• The old welcome to Holyrood sign on the edge of town will be getting a new makeover soon, thanks to a grant from the Smoky Hills Community Foundation.

    Holyrood sign gets refresh thanks to SHCF

    September 02, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    HOLYROOD — The Smoky Hills Community Foundation’s spring 2026 grant cycle funded eight projects across Ellsworth County. Two of those grants will make an impact in the community of Holyrood.An old sign welcomes visitors to the community, but not for long.
  • From left, EMT Scout Tokoi, paramedic Alex Winters and paramedic Elisabeth Mohler show the new IV pump purchased with grant funds. Courtesy photo

    Grant allows EMS to equip new ambulance

    August 26, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    The Smoky Hills Community Foundation’s spring 2026 grant cycle funded eight projects across Ellsworth County, but one grant could have a particularly important impact for residents living miles from town, helping bring an added measure of safety and security to the county’s rural communities.
  • Ellsworth High School FFA students provided oldtime games like sack races and tug-o-war on the museum grounds after the parade.

    Cowtown parade, activities provide fun for all

    August 19, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    Cowtown Day stampeded back into Ellsworth over the weekend with the return of the Cowtown Day parade at 11 a.m. Saturday morning.
  • One of 20 miniature cows strolls the streets downtown, as part of the Cowtown Scavenger Hunt. The hunt, coordinated by the Ellsworth Co-op, concludes Friday. Courtesy photo

    Cowtown scavenger hunt hits the streets

    August 12, 2026 - 06:22 | By Karen Bonar
    Cowpokes of all ages are stampeding through Ellsworth ahead of Cowtown Day, searching for missing cattle.The Ellsworth Co-op is leading the herd for the Cowtown Scavenger Hunt.
  • Rodeo stock horses kick up dust as they get some exercise in the rodeo arena prior to the August 2025 El-Kan Western Riders Rodeo in Ellsworth as part of the 2025 Cowtown Days. File photos by CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Old West comes alive at Cowtown Days

    August 12, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    Dust off your boots and step back into the Old West, as Cowtown Days returns to Ellsworth this weekend.Ellsworth Cowtown Days is hosted by the Ellsworth FFA and the Ellsworth County Historical Society, with support from volunteers, as well as the El-Kan Western Riders Saddle Club.

    Editor's Pick

    The old welcome to Holyrood sign on the edge of town will be getting a new makeover soon, thanks to a grant from the Smoky Hills Community Foundation.

    Holyrood sign gets refresh thanks to SHCF

    1 hour ago By Catherine Doud
    HOLYROOD — The Smoky Hills Community Foundation’s spring 2026 grant cycle funded eight projects across Ellsworth County. Two of those grants will make an impact in the community of Holyrood.An old sign welcomes visitors to the community, but not for long.

    Saturday’s fiesta to honor community heritage

    1 hour ago By Alan Rusch
    KANOPOLIS — Tradition, good food, good times with family and friends and raising funds for a good cause. That’s what the annual fiesta celebrated by St. Ignatius Catholic Church is all about.The fiesta is Sept. 5 at the church in Kanopolis.

    News

    Kansas State School Board of Education candidates answered questions at a meet-and-greet event at the USD 400 Board of Education offices Aug. 25. From left, Destry Brown, (R), Dist. 9; Alana McWilliams, (R), Dist. 7; Ann Zimmerman, (D), Dist. 7; and Heather Guernsey, (D), Dist. 9. CATHERINE DOUD/Marquette Tribune

    Candidates discuss education issues

    1 hour ago By Catherine Doud
    LINDSBORG — Marquette-area residents were given the opportunity to question Kansas State Board of Education candidates Aug. 25 at the Smoky Valley Board of Education office, Lindsborg.
    From left, EMT Scout Tokoi, paramedic Alex Winters and paramedic Elisabeth Mohler show the new IV pump purchased with grant funds. Courtesy photo

    Grant allows EMS to equip new ambulance

    6 days ago By Catherine Doud
    The Smoky Hills Community Foundation’s spring 2026 grant cycle funded eight projects across Ellsworth County, but one grant could have a particularly important impact for residents living miles from town, helping bring an added measure of safety and security to the county’s rural communities.

    Obituaries

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    Alan D. Falk

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1962-2026)It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alan D. Falk, who passed away on Aug. 13, 2026, in Bel Aire, Kan., at the age of 64. Alan was born on May 8, 1962, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Walter and Joyce (Schwerdtfeger) Falk.
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    Dennis Dee Suelter

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1948-2026)Dennis Dee Suelter, 77, of Brookville, Kan., passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. Anyone who ever met him has a story — because Dennis never knew a stranger and he never missed a chance to share a laugh.

    Sports

    Reagan Hansen, 10, competes at the Nokaoi Volleyball tournament in July in Hawaii. Courtesy photo

    Hansen travels to Hawaii to participate in volleyball competition

    2 weeks ago By Karen Bonar
    HONOLULU — Ellsworth volleyball player Reagan Hansen took the stage during a national volleyball tournament this summer.A May graduate from Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, Hansen played in the Nokaoi Volleyball tournament in July.“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” she said.
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    McGowan competes in Shrine Bowl

    1 month ago By Jeremy Obermeyer
    EMPORIA — Standout athlete and 2026 Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School graduate Cooper McGowan competed in the 53rd Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl June 27 at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.

    Columns

    EDITORIAL

    1 hour ago By News Staff
    The queen is dead. Long live the queen.That queen, of course, would be legendary country entertainer Dolly Parton, who slipped the surly bonds of Earth on Aug. 25 at the age of 80.

    Returning to the school routine

    6 days ago By Ken Cravens
    Congratulations on a great start to the 20262027 school year! No matter how many years go by, the start of a new school year is always an exciting time. I have always enjoyed the natural cycle of schools and the reinvigorating opportunity for a fresh start.