LIBERAL FIRST
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WICHITA — The Heartland Flyer is closer to returning to Kansas.
The Amtrak route, which still runs between Fort Worth, Texas and Oklahoma City, used to extend into Kansas until 1979. The Kansas Department of Transportation is exploring restoring the route.
The weather outside may not be looking frightful yet, but the calendar still shows the Christmas season is in full swing everywhere.
While some having already been to the stores to buy gifts for friends and family, others have not begun purchasing presents, and for those who have a do-it-yourselfer or contractor on their list, Liberal’s Westlake Ace Hardware store has plenty of special gifts for them.
The USD 480 school board had a hefty agenda to take on during its last regularly scheduled meeting of 2024 Monday evening.
Near the beginning of the meeting, Liberal High School Student Engagement Coordinator Rory Arnold was honored as the November Educator of the Month, with LHS Principal Ashley Kappelmann praising his work in the school.
Wednesday morning, deputies with the Seward County Sheriff’s office seized about 45 pounds of methamphetamine as part of a traffic stop for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 54 near Kismet.
Undersheriff Ryan Roehr said in a press release, during traffic enforcement, a deputy observed numerous indicators of criminal activity.
Another year has almost come and gone, which means another year of employment for many people, including with the City of Liberal.
Tuesday evening’s Liberal City Commission meeting began with the annual Employee Service Awards, which honored several of the city’s long-time employees. Recognized for 10 years of service were Jaime Sanchez (Parks/Sports Turf Department), Adrian Ward (Solid Waste Department), Karla Hannold (Communications Department), Valerie Timmer (Communications Department), and Aaron Luman (Liberal Fire Department). Recognized for 15 years of service were Brandt Helsel (Liberal Police Department), Argelia Aragon (Liberal Police Department), Jesus Aguilar (Water Department), Paul Holman (Cemetery Department), Esperanza Martinez (Communications Department), and Erika Villa (Building Department). Recognized for 20 years of service were Chris Head (Liberal Police Department), and Alicia Hidalgo (Administration), and recognized for 25 years of service were Guillermo Corona (Water Department) and Brian Fornwalt (Airport).
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