• 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

    6 hours 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

    6 hours 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

    1 week 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.
  • 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

    1 week 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.
  • 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

    2 weeks 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.

    Editor's Pick

    The above map, Option 3, is the land transfer proposal approved by the USD 112 Board of Education during Monday night’s meeting. Courtesy photo

    USD 112 votes on option for land transfer to USD 299

    6 hours ago By Catherine Doud
    CLAFLIN — Lines were drawn, but not agreed to, at the USD 112 Board of Education meeting Monday.At the end-of-year meeting in June, the board resolved to encourage area landowners and community members to come to the July meeting to speak about the proposed land transfer boundaries.
    From left, Danette Heinze, Scott Hipp, Paul Bahr and Jim Kirkbride participate in a ribbon cutting at the new wellness center Tuesday morning at Ellsworth County Medical Center. Courtesy photos

    ECMC cuts ribbon for new wellness center

    6 hours ago By Alan Rusch
    July 14 was a special morning in the long history of Ellsworth County Medical Center.A ribbon cutting and open house was conducted to celebrate the opening of its new $2.1 million Health and Wellness Rehabilitation Facility at 1706 Aylward Ave.

    News

    Obituaries

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    Arthur Ray Hurley

    1 week 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

    1 week 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

    1 week 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

    6 hours 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

    1 week 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.