News

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Severe storms hit Kansas near the beginning of June and Monday, a group of Kansas legislators supported efforts for a federal declaration of disaster.

Monday, Sen. Jerry Moran and colleagues Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) in urging President Donald Trump to make a disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe wind storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred from June 3 through June 7. Gov. Laura Kelly had formally submitted the request for federal support Aug. 6.

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a bridge repair project along U.S. Highway 56 in Haskell County this week over the Cimarron River northeast of the Haskell/Seward County line.

Traffic along U.S. 56 will be reduced to one lane to allow bridge repair work to take place. Motorists should expect minimal delays.

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Seward County’s valuation, mill levies and levied taxes have remained stagnant for the last 20 years, and Administrator April Warden said with that sluggishness and a lack of growth on tax rolls, as well as higher costs and expenses, the county in recent years has had to dip into its reserves to keep from raising taxes on property owners.

However, Warden said reserves only last for so long, and eventually, county leaders will need to find other ways to balance the budget including alternative revenue streams and making cuts.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Those looking to explore the area while also helping a great cause will soon have just that option.

Bikes at Billy's will be happening Saturday, Sept. 20 at Billy's Ayr Lanes, with first ride out at 9:30 a.m. and last ride out at 11 a.m. The cost is $25 per registration card, and all the proceeds will go to the Liberal High School Unified Bowling Team.

Last year was the inaugural Bikes at Billy’s event, and coordinator Bill Hill said the inspiration for the event actually had come to him a while ago.