SHAWNEE
also in this issue
Shop at the new general store
Check out the local food scene
Say hello to Mayor Sandifer
Dear Readers,
Shawnee has something for everyone, and this issue of Shawnee Magazine proves just that. Turn the page for a profile of the mayor, a feature on therapy dogs, a look at a new general store, and details on two restaurants, one brand new and the other a grand dame of fine dining.
Let’s start with the restaurants.
Wandering Vine at the Castle has been under the ownership and management of Carla and Dan Dyer for about five years now. The couple has made some changes, transforming the location into an event destination and a fine-dining restaurant with a wine cellar that now features more than 200 selections. Turn to page 12 for more details.
The newest restaurant in Shawnee opened just this month. Tiki Taco has been expanding through the KC metro area, and their latest store is in downtown Shawnee. Bringing made-from-scratch Mexican dishes, Tiki Taco also encourages managers and staff to get involved in the communities they serve. The tale begins on page 16.
With a unique setting and philosophy, Franklin General Store is a new store with an older approach to shopping. Visitors will find a bit of everything on these shelves, as the store offers a touch of yesteryear with a modern twist. Step back in time on page 8.
A soft spot for animals led Scarlet Ross to a new calling in life. She not only owns therapy animals, she helps evaluate, test and train other pets and their owners to take a rewarding journey that offers help, comfort and encouragement to those in schools, medical settings, assisted living facilities or nursing homes—anywhere folks might appreciate a furry visitor. Learn more on page 22.
Shawnee’s current mayor, Mickey Sandifer, reflects on his service to the city and the community over the years. He was elected mayor in 2023 but traces his civic involvement to the 1990s, when he first became involved in Old Shawnee Days. Meet him on page 20.
The city of Shawnee is a great many things to its residents. It’s a vibrant downtown, a delicious food scene, a unique shopping destination, but most importantly, Shawnee is home.
Welcome home!
Jean editor, Shawnee Magazine
Editor Jean Teller
Designer/Art Director Alex Tatro
Copy Editor Leslie Clugston Andres
Account Executive Angie Taylor
Contributing Photographers Kevin Anderson
Brooke Buck
Eric Van Buskirk
Molly Kuplen
Sarah Reeves
Contributing Writers Corinn Ayers
Jill Dutton
Jackie Hostetler
Beth Kornegay
Kari Williams
Publisher Bill Uhler
Director Bob Cucciniello
SHAWNEE
Departments Feature
8 A NEW/OLD APPROACH TO SHOPPING
Franklin General Store brings clean, local products to downtown Shawnee.
12 MORE THAN A CASTLE
Couple finds their dream of Wandering Vine at the Castle has grown even better with time.
16 DOWNTOWN ADDITION
Popular Mexican restaurant Tiki Taco expands into Shawnee.
20 A ‘WE’ THING
Shawnee mayor reflects on service to city, community.
22 CALMING ANIMALS, HELPING PEOPLE
Therapy dogs are at the center of Shawnee woman’s volunteer efforts.
28 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fall and winter events around Shawnee. Events
Franklin General Store has something on its shelves for everyone. Photograph by Molly Kuplen
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A New/Old Approach
to Shopping
Franklin General Store brings clean, local products to downtown Shawnee.
article by Jill Dutton
photos by Molly Kuplen
Located in a quaint white house in downtown Shawnee, Franklin General Store offers visitors a step back in time.
On the shelves, pantry staples such as local honey, pecans, oils, flour and handmade soaps and aromatherapy products offer a nostalgic selection of daily essentials. Lining one wall, a cooler is loaded with local produce, farm-fresh milk and cheese, and meats. In the back corner sits a kombucha station where you can fill a growler to go or a cup to sip as you shop.
The store’s wood accents give it a farmhouse feel that’s warm and welcoming. Even the tables and cutting boards, made from reclaimed Kansas City trees, convey that this is more than just a grocery stop—it’s a place where the community and its producers converge.
For owner Brooke Franklin, the store’s premise is personal. “I’m from Shawnee. We’ve been here for over 20 years, and my background is working with farmers and local food producers,” she says.
After years of commuting to Lawrence for her USDA job, Franklin longed for something closer to home. When the building in Shawnee’s downtown became available, she seized the chance to transform it into her dream of a year-round local market where farmers and others could offer their products and shoppers could find clean, local food and handcrafted items—all in one place.
The idea for Franklin General Store came from Franklin’s dual perspective as both a consumer and advocate for farmers.
“Besides the farmers market, there weren’t a lot of outlets for (farmers) to sell their products,” she says. “And then being a consumer, I had to run all over town to different locations. … I just wanted a place where you could get it all at once.”
Franklin had seen similar models on the coasts and in Michigan, where “farm stops” offer indoor, year-round markets featuring local goods. She envisioned a version tailored for Shawnee—one that fits the city’s growing appetite for local food and also focuses on something even more important to her family: clean ingredients.
With a personal touch, owner Brooke Franklin offers her hometown a range of local, healthful food choices, among other great finds.
A Healthful Mission
Franklin doesn’t use “clean” as a buzzword. For her, it’s a mission.
“Clean ingredients means there’s no artificial flavors, colors, artificial preservatives, emulsifiers and gums,” she says. Many of these additives, Franklin says, are created in labs, not grown in fields, and research has linked them to diseases such as colon cancer.
Her family had long been label-readers, carefully scanning ingredient lists at conventional stores and frustrated by how many items were artificial or unsafe.
“There are so many things that you can’t buy because the last ingredients are listed as a bunch of those (artificial) items,” she says. Franklin General Store is her solution: A shop where families like hers can be confident in the quality of what they’re bringing home.
The store’s inventory reflects Franklin’s pursuit of products that meet her dual criteria of local and clean. Some finds took months of searching. Ice cream, for example, was surprisingly difficult to find. “Even though a lot of local makers say it’s clean, they still use a gum in there instead of an egg,” she says. Franklin says she was determined to track down vendors whose recipes aligned with her vision.
Today, her favorite discoveries stand out. One is the Hawaiian roll from The Perfect Crumb, made with only real pineapple juice, flour, salt, water and yeast. “It’s made with all clean ingredients, so it’s what you would have made bread with at home,” Franklin says.
On Thursdays, when the rolls arrive, Franklin General Store offers grab-and-go sandwiches made with the pillowy bread—a local lunchtime favorite.
Another favorite find is the freeze-dried fruit, with flavors like kiwi strawberry, lightweight and perfect for a snack on the go, she says. The store also stocks meats from Ferrara Family Farms in Adrian, Missouri— hot dogs and deli cuts free of nitrates and chemical preservatives. “They’re literally just made with celery salt and salt, and they’re the best hot dogs I’ve ever had,” Franklin says.
Local nuts are another specialty, including native pecans from river-bottom trees near Nevada, Missouri, and black walnuts from Hammons Products in southern Missouri. Compared to mass-farmed varieties, Franklin says, these native nuts have a distinctive, richer flavor. Add cold-pressed Kansas sunflower oil, walnut oil perfect for salads, and glass bottles of milk and cream from Hildebrand Farms— and the shopping experience feels like a regional road trip brought home to one store.
Pickled products from TNR Hills grace the shelves of Franklin General Store; browse for just about anything your taste buds crave!
Beyond Food
Franklin General Store champions local artisans. One is DAF Woodworking, the company owned by Franklin’s husband, Dave. He mills Kansas City trees into end tables, table runners, charcuterie boards, cutting boards and trivets, all crafted in Shawnee.
Another standout vendor is Forever Leather, a Missouri maker of leather books for babies and toddlers. Printed with nontoxic vegan ink, “they’re made to last generations to be passed down,” Franklin says. Products like these expand the store’s mission: not just nourishing food, but meaningful, sustainable goods crafted to endure.
The store also has surprise finds like a kombucha bar. Kegs of Artisan Kombucha offer seasonal flavors such as mango or watermelon hibiscus. Shoppers can purchase a nine-ounce cup to sip while browsing or invest in refillable glass growlers. “A lot of people use it because they don’t want to drink soda anymore,” Franklin says. “It kind of gives you the feel of drinking a soda, but it’s really good for you.”
Franklin didn’t start with a business background, she says. To prepare, she worked with the Small Business Development Center at Johnson County Community College, drafting a plan and analyzing national trends before launching. She also leaned heavily on her network of farmers and food producers, filling gaps by asking questions and researching relentlessly.
Transforming the building into a retail-ready space required renovations, from making bathrooms ADA-compliant to installing new electrical systems to support freezers and coolers. The city of Shawnee proved supportive, as did the chamber of commerce and even members of the city council. “They were excited because it’s something different for downtown,” she says.
The payoff has been the community’s response. Customers shop not only for weekly necessities like milk and bread but also for specialty items that can’t be found in big-box stores. And many take the time to thank Franklin personally.
“I feel like there’s not a lot of businesses where people are thanking you for being here,” she says. “It’s pretty cool to have a business where people are thanking me for starting it.”
Franklin General Store opened during Old Shawnee Days, drawing plenty of visitors from outside Shawnee. Since then, the customer base has grown to include Shawnee residents as well as visitors from around the Metro. Based on feedback from customers, Franklin says she continues to add products, refine her selection, and deepen partnerships with regional producers.
What started as frustration at limited options has become a community hub for clean eating, a celebration of local farmers, and a downtown anchor for Shawnee. Walking through its aisles feels like a reminder that food can be both nourishing and trustworthy, and that supporting local isn’t just about convenience—it’s about community.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL SUPPLIERS
Franklin General Store features makers and farmers from Shawnee and the surrounding region. Some of the vendors filling the shelves:
FOOD ITEMS
• Artisan Kombucha (Kansas City, Mo.) –seasonal probiotic kombucha on tap
• Boys Grow (Kansas City, Mo.) – ketchup and mustard made by youth farmers
• Clean Hands Organic (Shawnee, Kan.) – hand crafted soaps and lotions
• Ferrara Family Farm (Adrian, Mo.) – nitratefree deli meats, brats and hot dogs
• Hammons Products (Stockton, Mo.) – locally sourced black walnuts
• Hemme Brothers Creamery (Sweet Springs, Mo.) – cheese curds and other dairy products
• Hildebrand Farms (Junction City, Kan.) –butter, and milk and cream in refillable glass bottles
• Missouri Northern Pecan Growers (Nevada, Mo.) – wild river-bottom pecans with a rich flavor
• The Perfect Crumb (Overland Park, Kan.) –Hawaiian rolls made with real pineapple juice
• Show Me HH Farms (Hannibal, Mo.) – coldpressed sunflower oil for cooking
• Skyview Farm (Pleasanton, Kan.) and Green Dirt Farm (Kansas City, Mo.) – specialty cheeses, including feta and spreadable varieties
SPECIALTY VENDORS
• DAF Woodworking (Shawnee, Kan.) – owned by Brooke’s husband, Dave Franklin; offers cutting boards, charcuterie boards, table runners, trivets, coffee and end tables—all made from KC trees milled and crafted locally
• Forever Leather (Fordland, Mo.) – Leather baby books made with nontoxic vegan ink and conditioner
More Than a Castle
Couple finds their dream of Wandering Vine at the Castle has grown even better with time.
article by Jackie Hostetler
photos courtesy Wandering Vine at the Castle
Wandering Vine at the Castle is the latest business to call the historic Caenen Castle home. Photograph by Eric Van Buskirk
Five years after opening Wandering Vine in the historic Caenen Castle in Shawnee, Carla and Dan Dyer have discovered something unexpected about their dream venture: like the finest wines in their collection, Wandering Vine at the Castle has only gotten better with time.
What began as a vision for a simple wine bar has evolved into something richer, a destination restaurant that draws visitors from across the Kansas City metro area and beyond, all seeking the unique experience that only a castle can provide.
More Than Just a Building
The historic building, which the Dyers say may be the world’s smallest castle, continues to surprise its owners and guests alike. “We started with the vision of kind of a wine bar and wine tasting, which turned into a restaurant,” Dan says. “We’ve had people call just to ask if they can get a tour of the castle, and then they’re walking through the door.”
But the Dyers have discovered that owning a castle means more than they initially realized.
“What we didn’t appreciate at the time is that this castle has been an important part of the community history for Shawnee,” Dan says. “A lot of people come in and tell us, ‘I’ve lived in this area all my life, and the castle’s really been a part of it.’ It’s a source of community pride, and it’s important to us to maintain that.”
The castle’s solid construction, built with two-foot-thick stone walls, has proven both a blessing and a challenge. “The castle is so well built, it’s not like owning a 150-year-old farmhouse where things are constantly falling down,” Dan says. “But being a completely stone building does create challenges, like trying to get Wi-Fi throughout or adding electrical circuits. There’s no insulation because it’s just stone walls, so our utility costs are significant.”
A Culinary Journey
The menu at Wandering Vine has evolved over the past five years. While the restaurant originally focused on cuisine of the American West, the Dyers have refined their concept into what they now call “creative classics.”
“We’ve become more focused on the importance of the castle history and the history of the community that the castle represents,” Dan says. “We offer menu items that people would be familiar with throughout the 120 years the castle’s been around, but with modern, creative twists.”
The kitchen, led by Chef Bryan Sparks, lets natural flavors shine through fresh ingredients and minimal processing. Sparks, who began his culinary career in the Coast Guard and previously served as executive chef at Jax Fish House on The Plaza, brings a commitment to thoughtful and sustainable sourcing from local markets and beyond.
“Our chef spends a lot of time sourcing with local farmers and meat suppliers, but he also works with a foraging cooperative out in the Pacific Northwest that forages wild huckleberries and mushrooms,” Dan says. “You never know what they’re going to have, local farmers and foragers, so there is some challenge in creating dishes with ultrafresh and ultra-high-quality ingredients.”
12401 Johnson Drive Shawnee 66216
Email: info@wanderingvine.com www.wanderingvine.com 913-379-1300
Dinner: Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m.
Royal Tea: Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch: Sunday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Grace Hill Winery
6310 S. Grace Hill Road Whitewater 67154
Email: info@gracehillwinery.com www.gracehillwinery.com 316-799-2511
Wandering Vine at the Castle
THE CASTLE’S SIGNATURE COLLECTION
Wandering Vine creates four exclusive wines in partnership with Grace Hill Winery in Whitewater, Kansas, with Dan Dyer serving as winemaker and curator.
• Chateau Shetcheau honors Kansas City’s “petit chateau” with a Bordeaux-style blend featuring merlot’s silken texture, cabernet sauvignon’s structure and chambourcin’s bright acidity, aged two years in new French oak.
• FrenchKS (“French Kiss”) draws inspiration from Provence’s barrel-aged rosés, blending roussanne and vignoles for tropical fruit and floral notes with exceptional smoothness from French oak aging.
• K Sera Syrah channels Southern Rhône valley tradition, combining Sonoma-sourced syrah’s deep tannins and dark fruit with Grace Hill chambourcin’s brightness and red fruit aromas.
• KWest (“Quest”) expresses Spanish Rioja tradition, combining Grace Hill noiret with Oregon tempranillo and aged 18 months in American oak, honoring the Spanish explorers who introduced winemaking to the Americas.
These wines complement a 200-bottle list featuring selections from 20 countries, earning exceptional recognition, such as Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, World of Fine Wine’s Star Award, and the prestigious DiRōNA Award, making Wandering Vine the first Kansas restaurant (and one of only 400 restaurants across North America) to receive all these awards. Additional honors include multiple Best of Johnson County wins for Best Wine List, Best Chef and Best Bartender, plus International Wine and Food Society’s Certificate of Excellence.
The restaurant also embraces sustainability, working as a pilot restaurant with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program to improve sustainability practices through their seafood selections.
A European Approach to Hospitality
Perhaps most notably, the Dyers have cultivated a distinctly European approach to dining that sets them apart in the American restaurant landscape.
“Our hospitality is more European. We’re not in a hurry,” Dan says. “Sometimes people would like to eat their dinner in a hurry, but we go with the pace of the guest. Too many U.S. restaurants are trying to get you out as fast as they can. That’s not the experience we’re trying to deliver. We’re trying for a more relaxed European experience.”
This philosophy stems directly from the couple’s extensive travels. They’ve visited more than 50 countries, and those experiences shape both their wine program and menu. Recent adventures have taken them to Iceland and Greenland, and they’ve explored Georgia and Armenia in the Caucasus region, where winemaking began 8,000 years ago.
“We went to an archaeological site where they’ve dug up wine vessels from 6000 BCE,” Dan says. “The people, the food, the wine—they were just phenomenal in that part of the world.”
Beyond the Restaurant
More than a restaurant, Wandering Vine has become a premier event destination. Groups of 30 or less can reserve the castle’s wine cellar for private parties, and the Dyers regularly close the restaurant for larger corporate events, weddings and celebrations.
“We have several companies that come back every year for their holiday and retirement gatherings,” Carla says. “We’ve even held a murder mystery with wine as the theme, werewolf parties, and casino nights. One of the most memorable was a surprise wedding. Only the bride and groom knew it was going to be a wedding. Everyone else thought it was a surprise birthday party.” Saturday afternoons bring a touch of regal charm with Royal Tea, a European-style afternoon tea service that transforms the castle into an elegant setting befitting its royal moniker.
Community Impact and Recognition
Despite their success, the Dyers are still working to expand Wandering Vine’s visibility. “We’re five years in, and still about 90% of the people who come in say, ‘I never knew you guys were here,’” Dan says.
This challenge hasn’t dimmed their commitment to the Shawnee community. The restaurant invests in local charitable causes, providing annual donations to Coats for Kids (where the Dyers match donations), hosting a major fundraising dinner for Della Lamb Community Services that raised more than $20,000, and serving as the primary supporter of the mayor’s Christmas tree fund.
The Dyers have also supported the arts in Kansas City through outreach programs with the KC Symphony and by hosting immersive food and wine dinners with the Lyric Opera. Carla served as co-chair of the Shawnee mayor’s community engagement task force, a year-long endeavor of surveying members of the community to identify challenges and obstacles to community engagement for Shawnee development efforts.
“We really want to have an impact when we’re serving the community,” Carla says. “What we’re really trying to do is raise awareness for organizations and help those organizations raise money.”
Looking Forward
As Wandering Vine at the Castle enters its sixth year, the Dyers remain focused on their core mission: providing a unique destination where people can celebrate life’s special moments. “We want to continue to be that place people choose for their special celebrations,” Dan says.
The couple continues to expand their programming with special wine dinners throughout the year, themed events, and their popular Thursday night date special. Their wine program now features 200 selections from 20 countries, plus four signature wines created in partnership with Grace Hill Winery (see sidebar at left).
Like the finest wines that improve with age, Wandering Vine at the Castle has hit its stride, proving that unexpected dreams, like buying a castle and creating a European-style dining experience in Kansas, can become the most rewarding realities.
“This is a place where people come and celebrate,” Carla says. “They come back year after year, celebrating their wedding anniversaries, birthdays, their kids’ graduations.”
In a world that often moves too fast, Wandering Vine at the Castle offers something increasingly rare: the luxury of time paired with the pleasure of exceptional food and wine to create the magic that can only happen within castle walls.
Downtown Addition
Popular Mexican restaurant Tiki Taco expands into Shawnee.
article by Corinn Ayers
photos by Kevin Anderson
People enjoy the food at Tiki Taco in Overland Park. A Shawnee location on the corner of Johnson Drive and Barton Avenue will open this month. The store layout will be different but the vibe and menu remain the same.
In a few short years, Tiki Taco has become one of Kansas City’s most recognizable local food brands, and now the restaurant is preparing to bring its scratch-made Mexican flavors to Downtown Shawnee. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, bold flavors, and commitment to community, Tiki Taco has been expanding at a rapid pace, with its Shawnee location set to open in mid-October.
The company’s growth has been swift. What started as a small Kansas City concept with a colorful menu and casual style has turned into a brand that now reaches across the metro and beyond. Tiki Taco has locations in the city on West 39th Street and Troost Avenue, and this year it made its first move into the suburbs by opening stores in Overland Park and Olathe. The suburban moves turned out to be important ones, showing that the demand for fresh, authentic Mexican food was strong even outside Kansas City’s urban core. Since then, the company has announced additional expansions into KU’s Allen Fieldhouse and football stadium, KU Med, and Hy-Vee Arena.
For CEO Eric Knott, Shawnee is the next natural step.
“Shawnee, we’re super excited,” Knott says. “We like to pick these smaller suburban areas around the city. Olathe did really well for us, and we’re big into the communities around our locations. When we got to Shawnee, it feels communitydriven with other family-owned businesses.”
Knott says that as he spends time in downtown Shawnee, he’s noticed the strong draw of other local spots like Hank’s, Wild Child and the Aztec Theater. “They have a lot of amazing things, but I definitely think there was a void for authentic Mexican food,” he says.
That void is exactly what Tiki Taco is hoping to fill. The Shawnee location will bring the same scratch-made menu popular at the other restaurants, with tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, and loaded fries made from proteins and salsas prepared in house. Carnitas are slow-cooked for five hours, al pastor is marinated with layers of flavor, and fresh chips and salsas are made daily. The menu’s vegetarian and vegan options have helped Tiki Taco appeal to a wider range of customers. The goal is to serve authentic-tasting food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Hospitality and Community
Knott believes quality is only part of what makes the restaurant successful. Hospitality and atmosphere are just as important.
“There’s a strong focus on hospitality here,” he says. “Our team is laid-back, and we want everyone who walks in to feel comfortable being themselves.”
At each location, general managers are encouraged to connect with customers and become familiar faces in the community. In Olathe, for example, Knott says that regular customers quickly came to know the general manager, Vanessa, by name.
MT Francisco is the general manager of Tiki Taco in Overland Park. The GM for the soon-to-open Shawnee location will be announced. You’ll find the same great tasting food on the road with the Tiki Taco food truck.
“Our general managers are a big part of what makes each location special,” he says.
The new Shawnee restaurant is being designed as a place for people to come together, especially outside. The space will feature a large patio with 14 tables, which Knott expects to be a major draw once the weather cools down. “That patio is going to be a big piece of it,” he says. “We really want people to have a spot where they can sit, relax and just enjoy themselves. Families, groups of friends, even people bringing their dogs—it’s meant to be welcoming for everyone.”
Community involvement has also become a cornerstone of the Tiki Taco brand. From the start, the company has prioritized engaging with local organizations, youth sports and nonprofit events. Before the Olathe restaurant even opened its doors, the team hosted a fundraiser for the Olathe Lowrider Bike Club. Since then, they have signed up for Give Back Nights and supported sports teams, silent auctions and other community events. Knott says that kind of engagement is not just good business but essential to the restaurant’s identity.
“Doing good in the community is good business, sure, but more importantly, it helps people connect with us and fall in love with what we’re doing,” he says. “Our mindset is people first.”
That people-first approach is what Knott hopes Shawnee residents will feel as soon as they walk in. He understands that downtown already has a strong identity, and he wants Tiki Taco to add to it, not change it.
“There’s already so much to do, and we just want to be another piece of that,” he says.
Grand Opening Set
The Shawnee location is scheduled for a soft opening the first week of October, with an official grand opening October 14. Knott says the team is working hard to make sure everything is ready on time. While opening a new location always comes with its challenges, he says the excitement around Shawnee has made the process easier.
“Every community is different, but Shawnee has such a strong local feel. That’s what drew us here, and that’s what we’re excited to be a part of.”
As Tiki Taco continues to grow, Knott is mindful of striking a balance between expansion and staying true to the brand’s roots.
“We’re working hard to find that happy medium between scaling up and staying true to what makes us local,” he says. “Joining new communities like Shawnee reminds us why we’re doing this.”
11200 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS 66203
www.tikitaco.com/location/shawnee
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday
Tiki Taco – Shawnee
For Shawnee, the arrival of Tiki Taco is not just about adding another place to eat. It brings a new flavor to the mix of local businesses downtown and gives families, friends and neighbors another spot to meet up and spend time together.
Knott is confident the formula that has worked so far will resonate here as well.
“Our locations in Olathe and Overland Park have been so amazing, and Shawnee just feels like the right next step,” he says.
“We love being a part of communities that support each other, and Shawnee has that.”
When Tiki Taco opens in October, it will be a place for neighbors and families to gather in a new part of Shawnee’s downtown community. Judging by how quickly previous locations have been embraced, it won’t take long for Tiki Taco to feel like it’s always been a part of Shawnee.
The sign on the Tiki Taco food truck says it all.
article by Kari Williams
A ‘We’ Thing
Shawnee mayor reflects on service to city, community.
Mickey Sandifer has lived in Shawnee for more than 60 years, and nearly half of those years have been in service to others.
“One of the things I’ve always loved is being able to help people,” Sandifer says. He was elected mayor in 2023. “I love doing it in the background to where I wasn’t out front and (looking) like I’m trying to get accolades for it. And so I started volunteering with the city in different organizations.”
His civic service began in the 1990s when a friend asked him to volunteer for Old Shawnee Days, a four-day festival that began in 1968 to ring in the summer season.
“The people who volunteer in this city … the mentors and everyone you find in the organizations, they’re just simply amazing,” Sandifer says.
From there, he was appointed to the Shawnee Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, where he started learning the nuts and bolts of civic involvement.
Next was a city Planning Commission appointment, which gave him even more insight into the economic development side of government. Then he ran for office and was elected Ward 4 councilman, a position he held for 16 years.
STATE OF THE CITY
Learn more about Mickey Sandifer and the City of Shawnee’s progress in the 2025 State of the City address at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NXKvylzK9uA
“City government is the closest part of any government to somebody’s front door … (with the) most effect for the residents. And you live in their neighborhoods where they can complain to you,” Sandifer says with a laugh. “It was really exciting to get on there and know that you were doing good for people.”
The Shawnee Chamber of Commerce recognized his efforts when they named him the 2019 Citizen of the Year.
Sandifer, who stepped away from public life after his wife’s death in July 2018, says receiving the accolade was completely unexpected.
“That is a humbling experience because there are a lot more people who deserved that more than I do,” Sandifer says. “And where that came from, I don’t know. That was a total shock to me, and it was quite an honor.”
Becoming mayor
In 2023, Sandifer, who remarried in 2022, says “well over a hundred” people contacted him to gauge his interest in running for mayor. Initially, he said no.
But he and his wife, Kathy, prayed for an answer, Sandifer says, “to see if this is something I was supposed to be doing.” One night, she came to him and said she was on board if he wanted to run.
There was concern at the time, Sandifer says, about the economy and economic development within the city.
“We had a lot of different issues that were between city managers,” he says. “We had a lot of issues going on in the city, and, since I had 16 years’ experience, they thought I might be the one to help turn this around a bit. Not that it was terrible, (but) we were trying to get it to grow again.”
Sandifer defeated Mike Kemmling for the post after Mayor Michelle Distler opted not to run for re-election. Since then, Sandifer says, they’ve done “some really good things” in the city, and it’s moving in a positive direction—notably in the downtown area.
“Downtown wasn’t as vibrant as it is now,” Sandifer says, noting that he used to go to shows at the Aztec Shawnee Theater, “but (the area) was busy … You watch through time and look at the differences; I was able to be involved with the city council. This is not an ‘I’ deal, this is a ‘we’ deal. This isn’t anything I can do by myself … We were able to put together a program to get our city back alive and look at it now.”
The Shawnee Chamber of Commerce partnered with city hall to champion downtown streetscape improvements, while the city’s Economic Development Commission helped drive growth and support new investments, according to the chamber’s 2024 annual report. According to the report, Shawnee’s industry has been buzzing, too, with Standard Motor Products’ expansion and several new projects on the horizon, from logistics to senior living. A pharmaceutical company, TriRx, even
photos by Brooke Buck
announced Shawnee as the likely site of its new North American headquarters.
Now, Sandifer says, Shawnee needs to continue its progress.
“We have to bring in a little more population into the downtown area in order to keep the businesses alive and in order to keep Shawnee growing,” he says. “We need to do a little more residential development in the downtown area.”
In addition to investing in Shawnee’s downtown, Sandifer says he wants to reinforce the expansion of neighborhoods on the city’s west side.
“I’ve been very, very community-involved for 30 years … The involvement has given me the insight and (helped) me figure out how to deal with what people want, what’s the best for the community and what’s the best for the city,” he says. “It’s what’s best for the community whether I agree with it or not.”
SANDIFER’S SERVICE TO SHAWNEE
• Ward 4 Council Member 2004–2020
• Shawnee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Shawnee Planning Commission
• Old Shawnee Days board member and volunteer.
• Visit Shawnee past chair
• Shawnee Convention and Shawnee
Visitors Board past chair
• Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership Program graduate
• Rebuilding Together Shawnee volunteer
Calming Animals, Helping People
Therapy dogs are at the center of Shawnee woman’s volunteer efforts.
Scarlet Ross has always had a soft spot for animals. Growing up, she was surrounded by animals, and her grandparents raised American Kennel Club chow chows. A chance encounter more than 30 years ago has turned into a long-term volunteer project for her.
Standing in line to see Santa with her then 10-year-old son, Bryan, and their pets, Scarlet was approached by a woman who couldn’t believe that the cat Scarlet was holding was calm while the dogs around her were anxious due to all of the stimulation surrounding them. That woman told Scarlet that she should consider becoming a member of Human Animal Bond, a nonprofit that was just forming at Fort Leavenworth. Staffed by local volunteers (and their therapy pets), Human Animal Bond provides animal-assisted activities and visits to local schools, hospitals, correctional and other facilities.
After joining, Scarlet, Bryan and pets began visiting senior facilities as well as libraries where young students could practice their reading skills by reading aloud to a dog—a relaxing, nonjudgmental furry audience. The pair also visited schools to talk about dog bite prevention and distribute coloring books about how to stay safe around dogs.
The mother and son duo also introduced students to a tailless three-legged gecko Bryan had rescued from a pet shop where it was set to be destroyed. That gecko taught students a valuable lesson.
“We talked about the gecko having a desire to live and be a part of life. Even though the gecko was a little different than
Named after the late comedian, Phyllis Diller enjoys spending time with people like Dorothy.
article by Jackie Hostetler photos by Sarah Reeves
other animals because it only had three legs and no tail, it still wanted to be included and had the right to live,” Scarlet says.
Certifying Therapy Dogs
What began as a mother-son project grew into a lifelong commitment, and today Scarlet’s work has expanded far beyond her own pets. For 28 years, Scarlet has volunteered with Alliance Therapy Dogs, a national organization based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, that certifies therapy dogs, and for the past 25 years, she has been a therapy dog test observer for Kansas and Missouri. Scarlet’s volunteer responsibilities as a state tester include assessing dogs for the right temperament to ensure they won’t get spooked or become aggressive around people they don’t know. That sort of initial testing can take place at a pet store, where noise, kids, other animals, and slick floors can be troublesome to some dogs. She also handles the dog herself to observe its reaction to her playing with its ears, paws, and tail to ensure the dog shows no aggression.
Once a dog passes the initial test, the next step is to take it to a medical facility, often an assisted living facility or nursing home, for further evaluation so Scarlet can see how the dog interacts in that environment.
These evaluations ensure the dogs are ready for the places they’re needed most—and recently, those
places are often schools. It’s a need Scarlet understands well from the years she and Bryan visited classrooms, showing students how animals could teach lessons of safety, empathy and resilience. “I generally have school teachers or counselors who want to have their personal dogs certified so they can be a therapy dog at school,” Scarlet says. “Kids in stressful situations respond really well to dogs in that type of environment.”
Over the years, Scarlet has tested hundreds of dogs to see if they will perform well in a therapy role. What started out as testing once a month has now grown to two or three times per week as more people want to have their pets certified. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused a spike in requests for certification, and now, Scarlet has dogs from as far away as Topeka, Lee’s Summit and Smithville coming to her for certification.
People interested in having their dog certified through Alliance Therapy Dogs undergo a background check, and a veterinarian assesses the pet’s
health. Then, an evaluation time is set with Scarlet.
Scarlet explains that therapy dogs can’t be overly shy or skittish, but those behaviors often signal the dog simply needs more socializing before being retested. However, any sort of aggression is a no-pass indicator.
“Dogs must also know basic obedience, including how to heel at the side of the handler without pulling. Just because a dog fails that test doesn’t mean they are a bad dog,” she says.
Next, Scarlet teaches the handler and the dog how to visit people individually and then in groups at a hospital or facility. She notes that it’s important to follow facility instructions and respect the rules if animals, even therapy animals, are not allowed.
Once all evaluations are complete, participants pay a yearly fee and are insured; yearly health checks are also required for the pet. The certified therapy dog receives an engraved Alliance Therapy Dog red heart identification tag that it must wear to show its designation as a therapy
Cuddling her new furry friend, Kitty, at left, is all smiles. Juanita, below left, is delighted with the visit from Phyllis Diller.
Barbara and Scarlet share a moment (left); Nancy holds Phyllis Diller as the dog poses for the camera (center left); a tender moment as Marlene cuddles the dog (center); Pat and Phyllis Diller share a moment; and Juanita, Scarlet and Kitty, plus Phyllis Diller, say hello (top).
dog. Each dog is also given an identification card with a unique number, and the owner and dog can then create their own visitation schedule, visiting places that are meaningful to them.
Dogs Who Make a Difference
Scarlet has owned seven certified therapy dogs over the past 31 years. Her dogs are often named after celebrities, including Betty White, Phyllis Diller, Albert Einstein and her newest dog, Sophia Loren. All of her dogs are rescues except Phyllis Diller, who was purchased as a puppy.
Several years ago, Scarlet went to adopt a dog from a rescue organization. She picked out a cute small white dog on the website, but when she arrived, a different dog—blind, deaf, incontinent and toothless— immediately captured her heart. Scarlet adopted her and named her Aunt Bea. Aunt Bea became a therapy dog, and when they would go visiting, Scarlet would outfit Aunt Bea in an apron, dress and diaper. People enjoyed seeing Aunt Bea and hearing her story. Scarlet cared for her until Aunt Bea passed away three years later.
Another of Scarlet’s dogs, Josie, was found abandoned on a highway near St. Joseph in June 2011. The heavily pregnant dog was riddled with ticks and fleas; Scarlet cared for Josie through the birth of nine puppies and through a cancer diagnosis a few years later that required surgery and chemotherapy. Scarlet documented Josie’s cancer journey, and, in 2019, they both visited Camp Quality Children’s Cancer Camp, where Scarlet shared Josie’s story.
Currently, as a hospice volunteer, she takes her therapy dogs to visit patients if she finds out they like dogs. The patients always look forward to those visits, especially how Scarlet dresses them. Phyllis Diller, with her crazy hair and large wardrobe, often wears a two-piece bikini during the summer.
Scarlet does not receive any payment for her countless hours of work. She says her love for animals makes it especially meaningful to share her dogs with the people she visits.
“You get closer to animals when you travel with them, visit senior citizens, or watch them be read to by a child. That’s a joy to me to be able to share my dogs with kids and adults. It’s so easy to talk to people with a dog,” Scarlet says.
Scarlet now has three dogs of her own, including one therapy dog, Sophia Loren, who will be certified soon. Anyone interested in getting a dog certified as a therapy dog can get Scarlet’s contact information on www. therapydogs.com.
Little Judah likes holding Phyllis Diller as much as his older friends do, as Scarlet introduces her furry friend to Marlene.
A tender kiss for Phyllis Diller shows Barbara’s love of animals.
Calendar of Events
OCTOBER
24
Historical Hauntings
Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive Free, donations accepted
Join the fun as Shawnee Town 1929 hosts a party for Halloween! Children, wear your costumes for trick or treating, a costume contest, crafts, food and more. 6 to 8:30 p.m. downtownshawnee.com/event
24
Material Girl & The Fame Monster
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
Enjoy Kansas City’s premier Madonna & Lady Gaga tributes. You’ll hear all of Madonna’s greatest hits from the early 1980s, as well as the dance tunes from Gaga’s early work. Doors open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
25
Brass Rewind
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
Showcasing the music of Chicago; Earth, Wind & Fire; Steely Dan; Blood, Sweat & Tears; and more, Brass Rewind is known as KC’s premier jazz-rock horn band. 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
25
Holiday Treasures Craft Festival
Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive Free
Finish off your shopping list as you browse these vendors offering hand-crafted gifts for holiday décor, fine arts, woodworking, jewelry, clothing and fabric art, ceramics, books, music, candles, food and flowers. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. cityofshawnee.org
25
Lanesfield School Fall Open House
18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton Free
Experience life as a student in a one-room schoolhouse as you take a trip through time. Play with old-fashioned toys and take part in hands-on activities, outdoor games, and lessons in the schoolhouse with costumed teachers. Call 913-715-2570 for more information. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
jcprd.com/435/Lanesfield-Historic-Site
25
Mildale Farm Fall Festival
35250 W. 199th St., Edgerton Free
The 22-acre Mildale Farm opens to the public once a year for a fun-filled family event. Usually open only by reservation, the farm hosts weddings, reunions, and retreats year-round. A wide range of activities is planned: picking pumpkins, a creative craft station, storytelling, exploring Heritage Tractor equipment, try catch-and-release fishing with Cops & Bobbers (age 16 and older must have a state fishing license) and more. Wander with a warm cup of cider or coffee, roast marshmallows, and meet adorable animals in the petting zoo. Chris Cakes hosts a 9 a.m. breakfast for $5 a plate, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches, chips and cookies will be for sale. No alcohol; pets must be on-leash; and vehicles will remain on roadways. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
jcprd.com/182/Mildale-Farm-Fall-Fest
30
Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$8–$18
Just in time for Halloween, this 1922 silent movie introduces Count Orlok, who crosses the Atlantic Ocean in search of the warm blood he craves. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the movie begins at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
31
Spookfest
Shawnee Civic Centre
$5
The little ones will love every minute of this spooky-fun time. They’ll enjoy trick & treating, a hunt for treasures and goodies, a bounce house, big green blocks, crafts and cupcake decorating. Wear your favorite costume. Space is limited; call 913-631-5200 to reserve your spot. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. facebook.com/events/the-shawnee-civiccentre/spookfest/751843980886985
NOVEMBER
1
The New Waves
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
Celebrate with a Day of the Dead 1980s party featuring The New Waves, who reproduce the sound Gen X loves from those classic ’80s Brat Pack movies. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
5
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Kansas Crossing Casino
$93
As part of the Shawnee Mission Trips offered by Shawnee Parks & Rec, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner provides four hours of fun at the Kansas Crossing Casino, followed by a chicken dinner at Chicken Mary’s. Space is limited; call 913-631-5200 or visit the website to reserve your seat. 8:55 a.m. to 7:55 p.m. cityofshawnee.org
7
Hysteria & Bad Company
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
It’s a British rock invasion with tributes to classic rock legends Def Leppard and Bad Company. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
8
Vinyl Revival
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
Celebrating rock classics from Little River Band, Boz Scaggs, Ambrosia, the Eagles, Hall & Oates, Elton John, David Bowie, Tears for Fears, Electric Light Orchestra and more, this tribute band will have the house rocking from the first song. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
13
Christkindl at Moonlight Market
City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive
Free
Get started on the holidays with a special event at the Moonlight Market. Local food and craft vendors will be on hand for Christkindl. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and attend the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting as Mayor Mickey Sandifer throws the lever to light up city hall and downtown Shawnee! 4 to 7 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/calendar
14
Boogie Nights KC, Simply Tina & Shining Star
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
Get down with the tunes of the 1970s and ’80s with Boogie Nights KC as they pay tribute to the Bee Gees, Donna Summer and more; then experience the energy of Tina Turner with this ultimate tribute band, Simply Tina. Then rock to the sound of Earth, Wind & Fire as Shining Star KC performs the unique blend of this funk/soul/jazz/disco/classic rock band. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.comr
15
Petty Thieves & Silver Bullet KC
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
Tribute bands bring the sound of Tom Petty and Bob Seger to the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
15 Repair Café
Shawnee Town 1929 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Drive Free
Take your broken items to be repaired with love by volunteers for free! Limit 1 item per repair category and 3 items total. All the repairs will be done by volunteers. Categories are bikes, clothing/textiles, computers (virus/ malware removal, file transfers, other basic repairs), small electronics, jewelry, lamps, small appliances (e.g., repairing cords on kitchen appliances), and toys. For questions or to volunteer or donate tools, email hello@ reusefull.org. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. cityofshawnee.org/calendar
15
Veterans Lantern Tour
Shawnee Town 1929 Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Drive
$10 per person; free admission for active and former military
Walk in their shoes during this immersive living history event, as you go back to 1927 with World War I veterans in town lobbying for veterans’ rights. Meet veterans and those advocating for more support for veterans returning to civilian life. A unique historical look at Veterans’ Day. 5 to 9 p.m. shawneetown.org
25
Scandal in the Schoolhouse:
A Historic Escape Room
Lane Historic Schoolhouse, 18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton
For ages 10+; $80 registration for a group of 8; $50 for 2 people; $20 per person for 3 to 8 people. Start at the visitor center with a costumed schoolteacher before you head to the historic Lanesfield School to solve the mystery of the missing schoolmarm. Best for those age 10 and older; one adult participant required; 20% discount for Johnson County Museum members. To book a different date, call 913715-2570 or email jcmuseum@jocogov.org; bookings accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. jcprd.com/435/Lanesfield-Historic-Site
DECEMBER
2
Holiday Lights Tour
From the Plaza to Deanna Rose Farmstead
$25
A festive evening tour offered by Shawnee Parks & Rec. A tour of holiday lights will take you from the Plaza to Crown Center and Longview Lake’s Christmas in the Park, with the evening ending at Deanna Rose Farmstead. Space is limited; call 913-631-5200 or visit the website to reserve your seat. 4:45 to 8:45 p.m.
cityofshawnee.org
10
Shawnee Rocks the Lights
Citywide contest
Free
Do you go all out with the holiday lights? Why not compete in the city’s annual competition for the best light display? Complete an application and submit a photo of your display by December 10. Online voting takes place from December 12 to December 21. The winner receives a Parks & Rec prize pack and bragging rights for the entire year. The city will provide a link to an online map of all those participating; those entering the contest can opt out of this portion.
Our younger decorators can participate in the Kids Paper House contest; find your age category, download a paper house (or pick it up at the Civic Centre), then decorate it for the holidays. Paper houses must be returned by December 17; winner will be announced December 19.
cityofshawnee.org
13
Lanesfield School Christmas Concert
18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton
Free
It’s 1904, and writing letters with pen and ink is the best way to send your wish list to Santa. The gift shop will be open for last-minute stocking stuffers. The Edgerton Rainbow Connection Children’s Choir performs at 1:30 p.m., and Santa visits from 1:45 to 3:30 p.m. Crafts and free refreshments will be available. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
jcprd.com/435/Lanesfiled-Historic-Site
19
Jingle All the Way
Hallmark and Strawberry Hill Museum
$106
For a delightful way to kick off the holiday season, join the Shawnee Parks & Rec trip to Hallmark’s Christmas Market, followed by a guided tour of Strawberry Hill Museum, dinner and a close-up look at the museum’s festive light display. Space is limited; call 913-631-5200 or visit the website to reserve your seat. 2:15 to 8:10 p.m. cityofshawnee.org
30
Scandal in the Schoolhouse: A Historic Escape Room
Lane Historic Schoolhouse, 18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton
For ages 10+; $80 registration for a group of 8; $50 for 2 people; $20 per person for 3 to 8 people.
Start at the visitor center with a costumed schoolteacher before you head to the historic Lanesfield School to solve the mystery of the missing schoolmarm. Best for those age 10 and older; one adult participant required; 20% discount for Johnson County Museum members. To book a different date, call 913-715-2570 or email jcmuseum@jocogov.org; bookings accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. jcprd.com/435/Lanesfield-Historic-Site
31
Way Too Famous & DJ Ray
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$45–$70
Ring in the new year with a concert from Way Too Famous as this tribute band plays the hits from Kansas, Shooting Star, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, Toto, The Police, The Foo Fighters and more until 10 p.m. Then DJ Ray spins dance requests for the annual early New Year’s Eve countdown when you’ll ring in 2026 with champagne and a balloon drop. Doors open at 7 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m.
JANUARY
9
Mike Bliss
Aztec Shawnee Theater
$17.50–$37.50
For more than 35 years, Bliss has thrilled audiences with his award-winning comedy, magic and pick-pocketing show. This comedian, magician and “master of variety” has performed coast to coast, at Air Force bases across the U.S., and on television’s America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us! 7 p.m. aztecshawnee.com
FEBRUARY
1
Princess Tea Party
Shawnee Civic Centre
$20 per child; pre-registration required Only for children ages 2 to 5. All the Shawnee princesses and knights are welcome to attend the tea party. Mom and Dad, don’t forget the camera! 10 to 11:30 a.m. cityofshawnee.org
APRIL 5
April Showers Craft Fair
Shawnee Civic Centre
Free
Find anything and everything handmade or handcrafted at this fair. Bring your shopping list for this year’s birthday and holiday gifts. Check out the vendors on the website. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. cityofshawnee.org
