January 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
Commissioner Mike Stieben, Commissioner Mike Smith, and Commissioner Jeff Culbertson were sworn in on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, for a four-year term as Board of County Commissioners.
Congratulations, Commissioners!
Also pictured is Judge Lowdon that preformed the swearing in ceremony.
County Attorney Todd Thompson was honored to be invited to the State of Kansas Judiciary Address. Chief Justice Marla Luckert mentioned in her speech to the legislature our recent success in starting a Veterans Treatment Court for Leavenworth County, Kansas.
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
Dispatcher - $20.35/Hour, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible
To apply click here !
The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Management attended the Integrated Warning Team Meeting this month. The event brings together groups ranging from emergency management, fire, military, law enforcement, media, National Weather Service, and other vital groups to discuss ways of improving and providing information to citizens in the time of need. The event's purpose is to discuss the information needed to get the word out about being prepared and staying safe. Among the presenters were Bryan Busby, Joe Lauria, Lindsey Anderson, Alena Lee, Cassie Wilson, and many more. Great opportunity to meet and speak with them as they are a vital part of getting the word out to everyone in their time of need. Be safe, everyone!
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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.
The first spotlight of the month is to congratulate each employee celebrating a work anniversary milestone! We are proud to have dedicated employees on our team!
Deda Williams
Administrative Assistant, County Attorney
Good Morning, Leavenworth County. We hope today is a great day for you! It is Tuesday, and we are excited to bring you another Employee Spotlight. This morning, we would like to introduce you to Deda Williams, Administrative Assistant to the County Attorney. Deda has been at the County for more than three decades. February 10th will mark 35 years of service and will be the day she retires!Deda, tell us a little about yourself.
I have been married for 42 years to my wonderful husband. We have two children, seven grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and a great-grandson on the way. I am a self-confessed weirdo that loooooves her job
. I have never been bored a day in my life working here. Tell us a little about your time with Leavenworth County.
Over the years, I have held several positions. However, my current role as Administrative Assistant to County Attorney Todd Thompson and Legal Secretary for the Child in Need of Care division have been my most satisfying roles in the office. The Child in Need of Care docket can be heartbreaking. I have seen every ugly thing a human being can do to a child, but I go home at the end of every day knowing I helped make a difference in a child’s life.
What is one of your favorite memories made at Leavenworth County?
Ugh, that is a tough one. There really are too many to choose just one.
Deda, you are retiring soon! What are you looking forward to the most?
Sitting on my deck on a warm spring day doing nothing.
Okay, fun question time. What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
Hire an attorney! Then I’d share with my family, build a house, and travel all over the US.
Steven Norman, Building Maintenance Technician
Building and Grounds Crew
For this employee spotlight, we are excited to highlight Steve Norman. Steve brings a varied background and extensive experience to his current role as Building Maintenance Technician for Leavenworth County’s Building and Grounds crew. Steve has been employed with Leavenworth County for 20 years, transferring from the Road and Bridge Division in 2021. His industry, business, and service expertise helps him throughout his daily tasks. Steve is a valued employee, and we are thankful for his years of service to Leavenworth County!Let’s take a second to learn more about Steve and his role at the County.
Steve, tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Leavenworth County resident. Together with my wife Jennifer and daughter Bella, we live in the northern part of the County in the Easton area. We are active in our local community and enjoy being involved in school activities and 4-H. My daughter also plays competitive softball with many people from our community and surrounding communities.
Steve, the Building and Grounds Department is responsible for keeping our facilities running smoothly at the County. Tell us a little about the facilities that you take care of.
The primary facility I am responsible for is the Justice Center. With a building that size with many different offices operating many different functions, my day-to-day always looks a little different. I also float around to other county facilities as needed.
What is one of the most rewarding parts of your job?
Making sure everything is functional and runs smoothly. In addition, I enjoy solving an issue a department or fellow County employee might be experiencing.
Now a fun question: What would it be if you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life?
Steak and potatoes.
What do you like to do in your time off?
I like to be with the family. Softball takes a large amount of our free time. We enjoy traveling and seeing new places with our team. My daughter and I also enjoy demolition derby.
Jody Hammerschmidt, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Coordinator
Health Department
This employee spotlight focuses on Jody Hammerschmidt, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Coordinator in the Leavenworth County Health Department. Jody has been with the Health Department for more than ten years! Her knowledge and dedication to the WIC program are beyond measure. Her coworkers list her beautiful mind, dependability, respectfulness, organization, and team-oriented spirit as just a few of her outstanding qualities!Let's learn more about Jody and her role at the County.
Jody, tell us a little about yourself.
I work as the WIC Coordinator for the Women, Infants, Children program. I am a Registered Dietitian and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I have been working in this position in Leavenworth County for 10 years, and I spent another 14 years working this position in Finney County, KS. I love working with WIC families, and my passion is working with women and infants, providing breastfeeding support. I can't see myself doing anything else!
Jody, the Health Department is a vital community resource for Leavenworth County. As WIC Coordinator, what would you like to share about the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program?
WIC serves income-eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC provides participants with healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other available services. Many families don't realize that they may qualify for WIC. Even if you don't qualify for SNAP (EBT, Food Stamps) or Medicaid, you still may qualify for WIC. Income guidelines vary based on the number of people who live in the home. For example, a family of 4 can have a gross income of up to $51,338 and qualify for the program. Families that apply for WIC need to show proof of residency, income, and ID at their initial WIC appointment. If someone is interested in participating in the WIC program, they just need to call 913-250-2040 to set up an appointment. WIC staff are happy to help and answer any questions about the program.
What does a typical day look like for you as the coordinator of the WIC program?
A typical day for me consists of completing nutrition assessments, counseling clients, issuing benefits, making referrals to other community resources, and ensuring that the program is operating in a way that meets federal and state guidelines.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time with Leavenworth County?
The most prominent memories that I have working with Leavenworth County Health Department is the team building exercises that Jaime Miller, Health Department Director, will organize for staff. He does a wonderful job of bringing together all staff in a way to build relationships and team work that is memorable. He is very talented and creative. I don't think anyone can top what he does for his staff.
What are your favorite ways to spend your free time?
I love to go hiking, cook with my husband, listen to audiobooks and spend time with my family.
If you could only eat one type of food for an entire year, what would that be?
I could eat Mexican food every day and never get tired of it!!!
Leavenworth County EMS
Dust Control is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The 2023 program will be closed to requests after April 15, 2023, or after receiving registration of 6 total projects, whichever occurs first. The form may be found online here.
Dust Control requests must be a minimum of 300 consecutive feet and a maximum of 2,640 consecutive feet. A group of neighbors may split the cost if desired and are encouraged to submit their application as a group if payment is presented in full. 5-Year County Financing may be available through the County Clerk for connected Hard Surface Dust Control installations, as defined within the current Gravel Road Dust Abatement policy. For all applications requesting financing, individual property owners must apply separately.
Any non-connected Hard Surface Dust Control will not receive future maintenance provided by the County and will require future maintenance to be paid for by the property owner. If roadways are not maintained, the roadway will be returned to gravel upon disrepair.
1 - INSTALLATION OF ASPHALT DUST CONTROL - $24.88 PER FOOT
2 – MAINTENANCE NON-CONNECTED - $6.50 PER FOOT : Applies to existing chip & seal dust control sections that are ineligible for County funded maintenance (non-connected Hard Surface Dust Control locations)
· One (1) application of road oil and one (1) application of Cover Material.
There are no vehicle renewals with a January deadline.
- Taxpayers may renew their vehicles up to 60 days in advance of their renewal deadline.
- Commercial Vehicles: We will only be doing renewals for commercial vehicles, we will no longer be adding new vehicles.
- Personal Property that is now late can only be paid in full. No half payments.
- Trailers and farm trucks are due by the end of February and may be done in January.
- Driver's License renewals at the Annex have been postponed until further notice.
For more information about renewing your vehicle, visit this section of our website: Renewing Your License Plate.
Here is the case map for January's Planning Commission Cases. January's meeting will take place at 5:30 on Wednesday, January 11th. 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 - JANUARY 2023
Many people in Leavenworth County and surrounding counties report receiving letters like the snip below. Tekoa Da Silva offers ridiculously high prices for property, trying to get your signature. Don’t fall for it! Be very suspicious of unsolicited offers to purchase your property. If you have not yet subscribed to Property Fraud Alert, now would be a good time to do so. 
Sharing FREE Property Fraud Alert Service by Register of Deeds
- December 7, 2022 Linwood Library
- January 9, 2022 Lansing American Legion and Auxiliary
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 .
Why ALL the questions?
Have you ever come to the Leavenworth County Transfer Station and been peppered with questions from the scale attendant? Annoying, isn't it? You pull onto the scale and just want to get rid of whatever you hauled in. Why all the questions?
First, we ask, "If you have lumber, drywall, or carpet/flooring?" That question helps us determine if your load should be classified as Standard Waste or Construction & Demolition. The tonnage rate is the same for both types of material = $58.00 a ton. But, we need to collect the data from every load for various reasons. To keep our permit current, we must collect and report material data to the State of Kansas and quarterly and annual reports going to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). We also use the data when negotiating our hauling contract. The data helps us to determine how many trailers we may need. So acquiring the correct load information is used in many ways.
Next comes the constant question of, "any paint, oil, batteries, tires, antifreeze, or anything with freon?" This question is to determine if you are bringing anything in that needs special treatment.
- Our permit only allows us to take Household Hazardous Waste from Leavenworth County residents. Therefore, these questions help us to determine if someone out of the county is bringing in items we cannot accept.
- KDHE requires that all chemicals be handled in a safe, environmentally friendly way. We ask if you have paint or antifreeze so we can process it correctly.
- We do not take motor oil, so we verify that you are not disposing of that, and if you are, we let you know that Walmart, any auto parts store and Tractor Supply will take your used motor oil.
- It is essential to dispose of the various types of batteries using the proper method. Batteries can be a fire hazard and are dangerous if thrown in the trash or with recycling. Some types of batteries can explode under certain circumstances.
- Tires are an item we can pull out and collect to be reprocessed by a local tire vendor. We can keep a large number of tires out of landfills, which is crucial for our environment.
- We ask if you have any items that had or have freon, so they won't end up in the landfill leaking freon into our atmosphere. We have a company that removes all freon and certifies every unit to be empty, to cover this service we charge a $20 fee for all items that use freon.
There you have it – Why all the questions? So next time you're at the Transfer Station and the scale attendant asks you all these questions, you'll know the purpose of the interrogation.
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.
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