July 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
On June 30th, Leavenworth County bid farewell to a legend who served our community for 38 years. County Attorney, Todd Thompson, wrote a beautiful tribute for her, capturing all she did to serve the County...
Our beloved Nancy Theis, known affectionately as "Mama Theis" to those who work with her. She has devoted much of her life to serving Leavenworth County. Her children have even followed in her footsteps, with three out of four having worked with the county at some point. Mama Theis even managed to see to it that some of her children's friends work here, too, resulting in her earning her the affectionate nickname "Mama Theis."
Mama Theis was always a fierce competitor and held track records that lasted almost 50 years. She also coached and played on the county softball team during that time. Despite her sweet personality, she was always driven to win. Her spirit inspired all those who worked with her to do their best. Mama Theis was always there to lend a kind ear to anyone who needed to vent and an open heart to weep with those in need. Her spirit motivated everyone who worked with her to be their best. No one wanted to disappoint Mama Theis, who was a mother to her own family and a mother figure to all her colleagues.
Mama Theis began her career with the County Attorney's office 38 years ago and has seen her career grow over that time. She once managed the Child Support Enforcement Office and its large staff. Her team fought hard to ensure that every dime owed to the parent in need was given, even if the other parent refused to pay or was behind on payments. Mama Theis was always kind but firm, and the money she fought for helped many children in the county. It paid for food, rent, education, and clothing, a clear example of how she's been a 'mama' to us.
In 2013, the State of Kansas privatized Child Support Enforcement, which was unfortunate for Mama Theis' team but greatly benefited the County Attorney's Office. Mama Theis then focused on managing the entire office and became a victim/witness officer, supporting those who had been wronged. She brought all her leadership skills to bear and used her big heart to bless those who had been hurt. Mama Theis ensured that the office remained functioning at an optimal level with little turnover.
Mama Theis' most prominent role was as a mother to four and now grandmother to five grandchildren. She spent her life caring for her family, helping her in-laws, supporting her husband's farming business, and raising four wonderful daughters who continue her tradition of making Leavenworth County and our community a better place. Although her retirement is a devastating loss to the office, Mama Theis has spent her time making sure that the office will maintain the same standard it has always had under her leadership. She promised we could call her if ever in need, but she will now focus more on her grand mothering and her beloved dachshunds.
Mary started with Leavenworth County right out of high school and held positions in the Appraiser’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Buildings & Grounds, completing her career as Office Manager of the Sheriff's Office.
Mary was an integral part of the Sheriff’s Office and will be missed.
The Sheriff's Office and all of us at Leavenworth County wish her the best in retirement and thank her for giving 45 years of dedicated service to Leavenworth County.
Sheriff Office Job Openings
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 !
Emergency Management
AlertSense App
Weather Alert Notification. Sign up to receive public safety notifications and severe weather warnings that could directly impact you and your family. These alerts are free. However, standard text messaging rates and other charges may apply.
Another easy way to subscribe is by sending your zip code to 38276. This is one of many apps available to provide you and your family with life-saving information.
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!
Justin Kearney, Planning Intern
Planning and Zoning
National Intern Day is later this month, July 29th, so we thought this month's spotlight would be perfect for our Planning and Zoning Intern.
Meet Justin Kearney, Planning Intern for the Leavenworth County Planning and Zoning Department. Justin might look like a familiar face. He and a group of interns from the County Attorney's office were introduced earlier in the summer. Justin is doing a dual internship between the two offices this summer, packing in as much knowledge as possible!
Planning and Zoning is glad to have him on our team this summer.
Justin attends the University of Tulsa College of Law and is graduating next spring. Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Justin moved to Leavenworth in 2016 to attend the University of Saint Mary, where he wrestled for the Spires and graduated with Political Science and History degrees. In his free time, he enjoys coaching wrestling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with his mom, dad, and brother. Justin looks forward to graduating from law school and rejoining the Leavenworth community.
Leavenworth County looks forward to seeing where his continuing education and future career will take him.
Leavenworth County EMS
Leavenworth County Health Department
Did you know all new students (up to age 9) are required to have a one-time physical examination in order to enroll into Kansas Schools?
The Leavenworth County Health Department performs school physicals twice a month for a reasonable fee to meet this requirement. Appointments are limited each month, so we recommend scheduling earlier in the summer to beat the back-to-school rush.
Not sure if you child is up to date on immunizations? Call the Health Department to speak with a nurse to review immunization records, or bring records to the health department during business hours.
Call us today: 913-250-2000.
Planning and Zoning Department
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is a 10 member board that is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for 3-year terms. The Planning Commission has the following responsibilities:- To hear and make recommendations concerning amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations and the Comprehensive Plan;
- To make recommendations on development cases based on the Leavenworth County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations; and
- To serve as the Board of Zoning Appeals to hear requests for variances from the Leavenworth County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations.
2023 Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Schedule
Planning Commission Agenda Packets and Meeting Minutes can be found here.
Council on Aging.JPG)
Sr. In-Home Support Specialist, Joni Herzog, will retire from the Council on Aging on July 7th after nine very impactful years. Below is a statement Joni prepared about her time with the Council.
I have had a wonderful career with the Council on Aging for nine years, and I wish I had found it sooner. The employees here are so good to work with, and I appreciate the positive and respectful environment we have. I have been proud to work for Leavenworth County, which has been my own community for 62 years.
Serving the seniors of Leavenworth County has been both rewarding and fulfilling. I have served in a variety of capacities which has been so interesting and such a plus! I currently assist those seniors who have difficulty lifting , driving, reaching or standing with essential errands such as shopping, business errands, picking up prescriptions ad some in-home support such as changing bed sheets.
I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, working in my yard, taking my Chi-Yorkie for walks, traveling a little and enjoying our home together.
Vehicle renewals for customers with the last name starting with “J”,“K” or “L” will be due by July 31st.
- Taxpayers may renew their vehicles up to 60 days in advance of their renewal deadline.
- Delinquent Real Estate notices will be mailed out in July.
- Driver's License renewals at the Annex are now taking appointments again. Please call to set up an appointment at 913-364-5730.
GIS Interactive Map
The County's interactive GIS map is a powerful tool, and the software is free to all users. Take a moment to browse through the layers and discover locations of everything from schools, utility and water providers, to township districts, and more. 
Our GIS Department offers a variety of featured online webmaps and services. Check out their website for more information.
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE - JULY 2023
Fidlar Symposium
Title theft was the key note speaker’s topic this year. Damages in the billions due to property fraud were reported in 2022. When not discovered quick enough, unlawful gains go to the rightful owner because of kitchen remodels, additions, or other improvements paid by the victim believing they are the rightful owner of home obtained by title theft. Civil law suits follow to compensate the victim ‘owner’, but they are seldom made whole. The power of Property Fraud Alert is the immediate notification, thus stopping any updates or modifications to your home until the ownership can be restored.
Property Fraud Alert Partners
Our thanks to Commerce Bank at 4th Street and Limit Street for partnering with our office to help spread the word about Property Fraud Alert on their electronic sign. We’ve had several people come into our office to subscribe that mentioned they had seen it. Our office also thanks the Lansing Police Department for recommending a subscription to our notification service.
We are always seeking partners to share the good news of our free community service!
Teaming up with the County Surveyor's Department
The Register of Deeds office helped the Surveyor’s department obtain state-of-the-art equipment for their fieldwork by contributing funds from our ROD Tech budget. With their new RTK-GPS base, rover, and data collector, they can connect to American, Chinese, European, and Russian satellites and transmit signals up to 3 miles away, even in trees, to gather precise coordinates. The new equipment replaces 15-year-old equipment. It will shorten their field time and produce more accurate data. Sharing FREE Property Fraud Alert Service by Register of Deeds
Recent and Upcoming Events:
June 17th - Juneteenth Parade and Booth
June 22nd GOP Presentation
July 4th Basehor Parade
July 6th Tonganoxie Library (pictured above)
July 13th - First Command
July 15th Bazaar and Flea Market
July 18th - Kiwanis Club Leavenworth
July 24th to 29th - Leavenworth County Fair
July 30th - Trinity Lutheran Church
If you are part of a club or organization looking for a speaker, I am available to share this community service in person. Email 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 .
July Newsletter – Recycling for Leavenworth County Residents
The Leavenworth County Transfer Station has a recycling area for County Residents. We have several containers specific to the material that is being recycled. The containers are located to the East of the Inbound Scale House. County Residents can come recycle anytime during our open hours: Tuesday – Friday, 8:00am - 3:45pm and Saturday, 8:00am – 1:45pm. We have containers for paper and plastic, glass, corrugated cardboard, tin cans and aluminum cans (see list below for specifics). Unfortunately, our recycling cannot accommodate business customers, as our containers fill up too quickly and doesn’t leave room for our residential customers. We also recycle metal and for that you must wait in line, drive onto the inbound scale and speak to the attendant.
List of Recycling Accepted from Leavenworth County Residents
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.
The E-48 Bridge Replacement project on 255th Street, 1.25-miles north of K-192 Highway is scheduled to begin construction on July 5, 2023. Dondlinger & Sons Construction of Wichita, KS was the successful bidder for the improvement project with a low bid of $418,453.50. The roadway is a main access route for north-south traffic between Atchison County and northern Leavenworth County to the KDOT highway system.
Project improvements consist of replacing the existing 24’ length by 18’ roadway width Steel Beam Structure with a 50’ Concrete Deck/Steel Beam Bridge. The bridge improvements will allow for a widened 28’ driving surface width. Grading improvements included in the project consist of slight grading elevation modifications, 125’ of new gravel roadway surfacing, aggregate ditch lining and riprap slope protection for the new structure.
The project will require closure of 255th Street, north of K-192 Highway other than local traffic. Project improvements are required to be completed and the roadway reopened by October 4, 2023. The project is partially funded by a KDOT Local Bridge Improvement Grant that was awarded to Leavenworth County in the amount of $150,000.
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