• A variety of flags flap in the wind April 11 during the first Gold Star Mother ceremony at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Wilson. Pictured, from left, are Ron Svaty, John Moore, Bobbie Hulse and Doug Stefek. Courtesy photos

    Recognizing gold star mother

    6 hours ago | By Karen Bonar
    WILSON — On what would have been her 123rd birthday, Charlotte (Lilak) Kepka was recognized as a Gold Star Mother.Her ceremony on April 11 at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery was the first ceremony recognizing mothers who whose child died while serving their country in the military.
  • Family Engagement Advocate Casey Rowland has an outlet office in Ellsworth. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Juvenile services increases opportunities in Ellsworth

    6 hours ago | By Catherine Doud
    Families in Ellsworth County have a more convenient option when seeking help from the 20th Judicial District of Juvenile Services.
  • The business consists of a liquor store on the right, the bait shop and a large community room added to the back. Photos by CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Bait shop continues to reel in customers

    1 week ago | By Catherine Doud
    For years the old Simmons Bait Shop on Highway 141 south of the Kanopolis Lake dam on the corner of the turn to Marquette was known for its live bait and other offerings. After the owner died about 20 years ago, the building fell into obscurity and eventually became a private residence.
  • Cancer survivor Fred Smith with Deb Mog June 13 at the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund Community Appreciation Picnic at the American Legion. Photos by ALAN RUSCH/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Support grows for ECCF during picnic

    2 weeks ago | By Alan Rusch
    Alarge crowd gathered at the Ellsworth American Legion June 13 for a delicious meal, great musical entertainment, silent auction and raffle prizes — and most important of all — the opportunity to donate funds to help local cancer patients in Ellsworth County win their battle against the disease.
  • Ellsworth City Street Department employee Daren Webb clears a tree from West 2nd Street Tuesday morning. KAREN BONAR/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Storm causes damage around county

    3 weeks ago | By High Winds Cause Rollovers On I-70
    By i-r StaffNearly 100-mph winds caused a minimum of six rollover accidents along Interstate 70 in central Kansas Monday evening, as a thunderstorm made its way southeast through this part of the state.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol dispatch in Salina, at 8:37 p.m.

    Editor's Pick

    A variety of flags flap in the wind April 11 during the first Gold Star Mother ceremony at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Wilson. Pictured, from left, are Ron Svaty, John Moore, Bobbie Hulse and Doug Stefek. Courtesy photos

    Recognizing gold star mother

    6 hours ago By Karen Bonar
    WILSON — On what would have been her 123rd birthday, Charlotte (Lilak) Kepka was recognized as a Gold Star Mother.Her ceremony on April 11 at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery was the first ceremony recognizing mothers who whose child died while serving their country in the military.

    News

    Public forum about land transfer set July 13 in Claflin

    6 hours ago By Catherine Doud
    CLAFLIN — The land transfer of Wilson School properties was again a disputed topic as the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education met for its year-end meeting June 24. As a result, community members and landowners residing in the district are invited to attend the next board meeting at 6 p.m.

    Obituaries

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    Alan G. Vopat

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1949-2026)Alan G. Vopat, 76, passed away at his home in Wilson, Kan., on June 7, 2026. Alan was born on Nov. 16, 1949, in Ellsworth, Kan., to George Leonard Alan and Sylvia Georgina (Svaty) Vopat.Alan graduated from Wilson High School in 1968.
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    Patricia Ann McWilliams

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1961-2026)Patricia Ann McWilliams, 65, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, in Wichita, Kan. She was born March 9, 1961, in Canton, Texas, to Olen and Lois ( Jenkins) Dorsey.Patricia is survived by her daughter Natashia McWilliams, Canton, Kan.; son Jason McWilliams (Katie), Ellsworth, Kan.

    Sports

    Track qualifies 7 for state meet

    1 month 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

    From Our Readers

    6 hours ago By News Staff
    City should invest in newer equipment for use in city limitsI was taken aback, at the June 22nd Ellsworth City Council meeting, by Fire Districts’ #1 and #2 threat to pull out of the rural fire response services contract over costs.

    EDITORIAL

    1 week ago By News Staff
    This week’s Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education meeting was the final one for Superintendent Deena Hilbig.I don’t often personally address public figures in editorials, but today I’m going to make an exception.Both Mrs.