Discovering De Soto Holiday-Winter 2023

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De Soto

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De Soto

De Soto’s Most Effective Communication Source!

Online & Printed Distribution issuu.com/discoveringdesoto

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De Soto, Kansas Western Johnson County

seasons of change Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Events

De Soto City Pages NWCFD Community Report Business News Organizations Events Food Establishments Faith People Congratulations Development and more inside...

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W e l c o m e C e n t e r 1 2 - 5

m o v e - i n THE WILLOW • Reverse 1.5 story 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,630 Sq.Ft. 8510 Laramie Street

Open kitchen and living area • Oak hardwood floors Oversized fireplace • Large kitchen, island, custom cabinets, walk-in pantry • Master bedroom, en-suit bath, attached laundry • Lower level family room with two bedrooms, full bath • Large private covered deck for entertaining

H OME

THE ASH • Best selling 2 story 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,328 Sq.Ft. 8529 Laramie Street

Open main level great room with hardwood floors and gas fireplace • Kitchen with large island, quartz counters, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances • Primary suite with walk-in shower, dream closet • Second Floor three bedrooms, full bath and laundry room

Exceed Your Expectations!

Estate Lots backing to treed green space and the scenic outdoors.

Desirable Cul-de-sac, Corner, Daylight and Walk-out Home Sites Highly-Rated USD 232 School District Charming local businesses to shop and dine Nearby Parks & Aquatic Center Affordable HOA Dues New Homes from $400’s -$600’s 2

r e a d y

On West 83rd Street four miles west of K-7 Kill Creek Road

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83rd Street

Kill Creek Road Exit

Cedar Creek Parkway Exit

83rd Street Exit

Kill Creek Road Exit Quick Access via K-10 One Exit Past Cedar Creek Parkway

Next to Shawnee, Lenexa & Olathe. Easy highway access to Lawrence & Kansas City.

Single Family

Homes

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& ESTATE LOTS

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THE MAGNOLIA • Split Level 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2,439 Sq.Ft. 8601 Laramie Street

THE MONTERREY • 1.5 story 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,218 Sq.Ft. 31530 West 86th Street

Outstanding treed green space views • Open floor plan Floor to ceiling tiled fireplace • Quality designer finishes Chef’s kitchen, white cabinetry, gas range, walk-in pantry Covered no-maintenance deck • Master bedroom suite en-suit bathroom, walk-in closet • lower level family room

Beautiful treed private lot • Kitchen with large island, custom cabinets, walk-in pantry, solid quartz backsplash Oversized covered deck • Large modern fireplace in great room flows into large suite • Lower level family room/ two bedrooms • Walk-in closets, all with custom shelving

OUR WELCOME CENTER is open at 8511 Laramie Street in De Soto Sunday-Tuesday 12-5 Thursday-Saturday 12-5 Wednesdays by appointment We look forward to introducing you to our community and a comfortable lifestyle.

Over 30 rolling acres of green space and wooded areas, offering convenience and small-town charm.

We look forward to giving you a tour of our community of homes, which are available by appointment.

Cole Combs, Kayti Klaus agents text or phone 913-444-2029 ArborRidgeKS.com email ArborRidgeKS@gmail.com

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SERVING DE SOTO & SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1983 Locally Owned & Managed

AUTO PARTS

Keys Made in De Soto

Business Deliveries Available

We Make Hydraulic Hoses Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm Saturday 8 am - 2 pm 33530 LEXINGTON AVENUE, DE SOTO (913) 585-3180

See Our Weekly Ad and Order Online For In-Store Pickup www.carquest.com/stores/ks/de-soto/5241

Locally Owned & Operated

DE SOTO CAR WASH featuring

Hoping your holidays are filled with Love, Family and Happiness.

Let’s talk if you need a new home for the holidays.

Automatic touch-free 24/7 Bring in AD to CarQuest for a FREE CAR WASH–limit 1

Monthly Wash & Multi-Car Plans Self-Wash areas 33520 LEXINGTON AVENUE Next to CarQuest Auto Parts

7070 Renner Road, Suite 100 Shawnee, KS 66217

Cell 816-392-9365

krisjohnson@kw.com

Let’s talk turkey Holiday dinners seem to get pricier every year. My team and I can help make sure your insurance is right for you, leaving more for those favorite sides.

Mitzi Ryburn Agent

10818 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203-2848 Bus: 913-631-0201 mitzi@mitziinsures.com | www.mitziinsures.com State Farm · Bloomington, IL

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Discovering

De Soto

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Community Feature & News Publication

Online viewing of all issues: issuu.com/discoveringdesoto Like us on facebook: facebook.com/ discoveringdesoto/

WELCOME ................................................................... 5 SEASONS OF CHANGE

Developing De Soto........................................................6-7 KC Star Historic De Soto...............................................8 Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant Clean-up...... 8-9 LIVING SPACES Apartments..................................... 10

MEDICAL SPACES Wildcat Plaza, De Soto Vet Clinic........................... 12

Free State Dental/Urgent Care of Kansas .............. 13

ELECTIONS

Expanded Kansas District 9 Boundaries................ 14 Local Election Results................................................ 14 CITY OF DE SOTO Pages City Features..................15-17 City Directory /De Soto Parks & Recreation...........18 Mayor’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting...............19 HOLIDAY EVENTS...........................................................20-21 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE....................................................22-23 PEOPLE..............................................................................24-25 FOOD Eat, Drink & Be Merry.................................... 26 EXERCISE & SELF CARE ........................................... 28-29 FAITH.......................................................................... 30-31

ORGANIZATIONS

Johnson County Library............................................ 32 USD 232........................................................................ 32-33 Community, Creativity & Panasonic................... 34 Learning Spaces: Cedar Trails Exploration Center.34-35 Local Organizations................................................ 36-37

HOLIDAY GIFT DELIVERY

USPS Trucks, Holiday Trees.................................. 38 NWCFD Fall 2023 Community Report................. 39 Discovering De Soto is printed and distributed to De Soto residents and businesses throughout De Soto through funding from the City of De Soto.

Additional distribution in portions of Lenexa, Olathe and Shawnee.

Independently owned and published by RMB Prints & Design, LLC. Published Quarterly Printed by Harvest Graphics, Lenexa, Kansas All publications available online at: https://issuu.com/discoveringdesoto 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 and not liable for any incurrences as a result of this publication. The material in Discovering De Soto is not intended for diagnosing or giving medical advice. Businesses, Organizations or Entities featured are not to be construed as an endorsement of the product, individual, business or organization. Businesses featured are selected for newsworthy content and/or being applicable to the issue’s emphasis. Publisher/Editor reserves the right on final editing of all content herein, including acceptance of submissions, editorial and advertising.

WELCOME As we move from fall into the Holiday Season, change is in the air...cooler temperatures, shorter days and longer nights...new developments.

We truly are in “seasons of change” in De Soto.

I’ve been humming the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!

To Everything There is a Season” The Byrds (1965).

There is a lot of nostalgia and wisdom in this song, with words from Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every matter under heaven.” The song ends with, “I swear it’s not too late.”

Timeless words pertinent today.

As always, enjoy the Holiday-Winter issue, and thank you for making Discovering De Soto one of the most read and treasured printed publications!

Rose Burgweger Discovering De Soto publisher/editor

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xVOJla2vYx8 “Turn! Turn! Turn! To Everything There is a Season” by The Byrds (1965).

Close your eyes and reflect on the words as we move into the New Year of 2024.

seasons of change Kudos to our Advertisers who fund the staffing & production of Discovering De Soto!

Published by RMB Prints & Design, LLC Rose M. Burgweger, publisher / editor

For editorial submissions and advertising information, contact Discovering De Soto by email: RMBprints@icloud.com

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Blake Bradford Graphic Design Assistant Katherine Diaz, Kris Meyer Contributing Writers Pam Ebert Administrative Assistant Ashton DelVecchio, Helen Ash Copy Editors David Grodowitz Publication Distribution

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Special Thanks to The City of De Soto for Funding of Printing & Distribution 2017-2023 City Pages written/designed by Whitney Lange

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Printed copies are available at these area locations: De Soto Harps Food Steve’s Meat Market Downtown De Soto De Soto Historical Society Lenexa Suburban Lawn & Garden Shawnee Price Chopper courtesy of The Kansas City Star Earl May Monticello Library Prayer Box Cafe View All issues online: issuu.com/discoveringdesoto

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Discovering De Soto

Thank You City of De Soto Advertisers & Readers

Much time, work and energy has gone into the development of Discovering De Soto–which has published quarterly for nine years.

It has been rewarding in this age of digital media to produce a well-read printed publication, bringing news and features to De Soto’s residents.

When the publication began in 2015, I was approached by Executive Director of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, Sara Ritter, about taking over The De Soto Edge, an online community news website that Joel Johns had developed.

I knew I did not want to do an online news publication.

However, I did find Discovering Eudora on issuu.com Their publication is printed twice a year by Sunflower Publications, with financial support from the City of Eudora, the Eudora Chamber of Commerce and the school district.

The magazine includes a yearly Chamber directory.

Producing a printed feature magazine was something that interested me. The first issue of Discovering De Soto published Fall of 2015, and began with 20 pages, one advertiser and a circulation of 200. In 2017, the De Soto City Council voted to support the publication financially for printing and distribution.

There would be four City pages inside the magazine. Through the years circulation has grown to 5,000 with 40 pages per issue.

During that time, the City of De Soto hired Whitney Lange as the City Communications Director. She began producing the City pages for Discovering De Soto, as well as developing the City’s social media presence, website pages and City events– bringing much vitality to our community.

The De Soto Chamber of Commerce and De Soto Economic Development Council began publishing Expanding De Soto through Sunflower Publications in July of 2020. This serves as their annual De Soto Chamber Directory.

In 2022 the City of De Soto hired local consultant teams Mays Communications and Shockey Consulting to help manage the increase in activity and interest in the community.

With much growth on the horizon bringing seasons of change, more frequent communication is needed to keep the community informed with up-to-date information.

The City of De Soto will continue producing their own printed newsletter with more frequency. This is in addition to their online newsletter and monthly updates mailed with utility billing.

With the increased forms of communication currently in place, the City of De Soto will no longer be funding the printing and distribution of Discovering De Soto–effective 2024.

All funding that was received from the City of De Soto was used for printing and distribution of Discovering De Soto. Advertising from businesses and organizations funded the staffing of the publication.

The City of De Soto’s funding has contributed much to the development and growth of Discovering De Soto.

Readers will still find two City of De Soto pages in the magazine, that will support the magazine as an advertiser.

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Newspapers

Discovering De Soto

The first permanently established newspaper was the De Soto Eagle Eye, with the first issue coming off the press in 1898. It would eventually become the De Soto News. In the 1940’s, Pansy Penner, columnist for De Soto News, wrote a favorite “This an’ That.”

The De Soto Explorer was published

by Bert and Vickie Hull. Elvyn Jones was a long-time news reporter and Dorothy Nalley, columnist.

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years

Discovering De Soto first issue published in 2015.

The first Fall / Preview Issue broke local ground with 20 pages and 200 printed copies.

Throughout five years there have been 20 issues published.

These are collected and saved by many in the community.

Now at 32 pages with 5,000 printed circulation in 2020.

Its been challenging and a joy to produce Discovering De Soto– preserving history, learning and informing the community.

Having Lived in De Soto for twenty years now, there is a personal investment, homegrown from the heart.

In 1995 Sara Ritter, Executive Director of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce asked Joel Johns, publisher of the online De Soto Edge, to contact me about taking over the current publication.

With some research, finding Discovering Eudora on Issuu.com, and meeting with Eudora’s City Administrator, I proposed a locally-designed magazine for De Soto to the City Council.

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.

Discovering Exploring

De De SotoSoto

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Community & Businesses Quarterly Feature Publication on-line www.discoveringdesoto.com with limited printing

Discovering Exploring

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De Soto, 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

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First Issue of Discovering De Soto published Fall 2015

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Community & Business On-Line Feature Publication

Exploring

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City Publication

IN THIS ISSUE: New City Water Tower ..........................2 City of De Soto “State of the City Address”.............5, 6 De Soto Parks & Recreation ...............7 City of De Soto Directory ....................7 Economic Development ...........................8

with printed copies throughout De Soto www.discoveringdesoto.com located in Western Johnson County

Health & Fitness • End of Winter/Spring 2016

NEw 2017 CITY EmPloYEES Brad weisenburger City Planner

SPRING • EXPLORATION EDITION • 2017

Winter Beauty • Animal Health • Food Guidelines • Access House • • Health & Wellness at School • Heart Health • Detecting Cancer • Northwest Consolidated Fire District • Snow Puppets • Fiddlers • Art Shows • Book Events • Heart Artist • The Journey to Easter • Healing for the Soul • Fitness and more •

BWeisenburger@desotoks.us 913-586-5286 Direct 913-221-6846 Cell Brad’s background is in site planning and development, wetlands mitigation, noise environment and environmental issues. Having worked with municipal governments, he will enjoy local involvement in De Soto.

Brad has a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from K-State, and was struck with De Soto’s rolling terrain, contour and creeks that flow throughout the city.

Cameron maughmer City Building Inspector

CMaughmer@desotoks.us 913-586-5252 Direct 913-210-9186 Cell Cameron is excited to be part of the City of De Soto and likes the environment which allows more “hands on” work. Previously with the Johnson County Appraiser’s Office, he also has worked in several construction related fields. Cameron is a UMKC graduate.

Step inside these pages and learn about

De Soto, the Explorer... our Ethnic Communities... and our Residents’ Explorations and Travels...

US Postal Service Postmaster transfers to De Soto

You’ll also find an informative

Special City of De Soto Section

Keith Bryan, previoiusly postmaster of Olathe, was thrilled to become De Soto’s new postmaster. Recently moving from Lee Summit, he and his family look forward to being part of the community.

He sees De Soto as a “hidden gem.”

Town of De Soto • Map of 1866

and more disoveries from De Soto...

200 Printed 20 pages

Volume 1 Issue 1 Spring 2017

De Soto, Kansas

located in Western Johnson County

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

Spr Spe201 ing cial7 of the Iss City ue

limen ts

shown on cover courtesy of De Soto Historical Society

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De Soto US Postal Service Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am to 11 am 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm Saturday 9 am to noon Closed Sunday 3315 W. 83rd Street, De Soto https://www.usps.com

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Discovering Exploring

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De De SotoSoto

www.desotoks.us

City of De Soto “State of the City Address”

Thursday, February 9, 2017 Mayor Tim Maniez spoke before the De Soto Chamber of Commerce to report on accomplishments and upcoming projects and initiatives from the City Council.

“The City Council continues to work to better our community in measurable and impactful ways,” began Mayor Tim Maniez. Following is a synopsis of key points from his State of the City Address to keep De Soto residents informed.

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“How long will it be till you run out of things to write about in De Soto?”

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On-line & Printed Distribution https://issuu.com/discoveringdesoto

De Soto, Kansas

FALL 2020

End-of-Winter/Spring • 2019

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

The long-term financial health of the Water and Sewer Utility Funds was also a point of focus during the budget discussions. Utility service charges and rate structures were studied carefully to ensure that the funds maintain a positive cash position into the future. Future debt payment obligations in both funds have made it necessary to increase service charge rates in recent years.

Places &Spaces

Enjoy De Soto’s Fall Festivals De Soto Days Sunflower Artfest KC Harvestfest & Food Crawl Cookin’ on the Kaw

Event Guide

Barn Spaces Hall & Restaurants Public Spaces

De Soto’s Sunflower Mural Home Building in De Soto 75 years of Pioneer 4-H Kaw/Kansas River Safety

Projecting into the future, we are focusing on growth in the user base to help offset the need for future rate increases.

De Soto’s overall Operating Budget for 2017 is just over $9 million dollars.

This includes $4.3 million for the general fund, 1.9 Million for debt service, $490,000 for law enforcement, $2.3 million for the water and sewer funds.

Retreat Centers Enjoy our regular features– Business news • Organizations School news • Celebrations • Faith • Public Safety • De Soto City Pages Special features–Fiber Optics in De Soto • Industrial Hemp 101 and more...

City of De Soto Section

Budget & Broadband Updates ...and more inside

continued on page 6

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Resilience through the years

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years Discovering De Soto

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years The Barn at Kill Creek Farm

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De Soto High School

Engineered Air

Special Feature The Barn at Kill Creek Farm • Business news • School news Faith • Organizations • De Soto City Pages • Public Safety • Fall Events and more...

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First Year Discovering De Soto 2016

Second Year Discovering De Soto 2017

Third Year Discovering De Soto 2018

Fourth Year Discovering De Soto Fall 2019

Five Year Anniversary Discovering De Soto 2020

Printed Digitally 300-500 copies 24 pages

City of De Soto 4-page City Pages 2x year

City of De Soto 4-page City Pages 4x year

Printed Offset on Presses 5000 Printed* 32 pages

Printed Offset on Presses 4000 Printed** 32 pages

500 Printed Digitally 3,250 Printed* Offset 28 pages

Printed Offset on Presses 4000 Printed* 32 pages

Expanded EDDM Distribution to bordering Lenexa/Olathe

Expanded Distribution Linwood and area Retailers

• Printed copies in excess of De Soto Households/Businesses funded by Discovering De Soto

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Consumer and Business Loans– Commercial Real Estate, Rental Properties, Home Equity Lines of Credit

and Western Johnson County

and nearby Western Johnson County

Harvest of Festivals • FALL 2018

A variety of Checking, Savings and Money Market Accounts for all your Personal, Family and Business Needs

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City of De Soto 2017 Budget The City’s Mill Levy increased 4.8 Mil. This equates to an increase of approximately $12 per month for the average single-family residence. Although assessed real property valuations saw a minor uptick from the previous year, sales taxes and franchise fees fell behind.

Together, sales taxes and franchise fees represent about 57% of total general fund revenues, while revenues from property taxes (mill levy) represent only about 27% of revenues. Modest declines of sales tax and franchise fee revenues therefore have significant impacts on the amount of property tax we must levy to balance our budget. That, combined with a significant projected decrease in the year-end general fund balance, led the Council to the difficult decision to raise property taxes in order to maintain levels of service and keep the City in a healthy financial position moving forward.

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www.TriCentury.Bank

Through many years of developing the magazine with editorial features and advertisers, Discovering De Soto has become well established in the community. Working with local freelance staff and printing in Johnson County, we support the community and the county.

De Soto also benefits from being marketed in the surrounding areas with additional distribution.

located in Western Johnson County

June 2016 Mike Brundgardt, City Engineer since 2000, was promoted to City Administrator, while retaining his present position. Mike guided us through the 2017 budget adoption in August.

Up to 90% of your home’s equity with a competitive rate!

No annual fee!

Answer: I run out of room in the publication, trying to get everything in it.

EDDM Mailings need to be under 3.3 ounces, which allows for 32 pages.

and Western Johnson County

®

Apply for a Home Equity line of credit from your Hometown Bank!

Interesting comments:

De Soto, Kansas

Comp

Exploring Discovering De Soto Exploring

City Council Member, Ron McDaniel says “Lets do it!” as the City Council approved City of De Soto Pages inside of Discovering De Soto and EDDM mailing to every De Soto household and business.

On-line & Printed Distribution https://issuu.com/discoveringdesoto

Originally produced independently with digital printing, Discovering De Soto and The De Soto City Council worked together to synergize resources. With City Pages placed inside Discovering De Soto, offset printing in higher quantities, would be much more cost effective for both– meeting the City’s goal and community requests for increased communications.

Mobile Deposit Mobile Bill Pay Mobile Popmoney Mobile Alerts

Encouraging moments:

NWCFD former fire chief, Mike Whim said “What can we do to support you?”

Public Safety and Community Information Advertorials began.

Community & Business Feature Publication

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Bank Anywhere & Anytime with our Mobile Banking App!

Advertisers encompass large and small businesses–from local Bowlin Farms to Corporate Burger King in California and Harps Headquarters in Arkansas–providing the support for Discovering De Soto staff.

De Soto

Venturing out to begin a new publication for De Soto, has developed over the years showcasing our growing community.

Each issue begins with a framework to follow, with room to adapt and be flexible, and put together “on a wing and a prayer.” There are many notes in the margins of my pages where I type “Thank you God : )” Flexible, part time hours turn into long, full time hours and culminate with working into the evenings and weekends to meet deadlines–all part of the publication business. This is done quarterly for Discovering De Soto.

TriCentury Bank is here for you!

“Your Hometown Bank” Headquartered locally in De Soto– Staying 125 Years Strong Throughout these Challenging Times!

Joined by American Family, Arbor Ridge, Bowlin Farms, Carquest De Soto Auto Parts, Cedar Creek Pharmacy, De Soto Feed and Garden, De Soto Veterinary Clinic, Great American Bank, Harps Foods, Keller Williams, Lumber One, Morgan Hunter, Steve’s Meat Market, Wanda’s and the Northwest Consolidated Fire District– all who have consistently advertised since 2016/2017.

Discovering

Its been five years...

TriCentury Bank, originally founded as the Simpson Shanks & Company Bank began in 1894 in Simpson, Kansas.

One of the oldest bank charters in Kansas, it has withstood many cycles in the economy and proven its strength and resilience over three centuries.

In 2014 the bank charter was relocated with acquisitions in Spring Hill and De Soto, its headquarters.

TriCentury was the very first and only advertiser in the End of Summer/Fall Preview Issue of 2015.

All issues can be found online at https://issuu.com/discoveringdesoto Press proofs, prior to being run on offset Heidelberg Press at Harvest Graphics in Lenexa.

Look for the next Holiday Issue featuring “The Making of a Magazine,” and our staff.

Holiday/Winter 2023-24

Discovering De Soto will be publishing twice a year beginning in 2024.

• Spring/Summer May 1 • Fall/Holiday August 25

Fall 2020

Lawrence Journal-World purchased the De Soto Explorer and made it available online. The publication ceased in 2012.

De Soto Edge published online news from 2013-2015. Discovering De Soto Feature Magazine (printed/online) currently is published in the community.

De Soto is also featured in the online Shawnee Mission Post, the Kansas City Star (printed/online) and on facebook– with local In and Around De Soto.

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 8 am to 5 pm, Sat 9 am to noon Night Drop–ATM Available 24 Hours a Day DRIVE THRU HOURS: Monday – Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm, Thursday – Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Sat 9 am to noon

** Reduced budget for EDDM for bordering Lenexa/Olathe by Discovering De Soto funding

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Shown above: Development of Discovering De Soto Feature Magazine in the Fall 2022 issue. “It’s been five years...,” pages 4-5 issuu.com/discoveringdesoto–where you’ll find all of our published issues.

Discovering De Soto is independently and locally owned

by RMB Prints & Design, LLC. The magazine will move to publishing twice a year– due not only to funding its own printing and distribution, but also because of the substantial amount of time and energy needed to produce the publication as it has grown.

At the same time, Allen Press/Sheridan Printing has ceased to operate. They provided printing services for Discovering De Soto and many publications in the area. Additionally, increased printing costs will be incurred with a new printing source.

Beginning 2024, the Spring / Summer issues will be combined, along with the Fall / Winter issues.

This will provide time to assess and evaluate resources.

I do believe in the Power of Print...you can read it and feel it!

Our advertisers have also seen the Power of Advertising.

Discovering De Soto gives great readership and advertising results.

Many businesses have loyally supported Discovering De Soto well!

Email rmbprints@icloud.com to support Discovering De Soto with your company’s advertising.

Discovering De Soto is expanding with up-to-date posts

by De Soto Organizations and Discovering De Soto’s Advertisers Like and Follow us on Facebook

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Read it, Feel it, –the Power of Print!

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Rose M. Burgweger Discovering De Soto Publisher, Working Owner

Thank you, De Soto residents, for your affirmation on how much you love the publication, and how many of you have kept each issue.

So wonderful to know all my time and energy, along with the staff of Discovering De Soto, are so well appreciated! ,

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Community Feature & News Publication De Soto’s Most Effective Communication Source!

Online & Printed Distribution issuu.com/discoveringdesoto

De Soto, Kansas Western Johnson County

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seasons of change Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Events

De Soto City Pages NWCFD Community Report Business News Organizations Events Food Establishments Faith People Congratulations Development and more inside...

Cover design and photography

by Rose M. Burgweger RMBprints.com Captured within this one photograph are the colors of Summer and Winter, Springtime and Harvest– words from the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

(A favorite thoughout my life, from Lamentations 3.)

Like and Follow Discovering De Soto on facebook Find De Soto Organizations and Discovering De Soto Advertisers’ Posts all in one place

Stay Connected with The City of De Soto City of De Soto Website and Social Media desotoks.us City of De Soto Development Hub desotoks.us/development City of De Soto Email Newsletters desotoks.us/newsletters City of De Soto Mailed Newsletters early 2024 De Soto Chamber of Commerce desotoks.org De Soto Economic Development desotoksedc.org

Additional local news sources: Eudora Times https://www.eudoratimes.newsnirvana.com/ Shawnee Mission Post shawneemissionpost.com Olathe Reporter olathereporter.com Kansas City Star online & print subscription kansascity.com Kansas City Business Journal online & print subscription bizjournals.com/kansascity/

seasons of change

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Discovering De Soto

Seasons of change... a look through the years

The Kansas City Star came out to the De Soto area and compiled an endearing collage of historical photos.

Enjoy De Soto through the years with this three-minute video: kansascity.com/news/business/article270755282.html

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What about the Sunflower Towers?

We are continuing the evaluation that was contracted with Terracon.

Everything is still a possibility, as we know how much the historical aspect is important to the City of De Soto and its residents.

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–from a recent phone conversation with Carl Walton, VP Strategic Initiatives & Facilities, Panasonic Energy of North American Project Kansas

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This endearing video of historical photos was featured in the January 8, 2023 edition of the Kansas City Star. Now, as we approach the end of 2023, it seems appropriate to bring this to the attention of our readers as we reminisce “seasons of change.” acres of land The video was produced by Tammy Ljungblad, multimedia photojournalist at The Kansas formally known as City Star/McClatchy Newspapers. Skilled in producing videos and storytelling photographs, Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant she is also an FAA licensed drone pilot. have been under various contracts Tammy came to the “shop”–owned by Kathy Ross, president of the De Soto Historical Society.

There, at the De Soto Historical Building, they viewed the collection of De Soto historical for explosive decontamination and photos that Kathy has collected over the years. From the photos archived online, Tammy environmental remediation since 2005. selected ones that would best portray “Historical photos give us a look back at the town The Army assumed management of De Soto, Kansas.” A wonderful collaboration between a big city and small town.

of cleanup responsibilities in 2015.

The Army expects to complete all soils cleanup by 2028.

‘63 ‘23 https://subscribe.kansascity.com/beinformed 8

De Soto Historical Society Photo shown at far left: Originally knows as the Sunflower Ordnance Works, the property was owned by the U.S. Government.

The plant was operated by Hercules Powder Company under contract in 1942. The name changed to the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in 1963.

Sunflower Towers at Astra Enterprise Park 1923.

The new name was inspired by the Kansas State Motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera”–to the stars through difficulty.

Photographed by Andy Shultz, WJP Aerial.

Seasons of change–written and compiled by Rose M. Burgweger, Discovering De Soto publisher

Holiday/Winter 2023-24

U. S. Army provides yearly updates for the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (SFAAP) Area residents met at De Soto City Hall this past summer for an update on the cleanup status of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (SFAAP).

Ian Thomas, from the U.S. Army’s Base Realignment and Closure office, gave an informative presentation updating the community. Questions were addressed from those who attended the meeting.

The complete 90-minute annual public meeting that was held on June 14, 2023 is available for viewing at: Water Towers photographed by John English, January 10, 2015.

As his morning flight had taken off from the Kansas City International Airport, John English captured this breathtaking photo.

“I could see these water towers (a long favorite subject) protruding from a rapidly receding cloud bank ten miles east,” wrote John English.

He hurriedly picked an angle to “rip off a couple test exposures.”

By the time he circled around for the ‘real shot,’ the fog had mostly receded. This is one of the ‘test’ shots.

The photo was submitted to National Geographic Your Shot, where photographers can share photos and connect with fellow photographers from around the globe. National Geographic’s photography community is now on Instagram at @NatGeoYourShot. nationalgeographic.com/pages/topic/yourshot

SFAAP

A brief update from the Environmental Restoration Program:

The explosives cleanup project is complete for the property.

Nitrocellulose (NC), Nitroglycerin (NG) and Nitroguanidine (NQ) were the principal components of the triple based propellant.

[The main use of these propellants when the SFAAP was in operation was for artillery charges and tank ammunition.*] The Army has begun the task to characterize and delineate groundwater. The groundwater is not usable at SFAAP.

Water for the local area is provided by the City of De Soto municipal water system. This water comes from the Kansas River, and no groundwater is used from the Sunflower grounds for development.

Future focus

The Army plans to continue the full characterization of all response sites and prioritize environmental cleanup to support stakeholder priorities. The Army will continue to develop the site-wide groundwater remediation plan.

The Army expects to complete all soils cleanup by 2028.

–Cleanup Fact Sheet of the June 2023 Environmental Restoration Program Update The complete two-page document can be found online at: aec.army.mil/index.php/sfaap/sfaap-resources

* source: “A Brief History of Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant” De Soto, Kansas is 150 Years Old” 2007.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCrrPrizA6A

The U.S. Army Environmental Command (AEC) has an informative website available for public access that gives SFAAP background, site information and resources at: https://aec.army.mil/index.php/sfaap

A Remediation Site Map, color-coded with anticipated completion dates can also be viewed online at:

https://aec.army.mil/index.php/sfaap/sfaap-resources The next public meeting will be held Summer of 2024.

Call for Restoration Advisory Board

The Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) will consist of community members who will receive additional updates and information in a smaller group setting.

Meetings will occur two to three times per year.

The Army will solicit for the Restoration Advisory Board in late January/early February of 2024.

If you have attended a previous public meeting and provided your email address, you will receive an email in early 2024 with instructions on how to complete your sign up for the RAB. 25 people are needed to form the 2024 RAB.

The Army previously solicited the community in early 2022 to form a RAB board, and there was insufficient interest. Every two years the Army resolicits for interest in the RAB. Contact Scott Smith, Department of the Army Project Manager SFAAP, to express your interest in participating in the 2024 RAB by email: scott.e.smith138.civ@army.mil

You may also submit your contact information through the AEC website: online at: https://

aec.army.mil/index.php/sfaap/sfaap-contact

9

Discovering De Soto

Living spaces

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Rio Apartments 8180 Shawnee Street Alcove Development construction begins 2024

Rio Apartments to build in Downtown De Soto Look for more apartments and downtown development to happen in De Soto.

Plans were approved for Rio Apartments during the City Council meeting held September 7, 2023. Alcove Development will move forward with closing on the locally known old City Street Shop site at 8180 Shawnee Street.

The proposed development plan includes demolishing and cleaning up the land to convert it to residential zoning. Three apartment buildings will be constructed with 59 units, underground parking and rooftop amenities.

Two of the buildings will overlook the Kansas River.

Rio Apartments will be positioned between Riverfest Park and Miller Park. Residents can walk and enjoy downtown, and have access to both parks. The old City Street Shop site is on more than two acres.

The site plan has been approved, and we received 90% real estate tax abatement for the project, informed Dustin. We will begin site cleanup Winter 2023/Spring 2024.

“It’s going to be a catalyst for the downtown. Being able to redevelop this with views of the river and have 59 units in the downtown area is a very exciting project!” Alcove partner Dustin Baker shared with enthusiasm.

–originally written by Katherine Diaz for The Eudora Times, 9/9/23 adapted and updated by Rose M. Burgweger/Discovering De Soto

Front corner view of Rio Apartments Complex to be located in downtown De Soto. Image by Lance Adams, Alcove Developments.

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Discovering De Soto

From concept to completion– Wildcat Plaza and Golden Lane Office Building offer new spaces for medical care.

De Soto Veterinary Clinic new office location at 8761 Lexington Avenue.

A second building at 8781 Lexington Avenue is also part of the Wildcat Plaza.

Image by Lance Adams, Alcove Development.

More medical services for De Soto From a 900 square-foot space to a 5,000 square-foot, two-story building, the De Soto Veterinary Clinic will soon have a new place to call home at 8761 Lexington Avenue in De Soto.

Construction for Wildcat Plaza, which consists of a building for the new De Soto Vet Clinic and a second mixed-use building at 8781 Lexington Avenue, is nearing completion, leaving interior layouts to be finalized.

The project is a collaborative effort between partners Dustin Baker from Alcove Development and De Soto Vet Clinic owner Dr. Matt Fehr. The plan is to open at the beginning of 2024, but an opening date has not been set due to ongoing work and unforeseen delays.

“In our current space, every room is double-booked,” Dr. Fehr explained. “My office doubles as an x-ray room and our surgery room is also our lab and pharmacy.”

The new space will have four exam rooms. One of the four will be a “comfort” room where people can be with their beloved, terminally ill pets. They can exit privately, instead of walking back through the lobby, Dr. Fehr informed.

In addition to having more exam rooms, people will now enter through a large reception area, which was nonexistent at the former clinic. Additional areas include a new surgical room and treatment area, and an isolation room for contagious or diseased animals. “This will allow us to be a truer hospital than such a small clinic,” Dr. Fehr shared.

New dental equipment, upgraded x-ray equipment and a separate section for grooming services with its own entrance are also added amenities for the new clinic.

“We’re looking at seeing more patients, working in more appointments and serving the community better,” said Dr. Fehr. “The hope is in the future to add another veterinarian or two, so we can progress and grow [along with] the population of patients.” Dr. Fehr has a staff of eight fulltime and part-time employees, which includes his wife, Laura Klima-Fehr, who also assists.

The second floor of the new vet clinic will provide additional services to the community and an apartment living space

12

for short-term veterinary student interns. “In my past work experience, we had student interns that would come from various schools, many from K-State,” Dr. Fehr explained.

“It’s always nice to have a place for them to stay instead of them having to spend money on hotels and such.” Internships vary, where some are for a few weeks and others, a few months, Dr. Fehr also shared that a dance studio is in the works that may be managed by Laura or another dance instructor. Lastly, on the second floor there is a large space that Dustin and Dr. Fehr plan to have as an available meeting space for rent.

The project began its planning phase one year ago, while the groundbreaking took place in March. “I’m very thankful for the support that we’ve gotten from the City, and the community as a whole,” Dr. Fehr shared. “We’ve loved being here and taking over this clinic and we look forward to the future.” Dr. Fehr became the new owner of the De Soto clinic on April 1, 2020.

–written by Katherine Diaz, contributing writer

De Soto Vet Clinic Dr. Matt Fehr, DVM

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Holiday/Winter 2023-24

Urgent Care of Kansas will be located on the east side of the Golden Lane office building; Free State Dental will have offices on the west side.

Image by Lance Adams, Alcove Developments.

An established Lawrence-based dental clinic, Free State Dental, is coming to De Soto. This will be its second location, that will be located in the newly constructed Golden Lane office building at 33391 Lexington Avenue, Suite C. Free State Dental will occupy approximately 2,000 square feet of the building, shared with Urgent Care of Kansas, which will occupy 3,600 square feet.There is 1,600 square feet remaining for a third tenant.

Dental practice partners Dr. Brad Adams, Dr. Nealy Newkirk and Dr. Kailah Willms have been proud of the care they’ve provided their patients throughout the years and are ready to expand. The opportunity came this summer when Alcove Development reached out and informed them that space was available in De Soto, which was a town of interest for the partners. Many of their patients live in De Soto and some travel from Kansas City and surrounding areas. Additionally, Dr. Adams is familiar with the town, as his wife has worked at the high school since 2017.

We knew it’s a “We knew it’s a community community that that needs more health care, needs more health especially for its size and upcoming care, especially growth,” Dr. Adams explained. for it’s size and The final layout plans are in the works upcoming growth.

Brad Adams, for Free State Dental of De Soto, with Dr. Free State Dental an expected opening in late Spring/ early Summer of 2024. Initially, there will be three dental rooms, but we can expand to five rooms based on demand.

The new dental clinic will have the same providers and the same advanced technology as their Lawrence office.

Free State Dental is a long-established private practice that has provided care to patients as far back as the 1980’s, explained Dr. Newkirk, who has been with Free State Dental for the last 18 years. Business hours will be determined once the facility is completed.

Learn more about Free State Dental at freestatedental.com

‘‘

‘‘

–written by Katherine Diaz, contributing writer

The construction of Urgent Care/Primary Care of Kansas is advancing rapidly. Services will be provided 7 days a week, featuring cutting-edge x-ray and medical equipment.

The grand opening is scheduled for Spring of 2024, marking an exciting milestone in healthcare accessibility in De Soto and surrounding areas.

Work is in progress to finalize the interior of the medical facility, which will occupy nearly 3,600 square feet–almost half of the building. The facility is located at 33391 Lexington Avenue, Suite A. Business hours and contact information will be determined once the facility is complete. Learn more about Urgent Care of Kansas at urgentcareofkansas.com Ridgeview Eye Care will open a new location in early

2024, at 9471 Meadow View Drive in Lenexa. After careful consideration, they decided not to reopen an office in De Soto. Their De Soto facility closed November 30, 2022.

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Discovering De Soto

Reviewing Expanded Kansas District 9 Congressional Boundaries Every ten years each state is challenged with adjusting the boundaries of its congressional, state legislative, and State Board of Education districts. In 2022, as a member of the Redistricting Committee, I traveled the state to hear from constituents. With that input, the committee created maps following the guidelines for equalizing the population distribution in the districts, while keeping population areas with similar interests together.

Previously, District 9 included De Soto, northern Gardner and northwest Olathe, being fully contained in Johnson County. The new boundaries expand so District 9 will encompass parts of four counties including: De Soto, Olathe south of K-10, and also Baldwin City, Eudora, Tonganoxie, Linwood, Bonner Springs and Edwardsville, as well as rural areas in between those communities.

View current map at: https://tinyurl.com/2022redistricitingmaps In November of 2022, elected officials ran for office in the newly-districted boundaries, as will 40 Kansas senators who will be elected in 2024.

–submitted by Beverly Gossage, Kansas Senator District 9 beverly.gossage@senate.ks.gov

Previous Kansas Congressional Districts before redistricting in 2022

2023 Local Election Results

Three De Soto City Council Members were elected Tuesday, November 7, 2023

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Fall 2023

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Discovering De Soto

Discovering De Soto

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SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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De Soto Feed &dGarden 8155 Hadley f Rd M-F 8:30-5 Sat 9-2

Nativity

33060 W. 83rd St.

Kil lC ree kR oad

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Artists will be on site displaying their work and gift purchases are available.

The City of De Soto will kick off the holiday season with the annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 2nd, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall.

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Kill Creek Road

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K-10

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Join us for A HOLIDAY Op fen House of Join us forARour 9th Annual HOLIDAY House TISANS • ART • CRAFTSOpen • FOOD 95th Street

weeke• nd s fro ARTISANS ART •m CRAFTS 10 am -•4FOOD pm

e DE CEMBER 4 •10 Fridays & Saturdays 5 to 3 NOV 17 & 18 • NOV 24 & 25 • DEC 1 & 2 CORNERCRAFTER ••CORNER CRAFTER•

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• 33720 33720West West83rd 83rd Street De Soto •

Street De So te Browse all our vendorsron

to Everything is Handmade & handcrafted locally!

The Corner Craf A Perfefacebook.com/judy.macy.77 ct Place to Shop for Unique Gifts As Everything will be Handmade !

The Corner Crafter info judith.macy@gmail.com

McDonald’s Taco Bell Pizza Hut Casey’s Steve’s Meat Market La Poblanita Market Ritter Cigar

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SEE PAGES 26 AND 27 FOR ADVERTISERS SHOWN IN RED 20

HOLID gift sho f

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eFeeders & Bird d dBird Seed Cat & Dog Food d d

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De Soto’s Food Establishments: f Enjoy Cause Coffee JT’s Grill KJ’s Pizzeria CHILLS Lucky Garden Chinese fMexican Bar & Grill Beer 30 El Patron

De Soto f

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d Commerce Dr.

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De Soto United Methodist Church 8760 Kill Creek Road Cookies by the Pound Dec 9 • 8:30 am until gone

e Kill C reek

Lexington Avenue

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Visit the De Soto Arts Council in the lower level of City Hall.

5:30 PM, City Hall

Corliss Road

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Mayor’s Annual

Christmas You Are Invited!

Tree Lighting Saturday, December 2nd

ue ven A ton ing x e L

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De Soto City Hall Mayor’s Tree Lighting 32905 W 84th Street Dec 2 • 6pm-8pm

d Watch for Santa at 5:35 p.m.

Donationsareappreciated.

83rd Street Waverly Road

The Corner Crafter d 33720 W 83rd Street 10 am-3 pm Nov 17 & 18 Nov 24 & 25 Dec 1 & 2

Downtown De Soto

83rd Street

W8 3rd S t.

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Happy 29080 Tues-

Chicken, Horse & Livestock Feed Hay & Straw Bales Outdoor Garden Decor & Gifts Ice Melt d Refill Propane Bottles Locally Owned & Operated for 17 Years

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8155 Hadley Road (across from Miller Park) Phone 913-583-1112 Open Monday-Friday 8:30 to 5 Saturday 9 to 2

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Cookies by the Pound December 9 • 8:30 am

Come Early for Best Selection–until gone! baked by De Soto United Women of Faith De Soto United Methodist Church 8760 Kill Creek Road in De Soto

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Holiday Markets & Festivities

e Cedar Valley Forest

Open House 29145 W. 83rd St Dec 9 • 1pm-4 pm

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Cedar Creek Road

k ee Cr r da Ce

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November 30 • 3:30-5:30 December 1 • 8-9 am 3-5 pm LearNature De Soto Toy & Food Drive Drop-off at 32565 Lexington Avenue

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learnature.org/studentcharity

December 2 • 6 pm-8 pm De Soto Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting City Hall • 32905 W. 84th Street

The Farmhouse Christmas in the Country 9310 Cedar Creek Rd Dec 1 & 2 10 am-4 pm

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95 th Str eet

Christmas in the Country

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December 1 & 2 • 11 to 4

like & follow our facebook page

Rural & Inspirational Photography, Desktop Calendars & Card Collections Vintage De Soto by rmbprints.com

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&njoy

s&oup

Come early and pick up an assortment of home-baked cookies and sweet treats. Open until all treats are gone.

An annual fundraising event for missions. $6 per pound.

See Santa 1 pm-3 pm. Free Photo Sessions, Crafts, Treats Collecting K-1 Gift Cards to Walmart, Harps & Aldi Kid’s Toys, 0 Adult/Childrens Clothing/Winter Coats, Toiletries

December 11 • 7 pm Mill Valley High School Winter Choir Concert December 13 • 7 pm Mill Valley High School Jazz/Band Concert December 13 • 7 pm De Soto High School Winter Choir Concert December 14 • 7 pm De Soto High School Winter Band Concert

All concerts are held in the High School Performing Arts Centers

salad

Farmhouse Kitchen Collection by Judy Macy Local Honey • Comfort Books & more

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desotoksoperationchristmas@gmail.com

December 9 • 1-4 pm Cedar Valley Forest Open House & Single Moms Collection 29145 West 83rd Street

f The Farmhouse

December 7 • Drop-off December 12 • Gift pick-up for Families Operation Christmas USD 232 Administration Building 35200 West 91st Street December 9 • 8:30 am Cookies by the Pound De Soto United Methodist Church 8760 Kill Creek Road

k ree rC da Ce

y Valley Farm W. 95th Street Fri 2-5 Sat 9-5

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See page 18 for complete holiday festivities.

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IDAY hops

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Holiday/Winter 2023-24

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December 17 • 8 am-11 am JT’s Grill Breakfast with Santa 33255 Lexington Avenue

Enjoy our annual breakfast with Santa and a reindeer, perhaps.

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Holiday listings compiled by Pam Ebert Illustration by Blake Bradford

21

Discovering De Soto

HOLIDAY gift guide

shop locally-owned De Soto businesses 1

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local De Soto residents display at 2023 De Soto Days & The Barn’s Harvest Festival 1 facebook.com/garden.gate.artistries 2 fredjones@kc.rr.com 3 woodlandcustomcookies.com 4 JTS Garage Creations jeffswear5@aol.com 6 grandavecoffee.com 7 abelboards.com

5 Wooden Flag House stacyj41@aol.com

8 facebook.com/ArtePerdida

9 ApostropheHeadware@yahoo.com 10 quiltinginkansas.com

Cause Coffee 33180 West 83rd Street Open Tuesday-Saturday 8 am to 2 pm causecoffeekc.com

Delightfully crafted coffees, pastries from Alchemy, breads from 1900 Barker–made fresh daily! A cozy and peaceful place to visit during the holidays. Gift items available.

De Soto’s local not-for-profit coffee shop has been giving back to local and global needs since 2018.

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Anabel’s Makers Market NEW LOCATION 33021 W 83rd Street Open WTF 10 am-5 pm Saturday 10 am-3 pm facebook.com/ amakersgiftshop

An ALL hand made gift shop!

Gifts, crafts, treats, jewelry Unique gifts from 30 vendors.

Baileys Buy, Sell & Trade Shop 33080A West 83rd Street Open Monday-Thursday 11 am-5:30 pm

Friday 11-6 Saturday 10:30-5 785-615-7157 facebook.com/Bailey’s Buy, Sell & Trade

Find an assortment of timeless treasures for the holiday season! Check their facebook page and/or come in and browse. Unique gift /stocking stuffers.

Holiday/Winter 2023-24

HOLIDAY

kc metro events KC parent Living Nativity Guide kcparent.com/christmas-in-kc/kansas-citys-livingnativity-guide-2023/

Living Nativities/pageants throughout the Kansas City Metro area.

November 18 & 19/25 & 26 • 9 am-5 pm Pendleton’s Country Market Holiday Open House 1446 E. 1850 Road, Lawrence pendletons.com/holiday-open-house November 20-January 1 • Monday-Sunday 10 am-8pm Union Station Holiday Reflections unionstation.org/event/holiday-reflections Preview this year’s delightful festivities by viewing their online video.

Video and tickets available on their website. $7-$9 Admission.

Preview the new 30-foot liquid fireworks “Fountain Forest”.

November 23 • 5pm-8 pm Lighting Ceremony Lights can be viewed through January 14 Country Club Plaza 94th annual Lighting Ceremony visitkc.com/visitors/things-do/kansas-city-plaza-lights Kansas City’s local tradition for over 90 years!

Viewing options for the Plaza Lights include: the rooftop of the Plaza 211 Parking Garage; McCormick & Schmick’s; the InterContinental Kansas City Hotel; and the second floor of Barnes & Noble.

November 24-December 16 Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 2023 Luminary Walk artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/luminary-walk

Book your tickets for the annual 2023 Luminary Walk. Three options are available this year. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Arboretum.

December 9 • 9 am-4 pm Holiday Lawrence Farmers’ Market Douglas County Fairgrounds / under the Pavilion 1930 Harper Street, Lawrence lawrencefarmersmarket.org/holiday-market

Held annually 30 years. Check their facebook page for updates.

December 9 • 10 am-4:30 pm Eudora Holiday Mart Eudora Rec Center 1630 Elm Street December 9 • 1 pm-5 pm Lanesfield Old-Fashioned Christmas 18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton

WARM WISHES TO YOU AND YOURS From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Julie Coover, Agent 32565 Lexington Ave Ste B juliecoover.com (913) 583-1219

Free program: Pen and ink letters to Santa, crafts, snacks.

Through January 6 • Monday-Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm Jewish Holidays in the All-Electric House Johnson Country Museum Holiday Exhibit Through artifacts and artwork, learn about Hanukkah and Shabbat.

Holiday listings compiled by Pam Ebert

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & Its Operating Companies, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 008897 – Rev. 1/19 ©2016 – 20187603

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Discovering De Soto

Pam & Doug Ebert’s Comic Super-Wall

PEOPLE

Creative talents abound in the area– with gifts of music, art and writing.

Andy Shultz / WJP Aerial WJPAerial.com

Having a “game room” in the basement that needed repainting, became the inspiration for the 50 foot-long Comic Super-Wall! There are 22 separate 24” high panels that feature close to 100 of their favorite comic super-characters.

Reproducing each image took an average of 32 hours, that included selecting the character and finding the “best image’ to depict them.

Having an array of images, we used Powerpoint to envision and plan what the panels would look like placed on the walls.

Images were then projected on the wall and traced using an acrylic pen. Solid acrylic colors were used, along with many custom colors that were handmixed to match the original comic strips. All colors needed two coats of paint and some up to six coats! The modern comics required more complex shading than the original ones.

Pam and Doug shared that after each panel was completed we would have the ceremonial “peeling-back-of-the-paint-tape” followed by the “sitting-on-the-chairs-to-admire-our-work” and rest.

Located in Overland Park, Andy Shultz has made his way into the heart of the community of De Soto. His photography services have been utilized by the City of De Soto, Discovering De Soto and the De Soto Historical Society. He was an artist participant in the 2023 De Soto Days Festival.

WJP Aerial was born out of the love of drones, filming and photography, Andy states on his website.

He began with a Go Pro and since then uses top quality drones and camera gear to “get the best shots possible for any scenario.”

The Sunflower Towers at sunset was photographed

by Andy Shultz and was donated for the cover photo of the De Soto Historical Society’s 2024 Calendar.

The calendar shown at right, is filled with a nostalgic collection of photos from Sunflower Ordnance Works, Sunflower Village (Clearview City) and the City of De Soto during the 1940’s and ‘50s.

The photo on the far right, also photographed by Andy Shultz, was done with a drone over the Kansas River at sunset. It made for a perfect The 2024 De Soto, Kansas fundraiser paring with songwriter and musician Annie Winter’s Calendar can be purchased at the De Soto HIstorical Building located at Kansas City Sunset musical rendition.

33055 W. 83rd Street. $10 donation

Children’s Author Laura (Meyers) Lington DHS class of ‘13 Laura has taken the concept of “freedom” and wrote her heartfelt chilldren’s book, “What Does it Mean to be Free?” The rich and colorful artwork by Kseniya Urban perfectly illustrates the simply put concept of freedom in a good and uplifting manner.

She found her freelance team online at Upwork.com: art director Victoria, from Tennessee; and illustrator Kseniya, from Belarus. At that time, Laura had recently relocated back to Kansas from Washington DC. The trio of moms all collaborated together to produce the self-published childrens book.

Indiegogo was used to raise funds for printing.

Laura was excited to share, “I had a goal of $3,000 and raised $5,000!” She used IngramSpark® to publish the high-quality book, that is available in hardback and soft cover.

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The book is available at amazon.com and directly through Laura, who can be contacted at: hellolauralington@gmail.com You can also see Laura explain her thoughts on the book online at: https://youtu.be/pAY8sl8RLlc?feature=shared PEOPLE–compiled and written by Rose M. Burgweger

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graduates Annie Winter Atomic Blonde DHS class of ‘20 Annie’s first music endeavors were through her church, Harvest Ridge singing with the worship team. She wrote her first songs in high school as a creative outlet. Performing primarily at festivals and coffee houses, they are a good fit for her alternative indi type of music.Annie was one of the many talented musicians at the 2023 De Soto Days Festival.

A contact through social media connected her with a recording studio in Nashville. That gave her

seasons of change Holiday/Winter 2023-24

Shown above are Pam and Doug Ebert painting variouis comic panels of their Comic Super-Wall, midway through the project in year two.

Four years were invested in the Super-Wall project. Completed this fall, the creative couple celebrated with a Super Hero Halloween Party and celebrated the long venture with friends and family.

They hope to have an open house next spring. In the mean time, guests who stay at their Cedar Lane Bed and Breakfast will have a “Super-Duper” treat awaiting them.

Cedar Lane Bed & Breakfast was featured in the Fall 2020 Discovering De Soto Issue and can be viewed online at: issuu.com/discoveringdesoto

Kansas City Sunset https://music.apple.com/us/album/ kansas-city-sunset-single/1635404606

the opportunity to record four of the songs she has written and also performs: You Became God (her favorite), Hard to be a Woman, Helen Ann and Kansas City Sunset.

With guidance from her producer/manager, she set up her music online.

Songs can be previewed on Music, and are available at iTunes and all online streaming platforms.

For peformances, follow Annie online:

facebook.com/atomicblondemusicofficial

A creative display of Yard Art– Truck Style can be found throughout the year along the east side of Kill Creek Road, about a hal-mile south of K-10.

Shown above, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, 2022. Their first Christmas display was the red truck with a Christmas Tree in it, followed by Christmas joy with a manger, a gingerbread house with presents, and the Grinch!

Shown at right, their most recent display for the fall harvest season.

And below, celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2022-23 Football Season.

In May of 2023, they acknowledged graduates from De Soto HIgh School, where their children all attended.

Brian & Julie Zitlow’s Yard Art –Truck Style Since April of 2018, Kill Creek Road has been home to a variety of creative truck displays, showcasing the major holidays throughout the seasons.

Brian shared “Be careful when your wife asks you to do something–and then the next thing you know, you are buying an old truck without an engine in Phillipsburg, Kansas.” The 1946 One-ton Chevrolet has held up well over the years, bringing much joy and smiles to those driving by.

When the couple are working in the “front yard” next to the road setting up displays, they enjoy the honks from those driving by acknowledging the time and energy they spend on the displays. They also welcome you to turn into their driveway for a closer look, and take photos.

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residents 25

Discovering De Discovering DeSoto Soto

eat, drink & be merry

Stop by this holiday season and pick up a JT’s Grill gift card for a tasty present!

Enjoy the Holiday Season at De Soto’s food establishments.

Celebrate the traditions of your heritage. Cheer on your favorite sports teams throughout the season!

Congratulations! JT’s Grill Wins Regional Award!

Whitey Whitney, owner of JTs Grill, was nominated for the 2023 Kansas Business Awards. It was an honor for JT’s to win the Regional Business Award.

Businesses and businesspeople throughout the state were nominated for their valuable contributions and for the positive impact they make in their communities– which JT’s accomplishes well.

For more information visit: kansascommerce.gov/tothestars/

Dine-In or Order Online jtsgrilldesoto 33255 Lexington Ave • (913) 585-1116

Abarrotes · Frutas y verduras frescas · Pan dulce mexicano Groceries · Fresh fruits and vegetables · Mexican sweet bread Venta de piñatas · Dulces mexicanos · Cambio de Cheques Sale of piñatas · Mexican sweets · Check Cashing Pago de billes Tarjetas y recargas telefónicas a México Envíos de dinero a México, Centro y Sudamérica ZACATECANOS: Venta de boletos a México · Viaje seguro a todo México

Tel. (913) 585-1635 · 33570 Lexington Avenue · Hours Mon-Fri 11-9 Sat 10-9 Sun 12-7

Fresh Meats for all your Holiday gatherings

Authentic Mexican Food Food Prepared Hot, Fresh & Right off the Grill!

Dine In & DRIVE-THRU OPEN

u Appetizers, Salads, A la Carte & Combos Variety of Mexican Enchiladas, Burritos, Fajitas, Quesadillas, Pork, Chicken & Steak, Seafood, Vegetarian

Imported & Domestic Beer u Wine u Sangria u 10 Varieties of Margaritas

10% OFF Thursdays with Coupon

Regular Prices Only

Sides of beef, sold hogs, turkeys or Specials are not included Expires 4-15-24

CUSTOM CUT-TO-ORDER MEAT

Monthly Stock-up Specials

Deer processing USDA slaughter house

Online Specials www.stevesmeat.com

Steve’s MEAT MARKET Caring For Our Customers Since 1969

Open Tuesday-Friday 10 to 6 Saturday 9 to 5 Closed Sunday/Monday

Closed Thanksgiving & Friday, November 24 Christmas Eve closing at noon Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day 32685 Lexington Avenue in De Soto 913-583-1390

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Mondays u 1/2 Price Kids’ Meals Wednesdays u Seniors 10% off With Coupon (kids under 10 / seniors over 60)

Take-out Online with Full Menus

Facebook page Specials El Patron De Soto

EL PATRON

MEXICAN FOOD • BAR & GRILL

34429 West 91st Street u De Soto 913-586-3060 u ElpatronDesoto.com

Open Monday-Thursday 10am -9pm Friday & Saturday 10am -10pm Sunday 10am -9pm

E x p a n d e d S e l e c t Holiday/Winter i o n s & B r 2023-24 ands

HOT, DELICIOUS & FAST PERFECT FOR THE SPECIAL DEALS JUSTHOLIDAYS FOR YOU! BONNER SPRINGS Family Holiday Deal 13028 KANSAS AVENUE 2 Large 913-585-1265 913-441-2435 3-Topping Pizzas WEST LENEXA 22903 WEST 83RD ST & Breadsticks

Walk-in Beer Cooler Coldest beer in town!

DESOTO

34080 COMMERCE DRIVE

$30.99

(K-7 & WEST 83RD)

913-745-0020

Enjoy our Lunch Buffet PIZZA AND WINGS Monday-Friday DEAL 11 am - 1:30 pm GET A LARGE PIZZA UP TO 3-TOPPINGS BONE OUT Open& 8Daily WINGS FOR $19.99 10:30 am-10 pm

FAMILY MEAL DEAL GET 2 LARGE 1-TOPPING PIZZAS, 5 BREADSTICKS & A 2-LITER FOR $26.99 OVER $12.50 OFF OF REGULAR PRICE CODE: ZS

OVER $7.00 OFF OF REGULAR PRICE

ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR PAN, STUFFED CRUST, ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS AND EXTRA CHEESE. SPECIALTY NOT AVAILABLE. VALID AT THE DESOTO, BONNER SPRINGS & WEST LENEXA PIZZA HUT.

ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR PAN, STUFFED CRUST, ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS AND EXTRA CHEESE. SPECIALTY NOT AVAILABLE. VALID AT THE DESOTO, BONNER SPRINGS & WEST LENEXA PIZZA HUT.

CODE: 1B Carry Out, Curbside or Delivery Order on the Pizza Hut App or Online: locations.pizzahut.com/ks/de-soto

MIKE’S LIQUOR

9160 Lexington Avenue 913-583-1711 Open Mon-Thurs 9 to 9 Fri-Sat 9 to 10 Sun 11 to 8

Premium Cigars & Accessories Cigar Lockers Cigar Lounge with BIG Screens Chill & Enjoy Camaraderie Walk-in Humidor Open Monday-Friday 1pm-8pm Saturday 11am-8pm Sunday noon-5pm

Visit our newly remodeled De Soto location ORDERCommerce ONLINE AT WWW.PIZZAHUT.COM 34080 Drive 913-583-6016

Come in and enjoy the Game– with Cigars and Camaraderie!

9170 Lexington Avenue • 913-712-9110

33560 LEXINGTON AVENUE DE SOTO 913-586-5855 OPEN MON-THURS 10-9:30 FRI-SAT 10-10 SUN 10-8

Holiday Arrivals

Join us for some Holiday Cheer!

Monthly Live Bands

Updates on Facebook page Beer.30 Home of the

Follow our facebook page for new arrivals!

Fried

Great Prices on Soft Drinks Cigarettes & Electronic Vapes

Bologna

10%

ottles on 6 b ine W of

Great Selections

Select

Angus Beef Appetizers 1/2 Price Burgers

Sandwiches TacoTuesday 1/4” with Cheese on Texas Toast

Y DAY EVER OFF

Hog Wings

EVE

RY

15% ODFAY F on 1 2 bo of W ttles ine

Loaded with Hearty Meat!

Saturday 3-7

Happy Hour

Monday-Friday 3-6 Sunday all day

“Some of the best fries and beer around!”

“Amazing Staff –Always feel welcome!”

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE except Taco Tuesdays.

“Great place and great atmosphere.”

9150 Lexington Avenue • 913-585-1416 Open Sunday-Thursday 11 to 11 • Friday-Saturday 11 to 2am 27

Discovering De Soto

seasons of challenge

Do not yield to the temptation of looking at everything at once, as if everything would happen all at once, and all the events of the day be crowded into an hour. Do not thus forecast, but take each thing as it comes to you, and look upon it as the present expression of the will of God concerning you; then regard the rest in the same way, and thus receive your day piece by piece from Him who will remember always when He gives you work to do, that you need the strength to do it.

Seasons of Change can be filled with challenges–but embraced with opportunity.

We are busy people these days, with the even busier holiday season soon here. The writing shown above right, has been on my refrigerator since my kids were in grade school. I have looked at it over the decades, and it still brings me comfort and peace of mind.

I’ve also included a few other tidbits to help bring peace in chaos.

Music is a wonderful backdrop for the many “to do’s” of the season, bringing joy as it speaks to the soul and uplifts.

Stop Drop & Roll–While this is a simple fire safety technique, it also can also be applied to lives that are burning with busy schedules. Sometimes you need to Stop and take a break, Drop what you are doing and Roll with the punches. Stop and clear your mind. Drop things that are keeping you too busy, and too stressed. Drop bad habits of too much screen time, too much sugar and too much stuff. Simplify. Roll out the barrel and have a barrel of fun (think polka lyrics) and do what you like to do.

Breath Deeply, Pray, take daily Walks and Stretch–all great ways to alleviate stress. Remember to Eat Well, to stay well.

Sleep Well and rest well with an extra afternoon nap.

–Pricilla Maurice

Share your thoughts. Write in a journal, be thankful, have a heart-to-heart talk with God, soak in HIs Words of comfort and peace, “who leads you beside still waters, and restores your soul.”

Talk to a friend...not a text, not a post, not an email...but actually in person, where you can see someone; where you can hear tone, volume and expression; where you can hug someone.

Sometimes life does get to be too much to handle alone. Do seek out help. Grief, depression, anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)–can be addressed with a counselor, doctor or pastor.

There are various personalities, techniques and styles–look for someone who can help you work through your struggles.

Counseling services and support groups are available nearby: westsidefamily.church/care-and-counseling cor.org/leawood/connect/support groups pathwaytohope.org/what-we-do/courage.groups namijoco.org/connection-support-group kchospice.org/solace-house Johnson County Mental Health facebook.com/JCMHC/events 24/7 Johnson County Mental Health Crisis Line: 913-268-0156

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Contact us today at 913-488-8609 for a FREE consultation!

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At Senior Care Authority, our goal is to help you find the safest, most affordable senior housing and care resources based on your criteria.

We will define a customized search for you and help you through every step of the process.

Don & Elaine Minter, Certified Senior Advisors

913.488.8609 seniorcare-kansascity.com

Visit our website to learn about us, schedule a consultation and learn more about our services and resources.

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Holiday/Winter 2023-24

BUSINESS NEWS Glow De Soto New in De Soto 33255 Lexington Ave, Suite G 913-583-0110 glowdesotoks.com

Golf & Fitness Center

Newly remodeled and refreshed space offering tanning, aesthetics, and more.

UV Tanning Beds, Sunless Tanning, Aesthetic Services and Nurse Injector.

Hair stylist/colorist by Tamara: Call 918-951-0979 for appointments.

LLocks & A Clip in Time Combine Salon Space LLocks has joined A Clip in Time’s Salon space located in downtown De Soto at 33065 W. 83rd Street. Appointments for Tyler Bullock can be made online at: llockshair.square.site Call or text Mary Hanson for appointments: 913-787-7833.

Congratulations! Shear Images Hair, Skin & Nails Studio

Owner Kim Ingalls was nominated for the 2023 Kansas Business Awards, and the salon received a Merit Award. Businesses and businesspeople throughout the state were nominated for their valuable contributions and for the positive impact they make in their communities.

Kim was nominated in the Retail/Service category. The Department of Commerce hosted a Statewide Awards Banquet on October 12 in Wichita.

For more information, visit: kansascommerce.gov/tothestars

Beauty and self care from head to toe BOOK ONLINE shearimages.glossgenius.com

local De Soto business since 1995

34102 Commerce Drive De Soto Great Southern Bank East Complex Suite C 913-583-2660

Fitness&Center Open 24/7 Golf Fitness Call pro shop or check Facebook for hours.

75% off initiation fees until March 31, 2021 https://www.greatlife-burningtree.com Call 913-301-3000 to set up your membership today!

Membership includes both Golf & Fitness Single $44.99 plus tax Family $54.99plus tax Freshly Circulated Air & Clean Equipment

Fitness Center City Hall Gymnasium 32905 West 84th Street • De Soto Burning Tree Golf 7909 Wyandotte • De Soto Just across the Kansas River Bridge

Membership Rates Include Burning Tree Golf & GreatLife Fitness

2 weeks for $ 49

no strings attached!

Dance, Sweat and Say Hello to your new Favorite Workout!

Unlimited Chances to Get Fit, Feel Amazing and Have Fun– with no strings attached and No Commitment!

DE SOTO JAZZERCISE

Two Locations to Serve You Classes starting at 5:30 AM Jazzercise DeSoto Information at Jazzercise.com If schools are closed due to weather, the 5:30 AM class is cancelled.

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DiscoveringDe Discovering DeSoto Soto

FAITH Christmas-Winter Events Annual Cookies by the Pound Mission Fundraiser De Soto United Methodist Church desotoumc.org 8760 Kill Creek Road, De Soto Sunday, December 9, 8:30 am until sold out

Annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser De Soto Baptist Church desotobaptistchurch.org 8655 Copeland Way, De Soto Super Bowl Sunday, February 11

Join us on Sundays for: Fellowship 9:15 AM Bible Class 9:45 AM Worship 11 AM Thanksgiving Eve Worship November 22 @ 6PM Christmas Eve Candelight Service December 24 @ 6PM Christmas Day Service December 25 @ 9AM 32665 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 913.660.3946 www.lightoftheworldlcms.com

seasons of change

God created a world with changing seasons.

The all-knowing God of the universe seemed to know that things would change. His perfectly created world was quickly darkened by the first sin of mankind. God remedied that darkness by bringing light for all eternity when Jesus, the “Light of the World”, was born on Christmas morning.

“The glory of God was shown in the face of Christ, and His light shines in our hearts.” from II Corinthians 4:6 May you know and embrace the joy this season beholds.

The seasons of life are beautifully reflected in Ecclesiastes 3.

Let us embrace the season we find ourselves in with God’s wisdom, discernment and grace as we enter into 2024.

Kaw Prairie Community Church has been a dear friend of the

De Soto community for many years. Back in 2004, Pastor Dan McKnight and Darrel Zimmerman met at a De Soto Chamber Meeting that was held in the Zimmerman’s Barn. A divine partnership transpired, and so began the annual community Christmas Eve services at the barn. ‘It was a way to take people back in time, to ‘The Manger’ and capture the essence of the birth of Jesus,” said Pastor Dan.

As in many journeys, there were unexpected events, twists and turns. When the barn was destroyed by tornadic winds in 2010, the church moved the Christmas Eve service inside their church building–along with animals and hay bales–to continue the Christmas Eve tradition. Public offerings were donated to

De Soto United Methodist Church Join Us for Worship Sundays at 10 AM online via Facebook Live

8760 Kill Creek Road, De Soto (913) 583-1359 desotoumc.org 30

Holiday/Winter 2023-24 1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

–Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 Revised Standard Version biblegateway.com

the rebuilding fund. In 2018, they returned to a newly-built Barn at Kill Creek Farm with several services held throughout the day. Covid-19 ceased services from 2019-2020, and cold temperatures cancelled last year’s services.

This year, Pastor Dan announced with a heavy heart, but with deep joy and much gratitude, his resignation on December 4, 2023. He and his wife, Laura, will move back to their Illinois roots to serve at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda.

Pastor Dan will not only be missed by his Kaw Prairie congregation, but also by many in the De Soto area who have enjoyed his friendship, leadership and welcoming personality.

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Discovering De Soto

ORGANIZATIONS De Soto Library

33145 West 83rd Street, De Soto Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am-6 pm Thursday 1 pm-8 pm Saturday 10 am-2 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

USD 232 School District information is available online at the district’s website: https://www.usd232.org Now on Facebook: Unified School District #232 Photos and content provided by the USD 232 School District

jocolibrary.org/desoto

Monticello Library

22435 West 66th Street, Shawnee Open Monday-Thursday 9 am-8 pm Friday 9 am-6 pm Saturday 9 am-5 pm Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

jocolibrary.org/monticello

Johnson County Library Spring 2024 Guide available at your local Library in early December 2023. jocolibrary.org

The cover features Kansas City area artist, Fred Trease. His work is an exploration of the subatomic and microscopic to the sociological and cosmological. Starting as a photographer, his style evolved to encompass digital drawings based on his science background.

Get the details at jocolibrary.org/finefree

Breakfast of Exploration raises over $28,000 In the heart of our community at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center, the USD 232 Education Foundation Breakfast of Exploration was held on October 12, 2023. Over $28,000 was raised for students and educators. This student-centered event was a vibrant showcase of talent, innovation, and unwavering support for USD 232.

The Eudora-De Soto Technical Center’s Culinary Program provided a delectable breakfast spread. Centerpieces were provided by Mill Valley High School’s Jaguar Gardens Connections Program.

Students from the Mill Valley High School Jag Singers sang their rendition of “Singing, Bring Me” by Ryan Main. Lydia VanBooven from De Soto High School, and Emma Clement from Mill Valley High School led an interactive Q&A session with Superintendent Dr. Cory Gibson. shown above Student entrepreneurs 18–21-year-old, from the district’s Bridge Program, displayed and sold their handmade dog treats, dog toys, and wax melts. Students artwork from the 2023 student art collection at the district office also was displayed.

Starside Elementary teachers Jaimee Berry and Jessica Young, were celebrated as the 2023 Giving Circle Grant Winners. Along with several students, they illustrated the benefits of the innovative technology acquired through the $10,000 Giving Circle Grant.

Kris Meyer, newly-appointed Executive Director of the USD 232 Education Foundation, announced, “The Breakfast of Exploration is a keystone event that fuels many of the Foundation’s initiatives.

Led by devoted sponsors and loyal community members, this year’s breakfast raised the bar, providing $5,000 more than last year, all of which goes directly to students and teachers. To our breakfast supporters, we are forever grateful.”

Order online through Dec. 9 https://www.usd232.org/ Page/4687

Created by young adults in The Bridge Program 32

Holiday/Winter 2023-24

New Nonresident Enrollment Law The school district is working with the Board of Education to finalize plans to comply with a new law in Kansas to allow for the enrollment of nonresident students.

The Kansas Legislature passed a bill during the 2022 legislative session, which was signed into law, amending school enrollment statutes to require all school districts in the state to allow open enrollment for nonresident students beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, if space is available. As part of the new requirement, the Board must adopt a new policy for nonresident enrollment on or before January 1, 2024.

Once a new policy is adopted, the district will focus on the process of identifying if space would be available for nonresident students. Classroom student-teacher ratios in each district school K-8 grade levels, and the student-teacher ratios for each district high school will be examined. Part of the process will include examining enrollment trends as communities add new housing developments. If a nonresident student is accepted for enrollment, then the student may continue enrollment until they graduate high school.

This mandatory requirement is for all school districts in Kansas. The district has prepared a video to help explain the law, requirements and what it means to the district. see QR code at right

12 Days of Giving– One day of giving in honor of each of the twelve schools in the USD 232 School District As November approaches, so does an opportunity to embrace the spirit of giving back to our local schools in USD 232.

Giving Tuesday, November 28, marks the kickoff of the Education Foundation’s annual 12 Days of Giving Campaign.

The 12 Days of Giving is a call for the community to donate funds that will have a direct impact on classrooms. These funds play a crucial role in supporting needs-based Spotlight Grants that educators can apply for throughout the academic year.

Each of the twelve days of the campaign will focus on one of the schools within USD 232, highlighting the unique needs and aspirations of that institution. Building on the foundation’s past achievements, this year’s campaign will focus on “telling our story.” Donors will learn about a particular school’s success story, and how they can make a real, tangible impact on the lives of students and teachers in that building.

As Giving Tuesday approaches on November 28, consider participating in this moving initiative to promote success and innovation in our local educational community. The best way to demonstrate your support in this year’s 12 Days of Giving is to visit the Foundation’s website and donate. The Foundation can receive online payments at: usd232.org/educationfoundation

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS Find the right fit with us as a Substitute Teacher and leave a lasting impact on our students.

APPLY TODAY! • Enjoy a rewarding career helping our local students • Make your own schedule • Receive weekly paychecks

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, The USD 232 Education Foundation is proud to support educational excellence in USD 232.

We are here to help inspire students and teachers by connecting community resources through collaboration, recognition, and innovative partnerships.

morganhuntereducation.com • 866-923-6433

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Discovering De Soto

ORGANIZATIONS Community, Creativity & Panasonic Over 30 artists and organizations who work within the arts, culture and humanity sectors have been gathering together since May 2023. The Community, Creativity & Panasonic Group encompasses the Kansas City area and surrounding counties of Johnson, Douglas and Wyandotte. These areas will experience growth and change from the new Panasonic development, and have come together for idea sharing and identifying needs and challenges their communities will experience around the Panasonic development.

The October 2023 meeting was held at the USD 232 Cedar Trails Exploration Center. An informative presentation was given by De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt, highlighting the development agreement, infrastructure improvements and the potential for new jobs.

Panasonic Energy of North America, Workplace Operations Manager Julie Sailors, also shared an audio-visual presentation.

Attendees then broke into discussion groups– to articulate solutions for those needs and challenges that have been identified to improve cross-cultural understanding and strengthen community cohesion.

“The inspiration for the group came from an Ad Astra/ Panasonic presentation earlier this year that centered on collaborative efforts for infrastructure needs,” shared Sarah VanLanduyt, Executive Director of The Arts Council of Johnson County. “We wondered if there was a similar opportunity for the arts community. The reply was a resounding ‘yes’.”

The Lenexa Arts Council hosted the first meeting in May. The second meeting in July was hosted by The Lawrence Arts Center. September’s meeting, held at Merck in De Soto, was hosted by the De Soto Arts Council. The group will continue to meet into next year.

“The creative group process has brought many ideas for further consideration and opens up the possibilities of several potential partnerships,” explained Sarah, who also facilitates the meetings.

Arts Council of Johnson County upcoming events and programs include: The Creative Connections Breakfast held December 1, from 8 am to10 am at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. Guests will be inspired by local artists and community leaders.

Area students from De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School have participated in the Shooting Stars Program that has been hosted

by The Arts Council of Johnson County since 1997. Seniors are nominated by teachers and participate in the Shooting Stars Gala, that will be held April 7, 2024.

Arts Council of Johnson County artsjoco.org 34

learning spaces: Strands of study designed to be windows of

Bioscience Design Emerging Technologies

A tour of the Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC) followed the Community, Creativity & Panasonic meeting held in the building on October 25. CTEC is part of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) network, that brings business partners, organizations and students together to collaborate, innovate and educate.

Tim Mispagel, CTEC CAPS Administrator/Educator, gave an energetic and enthusiastic tour of the innovative building, designed by HTK Architects.

The facility opened in August 2021 and provides exciting opportunities for district juniors and seniors to explore and learn about careers and “real work-life experiences.”

The Emerging Technologies strand is a convergence of electronics, robotics, computer science, engineering and manufacturing–as well as emerging careers in cybersecurity, programming, automated systems, fabrication, production and all facets of engineering.

Access to a professional manufacturing lab, computer science lab and equipment provides students with valuable experience in emerging technologies. Shown at right are administrator/ educator Tim Mispagel and manufacturing instructor Sam McLeod in the manufacturing lab.

Students learn and safely experience a variety of manufacturing methods– including welding, automated manufacturing and production lines, digital electronics and engineering design, applied engineering and drafting/CAD. Each of the strands have highly-skilled instructors who collaborate and utilize all of the available equipment and labs.

Emerging Technologies

Holiday/Winter 2023-24

Cedar Trails Exploration Center

exploration for students to learn and engage in work-based learning The Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC) includes three strands: Bioscience, Design and Emerging Technologies. Each has their own individual courses and educational goals, ending

with a Capstone course where students can experience the responsibilities of a specific career.

The innovative USD 232 program for juniors and seniors has five core values: Profession-Based Learning,

Professional Skills Development, Self-Discovery and Exploration, Entrepreneurial Mindset and Responsiveness to local businesses and community needs. Information about careers in each strand and curriculum/enrollment in the program can be found online at: https://www.usd232.org/Page/8950

Real Life Helping Others

Problem Solving

Bioscience

‘‘

Fail Frequently, Fail Often– push to explore new skills and career options.

‘‘

–Tim Mispagel, favorite saying and mindset to embrace

Real-life projects are produced by students to solve real-life needs with solutions.

Shown above left: an infant shower carrier for a three-year old with cerebrial palsy; above center: A prototype for a student-designed sculpture presented to The City of Shawnee to be installed in Mill Valley’s roundabout spring/summer of 2024; above right: VEX Robotics, programmed by students using problem solving skills.

The Bioscience strand looks at the use of cellular and molecular processes to solve modern health problems. It is an avenue for learning more about clinical medicine, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology, forensic science, and public health. Students have access to advanced coursework and professional chemical lab equipment to develop lab skills, leadership experience and career exposure.

The Design strand is artistic, visual communication in the fields of computer graphics for graphic design, web design and development, still and motion graphics, animation and game design.

Isometric drawing is first learned in Illustrator and then transferred to Animation/Game Design with professional design software and state-of-the-art computers, shown at left.

Curriculum includes illustration, Graphic Design and Emerging Technologies– utilizing the MakerSpace, shown at right, that is current with industry equipment and software.

Design

Written and photographed

by Rose M. Burgweger

35

Discovering De Soto

ORGANIZATIONS National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Contact: Sherry Bowlin sherrybowlindar@gmail.com The John & Hattie Possum Chapter meets monthly and provides many avenues to serve in our community.

The De Soto Historical Building is open to the public on Thursdays from 10 am-4 pm. throughout the winter months.

33055 W. 83rd Street in Downtown De Soto

De Soto Historical Society facebook.com/desotokshistoricalsociety Contact: Kathy Ross kathy@grandmasshop.com Meetings will resume on February 28, 2024 and are held monthly–last Wednesday at 6:30 pm The De Soto Historical Building 33055 W. 83rd Street

Meeting information/cancellations posted on our facebook page.

February 28 Local Citizen Forum

Guest Speakers Bob & Donna Bartholomew.

S

Our annual fundraiser– 2024 De Soto Historical Calendar featuring the Historic Sunflower Ammunition Water Towers $10 suggested donation Now Available at the De Soto Historical Building /TriCentury Bank.

Cover photo donated by WJP Aerial.

In Remembrance

The De Soto community remembers these De Soto residents and their families: Timothy Lee Weese August 13, 1969 – August 13, 2023 Clarence “Clancy” Plummer August 22, 1933 – July 6, 2023 Salvador Porras January 13, 1979 – September 6, 2023 Lorine M. Scroggins January 29, 1936 – September 11, 2023 David F. Hoover July 13, 1942 – September 13, 2023 Janelle E. Slater March 20, 1966 – September 17, 2023 Margaret Wiltfong October 15, 1938 – September 11, 2023 Wm. Ray “Sam” Tyler July 17, 1940 – October 6, 2023 Suzanne Wallin February 25, 1948 – October 14, 2023 Colleen F. Nichols June 3, 1939 – October 20, 2023 Charles “Chuck” H. Johnston August 29, 1934 - November 1, 2023 –provided by the De Soto Historical Society

Obituaries may be viewed online

36

De Soto Chapter of the Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers & Singers facebook.com/groups/kofps Contact: Doug Danner ddanner1@kc.rr.com (913) 441-2713 Meets the third Friday of each month 5 pm-9 pm De Soto City Hall Senior Community Center

Meeting information/cancellations posted on our facebook page.

Musicians, singers and the public are invited to perform or just listen.

Traditional country or bluegrass with some gospel mixed in.

De Soto Rotary Club https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4383 facebook.com/people/De-Soto-KS-RotaryClub/100064731664726/ Contact: Lori Murdock desotorotaryclub@gmail.com Meetings held monthly–first and third Fridays at 7 am De Soto Methodist Church 8760 Kill Creek Road (lower level)

Meeting information/cancellations posted on our facebook page.

Rotary Community Supper Saturday, December 2 6:30 pm to 8 pm

Part of the City Holiday Events, shown on page 19. .De Soto Garden Club

facebook.com/De Soto Garden Club Contact: Janette Sheldon granola1000@gmail.com Meets monthly at various De Soto homes and gardens and will resume meetings in early Spring 2024.

The De Soto Garden Club gave away flower seeds at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm Fall Open House held on October 28, 2023.

Many expressed an interest in joining the group.

De Soto Food Pantry https://desotoksfoodpantry.wordpress.com/ facebook.com/people/De-Soto-Kansas-Food-Pantry/ Contact: desotoksfoodpantry@gmail.com 32905 West 84th Street Hours: Tuesday 10 am to 12 noon Thursday 4 pm to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to 11 am Thanksgiving Food Bag Distribution Saturday, November 18 11:30 pm to 1 am Thank you to all who provided Thanksgiving Dinner for families in our De Soto and USD 232 School District.

Much thanks also to those who volunteer throughout the year, as well as the many contributors throughout the seasons!

The De Soto Arts Council 2023 Fall Art Show was held at the City of De Soto gymnasium this year. Over 30 artists displayed fine art in a variety of medias.

I enjoyed the picturesque photo area in the senior center. –Rose Burgweger

MUCH THANKS

Holiday/Winter 2023-24

for another great De Soto Days Festival! Without the generous support from our sponsors, vendors, carnival, downtown businesses/residents, Johonson County Sheriff’s Office, Northwest Consolidated Fire District and the City of De Soto workers…we could not have pulled it together!

Special shout out to the community for coming out to enjoy everything!

On behalf of all the De Soto Days committee members and volunteers, we had a great time seeing everyone enjoying themselves.

See you all next year for our 60th De Soto Days!

Enjoy viewing our great collection of photos on the De Soto Days Facebook Page!

2023 CONGRATULATIONS

Grand Marshal Emmet Kurtz a life-long resident of De Soto!

DHS Class President. Member of the Jaycees. Classic car enthusiast.

Dean Weller Memorial Car Show Chair for 7 years, with wife Molly.

Parade Winners Most Original Merck Animal Health Most Creative Reach Church Mayor’s Choice Pettit Farms Most Spirited De Soto Youth Football Best Overall Cub Scout Pack 3087 Parade Theme Winner “Get Hooked on De Soto” Bella Cifuentes Parade Judges: Danny Lane Lana McPherson Jamey Seaba Brandon McElwee Fruit Pie Baking Contest Winners Youth Division First Maelin Zabel Spiced Apple Second Ava Dougherty Blueberry Third Lawson Fischer Caramel Apple

59th annual

Adult Division First Samuel Seidle Peach Blackberry Second Fannie Foster Cherry Third Craig Moeckly Caramel Apple Cranberry

JT’s Gold Coin Treasure Hunt Winner Elizabeth DeArmond Dean Weller Memorial Car Show Congratulations to all of the 2023 Car & Class Award Winners!

Miss and Little Miss De Soto Pageant Little Miss De Soto Days Bliss Philhour Miss De Soto Days Brooklynne Clarke

Photos from De Soto Days Facebook Page

De Soto Arts Council (DAC) Contact: Leanna Donald 913-349-2250 facebook.com/art.desoto.1 desotoartsks@gmail.com desotoartsks.org Open Studio Nights held monthly first Thursday at 7 pm Meetings held monthly third Thursday at 7 pm De Soto City Hall Arts Council Room, lower level, east side 32905 West 84th Street

Holiday Open House Saturday, December 2 6:30 pm to 8 pm Part of the City of De Soto Holiday Events, shown on page 19

Public Art Sculpture Seeds of Change Selected / Three Abstract Horse Sculptures Purchased

The Seeds of Change sculpture, shown at left, was selected by the De Soto Arts Council from recent Call for Public Art. Sculptor Chelsy Walker created the aluminum and bronze sculpture. “Seeds of Change is a giant dandelion puff-ball female figure who is crowned with wind-blown seeds that represent her acts of compassion. The sculpture emulates kindness and the worth of personal sacrifice, the circle of life, alluding to mother Earth and the divinity within all.

The City of De Soto has also purchased Posing Pony, Homage to Braquet1 and Retrospective collection of horse sculptures by butch Murphy, currently displayed at 83rd Street and Kill Creek Road. These were temporariliy installed in Fall of 2022, and are now part of the City’s permanent collection of Public Art. Potential sites are being reviewed.

The 2023 City of De Soto Public Art Fund provided funding for these public art sculptures for the community.

Current Call for Public Art: Mural /Caprine Supply building. Submit applications online: desotoartsks.org/mural Funding for this project was awarded by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) with a $7,500 matching grant. Matching funds are provided by the City of De Soto Public Art Fund.

37

Discovering De Soto

postal delivery for all seasons Newly-designed USPS adds amenities for postal trucks to include more comforts, advanced technology and safety features

USPS newly-designed postal vehicles courtesy of KCMO USPS.

New De Soto Metris postal vehicle and traditional box truck. Photo by Dick Stine

Eventually residents in larger cities will no longer hear postal trucks alerting them the mail is coming. Mail will arrive, but the silent motors of new electric vehicles will not be heard. Out of the 66,000 vehicles being built for the United States Postal Service (USPS) nationwide, 45,000 will be electric (built by OshKosh Defense); and 21,000 will be a combination of commercial-off-the-shelf battery electric and internal combustion engine vehicles (built by Ford and Fiat Chrysler). Delivery dates are pending for Kansas City, and other larger cities across the United States.

Newly-designed postal trucks have improved heating and air conditioning. Advanced vehicle technology and safety features include: 360-degree cameras, advanced braking and traction control, air bags, and a front-and-rear collision avoidance system that includes visual and audio warnings.

Trucks will have increased cargo capacity to accommodate higher package volumes from online commerce.

What remains the same–postal carriers will still continue driving and delivering mail from the right side.

Locally, the De Soto USPS has five new Mercedes Postal Metris. These have a 2.0 L petrol engine, added air conditioning, rear-view camera and attention assist. They replaced the 30-year-old Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV) which only had heat–no air conditioning. The box-like trucks were truly long life vehicles, that did last 30 years. The new Metris will be more powerful and get better gas mileage, with added comfort for postal carriers.

Honey Creek Disposal offers pick-up for real Christmas trees that are placed at the curb–through December 31, 2023.

This a prepaid, prescheduled service with a $15 charge.

Contact Honey Creek Disposal to schedule: 913-369-8999 Recycling schedules are available online at honeycreekdisposal.com

–written by Dick Stine, contributing writer, phone interview with USPS Strategic Communications Specialist Mark Inglett, Kansas City, Missouri Rose Burgweger, interview with De Soto USPS.

2023 Holiday USPS Shipping Dates for expected delivery before December 25 USPS Ground Advantage — December 16 First-Class Mail (including greeting cards) — December 16 Priority Mail — December 18 Priority Mail Express — December 20 The USPS now offers USPS Ground Advantage that provides reliable and affordable package shipping with 2-5 business day delivery based on distance. usps.com/ship/ground-advantage.htm

RESIDENTIAL I RURAL I COMMERCIAL I RECYCLING

Johnson County Free Christmas Tree Recycling Program December 26, 2023-January 31, 2024 Drop-off times: 7:30 am-8 pm • Kill Creek Park Marina, 11670 Homestead Lane • Shawnee Mission Park, 7710 Renner Road (Theatre in the Park parking lot area) • Big Bull Creek Park, 20425 Sunflower Road Only live Christmas trees accepted–remove all decor, especially “icicles” and wrappers. For more information, call 913-888-4713 or visit their website: JCPRD.com 38

NWCFD WINTER 2023 Northwest Consolidated Fire District Community Report The Northwest Consolidated Fire District, Johnson County Government, City of De Soto, Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America and Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC Collaborate on Design, Funding and Operations of the Proposed New Fire Station Planning for this mega project began over two years ago, fielding questions from the De Soto Economic Development Council and the City of De Soto without initially knowing the client’s name or industry. We have invested an enormous amount of time researching growth and new risks involved. Our site visit to the Tesla/Panasonic Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada last year developed a networking relationship with the Storey County Fire Protection District, which protects the Gigafactory.

The Panasonic Development Agreement was unanimously approved at the De Soto City Council meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

The NWCFD is included in the City’s development agreement for three items: funding contributions towards the new fire station, a new aerial fire truck, and partial funding for the operations of the new fire station for 20 years.

We are thankful for our community partnerships, especially working with the City of De Soto staff and their teams. Concepts, plan reviews, risk analysis, and site visits to the frequently changing landscape in our community have filled our management schedules.

Panasonic investments in our community are beyond being an established and good corporate citizen–they are focused on safety and risk reduction. These investments are significant milestones for us, enhancing fire department resources for the entire community of De Soto and beyond.

Fire Chief Todd Maxton, Northwest Consolidated Fire District

In additional news, Station 12, at 127th Street and Gardner Road, has a newly-purchased brush truck for the first time in department history!

This truck has already overcome several obstacles–including a computer chip shortage, production delays, and supply chain issues. The 2022 F-350 is currently serving citizens in the southern and western townships and surrounding areas. A special thanks to Feld Fire Inc. for assisting with upfitting and providing fantastic customer service!

Proposed Site Plan Layout The new fire station will be located in the area of 102nd Street and Lexington Avenue, east of the former Countryside Learning Center.

SFS Architecture is the principal architect; Johnson County Facilities Management is managing the project and a construction manager at risk (CMAR) selection process is currently underway.

There is a preliminary construction completion date of mid-year 2025.

The current total estimated cost of the station, including hard construction and infrastructure improvements, is $17.15 million.

Johnson County Board of County Commissioners have allocated $7.5 million dollars for the project. The Panasonic Development Agreement includes a contribution of $11.45 million–with $9.65 million towards the fire station and $1.8 million for the aerial fire truck.

The Spartan-Smeal mid-mount aerial platform truck will be housed in the new station, and is capable of 100 feet in vertical reach. With an estimated mid-year 2025 delivery date, this is the first aerial fire truck in department history.

Renderings provided by SFS Architecture

The mission of the Northwest Consolidated Fire District is to always provide high-quality fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in a safe and caring manner to our community. We take protecting our community seriously and strive to have our level of service reflect this during this time of growth.

Northwest Consolidated Fire District Proudly serving the City of De Soto and Northwest Johnson County

11 De Soto Station 12 Lexington/Olathe Station 13 De Soto • • Station • 9745 Kill Creek Road 29520 West 127th Street 33150 West 83rd Street

In an Emergency Call 911 Photographs provided by NWCFD

non-emergency 913-583-3886

https://www.nwcfd.org 39

Discovering

pre-sort standard ECRWSS

De Soto

W

u.s.postage paid Kansas City, MO Permit No. 1

A community located in Western Johnson County, Kansas.

Postal Customer De Soto, KS 66018

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