ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Liberal’s extensive history includes being named the broomcorn capital of the world and agriculture, and an upcoming Seward County Historical Society event will be bringing both of those together.

The Seward County Historical Society will be hosting "Burgers and Broomcorn" at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 on the Coronado Museum grounds at 567 E. Cedar Street. Guests will be able to enjoy burgers outside Bob’s Diner (while helping raise money for a new paint job) and hear from authors Steve Doner and Kent Brooks as they speak about their new book, Broomcorn on the High Plains: A Photographic Record. Museum Director Nathan Dowell said he and staff are excited about the upcoming event.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Many people who go into prison use the time to truly repent of their crimes and plan a way to make amends.

The Rock Ministries in Aurora, Colo. is one group that looks to help people with just that, and Matthew Garcia is one of the clients making his way back into society.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Kansas has spent a lot of time seeking out overseas partnerships, and now, the Czech Republic is on that list.

Thursday, Gov. Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced the State of Kansas and the Czech Republic signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation. The statement will allow for greater cooperation between Kansas and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade related to trade, business development, technological research, and several other key areas, according to a release from the State of Kansas.

ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Crime is on the decline in Seward County, according to a recent report from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Thursday, Seward County Sheriff Gene Ward announced in July, KBI released its 2025 Crime Index statistics, and he is pleased to report the county experienced a 29.6 percent decrease in total reported crimes compared to 2024.

“These results are encouraging and reflect the continued commitment of our Seward County deputies and Liberal police officers, the support of our community, and the strong partnerships we have built throughout Seward County,” Ward said. “While many factors influence crime trends from year to year, public safety is most effective when residents, businesses and law enforcement work together toward a common goal. I appreciate everyone who has helped make Seward County a safer community and remain committed to building on this progress.”