WILSON — Many community members gathered on the evening of March 17 at the Catholic Parish Hall, but not to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The topic was the proposed closing of Wilson Elementary School.
WILSON — Many community members gathered on the evening of March 17 at the Catholic Parish Hall, but not to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The topic was the proposed closing of Wilson Elementary School.
KANOPOLIS — A visitor to Kanopolis on the morning of March 14 may have imagined they stepped in a time warp. A two-block are near the intersection of Ohio and Wyoming streets was cordoned off and populated with a large group of people wearing authentic 1874-era military uniforms and Native American garb. Horses milled about on the grounds while 1870s era military tents and equipment surrounded one of the buildings at the Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum Complex.
Lang’s Acre Bar & Grill officially opened for business on Friday the 13th. It was lucky customers didn’t go away hungry.
While cross country season concluded in the fall, junior Molly Ehrlich was recognized in January as a 2025 3A Academic All-State cross country runner.
Career and Technical Education classes combine academic instruction with hands-on, career-focused training to prepare students for highdemand jobs, further education and industry certifications.
KANOPOLIS — A visitor to Kanopolis on the morning of March 14 may have imagined they stepped in a time warp. A two-block are near the intersection of Ohio and Wyoming streets was cordoned off and populated with a large group of people wearing authentic 1874-era military uniforms and Native American garb. Horses milled about on the grounds while 1870s era military tents and equipment surrounded one of the buildings at the Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum Complex.
Lang’s Acre Bar & Grill officially opened for business on Friday the 13th. It was lucky customers didn’t go away hungry.
While cross country season concluded in the fall, junior Molly Ehrlich was recognized in January as a 2025 3A Academic All-State cross country runner.
LOGAN — Two students from Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School have earned top scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
Further raising of water and sewer rates was once again discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.
KANOPOLIS — Less than 10 minutes into the March 20 special meeting, the Kanopolis City Council entered executive session for 30 minutes to discuss nonelected personnel.
Shirley Ann McWhirt Yakesch, 88, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Ellsworth, Kan. She was born April 30, 1937, on the family farm in rural Russell County, Kan., to Edward and Emma (Galliart) Brack. Shirley married Gayle McWhirt on Sept. 15, 1962. To this union, three children were born, Don, Raelene and David. Shirley later married Frank Yakesch, Jr. on Jan. 16, 1998.
Edward “Ed” Douglas Cheshire, 85, passed away March 6, 2026, with his family by his side, at his home in Great Bend, Kan. He was born May 30, 1940, in Evansville, Ind., to Griffin “Jake” and Edra (Larkin) Cheshire. Ed eloped with Martha Springfeldt July 7, 1967, in Hays.
Charles Raymond Dolezal passed away on March 16, 2026. He was 87 years old (32,043 days). He was born on June 23, 1938, son of Charles and Tillie Dolezal. He married Virginia Lee Grubb on April 23, 1960. Charles graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1956 and Brown Mackie College with an associate of business degree in 1964. He also attended Fort Hays State University.
Stephen J. Long, 62, of Salina, KS passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 2, 2026. He was born March 9, 1963, in Ellsworth, Kan., the son of Donald and Margaret Long and Joan Bunch.
LARNED — The Ellsworth girls’ basketball team continued to keep their postseason run alive March 7 as they took on the Beloit Trojans in the KSHSAA Class 3A Substate Championship, winning the game 49-45.
Senior Ellsworth football standout Cooper McGowan was selected to play in the 53rd Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl.
As we set our clocks forward this month, it was an apt reminder of how this time of year always feels like it’s kicking into a new gear. Coming back from spring break, there is renewed momentum, full of promise. It’s hard not to feel a sense of energy and optimism when we pay attention to the great things happening in our schools and communities.
There’s nothing more flattering, or dangerous, for writers than having their words quoted in an approving manner. It’s the starkest evidence that out of all the combinations of letters and words in existence, they’ve arranged a few that offer readers clarity, truth or illumination.
My family recently celebrated the life of my husband’s grandmother.
I’ve been bitten by the bug.
