BREAKING - Seward County Treasurer Mary Rose issues statement on request made by Steve Helm for information on those who filed taxes under protest:

“There has been immense speculation surrounding a recent Kansas Open Records request submitted by Commissioner Steve Helm. We can confirm that the request was made by Commissioner Steve Helm in his personal capacity.

I have hired outside counsel, Chris McGowne of McGowne Uhrich P.A. to assist me in this matter as I wanted to ensure I did the proper due diligence before releasing the personal information of anyone in the County.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Those looking for the opportunity to hear from political candidates for multiple offices will have that chance soon thanks to the Kansas Democratic Party.

The Kansas Democratic Party will be hosting Democracy Fest event in multiple Kansas communities, with the kickoff taking place in Liberal Saturday, June 20 at 1 p.m. at the Rock Island Depot.

Chair Jeanna Repass said Democracy Fest should be a great opportunity for everyone.

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

For about the past half century, the Seward County Sheriff’s office has relied on a reserve team of deputies to provide security at events throughout the community.

Earlier this year, that program was disbanded, and Undersheriff Ryan Roehr is looking for some part-time help at events.

“I’m requesting three part-time certified deputy positions to cover the resulting gap in event management and scene security,” he said at the county commission’s May 18 meeting.

Southwest Medical Center

Southwest Medical Center is reminding patients that Liberal Family Medicine Care Center has a new phone number for appointments, prescription refills and all patient inquiries.

Patients can now reach the clinic by calling (620) 556-4550.

Family nurse practitioners Heidi Riley, APRN, FNP-C, and Tiffany Landa, APRN, FNP-C, have been caring for patients at Liberal Family Medicine Care Center since relocating their practice earlier this year to 121 E. 11th Street in Liberal. The clinic continues to provide comprehensive primary care services and is accepting both existing and new patients.