News

Local accused of child rape being sought

EARL WATT

• Leader & Times

The U.S. Marshal’s office is on a manhunt for a man who has recently resided in Seward County.

According to a news release originally obtained by KAKE News, the U.S. Marshals are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Juan Ralios-Batz, a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children.

Ralios-Batz, who is believed to be about 40 years old, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking and one count of abuse of a child.

No injuries when cars collide on Calvert

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

No injuries were reported in an accident Tuesday afternoon in northeast Liberal.

The Liberal Police Department reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers and emergency personnel responded to a reported unknown injury accident at the intersection of 11th Street and North Calvert Avenue.

USD 480 taking nominations for next Teacher of the Year

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The teachers throughout USD 480 do great work with students every day, and now is a great time to show some appreciation for that work.

The USD 480 Teacher of the Year Program, which runs in alignment with the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) Teacher of the Year Program, seeks to recognize excellence in teaching, is currently taking nominations for the 2027 honors. USD 480 Communications Director Tyler Parks went into more detail about the process.

Grace Place to host upcoming teen rally, banquet

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

In less than two weeks, Liberal’s Grace Place Pregnancy Care Center will be hosting two events, and the first of those will be a teen rally taking place at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 in James Maskus Auditorium at Liberal High School.

Director Letty Hernandez said youth on hand will have a chance to win prizes, including a 40-inch TV and a Nintendo Switch in a raffle taking place at the rally. Youth age 12 and older are invited to the rally, which is free to attend.

Hernandez said those attending the rally will hear from motivational dynamic speaker Ryan Bomberger, who will also be speaking at Grace Place’s annual banquet the following night at 7 p.m. at the Seward County Ag Building.