City officials address federal immigration raids in Liberal

Five police officers commended for Westhaven fire rescues

City seeks $500,000 grant for extreme downtown makeover

AI-powered smart signals coming to three intersections

Local contractor selected for smart signal installation

$746,000 solar tax credit transferred to general fund

City officials defend code enforcement against online harassment

Change in scope reduces city costs for bus shelter project

Former building approved as new place of worship

City officials address federal immigration raids in Liberal

LIBERAL, Kan. — City officials addressed widespread federal immigration enforcement activity in Liberal on Tuesday. While initial accounts from city leaders estimated 40 to 60 individuals were taken into custody from local businesses, gas stations, and homes, those specific figures and locations remain unconfirmed by federal authorities. Reassuring residents that the city serves and protects everyone regardless of immigration status, officials urged the community to check on neighbors, show compassion, and rely on verified information amid fears of continued U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area.

Five police officers commended for Westhaven fire rescues

LIBERAL, Kan. — Fire Chief Kelly Kirk commended members of the Liberal Police Department for their life-saving actions during an early morning residential fire on Westhaven Drive on Aug. 17. Cpl. Nathan Brennon and officers Kaelan Martinez, Isaias Romo Munoz, Brendan Ellenburg-Bryant, along with another unidentified police officer, were recognized for entering the burning structure to safely evacuate three residents and a cat, as well as evacuating neighboring homes. Kirk praised the officers' quick response and seamless collaboration with the fire department, presenting each with a customized challenge coin and a certificate of commendation.

City seeks $500,000 grant for extreme downtown makeover

LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a one-time $500,000 Kansas Department of Commerce BLOCK Program grant aimed at transforming a downtown block. If awarded, the highly competitive grant will fund an aggressive two-week makeover prior to Dec. 15, focusing on facade updates and the demolition of an unidentified building on the 200 block of Kansas Avenue to create a new community courtyard. The application will be submitted through the Seward County Development Corporation to expedite material purchases and maneuver the tight timeline.

AI-powered smart signals coming to three intersections

LIBERAL, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $137,896 equipment purchase from Gades Sales Co., Inc. to install new intelligent transportation systems at three high-traffic intersections. Funded by a Kansas Department of Transportation Innovative Technology Grant, the AI-powered smart signals will be placed at 11th Street and Kansas Avenue, Pine Street and Kansas Avenue, and Pershing Avenue and Pancake Boulevard. The technology utilizes real-time data to optimize traffic flow, detect slow or wrong-way vehicles and automatically adjust for school zones. Staff emphasized the sensors do not feature facial recognition or license plate reading capabilities and will not be used for surveillance.

Local contractor selected for smart signal installation

LIBERAL, Kan. — To facilitate the implementation of the new smart traffic signals, the commission approved an $88,375 service contract with an unnamed local contractor. The contractor will handle the removal of 30-year-old signal equipment, underground utility rewiring and the calibration of the new sensor technology. While the installation labor is not directly reimbursable by the Kansas Department of Transportation grant, the expense will count toward the city's required local match, with funds coming from the street, drainage and capital improvement portion of the one-cent sales tax.

$746,000 solar tax credit transferred to general fund

LIBERAL, Kan. — City commissioners unanimously approved the transfer of $746,610 from the construction fund to the general fund. The positive cash balance is the remaining portion of a $1.06 million federal green energy tax credit the city received in December 2025 following a successful municipal solar energy project. City staff noted that after consulting with auditors regarding the rare influx of flexible federal funds, transferring the balance will help stabilize the city's general fund and assist with regular operations heading into the new year.

City officials defend code enforcement against online harassment

LIBERAL, Kan. — During Tuesday's meeting, city staff publicly defended the city's code enforcement officers against recent online criticism, referring to the activity as "harassment" and "keyboard warrior attacks." Officials emphasized that code enforcement handles a thankless but vital job, strictly adhering to city ordinances without targeting specific individuals. Reaffirming full support for the department, staff urged residents with legitimate concerns to contact City Hall directly rather than turning to social media platforms.

Change in scope reduces city costs for bus shelter project

LIBERAL, Kan. — City staff announced a significant update to a long-delayed bus shelter project, noting that a change of scope request was recently approved by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Originally slated to cost the city $50,000 with heavy in-house labor requirements, the state will now provide $99,461 strictly for material procurement, reducing the city's matching burden to $19,892. The revised plan bypasses environmental study delays associated with groundwork and will fund the purchase of seven transit shelters featuring solar lighting and benches.

Former building approved as new place of worship

LIBERAL, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a special use permit allowing the former Mosaic facility at 401 and 441 Industrial Ave. to be utilized as a religious place of worship. The ordinance paves the way for an unidentified local church, which has operated in Liberal for 30 years, to purchase and occupy the currently vacant facility. The permit application passed the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously in August with no negative public comments reported. In a related body configuration change, Ryan Martin was recently appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board for a term ending January 2029.

Click here for local obituaries

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us