News

Governor Kelly announces food sales tax completely eliminated

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Those looking for some relief at the grocery store now officially have it.

Last Thursday, Governor Laura Kelly announced in 2025, Kansans are projected to save $156 million due to the reduction in the state sales tax rate from 2 percent to zero and the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from 2 percent to zero will save shoppers $13 million per month this year, according to a release from the State of Kansas.

Kansas health officials provide update on avian flu, says public risk remains low

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus both nationally and within Kansas.

HPAI is primarily an infection of wild birds; however, in the ongoing outbreak beginning in early 2022, numerous animal species have been infected including domestic poultry, dairy cattle, wild carnivores like skunks and raccoons, and domestic cats. The virus is spread by migratory waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.

Southwest Medical Center partners with Sound Physicians for anesthesia coverage

Southwest Medical Center

Southwest Medical Center (SWMC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Sound Physicians to provide comprehensive anesthesia coverage.

This transition, which took place in November, ensures that SWMC will continue to meet the needs of its patients with uninterrupted anesthesia services.

Sound Physicians, one of the most respected multi-specialty medical groups in the United States, is renowned for its exceptional anesthesia practices.

County plans use of final ARPA funds

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of three stories regarding a special meeting hosted by the Seward County Commission to finalize a plan for money the county received from the American Rescue Plan Act. This story talks about items planned for, but not approved for funding. Future stories will talk about spending the remaining ARPA balance, as well as other plans for the money.

Seward County officials have finalized a plan for spending more than $4.16 million in money the county received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

County leaders had until Dec. 31, 2024, to earmark the funds for projects, and commissioners met with Administrator April Warden and other department heads in a special meeting Dec. 30 to come up with a plan for the money.

SWMC welcomes first baby of 2025

Southwest Medical Center

Southwest Medical Center (SWMC) announced the arrival of the 2025 New Year’s Baby, Luna Maria Mendoza de La Cruz.

Born Jan. 1 at 4:48 p.m., Luna entered the world to Marta de La Cruz and Miguel Mendoza. This addition to their family weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches long.