News

Capital improvement discussed at town hall

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

The Seward County Commission’s March 20 town hall meeting finished with discussions about the county’s capital improvement plan and questions from the audience regarding an additional emergency management director and a study from the Kansas Association of Counties concerning loss of revenue from tax exempt properties.

Administrator April Warden said capital improvement planning is something the county has always done, and while planning in the past has been done on a five-year basis, she said county leaders want to project some of that planning out further.

Kansas Ag Hero of the Month – Dr. Tera Barnhardt

Special to the Leader & Times

Last year, cattle contributed more than $11 billion to Kansas’ economy.

As the number one cattle-producing district in the nation, the success of the livestock industry is essential to the way of life in the Big First.

That success, however, did not come overnight. It is driven by ranchers and livestock producers who raise these animals, along with the veterinarians who care for them. Since she was a child, Dr. Tera Barnhardt knew she wanted to make a career caring for animals.

Candidates file for local elected offices

L&T staff report

Two candidates have filed for local races in the upcoming August primary.

Travis Martinez has filed for one of three positions on the USD 480 Board of Education, and incumbent Jeff Parsons has filed for one of three seats on the Liberal City Commission.

The filing deadline is at noon Monday, June 2, with the Seward County Clerk’s office.

County addresses public safety issues during Town Hall

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Housing, flooding, safety and public health are all essential needs, and the topics were part of the discussion at the recent town hall meeting hosted by the Seward County Commission.

Housing wise, Administrator April Warden talked about a joint housing study recently conducted by the county, the City of Liberal and the Seward County Development Corporation.

“It’s to help shape the future of housing in Seward County by sharing your experience,” she said.

Survey responses were taken through March 21, and Warden said feedback was quite valuable in helping address housing needs and opportunities.

KSCB Home Show returning for 2025

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Those looking for some home improvement inspiration or spring decor will soon be able to find it right in Liberal.

This year's Springfest Home Show will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, and everything will be at the Seward County Activity Center at 810 Stadium Ave. There will be many vendors on hand for home remodeling and improvement, equipment, cleaning/restoration, cookware, phones, food and snacks and clothing, among many others. More than 70 vendors are already signed up, and coordinator Cheryl Collins said there are still some spots left.