News

L&T staff report

After the massive tax increase passed the Seward County Commission by a 3-2 vote, several taxpayers have asked that the commission reconsider the budget.

Comments have been made that the commission cannot change the amount of taxes collected, but that statement is inaccurate according to Kansas Special Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson.

Three Seward County residents provided testimony to the committee Monday including Seward County Appraiser Angela Eichman, L&T Publisher Earl Watt and Billy’s Ayr Lanes owner and Seward County Community College Board of Trustee Kelly Hill, among others in Kansas.

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Temperatures may suggest otherwise, but autumn is here. The season typically brings to mind thoughts of falling leaves of a variety of colors, as well as pumpkins and cool crisp air.

For many years, Liberal’s Friends Church has celebrated fall with its annual Pumpkin Festival in late October, and the event is back for this year on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Organizer Jamie Cook said from 2 to 4 p.m. that day, the Friends Family Center will be filled with cookies as local bakers participate in a cookie contest.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Those looking for a bit of early Halloween fun will have just that thanks to the Liberal Recreation Department.

The Liberal Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Trunk-or-Treat and costume contest from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave. Entry is $1 per person, and that covers both Trunk or Treat and the costume contest, with which all ages are welcome.

Liberal Recreation Department Events Coordinator Claudia Garcia said turnout to last year’s event was great, and she hopes to see large turnout again for this year.

“Last year's turnout was great, and we had more than 1,000 people come through our trunk or treat,” Garcia said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families to have a fun and safe Halloween evening, and it's a great way for the community to come together. Everyone who comes can enjoy sweet treats, festive decorations, and win awesome prizes in our costume contest.”

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Candidates for the USD 480 school board had the chance to share their views with the community at a forum last week, and among the topics discussed were needed improvements and potential upcoming projects.

The first question in this regard asked what capital improvements or potential projects should happen on USD 480 properties.

“We have a lot of projects we have discussed and are looking at, and there are multiple things that need to be updated,” candidate Sarah Thompson said. “The ‘new’ high school is more than 40 years old and while we have made some upgrades there, there is still more work to be done. I don’t know how many people in the community have seen the high school’s new library since it’s been completed, that was something I was really passionate about when I got on the board due to safety concerns and other concerns. We need some updates to our athletic facilities due to some Title IX issues. Maskus Auditorium at the high school needs updating and the stage needs replaced, and there are just other upgrades here and there that need done.”