COMMuNITY CELEBraTIONS

April

15

• 5pm Mexican Dinner • 6pm Bingo De Soto Alumni Family-Friendly Scholarship Bingo Night Fundraiser

Linden-Tripkos VFW Post #6654

The De Soto Alumni will hold their annual DHS Scholarship Bingo Night on April 15, 2023. The event begins at 5 pm with dinner and will be held at the Linden-Tripkos VFW Post #66654, located at 33725 West 84th Street. The family-friendly Bingo event will have cards for 50 cents or 3/$1. Bring your $1’s and be ready for a fun-filled evening! The ever popular 50/50 game will be back!

Monetary donations will be accepted and will go towards the DHS Scholarship Fund. The VFW will have water, pop and adult beverages available for purchase. The DHS Alumni are also accepting donated items for a silent auction from businesses and individuals. This is the group’s largest fundraiser for the year. For more information, contact Patsy Lucas-Allenbrand at cheerleaderdhs@yahoo.com

USD 232 High School Shooting Stars Finalists

High school arts teachers nominate students who audition or submit a portfolio for The Arts Council of Johnson County Shooting Stars Program. Finalists compete for scholarships awarded at The Shooting Stars Gala, held April 2. https://artsjoco.org/acjc/shooting-stars-scholarships/

Shown above, top row, from left to right:

Sydney Barge Mill Valley, 2D Visual Art

Lee Barth De Soto, Theatre Performance

Sydney Bonnstetter De Soto, Literature

Sienna DelBorrell Mill Valley, Winds & Percussion

Carter Harvey Mill Valley, Theatre Performance

Shown above, bottom row, from left to right:

Brayden Heath Mill Valley, Voice Classical

Alejandra Loya Mill Valley, 3D Visual Art

Emily Mlodzik De Soto, Voice Classical

Julie Steeb De Soto, 2D Visual Art

Souper Bowl fundraiser hosted by De Soto Baptist Church

There was plenty of delicious soup selections to enjoy at the annual ‘Souper Bowl” held by the De Soto Baptist Church on Sunday, February 12.

A community lunch was enjoyed, along with plenty of red Chief’s clothing worn by many. Monetary donations were collected that will go towards worthy causes. The Souper Bowl of Caring as a nationwide campaign that began in 1990 to “tackle hunger.”

First Student bus drivers get:

• $20.50/hour starting wage dependent upon experience

• Up to $3000 sign-on bonus*

• Paid CDL training

• Child ride along program available

First Student monitors get:

• $13.00/hour

• $500 sign-on bonus*

• Positive and rewarding work environment

• Tremendous career advancement opportunities

*Conditions apply. See locations for details. Offer expires 3/1/23.

Photos and content provided from the USD 232 website https://www.usd232.org USD 232 news can also be found online at https://shawneemissionpost.com

Making a Difference Award

Our

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 www.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 www.jocolibrary.org/monticello

Look for the Johnson County Library Guide to be available in April at your local library.

• eBooks eMagazines And so much more! Discover what’s possible Cozy up with your favorite blanket and discover our eLibrary full of online materials available 24/7. Visit us online at jocolibrary.org/discover

SENIOr LIVING

De Soto resident for many years, Dick Stine, recently returned from Kentucky where he spent a busy three days putting in sheet rock, electrical and cabinets. The area at the foothills of the Appalachia had tremendous flooding, with 100 homes destroyed.

“Mike Somogyi, 83 years old, gets the credit for tapping me on the shoulder,” Dick said, as he’ll turn 80 in July. Both men have gone on several mission trips together through the years.

They headed to the Dominican Republic in 2017 with the Lenexa Baptist Church Mission Team, and spent a week finishing a building shown above left and assisted with cleanup and carpentry. Heading to the far corners of Alaska eight years ago, they finished a church/school for preachers shown above right

“I grew up with carpentry, helping my dad build duplexes,” Dick explained. “I was born with a hammer in my hands, and was able to put it to good use.”

On the homefront, Dick, a former member of the De Soto Arts Council, was in charge of the actual construction for the De Soto Arts Council Art Space rennovation. Funding was received by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission for materials, and much volunteer labor was done by Dick. Walls were put up, cabinets were set (with assistance from his brother Don, a carpenter), and structures under the windows were built and put in–completing the new space. Actively retired from Johnson County Community College, his time is used well. –interview with Dick Stine, by Rose Burgweger

Cedar Valley Forest 29145 West 83rd Street

Located on the east side of De Soto, the property holds many memories for the area. Many remember their childhood days coming and cutting down Christmas Trees. Original owner, Jack Russell “worked more than 60 years to grow, shear and shape the Christmas trees” at the farm from 1960 to 2013. The Christmas Tree Farm closed and was put on the market after Jack passed, just shy of 91 years old. The farm was purchased by Dustin Keith in 2017. Scaling down the Christmas Tree focus, he expanded the wedding and venue aspects–remodeling the prior barn into an updated and fully functioning event space. He also remodeled the three-bedroom bridal cottage and office areas located on the property. The Jerome Family became the new owners of Cedar Valley Forest at the end of 2022. They will continue to build upon the many aspects the property offers–hosting weddings, corporate events and dinner celebrations. The Jeromes are experienced entrepreneurs, having owned fitness and restaurant/pizza businesses. They found the property on Zillow and always dreamed of a wedding venue. Jill and Jered Jerome look forward to hosting many events on the beautiful and spacious property. Currently, there are still dates available at the venue for 2023. . cedarvalleyforest.com info@cedarvalleyforest.com Phone 913-278-8818

Chills De Soto 33080 West 83rd Street, front entrance

Get introduced to desserts–Mexican Style! Diaz brothers, Brett and Kevin, will open the Mexican snack shop this spring in downtown De Soto, where Perky’s Cafe was previously located. They are currently remodeling the space and look forward to bringing festive treats–similar to Palacana located in Olathe. In addition to the specialty ice cream, you’ll enjoy fruit and cream popsicles, aguas frescas, and a variety of fruit juices and smoothies. They plan on being open daily, during the afternoons and evenings. Website and facebook pages coming soon. brett@aguasdesoto.com

Bailey’s Buy, Sell & Trade Shop 33080 West 83rd Street, Wea entrance

Eudora resident Wadie Khatchadourian opened Bailey’s Buy, Sell & Trade Shop on January 21. “We’ve always wanted to open a shop like this, and De Soto was the ideal venue,” said Wadie. Browse collections of Star Wars, Nascar, and sports memorabilia. Peruse the aisles filled with collectibles and vintage treasures, to everyday household items. Bailey’s also buys/sells gold and silver, as well as gently used clothing and footwear in a ‘flea market’ setting. Booth spaces are available. Open Weekly M-T-Th-F 4 pm to 7 pm Closed Wednesdays Open Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday 1 to 5. wadiekhatchadourian@gmail.com Phone 785-615-7157

March 3 • 6 pm De Soto Chamber Annual Membership Dinner Cedar Valley Forest

Please RSVP to KRogers@desotoks.org or call 913-583-1585.

Learn more about the De Soto Chamber and attend their monthly luncheons. desotoks.org

Pet License Renewals Due March 31

All cats and dogs within the City are required to be licensed and have a current tag prior to April 1. Bring proof of rabies vaccination to De Soto City Hall during office hours: Monday-Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

With a City tag, pets can easily be identified and returned to their owners.

De Soto Kansas Lost and Found Pets and Animal Advocates

A local facebook group to assist with lost pets.

FaITH