News

Lifeline program helps Kansans in need stay connected

Kansas Corporation Commission

TOPEKA – Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.

In observance of National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, Sept. 7 through 13, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the program offerings and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.

Lifeline provides combined federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan.

Bike-a-thon helps fund clean drinking water worldwide

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Sunday afternoon shone clear and bright, and some youths from New Beginnings Church took advantage of the favorable weather to help raise money for a good cause.

Sunday, New Beginnings Church hosted a youth bike-a-thon to help raise money to help others around the world have access to clean drinking water.

Clifford and Irene Pepper estate donates more than $800,000 to SWMC Foundation

Southwest Medical Center

Southwest Medical Center (SWMC) is honored to announce a notable gift from the estate of long-time SWMC employee Clifford Pepper and his late wife, Irene Pepper. Their generous donation of $828,766.63 to the Southwest Medical Center Foundation will establish the Clifford and Irene Pepper Scholarship Fund, a new endowment dedicated to supporting the recruitment and retention of nurses, respiratory therapists, and lab technicians at SWMC.

Clifford, a dedicated employee for more than 42 years, began his journey with SWMC Feb. 22, 1966 as a medical lab technician. His commitment and skill led him to become a Medical Technologist Supervisor, where he was known for his exceptional work ethic, integrity, and dedication. He retired March 9, 2010, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and compassion that touched many lives.

Do you make the best chili or taco? Prove it

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Saturday, Sept. 27, will find much in the way of fun at Liberal‘s Light Park, and along with the Liberal Chamber of Commerce’s Duck Race Festival, Seward County United Way will providing some of its own fun for the day.

Through Sept. 22, United Way is taking registrations for its annual Chili and Taco Cook-off scheduled to take place from 11 to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 in Light Park.

Prizes of $300, $200 and $100 each will be given out in the chili and taco categories for first, second and third place respectively, all thanks to a new sponsor, For Custom Construction.

New nonprofit seeks to bring awareness to childhood domestic violence

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Living in a household where domestic violence is prevalent can leave lasting scars on everyone involved, particularly children. Soon, a local group looks to help with just that.

The first ever Sylvia's Fragrance of Hope Benefit Gala will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Seward County Community College in Room SW229 C/D, and that evening's keynote speaker will be Adrian Jackson, who is the vice president of Homelife, Cal Farley's Boys Ranch. Tickets are $35, and people can purchase them online through the Sylvia's Fragrance of Hope Facebook page, which takes them to the main Web site, https://www.sylviasfragranceofhope.org/, and people can also purchase tickets there.