By catherine doud
By catherine doud
Getting creative while making holiday desserts is a little easier, and cheaper, with the help of the staff at J.H. Robbins Memorial Library and their extensive collection of cake pans, candy molds and cookie cutters, all available to check out to library patrons at no charge.
The Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School cheer squad attended the Washburn Rural Spirit showcase Nov. 1 in Topeka and received a 2 rating. The team also went to the TMP Cheer Showcase in Hays Nov. 8 and received a 1 rating and Overall Best High School Fight Song performance. In addition, Kit Donley, Kiya Schultz and Kathryn Buggeln received 1 ratings on their individual tumble performances. The team heads to KSHSAA State Cheer Nov. 22 to compete against 29 other 3A schools in Game Day Performance. Front row, from left, Brooklyn Legette, Audrey Bohl, Kiya Schultz, Kit Donley and Leah Howard. Back row, assistant coach Brecka Schroeder, Sophie Shepherd, Claire Schiermeyer, Kathryn Buggeln, Nell Goss, Brooke Webb, Harley Thrush and head coach Brittany Kasper. Not pictured: Felis De La Cruz.
On Veterans Day, it was nearly 10 years since former U.S. Army Capt. Jacub Bruning set foot in his alma mater, Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, where he graduated as a member of the Class of 2009.
Squeals of delight echoed throughout the field as Heather McClendon brought breakfast to her herd of swine.
Getting creative while making holiday desserts is a little easier, and cheaper, with the help of the staff at J.H.
On Veterans Day, it was nearly 10 years since former U.S. Army Capt. Jacub Bruning set foot in his alma mater, Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, where he graduated as a member of the Class of 2009.
Squeals of delight echoed throughout the field as Heather McClendon brought breakfast to her herd of swine.
The Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center is getting new technology, thanks to the generosity of local organizations.
At the Nov. 19 meeting of the Ellsworth County Medical Center board of directors, Chief Executive Officer Jim Kirkbride noted Ellsworth is running behind regarding regular seasonal illnesses as ECMC has not seen COVID or flu cases yet.
Donald Allen Smischny, 97, of Salina, Kan., passed peacefully on Nov. 29, 2025, after a brief illness. Don was born in Ellsworth, Kan., on Aug. 17, 1928, to Rudy and Ruby (Allen) Smischny. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1946, and attended Kansas State University in Manhattan for one year before returning to Ellsworth.
Betty Lou Petersen passed on Oct. 30, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Wesley Chapel, Fla., with her Florida family by her side, taking turns holding her hand and celebrating her almost 93 years on this earth as our mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and everyone’s Diva. Her heart was big, full of God’s love, but she was tired and her heart simply gave out.
Dr. Ted Allen Nickell, PhD, age 87, of Salina, Kan., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
Born on Aug. 3, 1938, in Dodge City, Kan., Ted was the son of Doris Margaret (Rabourn) and Virdie Allen Nickell. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy then the Army Reserves, and later earned his doctorate from Missouri University.
Jean E. Campbell, 93, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
While many people know Kim Whetzel as an administrative assistant at the USD 327 district office, her interaction reaches beyond her desk chair.
LAWRENCE — The Ellsworth girls’ cross country team and senior Hunter Kinsley and freshman Octavio Rodriguez from the Ellsworth boys’ team competed at the KSHSAA Class 3A State Cross Country Championship Nov. 1 at Rim Rock Farm north of Lawrence. Earning their highest team finish since the 2005 State Runner-Up team, the girls finished sixth out of 12 full teams, while Kinsley and Rodriguez finished in the upper half of their fields.
I enjoyed my drive to work Monday morning. It was the perfect snow. One I could enjoy as I drove, watching puffy white snow drift slowly to earth.
Dear Editor,
I enjoyed your editorial “What Defines ‘Home’?” in Oct. 16 issue of the Independent-Reporter. You mention Wichita, the place you grew up, and write, “Do I consider it my hometown? I’m not sure.”
I feel the same way about the place I grew up, St. Joseph, Mo.
After a stop-and-go start to fall harvest because of weather and breakdowns, we’ve finally found our groove in November.
We voted, let’s move forward
