• 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...
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

    Editor's Pick

    This experimental bi-plane taxis in early Saturday morning.

    Annual fly-in welcomes variety of visitors

    1 hour ago 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.
    Nell Goss

    Goss to serve as district FFA president

    1 hour ago By Karen Bonar
    As the school year approaches, Nell Goss is taking the reins as the FFA president of the North Central District.Entering her senior year at Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, she is a longtime FFA member.“I joined FFA my seventh grade year,” Goss said.

    News

    Jon Pancost, owner of Bluestem Quarry and Stone Works, Lucas, points out some of the concrete mortar his crew is replacing. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

    Grant provides improvements for historic FCCK building

    1 hour ago By Catherine Doud
    WILSON — Scaffolding, hammering and workers surrounding a downtown Wilson business make it clear that business is growing. This new growth and facelift are thanks to a $100,000 Heritage Trust Fund grant recently awarded to Feeding Children of Central Kansas.

    Wilson hires new police chief

    1 hour ago By Alan Rusch
    WILSON — After months of waiting, there will soon be a new police chief patrolling the streets in Wilson.At Monday’s meeting of the Wilson City Council, approval was given to hire Michael Kinnard as Wilson’s new police chief. He will be paid $29.50 per hour and begin his duties Monday, Aug. 17.

    Obituaries

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    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.
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    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

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    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

    From Our Readers

    1 hour 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!!

    EDITORIAL

    6 days 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.