• 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.
  • Wilson Winners 4-H Club member Lauren Brokes walks her sheep at the fairgrounds July 21 during the Ellsworth County Fair. Photos by KAREN BONAR/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Ellsworth County 4-H Fair

    August 05, 2026 - 06:22 | By News Staff
    Ash Creek Ashlyn Beckman — Color Photos — 3 Years or Less in Project Blue Purple Blue Blue; Bandana Dress Buymanship — Women/ Junior Age 7-9 Purple Champion; Black-andwhite skirt/top Buymanship — Women/ Junior Age 7-9 Blue; Fruit leather Dried Foods Red; Perennial Garden Flower Red; Bright dress...

    Editor's Pick

    News

    Kanopolis discusses abatements

    1 hour ago By Karen Bonar
    KANOPOLIS — The Kanopolis City Council took two hours to address eight agenda items during the Aug. 11 meeting.The meeting began when an item was added. Council approved swearing in Jenny Freeman as the new city treasurer. She took the oath.
    The dance floor at the Wilson Opera House cures. This is one of the recent grant recipients of the Smoky Hills Community Foundation. Courtesy photo

    SHCF grant pours in for Wilson Opera House

    1 hour ago By Catherine Doud
    Editor’s note: This is part 1 in a series.Ellsworth County is thriving in its charitable efforts, according to Colby Richard, Executive Director of the Smoky Hills Community Foundation.The recent new dance floor at the Wilson Opera House is just one example of how SHCF works throughout the county.

    Obituaries

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    Margaret Jean “Mugs” Kepka

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1953-2026)Margaret Jean “Mugs” Kepka, 73, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2026. Born on Jan. 8, 1953, in Ellsworth, Mugs spent her entire life in the community she loved so dearly and devoted herself to serving the people who called it home.
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    Sandra “Sandy” Sue McAtee

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1943-2026)Sandra “Sandy” Sue McAtee, 83, of Winfield, Kan., passed away Thursday afternoon, Aug. 6, 2026, at her home. Sandy was born on June 27, 1943, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Dan and Lillian (Deming) Urbanek. She spent her childhood in Ellsworth, graduating from Ellsworth High School.

    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.
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    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

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    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.

    From Our Readers

    2 weeks ago By News Staff
    Historical Society Museum ‘true gem’ of communityThis letter is written to express our thanks and appreciation to the many volunteers, contributors, and staff who over the years have dedicated their time and resources to the Ellsworth County Historical Museum. Congratulations!!