News

Passing lane project to begin in Haskell County

Kansas Department of Transportation

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, a passing lane project will begin the first week of March along U.S. Highway 83, starting 1000 feet north of the U.S. 83 and U.S. Highway 56 junction north approximately 1.75 miles south of the U.S. 83 and U.S. Highway 160 junction for about four miles.

This project will be completed in three phases. In the first phase, contractors will begin grading and drainage work. During this time, traffic will be maintained on the existing roads. The traveling public can expect minimal delays during the first phase, which is expected to be finished in the summer. KDOT will provide updates regarding impacts to the traveling public as construction progresses.

Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the contractor on this $15.5 million project, and it is expected to be completed by the beginning of Spring 2026, weather permitting.

For more information, contact Joel (Simon) Valdez, Area Construction Manager, at (620) 417-7706 or Yazmin Moreno, KDOT Southwest Public Information Officer, at (620) 765-7080.

Navigating your way through tax season

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Tax season is officially under way, and while some people have already gotten their taxes done, many people are still making their way through the work.

One of the major decisions to make during tax time, according to Bankrate.com, is who will prepare everything.

City commission hears options on funding water treatment plant

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Citizens of Liberal will be seeing some changes to their water bill later this year after discussions by the Liberal City Commission Tuesday evening.

Liberal City Manager Scarlette Diseker began by giving a general overview of the situation.

Homecoming week at SCCC features free programming, festivities

Seward County Community College

The flags along Kansas Avenue are Saints Green, signaling celebration to the community: It’s Homecoming Week at Seward County Community College. That means special programming open to the public all week, culminating in a Saturday packed with Saints spirit.

“We’ve been working all year to upgrade the game-day experience for Saints fans and build school spirit among our students and community members,” SCCC President Brad Bennett said. “For this week, our 55th Homecoming, we welcome the public to campus.”

Saints Hall of Fame to induct four new members Saturday

Seward County Community College

The Seward County Saints Hall of Fame will induct four members as its Class of 2025 Saturday. Jelena Cohadarevic, Dale Reed, Mollie Mounsey, and Melvin Sanders will be honored for their outstanding contributions to Saints athletics. The recognition ceremony will take place between the highly anticipated basketball matchups between the Seward County Saints and the Hutchinson CC Blue Dragons, with games scheduled for 2 and 4 p.m.. Fans, alumni, and the community are invited to celebrate these exceptional individuals who have left a lasting legacy on Seward County athletics.