• Crowds visit the gallery June 20 to view the art, soccer memorabilia and cast their votes for winners of The Artist Cup. Courtesy photos

    The Artist Cup rolls into Ellsworth Art Gallery

    4 hours ago | By Catherine Doud
    While the world is watching World Cup soccer matches, Ellsworth had a soccer competition of its own. However, instead of artificial turf, these matches were played out on the field of art.
  • Dressed in a Green Mountain Boys, Vermont, uniform, John Sherman speaks July 4 at the American Legion.

    Celebrating 250 years of freedom

    4 hours 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.
  • Family Engagement Advocate Casey Rowland has an outlet office in Ellsworth. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Juvenile services increases opportunities in Ellsworth

    1 week ago | By Catherine Doud
    Families in Ellsworth County have a more convenient option when seeking help from the 20th Judicial District of Juvenile Services.
  • 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

    1 week 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.
  • 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

    2 weeks 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.

    Editor's Pick

    Longtime Kanopolis resident Meredith Vargo. ALAN RUSCH/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Vargo is grand marshal for Fort Harker Days parade Saturday

    4 hours ago By Alan Rusch
    KANOPOLIS — When it comes to judging one’s pride in and service to their community, longtime Kanopolis resident Meredith Vargo stands near the top.Vargo has been selected as grand marshal of this year’s Fort Harker Days Parade this Saturday in downtown Kanopolis.“I’m very flattered,” she said.
    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

    1 week 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

    Wilson discusses restroom access for Czech Fest

    4 hours ago By Alan Rusch
    ILSON — A subtle, yet definitelyWpositive, step was taken by the Wilson City Council Monday to show those attending this year’s Wilson After Harvest Czech Festival not only they are welcome, but they will be well-cared for.

    USD 327 BOE discusses goals with Cravens

    4 hours ago By Karen Bonar
    New superintendent Ken Cravens met with the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education Monday night for a special goalsetting meeting.“You are setting a new course for your district,” KASB Leadership Services Specialist Lori Blake said.

    Obituaries

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    Alan G. Vopat

    2 weeks 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

    2 weeks 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

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    McGowan competes in Shrine Bowl

    4 hours 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

    4 hours 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.

    From Our Readers

    1 week 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.