DesotoExplorer.com

As of the new year, law enforcement officers will be able to cite all drivers and passengers who are ages 14 through 17 for not wearing seat belts.

Melissa Wyckoff might be the new executive producer for Theatre in the Park, but she is no stranger to its stage.

As we welcome 2008, we look back on a year full of challenges, opportunities and accomplishments.

As we make our New Year’s resolutions for 2008, consider not only our own health, wellness and body conditioning, but those of our children, for which we are responsible.

In a recent radio interview concerning a metropolitan figure who is experiencing difficult times after a career of success, the speaker spoke of the need for the figure to “re-invent” himself. It is something, the speaker said, we all need to do two or three times in our careers.

Special to the Explorer

After the failure in September of two bond referendums totaling $70.5 million, the De Soto USD 232’s administration was left scrambling to find solutions to accommodate the district’s growth.

City of De Soto codes enforcement officer Pam Graff is ready for the start of the city’s rental inspection and from the stack on her desk so are some landlords.

Kansas University announced candidates who are eligible to receive degrees completed during the fall 2007 semester. Because KU conducts only one formal commencement ceremony each year, many students graduating in the fall and summer terms will return for the traditional walk down the hill May 18.

The De Soto Chamber of Commerce will have its annual membership dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19 at the De Soto VFW, 33725 W. 84th St., De Soto.

The city of De Soto is seeking a member to both the De Soto Board of Zoning Appeals and the De Soto Site Plan Review Committee.

Special to the explorer

The De Soto Fire Department got clothes for Christmas, but unlike many children who received the same gift, local firefighters are pleased.

Weather permitting, the I-435 to I-35 flyover ramps will close Thursday for short-term bridge inspection work. The westbound I-435 to southbound I-35 flyover ramp will close at 9:30 a.m. and reopen to all traffic at 11 a.m.

De Soto USD 232 Board of Education President Janine Gracy said when looking at student drug testing research, it is important to be informed.

Twelve-year-old Dylan Ritter, the son of Kevin and Sara Ritter of De Soto, competed last week in the Johnson County Library’s Guitar Hero III Tournament at the Central Resource Library. There were more than 100 participants, and Dylan made it to the third round, which was the top-25 participants.

A “Child Protection Training” class will take place at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13 in the fellowship hall at De Soto United Methodist Church, 8760 Kill Creek Road.

The De Soto Library will have a “Fun and Games” Wii session at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Feb. 1 for teenagers and high school students.

Watch De Soto junior Jamell Townsend play basketball and it becomes immediately clear in his 6-foot-1 frame are a number of qualities that make him a tremendous addition to the Wildcat basketball team.

The De Soto High School History Department is seeking historical items to use for hands-on learning in classrooms.

5 years ago

FROM THE DE SOTO NEWS

January 2003

The De Soto United Methodist Church is having a “Child Protection Training” class from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 13 in the fellowship hall at the church. Lunch will be provided.

A few days before Christmas, Joanne Cravens got a holiday surprise that she’s not likely to soon forget.