News

Little change in treasurer’s office annual state audit

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

In 2023, the Seward County Treasurer’s office scored 98 percent on its audit by the Kansas Department of Revenue.

This year’s KDOR audit was recently completed, and though the score was slightly lower at 94 percent, Treasurer Mary Rose sees no cause for alarm.

Rose said KDOR officials audited a total of 781 transactions done by the local treasurer’s office between April 1 and May 10. The audit officially took place in September, and Rose said there were 19 problems found in the review.

KS Department of Commerce launches Kansas Global Business Expansion Program

Special to the Leader & Times

The International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce launched the Kansas Global Business Expansion (K-GLOBE) program last week. The program merges two formerly separate programs – the Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program (KITSAP) and the Kansas International Trade Marketing Assistance Program (KITMAP) – into one international business development-focused grant.

Take precautions with upcoming Thanksgiving meal preparations

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on Thanksgiving day alone, an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires were reported to U.S fire departments in 2022, reflecting a 399 percent increase over the daily average.

With an expected increase of time in kitchens throughout the U.S. next week preparing the big meal, Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk said there are some precautions people should take in order to stay safe.

Health Department providing FLU SHOTS

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Colder weather is making its way through, which means people will be more susceptible to illnesses like the flu, and the Seward County Health Department is on hand to help.

One of the best ways people can combat the flu is by getting their annual flu shot, and Seward County Health Department Vaccine Coordinator Alexa Varnes said staff has been keeping busy with just that.

Gov. Kelly announces more than $320,000 for seven Kansas Water Plan Partnership Initiative projects

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Water conservation continues to be a hot topic and recently, the State of Kansas took some action to help with just that.

Friday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced more than $320,000 will go toward seven new partnership initiatives for the second year of funding through the Kansas Water Office’s Kansas Water Plan Partnership Initiative (KWPPI).