News

Farmer’s Market returning to Liberal in May

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

The weather outside may have been unseasonably cooler than usual this past week, but despite this, spring is in full swing with summer less than two months away.

As spring progresses into summer and later into fall, people can be seen outside doing a variety of activities, and for the last decade on Saturday mornings from May through September, one of the local activities people can be found doing is visiting the Liberal Farmer’s Market.

The first edition of this year’s farmer’s market will take place Saturday, May 4, and Market Manager Debra Huddleston said the market got some help this year in the form of a grant from K-State Research and Extension to hire an assistant for her.

Liberal to join nation in day of prayer

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer.

In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer. In 1988, that law was amended, designating NDP as the first Thursday in May.

Through seven decades, the efforts of the NDP Task Force have mobilized to observe the day in all 50 states and U.S. territories and to intercede for the nation.

Kansas implements new dairy cattle movement order

Kansas Ag Connection

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health has introduced a crucial order to manage the movement of lactating dairy cattle across the state.

This decision follows recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) detected in dairy herds. The new regulations took effect at noon Tuesday focusing on stringent biosecurity to curb the disease's spread.

Under the new order, all lactating dairy cattle entering or moving within Kansas must have a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). This certificate needs to confirm that no cattle at the farm of origin have shown symptoms consistent with H5N1 in the past 30 days.

Gov. Kelly signs bill establishing Kansas Blueprint for Literacy

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The end of April continues to be a busy time for the Kelly Administration, with more bill signings having recently taken place.

Wednesday saw Gov. Laura Kelly sign Senate Bill 438, which establishes the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a Literacy Advisory Committee, and directing the Kansas Board of Regents to appoint a Director of Literacy Education.

SWMC recognized for higher quality and cost-efficiency in maternity care

Southwest Medical Center

Southwest Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. To earn this designation, each facility must deliver quality care, safely and cost-effectively.

"We will continue to provide elite and compassionate maternity care to fulfill the needs and preferences of our expectant mothers," Amber Williams, SWMC President, and CEO, said. "Our dedicated physicians and staff work diligently every day to place every patient and family first. We are deeply committed to ensuring the best care for our community."