• 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.
  • This experimental bi-plane taxis in early Saturday morning.

    Annual fly-in welcomes variety of visitors

    August 05, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    The skies over Ellsworth became even friendlier Saturday morning as the Smoky Hill EAA Chapter #1127 hosted its 33rd Annual Cowtown Fly-In at the Ellsworth Municipal Airport.The sun was still rising while the smell of pancakes and sausage being cooked in one of the hangars wafted through the air.

    Editor's Pick

    Burns

    Ellsworth hires Burns as new city administrator

    1 hour ago By Alan Rusch
    The City of Ellsworth has a new city administrator. At Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council, approval was given to hire Emily Burns to fill the position, which is currently held by Interim City Administrator Allen Dinkel.

    News

    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

    1 hour 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.
    Visitors enjoy lunch Aug. 20 during the grand reopening at Home Lumber. The newly-remodeled space includes additional displays. Courtesy photo

    Rising from the ashes: Home Lumber celebrates grand reopening

    1 hour ago By Karen Bonar
    About 18 months after a fire gutted Home Lumber, the grand reopening was celebrated.About 200 visitors gathered Aug. 20, Ellsworth’s Home Lumber manager Jake Bach said.“We had a giant open house where people in the community could come in and meet with our vendors,” he said.

    Obituaries

    Alt Text for Image

    Alan D. Falk

    6 days 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.
    Alt Text for Image

    Dennis Dee Suelter

    6 days 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

    1 week 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.
    Alt Text for Image

    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

    Returning to the school routine

    1 hour 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.
    Alt Text for Image

    Preparing for the Chicago Marathon

    1 week ago By Karen Bonar
    This year, I’ve had marathon mania.But I’m not a runner; not even close. It is my sister, not I, who has participated in several marathons.Please allow me to explain.One of my high school friends began volunteering as a bike marshal for the Chicago marathon several years ago.