News

Courthouse gets makeover to stop leaks, update building

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Those who have driven between Fourth Street and Sixth Street on Washington Avenue in Liberal recently have likely seen a new look to one of the buildings in that neighborhood.

Work began in October 2024 and was completed in April on a renovation project for the Seward County Courthouse, and County Contract Consultant Neal Coffey, who headed up the project, said much in the way of history was uncovered, as the looks of the building were changed.

SCCC enhances student affairs with new dean positions

Seward County Community College

Seward County Community College employees Kit Hernandez and Erika Espinoza have been promoted to fill key positions in the college’s department of student affairs. SCCC President Brad Bennett announced the creation of two dean-level roles in late May.

“We congratulate Kit Hernandez as Dean of Students, and Erika Espinoza as Dean of Enrollment,” Bennett said. “Both are well-deserved and will continue to provide excellence in the College’s core value of being Student- and Community-Centered.”

Wood spends three-plus decades educating local students

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

The school year in Southwest Kansas ended in May, and for one longtime educator, so too did a career.

Jerrilynn Wood got her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1992, and the now former Kismet Elementary School principal said a career in education seemed a natural fit even from an early age.

“I really liked school, and I was really passionate about learning,” she said. “I played school when I was a little kid and taught Sunday school when I was in high school. I was a teacher’s assistant for the elementary teachers when I was in high school, and it just seemed like a natural thing to go into.”

Sign up for Little Miss Firecracker Contest

Special to the Leader & Times

The 4th of July Parade committee is thrilled to announce the exciting festivities happening at Light Park this year!

One of the highlights will be the Little Miss Firecracker Contest, a fun and spirited event for children in three age divisions.

• Ages 2 through 4

• Ages 5 through 8

• Ages 9 through 12

Rape charge reinstated against Varnado

EARL WATT

• Leader & Times

District Judge Clinton Peterson overturned the decision of Magistrate Michael Winner and reinstated the charge of rape against former Liberal City Manager Russell Varnado. He also added a charge of sexual battery.

According to the Decision of the Court filed May 8, Seward County Attorney Russell Hasenbank appealed Winner’s dismissal which was made at the April 23 preliminary hearing.