• Ripley Kepka celebrates as she’s recognized as the 2026 Reading Grand Champion and winner of the Claudia Patry Reading Award. In addition to the medal, certificate and trophy, her name is engraved on the plaque honoring each year’s winner. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Remembering the Dragons

    2 hours ago | By Catherine Doud
    WILSON — On May 19, Wilson Elementary School students gathered in the gym for the last time. It wasn’t just the end-of-the-year awards assembly, but a memorial to the end of the public school in Wilson.
  • U.S. Navy Commander Robert Laubengayer, Ret., Ellsworth, gives the Memorial Day address. ALAN RUSCH/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Local Memorial Day celebration nods to America’s 250th

    2 hours ago | By Alan Rusch
    On Monday, Memorial Day, residents of Ellsworth County paused to remember their fellow Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom.
  • Micah Galvan hugs his mom, Heather McClendon, as Ambriana McClendon captures the moment on her phone. Seniors handed a rose to a significant adult near the start of commencement. Photos by KAREN BONAR/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Graduates remember their ABCs

    1 week ago | By Karen Bonar
    During the May 17 Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School graduation, the class of 2026 was reminded to take it back. All the way back to the building blocks of their education: The ABCs.
  • Elyse Haxton tees off at the Salina Municipal Golf Course during regional competition Monday. She shot 112 and placed 62nd. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Golf season ends Monday at regional competition

    1 week ago | By Catherine Doud
    SALINA — The Ellsworth varsity golf team competed at 3A regionals on a windy and wet course at the Salina Municipal Golf Course May 18. Due to heavy rains in Salina the night before, the 8:30 a.m. start time was moved back to 9:30 a.m.The Bearcats came in ninth out of 14 teams with 76 golfers total.
  • Fifth grader Aiden Bayles shares information during Veterans Night Monday at Kanopolis Middle School. His presentation was about Kevin Lemieux. KAREN BONAR/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    VETERANS NIGHT

    2 weeks ago | By News Staff

    Editor's Pick

    Ownership recently changed for the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter. Pictured, from left, are Jeff Samuels, CFO of Morris Multimedia Inc., Sheryl Cheely, Mark Bitter and I-R editor/publisher Karen Bonar. Courtesy photo

    Newspaper purchased by Kansas buyers

    2 hours ago By I-r Staff
    The Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter is now under the umbrella of GBTrib LLC effective May 18.The I-R, Great Bend Tribune and Marquette Tribune were all sold by Morris Multimedia Inc., Savannah, Ga., to Great Bend residents Sheryl Cheely and Mark Bitter.

    News

    Ripley Kepka celebrates as she’s recognized as the 2026 Reading Grand Champion and winner of the Claudia Patry Reading Award. In addition to the medal, certificate and trophy, her name is engraved on the plaque honoring each year’s winner. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Remembering the Dragons

    2 hours ago By Catherine Doud
    WILSON — On May 19, Wilson Elementary School students gathered in the gym for the last time. It wasn’t just the end-of-the-year awards assembly, but a memorial to the end of the public school in Wilson.

    Obituaries

    Savage

    Kathleen Lynn Savage (1956-2026)

    3 weeks ago By Ellsworth
    Kathleen Lynn Savage was born Sept. 6, 1956, in Russell Kan., to Kenneth and Helen (Withrow) Savage. She passed from this life on March 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
    Rathbun

    Betty Louise Rathbun (1930-2026)

    3 weeks ago By Ellsworth
    Betty Louise Rathbun, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at her home in Ellsworth. She was born Jan. 18, 1930, in Sapulpa, Okla., to William “Dan” and Ada (Moore) Stockstill.On March 18, 1949, Betty married Ronald K. Rathbun in Ellsworth.

    Sports

    Track qualifies 7 for state meet

    2 hours ago By Jeremy Obermeyer
    BELOIT — Qualifying members of the Ellsworth boys’ and girls’ track and field teams competed in the KSHSAA Class 3A Regionals May 21.Facing some inclement weather and stiff competition, the Bearcat girls placed sixth in team competition, qualifying in seven events to compete at the state meet.

    Columns

    EDITORIAL

    2 hours ago By News Staff
    There seems to be the impression that things get easier with time. While this can be true with academic or athletic feats, it doesn’t seem to get easier to say goodbye. Or at least, not for me.May 19 marked another chapter for education in our rural community of Wilson.

    OPINION

    2 weeks ago By News Staff
    Students around the county, state and nation are counting down the days until the last day of school.Unfortunately, once again for students in Wilson, the last day of school means the last day of the school being open.