News

Car owners can opt for blackout Kansas tag

Special to the Leader & Times

The Kansas Department of Revenue is excited to announce that the popular blackout-style license plates will soon be coming to Kansas vehicles. Beginning July 1, 2025, this highly anticipated new plate design will be available to Kansas drivers to purchase from their local county treasurer's office.

“I’m always happy to listen to my constituents about issues that matter to them,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “By introducing the blackout license plate style, we are giving Kansans more options on the road while still adhering to safe license plate requirements.”

Incumbents file for re-election

L&T staff report

Incumbent Matthew Landry has filed for one of three positions available on the Liberal City Commission in the upcoming August primary, and incumbent Nick Hatcher has filed for one of three positions available on the USD 480 School Board.

Fireworks allowed in 2025, but days reduced for annual celebrations

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The calendar might just be at May at the moment, but local leaders are already making plans for the upcoming 4th of July holiday in terms of fireworks usage.

Tuesday evening saw Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk talk to the Liberal City Commission about some recent changes made to the city’s fireworks ordinance.

Yellow Brick Road Car Show coming this weekend

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Mid-May is here, and the calendar is seeing graduations galore taking place across the High Plains, along with many other springtime activities.

For nearly two decades, one of those activities has been Liberal’s Yellow Brick Road Car Show, and now in its 18th year, the show will again be happening this Friday night at Billy’s Ayr Lanes and Saturday at Light Park.

Governor Kelly calls on federal leaders to protect Medicaid program

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Medicaid has long been a hot topic and recently, Gov. Laura Kelly called on federal leaders to help protect it.

Last Monday, Gov. Kelly announced she has sent a letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation, requesting they protect Kansans from the looming federal Medicaid cuts that threaten quality, affordable health care access for the most vulnerable Kansans. Under the latest plan proposed by Congress, Kansas’ Medicaid program could lose up to $1 billion in federal funding within the first year alone.