Celebrating New and Festive Foods of Mexican Culture in De Soto

Cinco de Mayo was celebrated on May 5. Celebrate Mexican Culture year-round with these established and new food businesses.

Abarrotes translates to grocery in Spanish, and commonly found in Mexico’s small towns. These little markets or mini markets are where townsfolk can shop locally for basic needs.

The brightly painted lime green and orange Abarrotes De Soto gives residents a taste of Mexican culture that includes a variety of hispanic grocery items, along with favorite Mexican dishes at its food truck, El Fisher Taquería & Pollos Asados #2.

“Many people have told me that there is a large Hispanic community here in town from Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco,” owner Cesar Armendariz shared. Abarrotes De Soto offers Mexican snacks and candy, staple cooking ingredients for traditional dishes, salsas, and piñatas; as well as check cashing, money orders to Mexico and bill paying services.

Abarrotes De Soto

33321 Lexington Avenue

(913) 586-3001 Open Daily 9 to 9

El Fisher Taqueria & Pollos Asados #2

(913) 289-2655 Open Daily 10 to 9

Cesar knew De Soto was the ideal location for his next business venture as his first food truck, El Fisher Taqueria #1 in Gardner has had a positive response in the community after opening in 2022. He wanted to broaden that success and found De Soto the perfect fit. “There was an opportunity here (in De Soto), and the City gave us the opportunity as well, to open the store and an additional food truck,” said Cesar. Additionally, El Fisher Taquería & Pollos Asados #2 offers several food favorites, including: quesadillas, tortas, quesabirrias, tamales, burritos, of course, tacos, and pollo asado (or grilled chicken). Customers can select from several meats for their dish of choice, such as carne asada, al pastor, birria, carnitas, cabeza, pollo, buche and tripas. “We strive to provide the best service, and we hope the De Soto community will enjoy what we are doing,” Cesar emphasized.

Both businesses opened on Friday, April 7, with a festive grand opening on Friday, April 14. They have received a warm welcome from the community.

CHILLS 33080 West 83rd Street

(844) 424-4557 (CHILLS)

Elote, chilindrinas, mangonadas, aguas frescas–to name a few beloved Mexican treats–are now found at Chills, the new ice cream and snack shop in De Soto.

“My brother (Brett Diaz) and I, we wanted something–downtown De Soto needed something–a hangout spot, like a chill spot. That’s where the name came from,” co-owner Kevin Diaz explained.

Chills held a soft opening Saturday, April 8 for residents in their newly-remodeled space in downtown De Soto. Patrons were able to enjoy specialty ice cream treats and authentic Mexican snack favorites. Kevin and his brother are proud to bring their treats, recipes and culture to the community in hopes of growing and making Chills a community center, especially for the younger crowd, to draw in the entire community.

“De Soto is definitely growing, and we want to provide this special space–a place to chill!” said Kevin. The Diaz brothers are continuing their momentum after a year of hard work in opening the shop. The Chills menu will be ever changing to include seasonal items among other special treats throughout the year. “Our menu is going to be very unique. It’s one of those places where you want to keep coming again and again,” Kevin adds “There’s something here for everyone!” Look for more surprises to come.

La Poblanita Market since 2012, when they purchased it from a previous owner. They’ve since integrated into the De Soto community providing a glimpse of Mexican culture.“At that time, we were the only Mexican store here in De Soto, a quiet and peaceful town,”

Customers can shop for a variety of Mexican groceries and Mexican candy, snacks and beverages, and fruit or vegetables. In addition, traditional clay dishes, saucepans and pots, piñatas, blankets and over-the-counter Mexican medicines are available. “Mexican products can be difficult to find locally, like a tortilla press or clay pot for beans, which are essential Mexican handcrafts,” added Claudia. La Poblanita also provides services for sending money to Mexico; check cashing; bill paying across the U.S. or in Mexico; as well as reloading prepaid phones in Mexico. “I like being in De Soto,” Claudia says.“It’s a tight-knit community.”

10 to 10

9

10 to 9 opened in De Soto in 2017, bringing the authentic flavors of Mexican Food to De Soto. Their extensive menu can be previewed online, where you can order online, dine in or pick-up through the drive-thru. You can create your own combination platters or enjoy Molcajete, Trio Chimichangas, Taco Platter or Nachos Grandes specialties. Also equally delicious are Choripollo Chicken, Alambre Steaks, Tacos Al Carbon and platters of Fajitas in your choice of meats. Seafood and vegetarian options also available. Lunch menu is available til 3 pm. The business has been well received by De Soto. During COVID-19, all were surprised by the long, long line of cars lined up along 91st Street

Adults can enjoy an assortment of Cerveza–imported, domestic and draft beers, as well as Micheladas El Patron style. Margaritas come in various sizes (small, house, jumbo and monster) and flavors–Gold, Tropical, Sangria and a special De Soto blend. Daiquiris, wine, cocktails and shots are also available. Find more specials on facebook and instagram. Manager Valente Hernandez and staff have enjoyed serving their patrons.

–articles written by Katherine Diaz, contributing writer

The Board of Education formally appoints Dr. Cory Gibson to the position of Superintendent

On April 3, 2023, the USD Board of Education formally appointed Dr. Cory Gibson to the position of Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2023. This announcement concludes a lengthy search process by the Board of Education which included a total of 21 applicants. “The Board appreciates the input received from patrons throughout the search process and values the feedback received from the groups of teachers, support staff, and administrators that met each candidate. This truly was a collaborative effort among our district community, and I am proud to have Dr. Gibson as our next superintendent,” said Ashley Spaulding, Board of Education President.

Gibson is currently the superintendent of Valley Center USD 262 in Valley Center, Kansas, just north of Wichita. He has held the position since 2012. Valley Center USD 262 serves approximately 3,300 students with nine schools in operation, including two schools located on the grounds of residential youth facilities. He is also an adjunct professor of Leadership Studies at Wichita State University and Baker University.

He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1998; master’s degree in school administration in 2002; district level administration degree in 2007; and educational specialist degree in 2009; receiving these degrees from Pittsburg State University. He received his doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas in 2016.

Gibson was recognized as University of Arkansas Outstanding Doctorate Student in 2017 and Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 2020.

De Soto High School 2022/2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

Inductees were formally recognized at De Soto High School in February of 2023 with a banquet, reception and awards ceremony. Congratulations De Soto High School Alumni for your achievements!

Shown left to right:

Jennie Otto Williamson Class of 1991

Activities Choir Distinguished Service Professional Singer

Amanda Erickson Harbord Class of 1998 Athletics Track

Stan Watchous Class of 1978

Athletics Football Distinguished Service Education

Kathy Reddy Retired Staff Member, 2008

Sponsor and Distinguished Service Faculty Member, Scholars Bowl nominations may be made in one or more of the following categories:

To be nominated, all individuals must have been a student in good standing and must currently be a citizen in good standing. individuals become eligible five years after their graduation year.

Academics Activities/Athletics Coaches/Sponsors Distinguished Service 2024 Nominations information: dhswildcatnation.com/hof-nomination/

Photos and content excerpts from the uSD 232 website: usd232.org uSD 232 news can also be found online at: shawneemissionpost.com

Substitute Teachers

School. Much success in all future endeavors for all of our students!

Lifetime resident Sara Ritter honored as one of Ingram’s

50 Kansans You Should Know!

Ingram’s special edition publication featured 50 Kansans You Should Know. Professionals from all areas of Kansas City were included, along with lifetime resident Sara Ritter. Sara first joined the De Soto Chamber of Commerce in 2002. She is currently the President and CEO of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Council. ingrams.com/article/50-kansans-you-should-know-5/#S

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 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

Johnson County Library Summer Guide is now available at your local library. View online: https://fliphtml5.com/rrpau/dnby towards the award grant. Starside students and teachers were presented with a giant check when Giving Circle members arrived the following day for the wonderful celebration!

Local De Soto Author

Publishes Children’s Book

Grandma Jill Whetter published her first children’s book “Squirrels Don’t Need Umbrellas!” in April. It was inspired by her grandson, Parker, who commented one day “I wish I was a squirrel.”

The storyline was compiled in only half an hour. The fine-tuning, and finding the right illustrator and publisher/marketer encompassed a long three-year journey for the recently published book.

Jill is retired from a 25-year career as a court reporter. She teamed up with illustrator David Harston of Olathe “who was doodling instead of paying attention, when the bus to adulthood came by.” Jill shared, “It took meeting with several illustrators, until I met David through a mutual friend. He captured visually what the story was all about.”

The story is fun, educational and creatively written. As the weather changes each day, the little boy wishes to be various animals throughout the week. He explains why to his mom, saying, “Mom, everybody knows...” In the end, he is happy to be his mom’s little boy. Googling the title, you’ll find the book is available at Amazon, Christian Book Distributors, Barnes and Noble, Target and Walmart. Order online and share your review, which helps other readers find the book.

Get

Keeping People and Animals Safe one Product at a Time

Trust Think local De Soto business has been developing products since 2016 with the mission of keeping people and animals safe, one product at a time. Trust Think’s products were developed for the founder’s personal use as an owner and operator of a 3,000 acre ranch dedicated to the preservation of native species which include: equine, turkey, bison, elk and deer. After developing and using Trust Think Products personally since 2010, Trust Think Products brought these essential products to the retail market.

All products held by TTP must be GRAS certified, or Generally Recognized As Safe, by the FDA. We maintain Trust, Respect, and Integrity. With product lines for both people and animal, Trust Think has your loved ones covered when it comes to their protection. We take care of animals. Horse, cattle, deer, elk, chicken, swine deserve to be protected just as we do. Trust Think has developed the solution with products such as Timber Hills Equine Fly + Tick Supplement as well as the B2B friendly THINK Fly + Tick. Each are used within all categories of large animal and livestock. When feeding any large animal just 2 ounces per day, through patented technology within naturally occurring ingredients developed by animal scientists, any ticks that are embedded will back out of your animal’s skin and fall off. Flies, ticks and biting insects will be deterred when the supplement perfuses through the skin. With an average load time of 10-21 days, it is best to begin feeding supplementation two weeks prior to fly and tick season. One of the best parts: There is no risk of overfeeding, no risk of meat taint, milk taint, or egg taint. We take care of people. Trust Think has developed a solution that provides constant protection for up to a 24 hour period with Trust Think Moisturizing Sanitizer. A lotion style sanitizer that binds to the epidermal layer provides all day protection, while assisting in the repair of damaged and compromised tissue. Resolving such ailments as eczema, psoriasis, staph infections and other concerns that we face, Trust Think Moisturizing Sanitizer is the solution for harmful alcohol based sanitizers.

Visit the Trust Think Products website to learn more about their natural and non-toxic products designed to improve the health and well-being of people, pets, livestock and wildlife. trustthinkproducts.com

OrganIZaTIOnS

De Soto Historical Society facebook.com/desotokshistoricalsociety

Contact: Kathy Ross kathy@grandmasshop.com

De Soto Historical Building is open Thursdays from 10 am-4 pm

Meetings held monthly on the last Wednesday at 6:30 pm

De Soto Historical Building 33055 West 83rd Street

Meeting information/cancellations posted on our facebook page

May 31 Local Citizens Forum / Calendar Picture Voting

June 28 “Children of the Promised Lands” nicodemus–the only remaining western town established by african americans during the reconstruction period following the civil War.

Humanities Kansas presentation by angela Bates.

June 26 “Flour Power”

Humanities Kansas presentation by Gene chavez. Mexican revolution–many immigrants came to Kansas to work on the railroad or agriculture, industrial and hospitality sectors of the state.

De Soto Rotary Club website portal.clubrunner.ca/4383 facebook.com/De-Soto-KS-Rotary-Club-112342748793494/

Contact: Kim Ingalls desotorotaryclub@gmail.com

Meetings held monthly on the 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

August 19 “Pop-Up Paddle” with the Friends of the Kaw/Rotary

Join us at Lexington Lake from 9 am to noon for this free event.

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution http://www.johnandhattiepossum.net/

Contact: Sherry Bowlin sherrybowlindar@gmail.com the John & Hattie possum chapter meets monthly and provides many avenues to serve

De Soto Chapter of the Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers & Singers facebook.com/groups/kofps

Contact: Doug Danner ddanner1@kc.rr.com

Meets the 3rd Friday of each month 5 pm-9 pm

De Soto Senior Center of City Hall