News

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County.

It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.

Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.

Seward County Community College

The month of March was not the only thing that roared in like a lion: Seward County Community College reported enrollment numbers that brought the college’s growth to 34 percent higher since 2022.

In addition to official numbers from the Kansas Board of Regents, the college recorded growth in many areas:

• Headcount for the spring semester is up 9 percent and overall credit hours are up 12 percent compared to this same time last year.

• Saints Anywhere, the college’s online platform, is up 46 percent in enrollment than last year.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Local leaders are constantly looking for ways to help improve and expand on their leadership skills and soon, two of Liberal’s own will be able to do just that.

City of Liberal Chief Communications Officer Keeley Moree and Seward County Development Corporation (SCDC) Entrepreneurship Director Raquel Arellano were chosen to be part of this year’s Leadership Kansas class, and both said they are excited for the opportunity.

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Women from across Southwest Kansas, the Oklahoma Panhandle and the Texas Panhandle will have a chance later this month to come together through worship, prayer, painting, journaling and studying the word, as well as singing around the campfire at Camp Gibson near Hardesty, Okla.

The Refresh Women’s Conference will take place March 28 and March 29, and participants can register for $60 by following an online link on the Camp Gibson: Gibson Baptist Assembly Facebook page.

Friday night will start with a meal and an evening service, and a small marketplace will open following the service for those who want to purchase gifts.

“It’ll have literature, jewelry, and self-care products,” organizer Tammy Wall said.