creative people are on history and real facts so it takes on an audrawn to the area. E-mail me your creative thentic look! Be sure to visit his Etsy Shop and endeavors: info@discoveringdesoto. com Web Site to see all of his fine art map treasures! Where to find De Soto’s local Artists & Artisans: Jim Walker • Patricia Young • Wesport Art Festival • September 11-12-13 www.artwestport.net/participating-artists/13/ Many Local Artists • Sunflower Artfest at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm • September 25-26-27 www.desotoartsks.org/events Rose Burgweger •Jim Walker • Prairie Village Endres Gallery • October 1-30 • pvkansas.com Rose Burgweger • Gil Rumsey • Jim Walker • Visions of the Flint Hills • October 2-November 27 Reception October 2 • 4pm-9pm • ButtonwoodArtspace.com Kim Bedford • Rose Burgweger • Jim Walker • Baldwin Maple Leaf Festival • October 17-18 www.mapleleaffestival.com Gil Rumsey at the De Soto Arts Center • October 23 -24 • 5 pm - 8 pm • New Book Signing www.desotoartsks.org/events 12
De Soto Residents return and bring the Bahamas to Kansas
Photo by Carolyn Glade Dvorak • C_dvorak@earthlink.net
Kent & Carrie Dvorak recently returned from living in Nassau, Bahamas for a three-year period where Kent, who works for Terracon Consultants in Olathe, was involved with a project. Carrie developed her own project as she met Artist “Big Mo,” Bahamian painter. Last summer, The De Soto Arts Council hosted “Tropics & Water,” an art show featuring Anthony “Big Mo” Morley, his wife Ann and Carrie Dvorak, with paintings and photography from The Bahamas. “Big Mo” and Ann ventured all the way from the islands to De Soto, Kansas to be present for the show. De Soto Arts Council Artists displayed their themed work as well. This year “Big Mo” will once again come to The Midwest, along with Brandin Pinder and Leanne Russell, two other Bahamian artists for the Tides & Trade Winds event at Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, Missouri. Carrie, “Big Mo” and Buttonwood were instrumental in developing and coordinating this event, which benefits the Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid America Chapter.
A variety of artwork–painting, jewelry, sculpture and photography is on display. An opening event was held Friday, September 4th with a whole hog (from Steve’s Meat Market) that captured the flavor of the island event, along with live music from Calypso Bluz! “Big Mo” and many of the artists attended. A silent auction benefiting the Mid America MS Chapter, featured items from Sponsor, Tommy Bahama. The Exhibit may be viewed through September 25 during business hours and by appointment (816-285-9040), or through their web site: www.buttonwoodartspace.com/ show/tides-trade-winds Buttonwood ArtSpace 3013 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri
Several artists from De Soto are part of the event, along with 19 other artists from throughout Kansas City and the region. Jim Walker, Gil Rumsey, Carrie Dvorak and Rose Burgweger represent the De Soto area –Staff Writer and have several pieces in the juried event.
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Discovering De Soto FAITH
I enjoyed visiting the De Soto United Methodist Church. I formally met Reverend Jeff Prothro and Secretary Linda Patton today, but I have visited many of the community events the church hosts throughout the 15 years I have lived in De Soto. I have always felt welcomed, and it is like traveling back to a nostagic type of church that warms my heart.
Rev. Jeff describes UMC with “Familiarity, comfort and a relaxed atmosphere.” He and his wife, Leighann, along with their young children came to De Soto in I’ve enjoyed their delicious Bierocks at De Soto July of 2014. He previously served at Asbury Methodist Church, in Prairie Village. Day’s, and their most recent Gospel Concert UMC is rich with heritage, formed with The Farm Hands, from Tennessee, and in 1858 originally meeting in homes. local performers–Larry Inman and Danney It’s first building was dedicated in Williams. Many years were spent in their 1870. In 1927 a tent revival grew Fellowship Hall, when I attended Boy Scout the church considerably, and its new Troop #54 and Pioneer 4-H meetings with believers were baptized in the Kaw my now grown children. Both organizations River. A second building was built in 1942. The continue to meet at UMC. The Boy Scouts current building was purchased in 1983, with have been sponsored since 1954. its first services held June, 1991. The “bell” was Coming up in the Fall is the traditional purchased in the early 1900’s and is in the front “Fall Craft Festival” held in the Fellowship entrance of the present day church. Hall on the backside of the church/lower level. Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 am – 2 pm This fall, several adult groups are beginning: “Everything You Wanted to Learn About the You’ll enjoy an enormous assortment of Church but were Afraid to Ask.” homemade creative crafts, homebaked foods Sunday morning at 9 am, Sept. 20 - Oct. 11 (Breads, Cookies, Jellies and Jams, and many “Holy Conversations” Engaging a Culture in holiday items–made and hosted by the United Methodist Women. All money from this event Conflict” Wednesdays 7 pm Sept 16 - Oct 21 goes towards missions. “Bible Study for People who hate (and love) Bible Study” Sundays at 11:15 Oct 4 - Nov 8 Crowds arrive early, when doors open at 9 am. The event goes until 2 pm and is a great place “Scattered Seeds of Kindness from the beautiful gardens. photography Rose M. Burgweger to enjoy lunch with their famous Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, an assortment of other soups and sandwiches, and homemade pie. Order early for your favorite dish! Fellowship Hall is accessible from Kill Creek Road, turn west on 88th Street, and turn into parking lot.
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Children’s Programs include–Kid’s Choir, Bible Explorers (3rd-5th graders), Youth Sunday School at 9 am, Youth Group for 6th-12th grades, and Youth Leadership Team. Sabrina Wellman is the Coordinator for Children, Youth and Family. UMC will host a community Trunk-n-Treat in the parking lot of TriCentury Bank on Sunday, October 25th 3 pm - 5 pm.
Worship is on Sundays at 10 am. The United Methodist Church is located at 8760 Kill Creek Road, De Soto. You’ll find more information on their web site:
Remembering 9/11 This golden leaf was purchased at the 9/11 Memorial Center, on the DHS Band Trip to New York in 2012. It is a Swamp white oaks (Quercus bicolor) selected for their durability and leaf color. Googling “Trees at 9/11” will bring additional information. The photo was taken in the fall at Cedar Creek, where the blue sky reflected onto the waters, having the golden leaves glisten. The verse is from Revelation 22:1-3.
www.desotoumc.org phone 913-583-1359
–Rose Burgweger
...the leaves of the tree
are for the healing of the nations. Sculpture by Gil Rumsey at De Soto United Methodist Church www.gilrumseyart.com
“Reflection” Photo by Rose M. Burgweger • WALKINGTHROUGHSCRIPTURE.COM
“Comfort my people” began shortly after September 11th, when I prayed and asked “What can I do?” Through many years it has been refined and expanded. Many of the photos in the book are taken in De Soto. Scripture is uniquely interwoven throughout the book. Special thanks goes to the local De Soto United Methodist Women for distributing these in their “Care Packages” that minister to people. A church in KC, MO prints these so they can be distributed very affordably. A special thanks to those who have been an encouragement in the journey. A digital version of “Comfort my people” may be viewed at:
http://www.issuu.com/walkingthroughscripture/docs/comfort__comfort-2015-issuu 15
Discovering De Soto
ORGANIZATIONS: PIONEER 4-H CLUB As the summer draws to an end, the Pioneer 4-H Club shares with our readers their hard work and talents at the Johnson County Fair in Gardner. WRITTEN BY EMILY KRESIN, REPORTER FOR THE PIONEER 4-H CLUB
De Soto 4-H Club show off their talents at the Johnson County Fair Many Life Skills are learned throughout the Year For more than 70 years, DeSoto’s Pioneer fair. This year’s Johnson County Fair wrapped 4-H Club has been a part of the community. up in early August. Here’s a look at what it’s It was chartered in 1943 and has been like to take part in the county fair. steadily gaining members, in fact, the number First Time at the Fair of kids involved in the group has doubled First-year Pioneer 4-H members Josh and over the past five Emily Stove had years. Currently the lots of fun at the fair. group has about Emily made a stuffed 40 members who frog, a pillow, and a range in age from bag in sewing and 7 to 18. Pioneer got all blue ribbons. is one of the “I was proud to get oldest 4-H clubs in a blue ribbon at my Johnson County, first 4-H County Fair,” Kansas. she said. Josh did a leathercraft keychain 4-H projects include and got a red ribbon many areas: photoon it. “It was my first graphy, forestry, year in 4-H and to go foods and nutrition, Members of the Pioneer 4-H Club took time to view each other’s hard clothing and textiles, work during a project tour at the Johnson County Fair. Pictured (front to the fair,” he said. visual arts, leather- row, from left): Eva Burke, Emily Kresin, Sydney Knapp, Emily Gipson. Pioneer member row, from left) Kelsey Beary, Josh Stove, Caleb Martin, Emily craft, plant science, (Back Stove, Aiden Burke, Aniston Cumbie, and Sophia Stenstrom. Lydia Van Booven COURTESY TONYA BURKE rocketry, shooting also was a first year sports (archery, BB participant. She enterguns, rifle, etc.,), entomology, geology, and ed items in sewing, fashion revue, and plant animal science like beef, swine, horses, sheep, science. Van Booven got purple and Reserved goats, poultry, rabbits and dogs. Grand Champion for making a dress and The highlight of the year for most 4-Hers is showing off what they’ve learned at the county
modeling it. “It was my first big sewing project, and I love how it turned out,” she said.
[*Understanding ribbons: Purple is superior; blue indicates above-average, red means it meets project expectations, white means it fell short of project expectations. Purple ribbons are eligible for Champion and Reserved Champion in their age groups, and Overall Grand Champion and Overall Reserved Grand Champion indicate top winners in the project over all entrants. Purple ribbon are usually eligible for the Kansas State Fair in September.]
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Aniston Cumbie received a Grand Champion ribbon in Rally-O for competing with her dog. COURTESY ANISTON CUMBIE
Eva Pace and her dog Sophie won a purple ribbon in agility. COURTESY EVA PACE
Emily Gipson, a three-year Photography project member, was most proud of the photo she took of a flower that had fresh dew still on a petal. COURTESY EMILY GIPSON
Kyleigh Haun worked with her rabbit daily to be ready for Rabbit showmanship. COURTESY KYLEIGH HAUN
Focusing and Hard Work Four-year Pioneer member Eva Burke showed her dog Ivy in the fair this year. “We trained Wednesday nights for obedience/ showmanship and Sunday afternoons for agility from January to July to prepare for the dog shows,” Burke said. It is a lot of work training a dog for both agility and obedience, said Eva Pace, a three-year Pioneer member. “Both categories took an equal amount of time, but obedience takes more work because my dog is naturally better at agility,” says Pace. She is very proud of her dog for all her hard work. Eva earned a second place in ‘Agility 1.’ Five-year Pioneer member Aniston Cumbie did lots with her dog this year at fair. It was her second year in the dog project. I had to practice every week with my dog from
Kyleigh Haun earned Overall Reserved Grand Champion in Foods and Nutrition for her peach-and-blackberry patchwork cobbler. COURTESY KYLEIGH HAUN
January until the fair so that we were the best we could be for the fair show,” Cumbie said. “Even though I received a Grand Champion in ‘Rally-O 1’ on-lead, I am still more proud of the red my dog and I received in ‘Novice Obedience,’ because we improved,” she said. Five-year Pioneer member Kyleigh Haun loves her rabbits (she’s been in the Rabbit project for two years), but she admits that they also take time and effort. “You have to care for them and work with them daily so they are familiar to your touch. There is also a lot of studying, because in showmanship you need to know not only about your breed of rabbit but all other breeds and overall general knowledge of the project,” she said. She also likes to bake. Haun has also put a lot of hours into the Foods and Nutrition project. “[I’m] always trying new things.” Haun won Overall Reserved Grand Champion for Foods and Nutrition this year with her peachand-blackberry patchwork cobbler. “I love sharing my test products out on family and friends, getting their feedback, and then getting back into the kitchen to make something new or perfect a recipe that I have already tried,” she says. Three-year Pioneer member Garrett Cumbie has enjoyed canning for his second year in a row. Cumbie said, “I got a First Premium, I am proud of it because we used a new recipe
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Discovering De Soto De Soto 4-H Club continued from previous page this year, so I wasn’t expecting anything big.” Emily Gipson, who is a three-year member of Pioneer 4-H, tried a new project this year —cake decorating. She did a cake shaped like a crown in purple and white that had “Ms. 4-H” on it. “I did the final product the night before so it would be fresh,” Gipson said. Her efforts helped 4-H countywide, because the cake was auctioned off at the fair and sold for $200 (the highest food item at the fair)! Gipson also entered some items in photography. “My favorite was my photograph of a flower that had fresh dew still on a petal,” said Gipson.
Sydney Knapp shows her leathercraft project, which received an Overlall Reserved Grand Champion. COURTESY SYDNEY KNAPP
Hard Work Brings Reward Six-year Pioneer member Kelsey Beary spent alot of time on a charcoal drawing, part of the Art project (participating four years). “I really needed to take my time and base it off of the photo I was using, and make sure all of the shading was the color it needed to be,” she said. She also entered photos in the Photography project. Beary earned purple ribbons on both of her photos. She is excited that she now gets to send her black-and-white photo to the state fair. Sydney Knapp, a three-year member of Pioneer 4-H, entered art, foods, and leathercraft. “The painting was the hardest because I kept messing up on the wolf,” says Knapp. With struggle comes the joy of fantastic ribbons. “I received Champion and Overall Reserved Grand Champion on my leathercraft. I am proud of it because I have never gotten those ribbons before and I worked really hard on it,” she says. Five-year Pioneer member Justine Wheeler entered photography and art in the fair. “Photography took the longest because I had to wait for a nice day and ask the landowners permission to photograph their barn,” she said. “The barn had an American flag painted 18
Justine Wheeler photographed a rustic barn with an American flag painted across it to enter in the fair this year. COURTESY JUSTINE WHEELER
across it which was faded with age.” Wheeler earned a blue ribbon on the photo. “I am proud of it because I thought the subject matter was a cool idea,” she said. Sister Allyson Wheeler (who is in her first year in 4-H) had a great time at the fair and entered pieces in art. “I got a purple ribbon for my acrylic painting of a cheetah,” said Allyson. “I am proud of it because it’s my first project at the fair ever.” Three-year Pioneer member Emily Kresin spent more than 60 hours piecing and sewing a quilt in a pinwheel pattern. “I started on it in October and finished it in June,” Kresin said. “The quilt was my proudest ribbon because I got a Champion on it.” She is excited to enter the quilt and an educational display describing how it was made in the state fair. For the second year in a row, 11-year Pioneer member Garrett Stous took home Overall Grand Champion honors for leathercraft. His champion piece for 2015, a purse that was stamped and stained, had flower designs on the front, front flap, and on the back.
Sister Kirsten Stous, a member of Pioneer 4-H for nine years, says her leathercraft project took a long time. She also participated in the Buy-manship project and got Overall
Garrett Cumbie shot off his K-State-themed rocket for the Rocketry project. Unfortunately, the rocket disappeared, and with it vanished Garrett’s chance at a ribbon at the county fair. Sydney Clarkin created a poster educating COURTESY GARRETT CUMBIE people on the avian flu and was named Overall Grand Champion in the project. it over some trees and into the COURTESY SYDNEY CLARKIN Emily Kresin, earned a Champion ribbon for her age group for her twin-sized pinwheel quilt. COURTESY EMILY KRESIN
Reserved Grand Champion for selecting and modeling an outfit.
Dealing With Challenges Seven-year Pioneer member Sydney Clarkin had quite a challenge at the fair in the Poultry project this year because no live birds were allowed at the fairgrounds. (All birds were banned from the fair because of the bird flu.) But, Clarkin flew through the obstacles, earning the award of Overall Grand Champion for her poster about the disease. “It’s my favorite because I worked really hard on the poster and it felt good to know my hard work paid off,” Clarkin said. She has been in the Poultry project for 6 years. Garrett Cumbie has been doing the Rocketry project for three years. This year was challenging because his rocket disappeared! “It was my first year doing it by myself, without my dads help,” Cumbie said. “I built it and thought it was the best rocket kit I’d ever built.” “I sanded it and painted it myself,” said Cumbie. “To compete for the fair, entrants had to shoot off the rocket and record how high it flew. “For the height you can use a protractor to tell the degrees,” Cumbie said. “The first time it was shot off it went straight backwards and we couldn’t get the measurement,” Cumbie said. “The second time it went so high you couldn’t see it! A gust of wind took
woods.” The Cumbies searched for the rocket for about four hours, but unfortunately they couldn’t find it. It was a hard lesson to learn, but Cumbie is ahead of the game for next year with two rockets, just in case one gets lost again. But all is not lost. Pioneer 4-Hers will get to hear a project talk at an upcoming meeting based on Garrett’s experience. He plans to call it “When Your 4-H Project Fails.” For More Information 4-H is a great group to learn archery, raise a chick to adulthood, show a sheep, coach your dog through obedience training, or go digging for fossils. You can also learn how to preserve your own apples, make your own jelly and more. The Pioneer 4-H Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month at the DeSoto United Methodist Church on Kill Creek Road at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about Pioneer 4-H, visit them at the 9th annual Sunflower Artfest, Sept. 25-27 at the Barn at Kill Creek Road, where they’ll have a craft booth. 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the world and is comprised of 7 million young people across the globe learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. For more information on the Pioneer 4-H Club, contact Amy Shields at (816) 896-3707 or amyshields@smsd.org.
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