ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Janeth Vazquez has held multiple positions that have helped many people in the Liberal community and now she is sharing those talents with the state.

Vazquez was recently named the Southwest Kansas Regional Manager for the Kansas Health Foundation, and she said she is very excited to step into the role.

“This is a new position the Kansas Health Foundation just implemented to try to have a broader impact across the state, and so I'm really excited to step into this role with the Kansas Health Foundation,” Vazquez said. “Having worked in healthcare, local government, and journalism, I see how important it is to listen to people, to build relationships, and to bring communities together. So I'm looking forward to working alongside communities through Southwest Kansas to better understand their priorities and to help them connect them with opportunities to improve their health.”

Special to the Leader & Times

A two-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 11:22 a.m. Tuesday, four miles west of Plains on U.S. Hwy 54.

A 2023 Dodge Ram 2500 being driven by Ernesto Smith, 35, of Plains, was stopped in the westbound lane on U.S. Hwy 54 at Meade County Road 2 waiting on traffic to clear to turn south. A 2021 Chevrolet Express being driven by Zachery Amerine, 26, of Otis, was traveling west  behind the Dodge Ram when he failed to yield and brake, and crashed into the rear of the Dodge. Amerine then veered into the southbound ditch of Seward County Road Y and struck an electric pole, where the vehicle came to rest. The Dodge came to rest facing south on Meade County Road 2.

Amerine was taken to Southwest Medical Center with suspected serious injuries. Smith was taken to Meade District Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Those looking for a bit of extra fun on Halloween will have just that thanks to New Beginnings Church.

New Beginnings Church will be hosting its annual Fall Festival from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at the church at 2021 N. Western Ave. As coordinator Melody Castro tells it, it should be a great time for everyone who comes out.

“We’re going to have inflatables, candy, hot chocolate, popcorn, hot dogs, and a lot of other great fun and treats for everyone who comes out,” Castro said. “The main goal is to have this be a fun event for the community to come by and hang out for a little bit. They more than welcome to stay the whole time, or just to come stop by, eat a hot dog or two, talk with us, and have the kiddos play with the inflatables.”

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Halloween is less than two weeks away, and churches, organizations and agencies in the area have already been providing fun family activities for everyone to enjoy.

Oct. 30, Seward County United Way is hosting its second annual Halloween Bash, and Director Patricia Fierro said that comes on the heels of the inaugural event in 2025, which she called a complete success.

“Last year, we had a wonderful turnout with more than 1,000 people who came through our doors,” she said. “This year, we are looking for sponsors to help us offset a lot of the expenses we have with the venue and entertainment we’ll be having for our guests.”