News

Westlake provides fans for those in need

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Summer in Southwest Kansas typically sees highs staying above 90 degrees for many days in a row, and this leaves many locals looking for ways to beat the heat.

Helping in this pursuit, for the past 13 years, Westlake Ace Hardware stores nationwide have hosted an annual fan drive in partnership with the Salvation Army.

To date, more than 70,000 box fans have been distributed to seniors, low-income families and others in need across the communities Westlake serves.

Baker Arts Center one of 108 KAC grant recipients

Special to the Leader & Times

Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced Tuesday 108 grant recipients will share $1 million in total funding from the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC). The funding reinforces KAC’s role as a catalyst for economic development and community vitality.

“These grants will support an array of organizations and initiatives that will enrich the appeal of these communities, encourage innovation and drive economic growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Arts shape the unique character of our Kansas communities and through these awards, community leaders and artists can continue investing locally while opening doors to new opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors alike.”

One dead, three arrested in connection to morning shooting in Garden City

Garden City Police Department

GARDEN CITY – One person is dead, and two others remain hospitalized after a shooting early Wednesday. Michael Lara, 19, Ivan Lara, 16, and Isaac Lara, 15, were arrested in connection to the investigation.

Around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers of the Garden City Police Department responded to a shooting at the Continental Apartments (1408 W. Buffalo Jones Ave.).

Gov. Kelly joins 17 governors to demand Trump Administration release $6.8 billion in withheld education funding

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Earlier this summer, Gov. Laura Kelly joined a group of fellow governors and other lawmakers to warn about potential effects to SNAP funding under the Trump Administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Thursday, Gov. Kelly joined a group of 17 governors in sending a letter to United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon demanding the immediate release of approximately $6.8 billion in federal education funding.

Although the funds were already appropriated by Congress, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would delay distribution,” a release from the State of Kansas noted. “This abrupt decision jeopardizes nearly $43 million for K-12 education in Kansas.”

Common Consumption Area coming to Liberal

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Much work has gone on in recent times to help revitalize Liberal’s downtown area and soon, there will be another project to help with just that.

At its July 8 meeting, the Liberal City Commission approved Ordinance No. 4636 concerning the formation of a Common Consumption Area in town. As Chief Communications Officer Keeley Moree tells it, however, the project has been in the works for quite some time.