News

Ryckman: We have to work with East Kansans

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

The Kansas Legislature recently wrapped up its session for 2025, and two local lawmakers brought news of the session’s final days to Liberal recently.

In mid-April, the Liberal Chamber of Commerce hosted its final legislative update for the year sponsored by EPIC Touch. Kansas 38th District State Senator Ron Ryckman said the session came to an end with a brief, yet historic, veto session, with more than 30 vetoes being overridden in both the House and Senate.

“Victories were possible due to many more Republicans,” he said. “Most bills we pass go 40-0. Everybody talks about the veto and veto override, but we vote a lot with Republicans and Democrats together.”

Rape count dismissed against former city manager Varnado

EARL WATT

• Leader & Times

A felony count of rape against former Liberal City Manager Rusty Varnado has been dismissed by Magistrate Judge Michael Winner, but Seward County Attorney Russell Hasenbank said the State has appealed the ruling to District Court Chief Judge Clint Peterson.

“That’s pending until the court next hears it,” Hasenbank said.

Governor Kelly signs landmark early childhood legislation

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Early childhood care has long been a priority of the Kelly Administration, and recently, Gov. Laura Kelly signed some legislation to help with just that.

Last Thursday, Gov. Kelly signed House Bill 2045, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood.

Celebrate & Connect Fest coming May 4

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

This Sunday, businesses in the party and celebration industry will have the perfect opportunity to showcase their services, attract new customers and network with others.

Seward County Community College’s Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) invites everyone to the Celebrate & Connect Fest happening from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Seward County Activity Center.

HALO Sponsor Kathleen Alonso said the event is an expo put on by the SCCC group.

KDOT to host public meeting on U.S. 83 Advanced Technology May 8

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, for the U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project.

The meeting will take place at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, 212 E. Fifth Street, in Scott City. The project takes place along U.S. Highway 83 from the Thomas/Sheridan county line south 131 miles to the Finney/Haskell county line.