DesotoExplorer.com / Leann Sulzen

Leann Sulzen, a 2007 graduate of the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism at Kansas State University, joined the staff in May 2007 as the education reporter for the Shawnee Dispatch and the De Soto Explorer. While at K-State, she worked on the K-State Collegian for four years where she was editor in chief and many other positions. She also interned with the Salina Journal in Salina, Kan., in summer 2005. Leann is a Kansas City, Kan., native and graduated from Turner High School in 2003. She now lives in Lenexa.

Recent stories

USD 232 2008-2009 budget raises levy 2.5 mills: By Leann Sulzen; July 23, 2008; The De Soto Board of Education Monday approved 4-1 to publish the 2008-09 proposed budget that includes about $16 million more in expenditures than last year’s budget. Board member Bill Fletcher dissented; board members Randy Johnson and Jim Thomas were absent from the meeting. The board will have a budget hearing at its next meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 4.
Roller warriors cherish friendships: By Leann Sulzen; July 17, 2008; When Speed Razor started skating for the Kansas City Roller Warriors four years ago, the local roller derby league was in its infancy.
Wes Wedman Friday brought a piece of a culture half a world away to De Soto.: By Leann Sulzen; July 16, 2008; es Wedman Friday brought a piece of a culture half a world away to De Soto when he presented “Drawing Manga,” a program sponsored by the De Soto Library.
FBI trip has teen rethinking career: By Leann Sulzen; July 16, 2008; De Soto High School sophomore Hayley Brown’s goal is to become a lawyer, but she’s having second thoughts after participating in an FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program this summer in Virginia.
De Soto district looking to lock in diesel fuel price: By Leann Sulzen; July 16, 2008; he De Soto USD 232 Board of Education members are mulling over investing in a fuel commodities program that could potentially save the district money in a period of escalating oil prices.
Teachers, board agree on 4.9 percent raise: By Leann Sulzen; July 10, 2008; The De Soto USD 232 Board of education Monday ratified a contract with the De Soto Teacher’s Association, calling for an overall salary increase of 4.9 percent.
District to form committee to select architect finalists: By Leann Sulzen; July 10, 2008; Should voters approve the district’s $75 million bond resolution in November, the De Soto USD 232 Board of Education might select a different architectural firm to complete the projects.
Bugeaters know no stress: By Leann Sulzen; July 10, 2008; I ate a bug recently. And it was voluntary.
$75 million bond issue put to vote: By Leann Sulzen; July 9, 2008; The De Soto USD 232 Board of Education on Monday approved a bond resolution that the district discussed and planned for months — but at a cost of $2.5 million more than expected.
De Soto board’s new president seeks unity: By Leann Sulzen; July 9, 2008; Newly elected De Soto USD 232 Board of Education president Larry Meyer took the outcome of his first meeting leading the board as a good sign.

Full story list

Recent photos

Adrienne Chambers, 12, and mother Alicia Chambers help keep the old shingles in the wheelbarrow Katie Wynn, 18, is pushing to the dumpster. They were part of a youth group from Southside Community Church in Paragould, Ark., that helped repair the roof at De Soto Youth Ministries for a missions trip.

Wes Wedman helps 7-year-old Ciara Tabor of De Soto sketch the frame of a character Friday at the De Soto Library’s “Drawing Manga” program.

Jane Wohletz, Lawrence, makes change for former De Soto resident Deborah Gulley Wednesday at the Fresh Promises Farmers Market at Zimmerman's Kill Creek Farm in De Soto. It was the first day of the market's season, which is open from 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday through September at 9210 Kill Creek Road.