ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, occur when the brain experiences sudden trauma or damage to it.

TBI can result from a closed injury, namely some kind of force or impact but the skull remains intact, or open injury such as force impact that pierces the skull and damages brain tissue directly.

It is estimated 1.7 million people experience TBI annually, and in 2020, there 64,632 deaths from TBI across the U.S.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Last Saturday was certainly a golden night to remember for the Liberal community with this year’s Chamber Bash.

After the meal and entertainment from comedy hypnotist Erick Känd, the Chamber of Commerce recognized several businesses and individuals. In the table decorating contest, third prize went to Dillon’s, second prize went to the Seward County United Way, and first prize went to National Beef Packing Company. The Peoples Choice award went to Tortuga Brewing and. Bank of Beaver City won the Best Use of a Prop Award.

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Meade District Hospital, and staff of the hospital have been celebrating since 2026 began.

April 16, MDH will host a community come-and-go event from 3 to 7 p.m., and Artesian Valley Health System Marketing Manager Crystal Torres said the event was created to honor the individuals and history that have shaped the hospital.

“We will have food and refreshments, historical photographs and opportunities to reconnect and reflect on the hospital’s significance to the community over the years,” she said.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

The safety of pedestrians is of utmost importance and recently, some action taken at the state level aims to help with just that.

Friday, Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, which prohibits the use of a cell phone while driving in a school or construction zone.

“House Substitute for Senate Bill 366 takes concrete steps to make our communities safer for all – and safe communities are vital to making Kansas a state where people want to put down roots and raise their families,” Gov. Kelly noted in a release from the State of Kansas. “I’m pleased to sign smart, commonsense legislation that will help ensure drivers are distraction-free and schoolchildren, pedestrians, and constructions workers are protected. Under Senate Bill 366, individuals who use a cell phone while driving in school or construction zones will be subject to a warning citation. After July 1, 2027, individuals will be subject to a citation with a $60 fine. Additionally, this law permits the display of certain lighting in road construction zones by vehicles and trailers being used for highway construction and maintenance operations.”