Liberal First
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Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced Wednesday the launch of the Blueprint to Build program, an innovative new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding round. This program provides rural Kansas communities a faster, more affordable way to construct state-of-the-art community centers.
The opioid epidemic has taken an enormous toll on America, but with the help of a 4-1 vote from the Seward County Commission Monday night, local officials will soon get help with fighting the crisis.
After hearing two requests for proposals, the board opted 4-1, with Commissioner Presephoni Fuller voting against, to award $116,481.51 to be used by Cimarron Basin Community Corrections and Juvenile Corrections and Prevention Services.
Brett Reiss has filed for one of three positions available on the Seward County Community College Board of Trustees for the August primary.
The Kansas Legislature recently wrapped up its session for 2025, and two local lawmakers brought news of the session’s final days to Liberal recently.
In mid-April, the Liberal Chamber of Commerce hosted its final legislative update for the year sponsored by EPIC Touch. Kansas 38th District State Senator Ron Ryckman said the session came to an end with a brief, yet historic, veto session, with more than 30 vetoes being overridden in both the House and Senate.
“Victories were possible due to many more Republicans,” he said. “Most bills we pass go 40-0. Everybody talks about the veto and veto override, but we vote a lot with Republicans and Democrats together.”
A felony count of rape against former Liberal City Manager Rusty Varnado has been dismissed by Magistrate Judge Michael Winner, but Seward County Attorney Russell Hasenbank said the State has appealed the ruling to District Court Chief Judge Clint Peterson.
“That’s pending until the court next hears it,” Hasenbank said.
