News

County discusses plans for paved, dirt roads

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Hot mix asphalt overlay projects were recently completed on some Seward County roads, and now, county officials are looking to stripe those roads.

That work will now be done by a Kansas contractor, Cillessen & Sons of Kechi, one of four contractors contacted by Road and Bridge Supervisor Marc Johnson after publishing bids in the Leader & Times.

At the Aug. 4 regular meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the bid over Road Safe Traffic Systems of El Dorado, Heartland Traffic Services of Kansas City, Kan., and Straight Line Striping of Grand Island, Neb., none of whom submitted a bid for the project.

KSDE watching federal dollars after COVID funding was discontinued by Trump Administration

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

There has been much talk lately regarding the state of education and education funding, and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has been keeping track of all of that talk, according to Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.

“We've been tracking everything since Trump came into office because of talks about what could happen with the U.S. Department of Education, etc. That all became heightened when we got word at the end of March about the ESSER funds – which were disbursed for COVID-19 relief and then extended through the spring of 2026 – being abruptly cut off,” Watson said. “That concerned us greatly because that money was going toward literacy training in Kansas. We started monitoring that situation very closely, and those funds were ultimately restored. Around that same time, with the Title programs, those were put on pause in early July and ultimately allowed to flow again. We've been tracking many situations for quite a while and now, I think we're in a good place, but it's definitely been a bit of a roller coaster.”

City to consider approval of Comprehensive Plan, discuss economic development opportunities

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The Liberal City Commission will have a busy afternoon and evening on its hands today.

After a special meeting at 3 p.m. to hear presentations from not-for-profit groups, the commission will move on to its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., which will start with discussion of Ordinance No. 4637 concerning the adoption of the Launch Liberal 2035 Comprehensive Plan.

Veterans recognized with Quilts of Valor

Special to the Leader & Times

Six local veterans were guests of honor at the Quilts of Valor presentation Thursday evening as part of the Five State Fair festivities.

City adds lighting to park walkways

Special to the Leader & Times

The need for updated lighting in local parks continues to be discussed, and those projects have been going on.

Recently, City of Liberal crews installed pathway lighting at Country Club Park, and the project is another new one funded by Liberal’s 1-cent sales tax.

“When temps are in the triple digits, walking after sundown is much more comfortable. We are also relocating the sidewalk along Parkway Boulevard to bring the park path safely away from the road,” a release from the City of Liberal noted. “Once complete, these lights will help guide your journey safely around the whole park.”

Blue Bonnet Park, Mahuron Park, and McCray Park will also receive pole-mounted lights along sidewalks soon to improve safety and the visitor experience.