News

Kansas Ag Connection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced Farm Service Agency (FSA) operations in Kansas will continue despite the ongoing government shutdown.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed essential FSA services are resuming to support farmers and ranchers across the state.

According to the USDA, two employees will be stationed at each county’;s FSA office five days a week to manage core programs funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). This ensures Kansas producers continue to access vital assistance for their operations during the disruption.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

The holidays will be upon the area quickly, and the Chamber of Commerce is looking to help people in the area get a start on their shopping.

The 2025 Citywide Holiday Open House will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 and then during regular business hours Nov. 7 and 8. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rozelle Webb said she and staff are excited for this year.

“We're inviting and encouraging all the participating businesses to decorate their stores and maybe serve some refreshments to the customers who come in to look at the holiday merchandise they have to offer,” Webb said. “Any stores that would like to participate in this year's Holiday Open House, we would ask them to call the Chamber of Commerce office at (620) 624-3855 and let us know they want to be part of this year's fun. We'd like the businesses to let us know ahead of time because we'll be putting together a list of all the participants so customers will know where to go. The Holiday Open House is always a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and it's a great chance for shoppers to get out and about and see what's on sale. It's also a great way for us as the Chamber of Commerce to promote our local businesses.”

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Liberal police are still looking for a local man wanted on multiple counts.

In a press release, Liberal Police Chief Chet Pinkston said Juan Ralios-Batz is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking and one count of abuse of a child.

“While it is believed Batz fled to the Fremont, Neb., area to evade charges, public tips from the local community can continue assisting authorities in locating this individual,” Pinkston said. “The U.S. Marshal’s Service has offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.”

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

The Liberal City Commission made quick work of its agenda at its most recent regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Up first for the commission was discussion of the purchase of a backhoe for the Water Department.

“Per the agenda information, the Water Department is seeking approval to purchase a 2026 Cat Backhoe. The one we currently use is a 2006. The old one will be handed down to the Wastewater Department, as they are in need of one,” Assistant City Manager Brad Beer said. “We received two quotes from Bobcat and Foley Equipment. This is the first Bobcat backhoe they've released, so it's essentially their prototype. Out of the two quotes, we’re recommending going with the quote from Foley Equipment for an amount not to exceed $115,000 to be funded from the Water Department Equipment Reserve.”

The purchase was approved 4-0, with Liberal Vice Mayor Matt Landry absent from the meeting.