News

Smith provides critical service to new moms when it comes to breastfeeding

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Breastfeeding is a natural, biological process, but that does not mean it is easy or comes naturally.

Ashley Smith can support mothers on every step of their breastfeeding journey from before the baby is born to its last latch.

Smith started her health care career at the age of 19 as a certified nurse’s aide at a local critical access hospital, and after going to nursing school, getting married and having her first child, she became enamored by all things labor, birth and breastfeeding.

“I pursued my passion and in 2016 began working on the labor, delivery, postpartum unit in Dodge City – a 50-mile drive from my home,” she said.

Barr: Management lacks oversight

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The Seward County Commission will be seeing some new leadership in the coming weeks, and one of the candidates looking to fill Presephoni Fuller’s former seat is Don Barr Jr.

Barr is certainly no stranger to Liberal or Seward County, and his devotion to the area is what prompted him to run.

Linenbroker looking to fill vacancy on county commission

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Multiple people are vying for the recent vacant spots on the Seward County Commission, including local Chris Linenbroker, who is looking to fill Presephoni Fuller’s former seat.

As Linenbroker tells it, he is no stranger to Liberal or Seward County.

“I've grown up here since I was born, went to McDermott Elementary School, then South Middle school, then I graduated from Liberal High School and spent some time at Seward County Community College,” Linenbroker said. “I did move away for about 15 years and explored the world a little bit, then I came back here, raised my kids here, spent four years on the Liberal City Commission, where there were some good times and bad times, just like any other position. I've also had multiple businesses in town and worked for a lot of different companies.”

City reviews accomplishments in ’25, plans for ’26

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The City of Liberal has been able to accomplish much throughout 2025, including economic development, construction projects, and the approval and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.

As City Manager Scarlette Diseker tells it, 2025 certainly kept City of Liberal staff busy.

City to discuss major economic project for Liberal

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The Liberal City Commission will keep busy at its next meeting this evening at 5:30. This evening’s meeting will be in the commission chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave.

After hearing an update on recent economic development projects happening within the city and county, the commission will then be discussing a streets and infrastructure project for the Doll Housing Addition and be asked to approve a contract and change order with French Construction.