News

AVHS announces recipients of 2025 Healthcare Scholarship

Artesian Valley Health System

Artesian Valley Health System (AVHS) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Artesian Valley Health System Healthcare Scholarship, granted to exceptional high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to careers in healthcare.

This year’s scholarships have been awarded to students from three area high schools: Meade High School, Southwestern Heights High School, and South Gray High School. Each recipient will receive financial support to pursue higher education in health-related fields.

Satanta, Meade teens take the lead to spark healthier schools

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Local students are taking the lead in building healthier school communities thanks to Be the Spark grants funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and awarded to 20 Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) Clubs across the state.

Grant recipients were announced in mid-April during a special event hosted at the Kansas State High School Activities Association in Topeka.

KDHE announces Trump Administration cuts to health funds, eliminating access to vital services during outbreaks

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

There have been multiple negative effects in terms of funding due to decisions made at the federal level, and some of those effects have reached Kansas.

Last Thursday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced the Trump Administration’s abrupt unilateral termination of more than $33 million in health care and mental health service grants has forced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to abolish 56 positions in vital health posts, leaving communities without access to critical services. This marks the first large-scale state employment dismissal initiated by the Trump administration’s cuts to congressionally authorized funds, according to a release from the State of Kansas.

Car owners can opt for blackout Kansas tag

Special to the Leader & Times

The Kansas Department of Revenue is excited to announce that the popular blackout-style license plates will soon be coming to Kansas vehicles. Beginning July 1, 2025, this highly anticipated new plate design will be available to Kansas drivers to purchase from their local county treasurer's office.

“I’m always happy to listen to my constituents about issues that matter to them,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “By introducing the blackout license plate style, we are giving Kansans more options on the road while still adhering to safe license plate requirements.”

Incumbents file for re-election

L&T staff report

Incumbent Matthew Landry has filed for one of three positions available on the Liberal City Commission in the upcoming August primary, and incumbent Nick Hatcher has filed for one of three positions available on the USD 480 School Board.