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

    101-year-old is on top of the world

    7 hours 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.
  • 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

    7 hours ago | 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.
  • 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

    1 week ago | 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.
  • 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

    1 week ago | By News Staff
  • Dressed in a Green Mountain Boys, Vermont, uniform, John Sherman speaks July 4 at the American Legion.

    Celebrating 250 years of freedom

    2 weeks ago | By Karen Bonar
    Dressed in a Green Mountain Boys, Vermont, uniform, John Sherman shared history, explained the importance of the song “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and discussed the role of the fifes and drums during the family fun event July 4 at the Ellsworth American Legion.

    Editor's Pick

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

    101-year-old is on top of the world

    7 hours 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

    7 hours 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

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    Arthur Ray Hurley

    2 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.
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    Gwenna M. Green

    2 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

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    McGowan competes in Shrine Bowl

    2 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

    From Our Readers

    1 week 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.

    From Our Readers

    2 weeks ago By News Staff
    ‘Rural fire districts have not threatened City of Ellsworth’To the Editor: I am writing in response to Michael Walsh’s recent letter regarding the fire protection agreement discussions between the City of Ellsworth and Fire Districts No. 1 and No. 2.