News

‘Color Our World’ topic of Kansas Talking Books summer reading program

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The Kansas Talking Books program does a lot of wonderful work throughout the state, and this summer will offer another opportunity to be involved.

Kansas Talking Books is inviting patrons and qualifying individuals of all ages to participate in the 'Color Our World' summer reading program that will be taking place from June 2 to Aug. 1. The program will feature weekly prize drawings, themed book recommendation lists to visit vibrant new worlds and discover exciting new ideas, activities to unleash creativity, stimulating events, and there will be multiple events posted on social media and the Kansas Talking Books Web site throughout the summer. Participants will also be entered into the grand prize drawing if they fill out and return their reading logs – adults have to read five books, and youth patrons have to read at least 60 minutes a week.

Walk to raise awareness for mental health

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Throughout the year across America, warm weather brings millions outside for a simple walk in parks, neighborhoods and other places in communities.

Walking is likewise a popular pastime in Southwest Kansas, and Saturday, May 17, a few local organizations are inviting everyone to take a walk, this time for a cause.

Southwest Kansas Highway Mobility and Expansion Strategy to come to Liberal May 22 to provide feedback and listen

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation is conducting the Southwest Kansas Highway Mobility and Expansion Strategy. The purpose is to address mobility, safety and accessibility in Southwest Kansas.

KDOT is hosting six in-person public meetings that will allow the public to provide feedback on the completed survey results, existing transportation conditions, and the plans for the study.

Chamber of Commerce announces 2025 Chamber Challenge

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Those looking for an opportunity to get in a round of golf while also supporting the local Chamber of Commerce will soon have the chance to do just that.

The 2025 Chamber of Commerce Chamber Challenge Tournament will be Saturday, June 14, with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. that morning, and everything will take place at Willow Tree Golf Course at 1800 W. 15th Street. The tournament is a four-person scramble format and lunch will be provided. Anyone can enter a team, and it's $500 per team, and that includes up to two carts, and anyone wanting to sign up a team just needs to contact the Liberal Chamber of Commerce office at (620) 624-3855. There will be 10 hole prizes, cash payouts for multiple flights, and people can register for this year's tournament by calling the Chamber of Commerce office or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sen. Marshall announces change to USCIS Mobile Service Initiative in Southwest Kansas

Special to the Leader & Times

In an effort to improve staff and federal spending efficiencies while maintaining service levels, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Region 7 Office will be establishing an office location in Dodge City to continue offering monthly Mobile Service Initiative (MSI) appointments to immigrant applicants in Southwest Kansas.

USCIS District 7 Director David Douglas and acting Field Office Director Tammy Henry travelled from Kansas City and Wichita, respectively, to join with community leaders from across Southwest Kansas to announce and discuss the change in location.