• Cindy and John Lloyd, Nebraska, polka dance Friday night during the Czech Festival in Wilson. KAREN BONAR/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Czech Festival heats up over weekend

    July 29, 2026 - 06:22 | By Alan Rusch
    WILSON — Wilson’s After Harvest Czech Festival July 24-25 had everything you could expect from the annual festival in the Czech Capital of Kansas — and more.
  • Pictured from left, Maddison Ward, Mallory Dobrinski, Kelli Rodriguez, Bryson Ohl and FCCLA adviser Mandy Burger. The four students qualified to compete at FCCLA nationals in Washington, D.C., July 5-10. Courtesy photo

    FCCLA students excel at national contest

    July 22, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    Four Ellsworth Jr./Sr.High School students represented the school at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference July 5-10 in Washington, D.C.
  • Eli Hernandez, bottom, on his tandem jump in Abilene. Courtesy photos

    101-year-old is on top of the world

    July 22, 2026 - 06:22 | By Alan Rusch
    ABILENE — Most centenarians prefer to spend their remaining years in comfort instead of actively chasing grand adventures as they did in their youth.But Eli Hernandez of Kanopolis is definitely not most centenarians.
  • Ethan Haase took first place in the first-ever Fort Harker Days hot dog eating contest Saturday after the turtle races. Haase ate nine hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to claim the $50 cash prize. Jesse Munoz took second place by eating five hot dogs and buns during the time limit.

    FORT HARKER DAYS

    July 15, 2026 - 06:22 | By News Staff
  • Prayer & Action participants gather for a prayer before beginning work on a house near downtown Ellsworth. Photos by CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Youth put faith into action

    July 15, 2026 - 06:22 | By Catherine Doud
    Agroup of young people started their day in Ellsworth with prayer, then followed it with action.More then 90 high school students from the Salina Catholic Diocese Prayer & Action group descended on Ellsworth in July. Their mission? Providing service to people in need and sharing their faith.

    Editor's Pick

    Eli Hernandez, bottom, on his tandem jump in Abilene. Courtesy photos

    101-year-old is on top of the world

    1 week ago By Alan Rusch
    ABILENE — Most centenarians prefer to spend their remaining years in comfort instead of actively chasing grand adventures as they did in their youth.But Eli Hernandez of Kanopolis is definitely not most centenarians.

    News

    Colle

    Colle resigns as Grow Ellsworth Executive Director

    1 week ago By I-r Staff
    After one year as executive director of Grow Ellsworth County, Kevin Colle resigned according to Justin Lindsley, president of the GEC Board of Directors.Lindsley said July 20 was Colle’s last day as executive director.

    Obituaries

    Alt Text for Image

    Arthur Ray Hurley

    3 weeks ago By News Staff
    (1942-2026)Arthur Ray Hurley, 83, passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on July 3, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Newport, Tenn. He was born Aug. 30, 1942, in Grand Junction, Colo.
    Alt Text for Image

    Gwenna M. Green

    3 weeks ago By News Staff
    (1961-2026)Gwenna M. Green, 65, of Russell, Kan., died on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kan. Gwenna was born on March 1, 1961, in Russell, the daughter of Everett James and Angeline Marie (Ehrlich) Green.

    Sports

    Alt Text for Image

    McGowan competes in Shrine Bowl

    3 weeks 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

    9 hours ago By News Staff
    How do you sum up more than a century’s worth of living in one newspaper?The simple reality is that I can’t.But I’m sure giving it my best shot.This week, I’m endeavoring to write a story that honors the life and legacy of Gail “Pep” Shanelec.

    From Our Readers

    2 weeks ago By News Staff
    Rural fire districts’ offer not adequate, equitable“You need us!” That is what a member of the Fire Districts 1 and 2 contingent said at the June 22nd meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.