News

Cars collide on Kansas Ave. when sandal sticks on pedal

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

No injuries were reported in a three-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon in downtown Liberal.

The Liberal Police Department issued a press release saying around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers were dispatched to the accident at the intersection of Kansas Avenue and Rock Island Road.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered a red 2013 Kia Rio, driven by a 56-year-old male, was traveling northbound on Kansas Avenue when his sandal got stuck on the accelerator, causing him to strike a white 2023 Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 24-year-old female,” the release said.

LPD said the impact caused the white Jeep to strike a black 2018 Nissan Altima, driven by a 21-year-old male. The driver of the red Kia was cited for no insurance, driving without a valid license and inattentive driving.

City contracts with Gallo to create public mural

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Earlier this year, the City of Liberal received some grant funding through the Kansas Arts Commission for a public art project to go up in Light Park, and Tuesday evening, the Liberal City Commission approved a contract with a local artist for that project.

SWMC CEO: Medicare Advantage not an advantage

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Open enrollment for Medicare for 2025 is currently under way and will run through Dec. 7, and while enrolling in Medicare is encouraged by many in the medical profession, officials with Liberal’s Southwest Medical Center are advising caution when choosing a plan.

SWMC CEO Amber Williams said hospital leaders want patients to fully understand the benefits offered by traditional Medicare plans Part A and Part B and those offered by Part C, more commonly known as Medicare Advantage.

Vazquez helps boyfriend become citizen

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Janeth Vazquez has been teaching citizenship classes to many local immigrants to help them become American citizens for several years.

Among the people she has taught was her mother, Beatriz Cuellar, in 2021, and now, Vazquez has taught her boyfriend citizenship, as Nestor Castillo officially became an American citizen recently.

Castillo was born in Mexico, moving to America with his family at the age of 9, and he has two daughters and has worked at Liberal’s National Beef for about five years. He said becoming a U.S. citizen was something he did more for his children than anything else.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) opens early in Kansas

Special to the Leader & Times

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that Kansans needing assistance with winter energy bills will be able to begin applying for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Monday, Nov. 18. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

“Kansas winters can be harsh and unpredictable. When temperatures fall, heating bills rise. By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, we’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.