Letters to the editor

Indoor smoking ban needed
June 5, 2008
Senate Bill 660, a statewide indoor smoking ban measure, was approved March 24 in the Kansas Senate Ways and Means Committee. Although it did not get debate or a vote in the legislative session just completed because of time constraints, a new version of the bill will be introduced on the first day of the 2009 session.
Healthcare challenges ahead
June 5, 2008
In recalling our hopes for the 2008 legislative session, health care reform kindled fond thoughts. Kansas was poised to move to the front of the health reform pack — or so we thought.
Teacher touched many
May 8, 2008
It was 1976, the year Jimmy Carter was elected president, the cost of a first-class stamp was 13 cents, and we paid 59 cents for a gallon of gas. The nation celebrated its bicentennial and De Soto Junior High School added Marie Herbst as the new home economics teacher. Marie Herbst later married and became our very favorite Mrs. Nave.
Spring Fling enlightening
May 1, 2008
I wish to express my gratitude to FCB Bank for expanding its customer appreciation event to include other businesses and organizations in the De Soto community. More than 30 booths lined both sides of more than a block of 83rd Street. They made it a special day of music, food, art, prizes, antique automobiles and visiting with neighbors.
Cancer survival starts on day one
May 1, 2008
Have you ever been told you have cancer? If so, according to the American Cancer Society that would make you a cancer survivor.
Student letters on driving
April 3, 2008
Nikki Leisten’s seventh grade students at Lexington Trails Middle School wrote letters to state representatives last week about their concerns regarding possible driving age regulations in Kansas. Here are two examples of what they wrote.
Maintain cars for savings
March 20, 2008
If gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon as many economists predict, an estimated 65 percent of American car owners say they will dramatically change their driving behavior, according to a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for our association. 
Take advantage of fitness classes
March 20, 2008
There is a wonderful opportunity in our area that very few people are taking advantage of. Sadly, I think it is one of the best-kept secrets of De Soto. I am speaking of the fitness classes that are offered weekdays and weeknights at the De Soto Community Center.
PAT benefits children
March 13, 2008
My daughter is about to have her third birthday and she and our family will soon “graduate” from Parents As Teachers. For those of you who don’t know about Parents As Teachers, let me tell you that it is one of the most amazing early childhood programs offered and it is available to all De Soto USD 232 parents of children ages 0-3.
Balanced energy policy needed
February 28, 2008
This year, the Legislature has begun a discussion of our long-term energy future and debated the impact various proposals will have on our environment, the health of Kansans and the future costs of electric power.
Keep bids low
February 7, 2008
This letter is in response to conversations I’ve had after writing a letter last month to The De Soto Explorer supporting the De Soto City Council’s decision to award a bid to a local contractor for work on the new river front park.
Support needed
February 7, 2008
Fact: Four-thousand Kansans die each year of tobacco related diseases.
Kettleful of thanks
February 7, 2008
On behalf of The Salvation Army and all those we serve, we would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all your readers who helped make this another successful Christmas Season.
Recycling best option
January 31, 2008
Trash! No one likes to think about where it goes. We drag it to the curb in the morning and when we get home, it is gone. Yet it has to go somewhere.
Council made right choice with park bid
January 10, 2008
Last month, the De Soto City Council did the right thing when it chose a local business to do the first work on the new city park in the West Bottoms on the Kansas River even though the bid was higher than one from out of town.

Older Newer