June 2021
June 15th is recognized internationally as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Today County Commissioner Chairman Mike Smith, at the request of the Leavenworth Council on Aging, proclaimed June 15th, 2021 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and urged all residents to recognize and celebrate older adults and tier ongoing contributions to the success and vitality of our community.
Council on Aging staff was on-hand for the reading of the proclamation. We thank the entire department of the Council on Aging for their hard work and dedication to our community!!
We want to thank him for his years of service to all citizens of Leavenworth County, Kansas. Captain Johnson represented the Sheriff's Office with pride and dignity, making our community a safer and a proud place to live. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and leadership to his peers and his dedication to the youth at Easton USD #449 Pleasant Ridge School.
Thank you for many years of service, T.J. Enjoy retirement. You have earned it!
Don’t wait to register to vote, it will be too late before you know it!
2021 ELECTION CALENDAR
June 1 Noon deadline for candidates to file and/or withdraw (KSA 25-21A03)
July 13 Last day to register to vote
July 14 Begin mailing advance voting ballots and advance voting begins in office
August 2 Noon deadline to vote advance voting ballot in person in the County Election Office
August 3 PRIMARY ELECTION – City of Leavenworth and USD 469
August 4 Voter registration books reopen
October 12 Last day to register to vote
October 13 Begin mailing advance voting ballots and advance voting begins in the office
October 26 Last day to request advance ballot
November 1 Noon deadline to vote advance voting ballot in person in the County Election Office
November 2 GENERAL ELECTION
November 3 Voter registration books reopen
Offices to be Elected in 2021:
• City Commission
• City Council
• School Boards
• Leavenworth Waterworks Board
Transfer Station News and Updates
The Transfer Station is located at 24967 136th Street, Lansing KS 66043 • PH: 913.727.2858
Hours of operation: Tuesday – Friday 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 1:45 PM
Leavenworth County Solid Waste operates several programs at our Transfer Station. Our facility is open to individuals and businesses in and out of the county.
Mulch is in hot demand, and we currently have it in supply!!
Mulch will reduce the amount of water that evaporates from your soil, greatly reducing your need to water your plants by breaking up clay and allowing better water and air movement through the soil. Mulch provides nutrients to sandy soil and improves its ability to hold water. Residents may pick up ground mulch for free if they are loading it themselves. You may choose to have us load your mulch for a fee of $10 for three large scoops with our machinery. Whichever method you choose, please drive onto the scale and let the operator know.
We also accept grass clippings and leaves from Leavenworth County residents for free. Leavenworth County businesses can also bring leaves and grass clippings for a fee. Bags of leaves/grass will need to be emptied at the pile, and bags kept.
Community Corrections has gone through a dramatic transformation in the past twelve months and there are a lot of new faces running around the Justice Center. The department has expanded in size from six to thirteen employees through reorganization of services in the county and grant funding opportunities. Check out what’s going on in Community Corrections and meet our village below.
REORGANIZATION
As of March 1st, providing Juvenile Intake and Assessment Services (JIAS) has become the responsibility of the Community Corrections department. Providing JIAS services opened up five new county positions and required the reclassification of four other employees to provide full coverage for the 24/7/365 operation. JIAS serves the entire 1st Judicial District and responds to all seven local Law Enforcement Agencies to assist with incidences that may involve Police Protective Custody (PPC), Child in Need of Care (CINC), and Juvenile Offenses (JO). JIAS is a statutorily mandated program which assists in the placement of youth, intake assessments, Kansas Detention Assessment Instruments (KDAI), and referral of youth as well as families to local prevention programs. The closure of the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) and growth of Community Corrections has presented an opportunity to convert the former JDC facility to a future site for the entire Community Corrections operation. Adult Services and Juvenile Services will be separated between the two floors which will provide both the space needed for our growing department and increased services.
NEW YOUTH PROGRAMS
During July of 2020, Community Corrections was awarded a Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board reinvestment grant from the Kansas Department of Corrections to provide juvenile programs for the 1st Judicial District. Through this funding opportunity, Community Corrections was able to hire a Juvenile Programs Administrator and a facilitator to operate a Youth Justice Resource Center (YJRC) and provide programs for justice involved youth locally and in Atchison County. The YJRC will be providing Evidence-Based cognitive intervention programs which are proven to reduce recidivism to justice involved youth at all levels of system involvement. The programs provided by YJRC staff are well studied Evidence-Based Programs and the curriculum for these programs have been approved by the Kansas Department of Corrections for utilization across the state. The YJRC will also collaborate with local organizations to provide on-site wrap around services and utilize a Multidisciplinary team approach. The purpose of the YJRC is not to re-invent the wheel, but to reinforce the services which local organizations are providing to address substance abuse, mental illness, education, and workforce readiness. YJRC staff will also be acting as liaisons between said agencies, to ensure attendance, assist with transportation, getting vital documents, transcripts, assisting with problem solving, skill building, family engagement concerns, and to fill programming gaps which address criminal thinking.
CELEBRATE WITH US!The week of July 18th, 2021, Community Corrections will be celebrating the 22nd annual Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (#PPPSweek). This celebration was started in 1999 by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) to recognize the hard work of supervision officers in attempting to improve justice outcomes for individuals under supervision and to increase public safety as a whole.
During #PPPSweek, on the dates of July 19-21, Community Corrections will be hosting a Meet and Greet for local Community Resources over the lunch hour from 12-2pm in the Justice Center basement training room. Each day local resource agencies will be presenting which services or programs they provide the community and will have an opportunity for specific questions at their booths. The goal of the Meet and Greet is to improve collaboration between the criminal justice system and local service agencies which is proven to increase outcomes and reduce recidivism. Snacks will be provided and everyone is invited to stop in! We hope to see you there.
MEET OUR VILLAGE
Rhonda Berry is our Business Manager and handles budgeting, purchasing, and general office operations. She will celebrate 15 years with Leavenworth County in September. She is a lifelong resident of Leavenworth County and is involved with various local non-profit organizations including 4-H and the Leavenworth Cruisers.
Shayla Herrera is our Intensive Supervision Officer II and moonlights as a Juvenile Intake Officer. Shayla is a graduate of Washburn University who has 10 years of service working with youth and 9 years of service with Leavenworth County. Her favorite holiday is Halloween!
Melissa Iannone is our dual Juvenile Intake Coordinator and Juvenile Intensive Supervision Officer I. Melissa is a graduate of Pittsburg State University who has 7 years of criminal justice experience varying from adult corrections with federal offenders, juvenile corrections, juvenile intake, and community supervision. Her favorite Disney/Pixar character is Mulan.
Corey Skaggs is our Adult Intensive Supervision Officer II who also moonlights as a Juvenile Intake Officer. Corey is a graduate of Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. In September, Corey will celebrate 8 years with the county.
Chris Tomlinson is one of our dual Adult Intensive Supervision and Juvenile Intake Officers. He graduated with Cum Laude honors from Washburn University in 2017. Chris has worked in corrections for two years and prior to that worked as a Resource Protection Officer. Chris enjoys working with clients and assisting them in making successful choices.
Catherine Darrah is one of our dual Adult Intensive Supervision and Juvenile Intake Officers. She is a graduate of Washburn University who will be starting her Master’s Program this fall. Catherine started her criminal justice career at the VA Police in Kansas City and then transitioned into corrections with Johnson County. Catherine has served as a corrections officer, a probation officer, and also as a Sex Offender Programs Specialist for the Kansas Department of Corrections. Ultimately, she returned to Community Corrections because of her passion to assist others in long term behavior change.
Kristie Morgan is one of our dual Adult Intensive Supervision and Juvenile Intake Officers. She is a graduate of Rockhurst College. Kristie has over 5 years of corrections experience and carried a specialized SB123 caseload at her previous agency. Kristie enjoys relaxing on the weekend!
Kaitlynn Hardison is our Juvenile Programs Administrator for the Youth Justice Resource Center. Kaitlynn receiver her ungraduated degree at the University of Central Missouri and her graduate degree at Park University. Kaitlynn has three years of corrections experience. Kaitlynn is a certified program facilitator who is passionate about serving the community where she grew up. 
Alexis Lange is our newest hire and our Juvenile Programs Specialist. She has four years of experience working with at-risk youth in schools and a psychosocial setting. Alexis received her undergraduate degree at Benedictine College and her graduate degree at University of Central Missouri. Alexis played collegiate Rugby and also coached for 7 years.
Cathy Crockett is one of our IOC Juvenile Intake Officers. Cathy is employed full-time as an Adult Intensive Supervision Officer with Atchison County Community Corrections. Cathy has twelve years of experience working with adult offenders and eleven years working in a juvenile correctional setting.
Karen “Sue” Burton is our other IOC Juvenile Intake Officer. Sue is employed full-time at The Guidance Center in Atchison County. Sue has been employed with the Leavenworth County in her IOC Juvenile Intake Officer role for fourteen years this month!
Allan Singletary is our full-time evening Juvenile Intake Officer. Allan is a graduate of Washburn University. Allan has 16 years of combined experience working in corrections and with youth. He is a former recipient of the vanguard award from USD 453. He will celebrate 7 years with the county in July!
Jamie VanHouten was hired as the director of Community Corrections last September. She received her undergraduate degree at Kansas University and graduated from the University of Missouri- Kansas City with a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Jamie started her career at Lansing Correctional Facility and found her passion for helping members of our community when she began working in Community Corrections as a Cognitive Programs Specialist. Most recently Jamie worked in Wyandotte County for five years where she supervised the Behavioral Health Court as well as worked in Drug Court and Adult Intensive Supervision Probation. Jamie is a SAMHSA GAINS Center nationally certified trainer for Trauma Informed Criminal Justice System Responses. Jamie also is a graduate of the Kansas University Public Management Center’s Emerging Leaders Academy.
MASKS?
Community Corrections is still requiring all clients to wear masks and social distance during office visits.
Health Department and Emergency Medical Services
Employee Spotlight time!! Michelle Westfall has been with Leavenworth County EMS since 2001. Michelle serves as the EMS Training Administrator and recently had an article published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Michelle, thank you for all you do for the residents of Leavenworth County! ❤️ 
How long have you worked at the County in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department?
I started with Leavenworth County EMS in January of 2001, so 20+ years.
Congratulation on your recent article published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Is there anything you would like to tell the public about your "Tad about SCAD" article?
The best advice that I could give anyone is to take physical complaints like chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness seriously. Especially if they occur without warning or are new. Many patients will deny that these symptoms are potentially serious. A 12-Lead is a non-invasive test that can be done within a matter of minutes. It may not show everything. But it's a start. We, as healthcare providers and the general public, need to move away from the mindset that you can be too young or too healthy for a serious heart problem.
What do you love about your job with Leavenworth County EMS?
As a paramedic, I love talking to patients. In my current role, I love helping our technicians learn. There's an "aha" moment, when a new concept clicks in someone's mind. That "aha" moment is gold for anyone who teaches, and I am lucky enough to have experienced that a lot in my current job.
As the Training Administrator, do you have a favorite training to conduct? Is there a type of training you would encourage citizens to take?
For our employees, I love teaching cardiology and pediatrics. Both subjects were weaknesses of mine when I was a new paramedic. I attended a lot of training to overcome those weaknesses, and now, I enjoy helping other healthcare providers do the same. As for the general public, I would encourage everyone, all age groups, to take classes that are available for the layperson. CPR. Stop the Bleed. First Aid. Any medical education helps you gain a better understanding of your own health, and how to potentially help someone else.
What makes your job meaningful?
Knowing that in helping our technicians learn more about their craft, they in turn help others better. I can't count the number of times that I've taught a class or brought in a guest speaker to present on a particular subject, and within days, a technician is telling me a story of how they were able to use the information. That's incredibly satisfying.
How do you enjoy spending your time away from work?
I lead a rather simple life. I'm lucky enough to be married to the greatest man I've ever met, and I enjoy spending time with him in our home. We travel occasionally, and we enjoy food. I cook and I bake, and we enjoy trying new restaurants.
What is something you want citizens to know about the job that you do?
I'm going to speak broadly here, because while I've been a Training Administrator for 6 years, I've been a first responder for far longer. First responders are driven to help. One of our worst feelings is helplessness. We train to show up to chaos and try to make it better. It's who we are. And for that privilege, we sacrifice a lot. Just ask our families. We're not perfect. We're people who want to help other people. And everyone needs help sometimes, including us.
The Council on Aging is hosting a presentation to kick-off a series of topics to help older adults become more aware of signs of abuse and ways of dealing with suspected abuse.
Please plan to join us! We are offering presentations on two dates and two locations. You will hear from local experts, play fun games, and enjoy refreshments!
Session I: Scams, Schemes and Senior Safety : Phone Scams
Date: June 15th, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Place: Council on Aging 1830 S. Broadway, Leavenworth, KS
RSVP: Dawn 684-0777. Seating is limited.
Session II: Scams, Schemes and Senior Safety: Property Fraud
Date: June 22th, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Place: Riford Center, 530 Bury St, Tonganoxie, KS
RSVP: Dawn 684-0777. Seating is limited
June is motor vehicle registration month for the names that begin with H and I and July is J, K, and L. Registrations may be renewed up to 60 days prior to their expiration date if desired.
The second half of real estate and personal property tax was due on May 10th. Publication of delinquent real estate tax will be in August and publication of delinquent personal property tax will be in October.
Planning and Zoning
TENTATIVE CASES FOR THE JULY LEAVENWORTH COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting of 6:00 P.M., July 14, 2021
County Courthouse - 300 Walnut Street - Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
Consideration of a Preliminary and Final Plat for Brockert Hill, a 2-lot Plat
Also known as 30578 207th Street, Easton KS
DEV-21-079 & 080 (Bretz Farms)
Consideration of a Preliminary and Final Plat for Brockert Hill, a 4-lot Plat
Also known as 00000 207th Street, Leavenworth KS
DEV-081 & 082 (Carbaugh Estates)
Consideration of a Preliminary and Final Plat for Carbaugh Estates, a 3-Lot Plat
Also known as 00000 254th Street, Tonganoxie KS
DEV-083 & 084 (Cheyenne Crossing)
Consideration of a Preliminary and Final Plat for Cheyenne Crossing, a 5-Lot Plat
Also known as 00000 Stillwell Road, Bonner Springs KS
DEV-21-085 (Emerald Estates)
Consideration of a Preliminary Plat for Emerald Estates, a 13-Lot Plat
Also known as 00000 Seymour Road
DEV-21-062 (Westland Construction)
Consideration of a Special Use Permit for a Contractor’s Yard, Westland Construction.
Located at 20510 163rd Street, Basehor KS
DEV-21-063 (Schuetz Construction)
Consideration of a Special Use Permit for a Contractor’s Yard, for Schuetz Construction.
Located at 14833 142nd Street, Bonner Springs KS
DEV-21-069 (Stranger Distillery)
Consideration of a Special Use Permit for a Micro-Brewery, for Stranger Distillery.
Located at 19819 McLouth Road, Tonganoxie KS 66086
DEV-21-071 (Dave’s Construction)
Consideration of a Special Use Permit for a Construction Yard, for Dave’s Construction.
Located at 18429 166th Street, Basehor KS 66007
DEV-21-086 (Ledford’s RV and Boat Storage)
Consideration of a Special Use Permit for a RV and Boat Storage Facility.
Also known as 00000 Springdale Rd, Easton KS 66020
DEV-21-046 (Rezone RR-5 to RR-2.5)
Consideration of an application for a rezoning from RR-5 to RR-2.5.
Also known as 24450 171 Street, Leavenworth KS 66048
DEV-21-067 (Rezone RR-5 to RR-2.5)
Consideration of an application from a rezoning from RR-5 to RR-2.5.
Also known as 24257 Millwood Road, Easton KS 66020
DEV-21-070 (Variance for Road Frontage)
Consideration of an application for a variance from the road frontage requirement.
Also known as 21187 Evans Road, Tonganoxie KS 66086
What is an “Exemption”?
If you want to convey your property to someone and need to record your document with the Register of Deeds office, there are certain forms you must complete, such as a Quit Claim Deed:
The actual mailing address of a property, “Property Address,” may be different than where the new owner wants the tax bill to be mailed, “Mail Tax Statement to:”. When they are the same address, enter the same address in both places.
If no money changed hands, there are a variety of reasons to convey property to someone. You will need to state that reason on the Deed. You have the following options:
If money changed hands, you need to also have a Sales Validation Questionnaire completed to file with it:
Blank forms as well as the exemption choices can be found on our webpage at: https://www.leavenworthcounty.gov/government/register_of_deeds_office/forms.php
Please bring your totally completed form(s) that have been properly notarized to our office window along with a self-addressed stamped envelope with which we may return the original documents to you. Have a great June!
County Attorney
Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson helped propose, testify, and see the passage of three pieces of legislation this session.
These bills include increasing the penalty for someone fleeing and eluding law enforcement in a stolen vehicle and increasing the penalty for someone fleeing and eluding into on-coming traffic. An increased penalty to those rioting within a correctional facility. Lastly, Mr. Thompson advocated that victims of sexual assault not be forced to undergo psychological examinations prior to trials.
Todd Thompson said, “When we see a problem with a law, we need to fight to fix them.”
Public Works
Employee Spotlight Time!! Meet Rico Williams, Leavenworth County Public Works Road and Bridge Division!
How long have you worked at the County in the Public Works Department, and what is your job title?
I started working for the County in 2003, nearly 18 years ago. My current job title is Parts Room Specialist II.
Rico, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I enjoy smoking meat, watching football, and doing yard work. I also enjoy fishing, watching movies, and learning new recipes.
What is something that you want citizens to know about the job that you do?
I do various jobs for the County. My job consists of helping road crews and getting parts for our vehicles from all areas of Kansas. I also help outfit new sheriff’s vehicles. More than anything, I am always willing to lend a helping hand.
What makes your job meaningful?
Knowing that I am going to get the job done right, no matter what the task is. I have been with the County a long time because I enjoy my job. I am always learning new things, and the relationships that I have established are those that equal lifelong friendships.
Thank You, Rico! We appreciate what you do to keep our county vehicles up and running!
