November 2022
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
At the November 2, 2022 Board of County Commission Meeting, Chairman Mike Smith issued a declaration supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans.
Leavenworth County Building and Grounds Department turned our beautiful courthouse green for #OperationGreenLight for Veterans. We join counties, parishes, and boroughs across our great nation in lighting our municipal building green in this initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans and their families.
By shining a green light, county governments and residents will let veterans know they are seen, appreciated, and heard.
The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office is seeking hardworking, dedicated, and career-minded professionals for the positions of:
Deputy Sheriff (Patrol Division) - $22.44/Hour, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible, Pay Consideration for Experience / Education
Deputy Sheriff Job Description
Detention Officer - $19.95/Hour, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible
Detention Officer Job Description
Dispatcher - $19.95/Hour, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible
To apply click here !
The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food, and gratitude. There are a number of Thanksgiving holiday safety tips we want to share with you that can help ensure a happy and safe celebration.
Keep everyone safe from the start by implementing these preparation tips:
- Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, handling raw poultry or meat, and eating.
- Keep your food preparation surfaces and utensils clean and sanitized to reduce the risk of salmonella poisoning.
- Use separate cutting boards: one for meat, poultry, and fish and one for cooked foods, vegetables, and fruits. Sanitize the cutting board after each use.
- Wash all vegetables and fruits before you prepare them.
Turkey safety tips:
Thaw a frozen turkey safely in the refrigerator allowing 3-4 days for thawing or approximately one day for every five pounds. Another way to safely thaw a frozen turkey is by submerging it in cold water. Then, replace the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. This method takes approximately 30 minutes for each pound the turkey weighs.
Refrigerate a thawed or fresh turkey for no longer than two days before cooking.
- Immediately cook a small turkey that is defrosted in the microwave.
- If you cook your stuffing inside the turkey, stuff it just before roasting.
- Always use a meat thermometer to see if the turkey is completely cooked. The temperature needs to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted in the thickest area of the thigh.
Refrigerate all leftovers within two hours after cooking. Leftovers should be eaten within three or four days. If you are going to freeze leftovers, do that right away, not after they have been refrigerated for several days.
If you are traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, you want to be sure your home stays safe. Make sure all windows and doors are locked, that you have timers on your lights and that you do not post on social media that you will be out of town. A security alarm system is also a good idea.
Patience is the key when traveling for the holidays. Before heading out to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving, you should do a few things to ensure you have a safe trip.
You should have your car inspected before the trip. Checking the tires, fluids, wipers, etc., can help prevent unexpected breakdowns or problems. If you do need to pull over, make sure you pull off to the side of the road as far over as you can.
For the most part, November weather can be unpredictable, and it is best to be prepared. Checking weather conditions before departure is essential, and it's also a good idea to check the predicted weather forecast for the ride home. Consider changing your plans if severe storms (rain or snow) are part of the forecast. Most phones have a weather app, or one can be downloaded.
Thanksgiving at Your House:
You should know potential hazards if you're holding Thanksgiving at your house. This includes fire-related incidents. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the Thanksgiving holiday has the most cooking-related fires over any other holiday. Some of these safety tips include:
- Have an easily accessible fire extinguisher in your kitchen and, more importantly, know how to use it.
- Be cautious of what you're wearing while cooking. Do not wear flowing, loose clothing that could potentially catch fire.
- Be knowledgeable and careful if using a turkey fryer. When using one, there is a danger of fires and burns.
- Remain in the kitchen to watch over the cooking food.
- Keep an eye out for potential fire hazards that may come near the flame, such as oven mitts, dish towels, or plastic wrappers or bags.
- Keep pot handles facing inward or to the rear of the stove to avoid accidentally knocking over a pot.
- Watch out for any dangling electrical cords. Keep them out of the way or unplug any small appliances you are not using.
- Keep the floor clear of any debris to help avoid any unnecessary falling or ankle-twisting accidents.
- Check with your guests if they have any food allergies and if so, let them know which dishes to avoid that may contain a particular allergen.
- Ensure the turkey is fully cooked and leftovers are stored within two hours to avoid food poisoning.
Remember our pets:
Many people enjoy sharing some of their Thanksgiving meals with their pets. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers that may exist to ensure your favorite furry friends enjoy a safe Thanksgiving.
- Never give your dog or cat raw or undercooked turkey, as they, like people, are susceptible to salmonella bacteria. Make sure their holiday turkey nibbles are well-cooked.
- Do not give your pets stuffing since herbs, such as sage, even in small amounts, can cause an upset stomach and gastrointestinal problems.
- Never give your pets turkey bones.
- Never give a pet raw bread dough. The dough expands once it is eaten, causing vomiting, pain, and bloating. Surgery may be required to correct the condition.
- Keep the kitchen trash can covered and out of the way of curious pets.
- If you are traveling with a pet, it should be secured in the back seat with a pet seat belt, or he should travel inside his carrier or crate. Leaving your pet unsecured can be distracting and dangerous for both you and your pet.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year.
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!
Leavenworth County Election Workers
Election Office, County Clerk's Office
Leavenworth County Health Department
This employee spotlight focuses on Charity McDaniel, Medical Biller/Records Clerk, in the Leavenworth County Health Department. Charity has been with Leavenworth County for more than ten years! Her knowledge and dedication to the Health Department and the staff are beyond measure. Constantly at work helping the County in any way that she can, Charity has an unbreakable spirit of both compassion and determination to excel at creating a better community for the families of Leavenworth County. She works with the Reach out and Read program to bring continuous joy and delight to the children who enter through the doors of the Health Department. She not only personally takes each child a book but also keeps a small bookshelf ready and stocked for the children to pick out their own adventure and encourages them to take any home that have caught their attention. Charity also aids new mothers wholeheartedly through the Healthy Start program, where she provides various resources for guidance and education on their new journey.
Let's take a second to get to know a little bit more about Charity and her role at the County.
The Health Department is such a vital community service in Leavenworth County. Are there any services that are underutilized that you would like our residents to be aware of?
We have a weekly OB/GYN program staffed by doctors from KU that provide annual women's exams, birth control, and other health screenings at a low and/or reduced price.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time with Leavenworth County?
We have a gaggle of geese that share our little corner of Leavenworth. One time one of those little stinkers got in the building, and our world turned upside down!!!
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
Sadly, I am incredibly boring!! I have a part-time job at the public library. I read biographies and non-fiction books, collect fabric for quilts I don't have time to make, watch TV and movies, and when there is nothing else to do, I hang with my kiddos.
Good Morning, Leavenworth County! It is Tuesday morning, which means it is time for us to spotlight one of our extraordinary employees!
We are excited to introduce you to Delores Dupree, our Outbound Scale Operator at the Transfer Station. She has been with us for a year and a half. Delores is a wonderful asset to the Transfer Station and our county residents/businesses!
Let's take a second to learn a little more about Delores and the Transfer Station!
Delores, the Transfer Station is an excellent resource for our Leavenworth County residents. What is one of your favorite services you would like to tell our residents about?
I love the fact that we collect sharps/needles. Being someone who uses them to administer medication, it's nice knowing they are being safely stored out of regular waste.
Leavenworth County offers each of our residents a "free dump day" per year. How does that work? Do people have to come on a specific day?
So any resident can let the Inbound Scale Attendant know they would like to use their free annual dump (up to 2 tons only), and we will mark them off for the year. This can be any day of their choosing.
What is your favorite thing about working for Leavenworth County?
Having events that show we're appreciated, that allow us to gather even outside the job. The Health Screenings are such a blessing.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like catching up with family and friends to see how they're doing but definitely spending time at home with my hubby Hasein and our 7yr old Cocker Spaniel/ Bulldog mix Biggin.
With Thanksgiving coming up, what is one thing you have to have at your Thanksgiving Day meal?
You're trying to get me in trouble, lol. As good as mom's cheese broccoli is (and I want some of that, mom), my husband's (which mom loves also) green beans are a must!
Justin Baas, EMT
Emergency Medical Services
Justin Baas has worked for Leavenworth County EMS for a little over two years. He has been an asset to our service from the very beginning, stepping up to help with any task, train new employees, or work with the students we train. His dedication and relaxed demeanor are what make him an outstanding member of our team.
Let's take a moment to learn a little more about Justin and his role on our EMS team.
Justin, tell the County a little bit more about yourself.
I have been an EMT for about five years now and have worked for Leavenworth County EMS for a little over two years. I got my start in the field of EMS, working part-time for Worlds of Fun and Miami County EMS while still working full-time as security, and when I heard that Leavenworth County was hiring full-time, I decided I was ready to make EMS my career.
What first inspired you to become an EMT?
While working in the security field, I realized that medical calls were always interesting to me, and I had a few calls that made me realize I wanted to learn more about the field. So I got sponsored by my employer to take an EMT course, and I loved every minute of it. While the medical field is challenging, the times you get to make a difference in a person's life make it worthwhile.
Is there something about your job that you want the public and their families to know?
I would say that being prepared for a medical emergency is always a good idea. Fill out the Medical ID on your phone if you have one, and put together a medical history/medication/emergency contact list that we can take with us to the hospital.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career?
Honestly, the biggest challenge was taking the leap into a new career field. That decision can be daunting.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I enjoy working as a lab instructor for the KCKCC EMS program on my days off and training fresh EMRs and EMTs for the field. I also enjoy watching movies and getting out in the great outdoors every once in a while.
Leavenworth County Health Department
Leavenworth county has always been on the cutting edge of technology, and its latest acquisition is no exception. The drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), is sure to be a valuable asset to the county.
Leavenworth County has utilized drones for road and bridge inspection. Additionally, we plan to use drones for other projects such as surveying and mapping, disaster assessments, search, and rescue. Our GIS Department will use the drone to gather data or update aerial photography for the specific area. This will provide more recent information than what is currently available, as aerial photography is updated every other year.
Soma San, our GIS supervisor, recently obtained her Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license, which permits her to fly the drone legally.
When the 158th Road project was completed, Leavenworth County was able to use the drone to take pictures and videos of the finished product. The video can be found on our YouTube Channel, and the images are posted below.
They also documented three completed bridge projects through video and photography. These projects were the E-18, K-45, and F-46 bridge replacement projects.
Vehicle renewals for customers with the last name starting with "T", "V", and "W" will be due by November 30th.
- Taxpayers may renew their vehicles up to 60 days in advance of their renewal deadline.
- Tax statements have been mailed out and should be received the 2nd week in November.
- First half taxes will be due by December 20th, may be paid any time before December 20th.
- We will be closed Friday the 11th for Veterans day.
- 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 November's Planning Commission Cases. The Planning Commission meets the second Wednesday of the month and heard these cases at their November 9th meeting.
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 - NOVEMBER 2022
We have much to be thankful for in our office!
The scanning team from US Imaging worked 24 hours a day at the Leavenworth County Courthouse from September 28th through October 16th. The initial results are fabulous!
Before – This is an actual document from our current microfilm in use and the best image we could obtain after multiple adjustments to darken the exposure.
After – A raw image of the same document shows the initial massive improvement, even before the three-step process to digitally enhance and remove the backscatter. It will take up to nine months for US Imaging to complete their enhancement processing.
Digital images back to sovereignty will be available soon. However, the ability to search for a document by the grantor, grantee, legal description, etc., requires each document to be read and details typed into the index. The time-consuming process of indexing will be ongoing for years. To see a four-minute interview about the scanning project, go to this video..
This month, our office started a new project of standardizing names in our back indexing. With 36 different entries for just one company, it will be an interesting clean-up job!
Recent and Upcoming Register of Deeds Talking Events
- October 17th - TerriLois had the pleasure of talking with the Linwood Lions Club.
- November 5th - Holiday Bazaar & Flea Market at Riverfront Community Center
- November 7th - Hollingsworth Estates HOA at Basehor Library
- November 11th - Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade
- November 14th - Presentation for eight 3rd grade classes
- November 18th - Leavenworth Mayors Holiday Parade
- November 16th - Leavenworth High School tour of Courthouse
Sharing FREE Property Fraud Alert Service by Register of Deeds
Heard in the Register of Deeds office:
“I just found out my mortgage was compromised,"
“I never knew there was a medical lien on my home,” and
“I didn’t know my mortgage was paid off, so I had a late tax payment fee!”
The benefit of our free Property Fraud Alert notification program is that you will know about all legal or illegal recording activity when you subscribe, thus allowing you to act immediately.
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 toTMashburn@LeavenworthCounty.govor call the office. I would be happy to share a program on Register of Deeds services with your group.
Happy Thanksgiving from Sean, Susan, Cindy & TerriLois
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 emailtmashburn@leavenworthcounty.gov.
Transfer Station
Leavenworth County Transfer Station Recycling Center
Our Recycling Center is open for residents of Leavenworth County. We take paper and plastics (#1, #2 & #5) in the large black bin, corrugated cardboard in the large green bin, glass in the large purple bin, and aluminum cans and tin cans in their separate small green bins.
REMINDER: We CAN NOT accept/recycle Styrofoam, dirty food containers, plastics that are not #1, 2, or 5, plastic bags, or aluminum foil. Our containers are marked with what can be put in each container.
When non-recyclable items get thrown in our bins, our staff has to remove them providing they see them or the entire bin becomes contaminated and must be disposed of as trash. Therefore cannot be recycled. So please be conscientious about the items placed in our containers. If you're uncertain whether an item is acceptable, you can call 913-727-2858, check out our website, or ask an attendant.
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.
Community Corrections is looking for an individual to fill the Adult Intensive Supervision Officer I/Juvenile Intake Officer role. You can read more about the position here.
They will also begin accepting applications for a Program Aide. More information about that position will be posted soon on our job openings page.
Contact Us
PHONE: 913.684.0775
The Leavenworth County Attorney Office is located on the third floor of the Leavenworth Justice Center, 601 S. 3rd St. in Leavenworth, KS.
The office works with local and state law enforcement agencies who submit reports involving approximately 3,000 suspects annually. The office also handles nearly 4,000 traffic cases each year, as well as approximately 300 Child in Need of Care actions.
The mission of the Leavenworth County Attorney's Office is to enhance public safety and welfare and create a sense of security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner.
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.