April 2023 Newsletter
The Board of County Commissioners serves as the Chief Legislative and Executive Branch of the County Government. Composed of five members, with each Commissioner representing a district of the County.
The duties of the Board of County Commissioners include:
- Approving the County budget and expenditures
- Appointing the various department heads of the County
- Exercising powers of local legislation
During the month of April the Board of County Commissioners joined the Council on Aging to celebrate Champion Week. Georgia Moore had the pleasure of delivering meals with Commissioner Doug Smith in Basehor. Commissioner Mike Smith delivered sunshine on a cloudy day in Lansing. Meal recipients were surprised to see new faces and thankful their daily meal was delivered on time as usual. Pictured with Commissioner Doug Smith is Edith Gravatt, and Margaret Young is pictured with Commissioner Mike Smith.
On Friday, April 7th Leavenworth County Attorney's Office wore blue to show support for Child Abuse Prevention Month. County Attorney praised the First Judicial CASA Association, applauding all the wonderful things they do for our community and asking four our residents to support their efforts.
Sextortion Schemes are on the Rise
With the end of the school nearing, the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office would like to remind parents and children to be vigilant in protecting their online privacy.
Social media bots and fake profiles have been on the rise. These fake accounts are targeting children by coercing them into sending explicit images and then extorting them for money – a crime known as financial sextortion.
Law enforcement officers within Leavenworth County have received multiple reports of sextortion and extortion in recent months.
Leavenworth county Attorney Todd Thompson said, “Talk with your children, monitor your child’s online activity and educate them on the dangers of online schemes.” Thompson added, “Avoidance of online activities is nearly impossible so education and awareness are key principals to keeping our children safe!”
The FBI, Homeland Security and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued a national public safety alert earlier this year reporting that more than 3,000 minor victims were targeted in 2022.
A press release posted on the Department of Justice’s website in mid-January stated:
“Over the past year, law enforcement agencies have received over 7,000 reports related to the online sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys. More than a dozen sextortion victims were reported to have died by suicide. The FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
Sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, predators often use fake accounts and target minors.
Through deception, sextortionists convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they often threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends additional sexually explicit material. Some of these criminals demand money or gift cards to keep them from releasing the compromising material in their possession. Often, these predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, sextortionists release the images even if additional material is sent or payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse and may drive them towards self-harm.”
Thompson added if you or someone you know has been exploited, they are victims of a crime and it should be reported. You can call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or contact your local police department.
The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office is seeking hardworking, dedicated, and career-minded professionals for the positions of:
Deputy Sheriff (Patrol Division) - $22.89/Hour, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible, Pay Consideration for Experience / Education
Deputy Sheriff Job Description
Detention Officer - $20.35/Hour, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible
Detention Officer Job Description
To apply click here!
The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
National Volunteer Week is April 16th through the 22nd.
In this month's newsletter, we want to recognize our fantastic Emergency Management Volunteers that give back to our community.
Leavenworth County has dedicated neighbors that are willing to provide very crucial information when most are taking cover during severe weather events.
These folks will give all to have that watchful eye for severe weather, be it hail, strong winds, heavy rains, and tornados. They are your first line of defense when it comes time to provide the information you receive from your radio or local TV meteorologist. The ground truth they see or hear is reported to the Emergency Management Office, which we immediately relay to the National Weather Service. Then, the National Weather Service relays that information to media outlets for the general public. This process takes just seconds to get you the information needed to protect your families and property.
Your volunteers come from all types of citizens within the workforce: attorneys, landscape engineers, firefighters, researchers, finance advisors, communication experts, law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, electricians, programmers, college professors, military (from all branches), analysis, business owners, farmers, sales, management, and retirees and of course our list goes on. These folks are from 25 years to 89 years young. These dedicated volunteers have a style of their own to place themselves at risk to protect you.
We have over 50 volunteers that assist this department in many ways. They take time from their day and family helping at the County Fair, any Preparedness Fairs we are involved in, and anything else we ask of them. We could not do what we do if it were not for our volunteers. Our volunteers put in 10s to 1000s hours combined with being trained, responding, and assisting when needed to serve you! If you should happen to see a vehicle parked in a thunderstorm and they are just smiling with two radios in hand, it is more than likely our courageous volunteer keeping that watchful eye on the Sky for you! Stay safe, Leavenworth County!!
Are you looking for a new career?
Leavenworth County is a great place to work!
You can find all of our current job openings on our job opening section of our website.
One of our greatest resources at Leavenworth County is our hard-working employees. Weekly we take a moment to post an employee spotlight to recognize a job well done and to help our residents understand a little more about how local government works.
We would like to congratulate each employee celebrating a work anniversary milestone! We are proud to have dedicated employees on our team!
John Jacobson, Director
Planning and Zoning Department
At the beginning of this week, Leavenworth County welcomed John Jacobson as the new Director of Planning and Zoning.
Some of these initiatives include; both voluntary and unilateral annexations, comprehensive plan processes, transportation and bike/ped grants formation with design and LPA responsibility, amended and or formed policies such as the Zoning Ordinances, Overlay Districts, Neighborhood Revitalization Economic Development and Building Official duties.
Leavenworth County EMS
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Leavenworth County Health Department
The Leavenworth County Health Department offers a wide range of services to Leavenworth County residents in an attempt to improve the quality of life through environmental and community health nursing. The goal of the Health Department is to provide services necessary to give Leavenworth County residents the opportunity to enjoy good health in a healthy environment.
The professional staff includes a medical director, program aides, nurses, a licensed social worker, a registered dietitian and a registered medical technologist.
Immunizations
The Immunization clinic provides basic childhood and adult immunizations. Overseas inoculations for international travel are also available on a fee for service basis.
Pap Smears
Laboratory Testing
Breast Examinations
Contraceptive Counseling
Pregnancy Test Counseling
Referral and Resource Information
Physical Examinations
Physical examinations and laboratory studies required for school admission and pre-employment are provided at the Health Department by a physician's assistant, a registered nurse, and a laboratory technologist.
WHAT IS WIC?
WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It's a USDA federally-funded program that provides supplemental foods and nutrition education to income eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to five years old.
On April 12th, 2023, the Leavenworth County GIS department had the opportunity to discuss mapping and cartography with K-5th graders at the Pleasant Ridge Career Fair.
Students were first shown a copy of an 1800s original plat of Leavenworth City and a contemporary travel map. The students were surprised that early maps were hand drawn and that paper maps were once used for travel directions.
Next, students were shown maps of the United States and asked to find the state of Kansas. A majority of students were able to locate Kansas. Students were then shown a map of Kansas and asked to find Leavenworth County. To our delight, several students were able to identify Leavenworth County. (Good job to PR and Parents!!)
The final activity presented students with the elements of a map (compass, legend, name, scale bar).
Each element was explained, and the students placed the map elements on the map where they saw fit. The student put together some excellent maps. We might even steal some of their ideas!
Vehicle renewals for customers with the last name starting with "C" "D" will be due by March 31st.
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Vehicle renewals for customers with the last name starting with "E" “F” & “D” will be due by April 30th.
- Taxpayers may renew their vehicles up to 60 days in advance of their renewal deadline.
- Reminder: Personal Property Tax and Real Estate Taxes are due by May 10th.
- Driver's License renewals at the Annex are now taking appointments again. Please call to set up an appointment at 913-364-5730.
For more information about renewing your vehicle, visit this section of our website: Renewing Your License Plate.
Here is the case map for this month's Planning Commission Cases. Regular Planning Commission meetings take place the second Wednesday of the month. The agenda packet is available to view at the link below.
The purpose of the Planning Commission is to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land use applications, regulations, and policies presented by the Planning and Zoning Department.
These cases will be heard by the Board of County Commissioners for a final determination. The Commission Agenda is posted on the Leavenworth County website and is available for public viewing.
Here are links to the Planning Commission Schedule and Board of County Commissioner Schedule
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE - April 2023
Preview!!
We do not yet have our digitally enhanced documents in the office, but with this side-by-side comparison, now you know why we are excited for the good things to come! A law firm requested “clearer copies for court” when our microfilm copy was too poor of quality to make out the name. I took a chance that the documents were processed and asked for an advance copy. As a result, the black blob is now a legible name. This will help eliminate future human error in researching (and may help win a court case!) 
Home School History Class in Register of Deeds
It was my pleasure to teach a history class of homeschoolers Walker & Collins Ladish and Christopher & Mackenzie Pierce on the fun of researching old documents. Fifty minutes on looking at index books, old deed books, plats, and microfilm and 55 seconds to look up their home on the computer and show them their parent's deed.
Sharing FREE Property Fraud Alert Service by Register of Deeds
All land owners received a Property Alert flyer by mail in March, and our phones are busy!
- March 14, 2023 - Lansing Kiwanis Club
- March 17, 2023 - St. Patrick's Day Parade
- March 21, 2023 - Keller Williams Realtors
- March 25, 2023 - Leavenworth Lansing Leadership Class Fair at 1020 Limit St 10 AM to 3 PM
- March 25, 2023 - Jarbalo Bible Church
- April 5, 2023 - Basehor Lions Club
- April 10, 2023 - West Haven Baptist Church
- April 12, 2023 - Knights of Columbus
- April 21, 2023 - Lansing Elementary School
If you are part of a club or organization looking for a speaker, I am available to share this community service in person. Email to requests TMashburn@LeavenworthCounty.gov or call the office. I would be happy to share a program on Register of Deeds services with your group.
In these uncertain times, I encourage you to protect your property by also researching the benefits of the Transfer on Death Deed and talking with your attorney about any questions you may have about how that would affect conveying your property ownership. We have forms you may print off for free on our website .
For more information or to subscribe to Property Fraud Alert, call the Register of Deeds at 913.684.0424 or email tmashburn@leavenworthcounty.gov .
Increase in Tarp Fee
Effective May 1, 2023, the new tarp fee will go into effect at the Leavenworth County Transfer Station. We will be charging a $10 fee to anyone that does not have their load secured.
Here is an example of a load that is NOT secured and will be charged a Tarp Fee:
These loads are secured well and would NOT be charged a Tarp Fee:
Why Do We Charge a Tarp Fee?
At the Leavenworth County Transfer Station, we want all loads to be secured. You will be charged a $10 tarp fee if your load is not secured. We advise all customers to secure their loads with tarps and straps to prevent accidental littering and roadway hazards. A tarp is unnecessary if your load is in an enclosed compartment.
We want to keep our roads clean, safe, and free of debris.
Transfer Station Contact Information
24967 136th St, Lansing, KS 66043
Phone: 913.727.2858
Email
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday thru Friday
8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday and all County observed Holidays
Mission Statement
To provide evidence-based supervision which promotes public safety, offender accountability, and improves their ability to live productively and lawfully in our community.
Leavenworth County would like to communicate with as many residents as possible. Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter and a variety of other alerts and news from our County Departments.
Leavenworth County is also on Facebook , so residents can follow their local government and stay informed about the latest news and events.
