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Lansing Board Education members recently approved the installation of protective, bullet-resistant film for windows at school entrances.

The 21st annual Leavenworth Charm Hunt begins Thursday at noon, when local and visiting participants will gather to shop in downtown Leavenworth, collecting this year’s charms throughout the participating shops.The free event is open to participants 18 years or older, with one map per person. Each participant must be present in each store to receive a charm and have their map stamped. Participants first go to Leavenworth Performing Arts Center, 500 Delaware St., where they will receive a map of the charm hunt businesses. A different charm will be at each shop on the map. The map is stamped at each shop. After the map is completed and all charms are collected, participants can leave their completed map with their name and requested information at the last retailer they visit. These will be entered in a special drawing for prizes. Only completed maps are eligible for the drawing. “You get free charms and if you want to buy a bracelet, they’re $5,” said Meredith Roush of dorMail Gallery & Frame Shoppe. “Or if you spend $20 in a store, you get a bracelet free.”There are four new shops on this year’s hunt. Chasing Signs, Next to Nature Farm, Plain Janes & Co. and The Quilting Emporium have been added to the event. “The people who do this (charm hunt) are brick and mortar retail stores,” Roush said. Roush feels the hunt organizers have made sure they can accommodate the expected number of charm hunt participants over the three days of the event. Roush said the hunt is traditionally one of Leavenworth’s largest event attractions.“We usually have about 1,200 people participate,” Roush said.Some charms from previous years will be available for purchase while supplies last.Once participants pick up their map at the theater, they can come any time over the three days to collect their charms and complete the hunt. Times for the event are Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lansing High School cheerleaders recently participated in the National Cheerleaders Association four-day camp in Kansas City, Kansas. The varsity squad received several accolades, including:• Herkie Award (awarded to the squad that shows team spirit, unity and leadership)• Superior ribbon chant• Superior ribbon band chant• Superior ribbon game cheer• Technical excellence - motions• Stunt S.A.F.E Award• Nine All-American nominations• One All-American• National Federation of State High School Association squad credentialingThe Lansing junior varsity cheer squad received accolades, including:• Superior ribbon chant• Superior ribbon band chant• Superior ribbon game cheer• Top team cheer (non-varsity)• Stunt S.A.F.E Award• Five All-American nominations• National Federation of State High School Association squad credentialing

The Basehor Community Gardens, adjacent to the Basehor City Park, has been re-named in honor Chuck Wilderson, who was instrumental in its establishment. While Wilderson was on the Basehor City Council, he was heavily involved with the city’s purchase of that land which would later become the park and garden. Sadly, Wilderson died on April 7, 2023, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.Each year, gardeners could find Wilderson in the garden where he always had at least one plot where he would grow vegetables and flowers. He was especially proud of a four-pound sweet potato that he grew in 2018.Three generations of his family recently gathered with friends and other members of the community for the official renaming ceremony. The dedication event was put on by the Basehor Community Volunteers. Lew Lewis serves as the organization’s president and spoke at the event.“Chuck was the nicest guy in the world, but whenever he asked someone to do something, they did it. He was the most giving guy I have ever met,” Lewis said.Basehor City Council member Vickie McEnroe also spoke, characterizing Wilderson as the model of giving and the symbol of goodness, noting that his spirit will forever be part of the garden.“He was rightfully known as ‘Mr. Basehor.’ His heart and soul were filled with doing things for the betterment of others, especially projects like this community garden,” said McEnroe.Chuck’s son, David, found out about the ceremony about a month ago. He had heard that it was being considered, but only recently received confirmation. He spoke about Chuck’s love of many things, noting that the community gardens were a special place to his dad who saw the gardens as a place to renew friendships and make new ones. For Chuck, it was more about the community than the gardens.Growing up, David recalled how gardening was a family event and each summer brought an abundance of fresh produce, especially okra. Chuck enjoyed sharing produce with family and friends and appreciated how a small seed could become a plant and later something even more miraculous, something to provide food.“Gardening was our glorious summer ritual. My dad had a culture of volunteering and he thrived on that. We have a garden at home, and these community gardens are a great way to remember him here as well. He volunteered thousands of hours to this community,” said Wilderson.Once the dedication was complete, attendees were encouraged to explore the gardens and visit with community members who are growing flowers, fruits and vegetables in the plots.

The Kansas Department of Revenue announced that the new standard license plate design, “To the Stars,” is now available. The new design was overwhelmingly chosen by Kansans in a December 2023 public vote, winning 53% of the total vote. The “To the Stars” design will replace the current “Ad Astra” standard license plate designs.The design features the Kansas Statehouse dome within a cutout of the state set against a blue, white and yellow gradient background. Paying tribute to the state motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera,” the phrase “To the Stars” is inscribed along the bottom of the design.The new design will be used for all new plate issuances, including replacements for any remaining embossed plates. Kansans, who were issued a plate with the “Ad Astra” design as the replacement for their embossed plate will not be reissued another plate with the new design. However, any Kansan who has the “Ad Astra” design but wants the “To the Stars” design can visit their local county treasurer's office to transfer their registration to a plate with the new design.More information on the ongoing embossed plate replacement project can be found at www.ksrevenue.gov/dovnewplate

John Richmeier/Leavenworth Times The Leavenworth Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify a man in connection to a kidnapping and attempted sexual assault.… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close