Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Shannon Francis, 125th District Representative

This week several of our local residents testified before legislative committees. Kelly Hill and his daughter, Beckett, were here and testified in the Senate Tax Committee. Lindsay Bennett and Sarah Foreman testified at a Social Services Budget Committee hearing. They did an excellent job of representing our community … especially Beckett.

GUEST COLUMN, Tammy Sutherland-Abbott, Chair, Seward County Republican Party

In 2022, The Kansas Legislature passed, and Gov. Kelly signed HB 2717 which banned cities in Kansas from declaring sanctuary status.

State law requires law enforcement throughout Kansas to cooperate with federal agencies including ICE.

While Liberal does not elect leaders based on party affiliation, the Seward County Republican Party became aware of a city commissioner posting on social media how illegal immigrants should prepare for the possibility of "raids" by the Trump Administration.

SAINTS PERSPECTIVE, SCCC President Brad Bennett

It’s hard to believe, but the unique-to-Seward County Community College celebration of Kansas Day hit its seventh-year mark last Wednesday. Taste of Kansas, our campus and community’s multicultural potluck meal, brought more than 50 kitchen chefs together with 200+ diners for a wonderful time of fellowship.

Along with food from many regions across the U.S., we enjoyed dishes from Mexico, Central America, India, Asia, and Europe. Along with traveling the world via their taste buds, guests had a chance to take a look at the newest mural that was dedicated in Topeka at the statehouse on Kansas Day. The artwork shows a group of 13 Kansas women who worked to improve the state. We also displayed an array of noteworthy Kansans.

THE POSTSCRIPT, Carrie Classon

My father and my niece have a wonderful tradition.

Born just 69 years and one week apart, they have celebrated their birthdays together for as long as my niece has had a birthday. Last night, we all went out to eat and then went to my sister’s house to open presents and have birthday cake. I live just a few blocks from a wonderful Italian bakery. They make the best chocolate cake ever, so I offered to bring the cake.