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Basehor-Linwood High School food service manager Angela Vlasic’s love language is cooking. Luckily for the students, she has been cooking up award-winning meals at the school for 25 years. Adding another honor to her list of accomplishments, she was recently named Kansas City Metro Area Kitchen Manager of the Year.Vlasic lives in Basehor and all three of her children have attended schools in USD 458 as well as two nephews, including one that will graduate from BLHS this year. She said that cooking makes her heart happy, especially when she sees students eating and enjoying the meals she has planned or cooked. Over the years, Vlasic has cooked in many of the kitchens throughout the district. She gets joy as the students go through the food line and see something new being offered. That satisfaction is only increased if those students come back and tell her they loved their lunch or ask for an additional serving.Opaa! Food Management is the company that manages the school nutrition program within the Basehor-Linwood school district. Two years ago, Vlasic saw a recipe showdown cooking contest sponsored by Opaa! and entered a recipe into that contest. Her recipe of king ranch chicken casserole, made from chicken breasts and tortillas made into what she describes as a Mexican lasagna, helped Vlasic make it all the way to the regional finals.Nominated for her most current award by students, faculty and co-workers, Vlasic said she was completely unaware she was set to receive the award until it was presented to her, just before the end of the school year. She said she had no idea who nominated her, but each nominee had to receive a certain number of nominations in order to qualify for the award.“It was a total surprise. I found out I was the winner of the award by the faculty and directors surprising me at school that morning when I went into work. I was speechless, overwhelmed, emotional and happy that I was recognized for all of the hard work I’ve done and will continue to do. I feel appreciated and we are very proud Bobcats,” Vlasic said.The award included a framed certificate that was given at the awards ceremony by students, faculty, staff and her directors. She was also presented with flowers.

Jury selection began Monday morning in Leavenworth County District Court for the trial of a man charged with murder and racketeering.

The Leavenworth County Humane Society has several fundraising events coming in June.On June 13, the traveling event Jordan’s Way arrives for a three-hour fundraising event at the shelter. LCHS executive director Crystal Blackdeer said the shelter will need about 20 volunteers on that day to help with the event. The public is welcome to attend to take part in some of the game challenges during the event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Jordan’s Way is the brainchild of Kris Rotonda, who named his organization after his former companion, a dog named Jordan. Jordan had been a shelter dog for over three years before Rotonda adopted her. They spent 11 years together before Jordan passed away in 2018. “No animal should have to spend their life in a shelter, and I am passionate to highlight and support the many organizations across our country who work relentlessly to ensure these pets find loving homes, despite their age, breed or health issue,” Rotonda said.Rotonda gave up his career as a realtor to pursue his passion for animal welfare. He has taken his mission on the road, making 2024 his third national tour to help local shelters raise money. Blackdeer said she’s excited for the event.“It looks like a lot of fun and (Rotonda) raises tons of money,” Blackdeer said. “So, it’s a good way to get out there in a different way, maybe to a different audience. He’s trying to pay tribute to somebody that was a huge part of his life for a long time.”The Jordan’s Way event will be streamed live on Facebook on the Leavenworth County Humane Society’s Facebook page.Volunteers or participants can contact the LCHS shelter at 913-250-0506 or email LvnCoHS@live.com. Businesses can help with match donations.“We’re happy to have people come and volunteer. He asks for 20 staff or volunteers. They’ll help move dogs around, and do some of the challenges,” Blackdeer said. “He does lots of TikTok-type challenges. Some of the things he does in those three hours are pie in the face things, some taste tests where somebody gets blindfolded, they spin a wheel, and they eat or drink whatever comes up on the wheel. So, it’s just all kinds of silly stuff.”More information about Jordan’s Way can be found at www.jordanswaytour.com

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Discover paradise in selected backyards of historic Leavenworth on June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when five homeowners, a local restaurant and the Carroll Mansion Museum open their gardens for a self-guided tour, sponsored by the Leavenworth County Historical Society. Homeowners are graciously sharing the results of their passion for gardening in the first city of Kansas. Ticket holders will be welcomed to enjoy the beauty and serenity of their backyards as a fundraiser for the historical society whose mission has been the collection and preservation of local history for the past 70 years. In an area once referred to as the “Great American Desert,” outdoor living spaces of local residents who demonstrate a talent for coaxing plantings from the rich soil of Leavenworth County have been selected for the tour. Within their backyards, homeowners have created attractive landscapes in harmony with fences, porches, pools, walkways and outbuildings. These magnificent cared-for lawns might be among some of the many best-kept secrets of Leavenworth. And now the opportunity is being made available to leisurely stroll through their splendor on a Saturday in June. Featured gardens are located at 1200 S. Broadway St., 2501 Grand Ave., 1311 Independence Court, 1815 Pine Ridge Drive and 1924 Pine Ridge Drive. Stopping by the garden on the patio of the Suburban Restaurant, at 402 S. 20th St., will also offer the opportunity for a lunch break or afternoon refreshment. The tour headquarters is the Carroll Mansion Museum, 1128 Fifth Ave., where tickets ordered online may be called for or secured on tour day, prior to perusing the Victorian herb and heirloom gardens at the museum, maintained for the past 30 years by the Leavenworth Master Gardeners. Tickets are available for a $20 donation at Candle Queen Candles & Gifts, 5th and Shawnee streets, the Carroll Mansion Museum, 1128 Fifth Ave., or online at www.leavenworthhistory.org/Events.htmTickets are non-refundable and the tour goes on regardless of weather.