• 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.
  • 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.
  • 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...
  • 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.
  • 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.

    Editor's Pick

    This experimental bi-plane taxis in early Saturday morning.

    Annual fly-in welcomes variety of visitors

    6 days 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.

    News

    USD 112 discusses land transfer

    1 hour ago By Catherine Doud
    CLAFLIN — The Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting Monday. In addition to the meeting, the board took a tour of middle and high school facilities.To view the facility tour online, visit the USD 112 YouTube page.

    Police chief requests ordinance about e-bikes

    1 hour ago By Alan Rusch
    Law enforcement took center stage at Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.Ellsworth Police Chief Chad Murphy made two requests of the council to develop and approve two ordinances.The first was for public urination/defecation.

    Obituaries

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    Patrick Shawn Perez

    6 days ago By News Staff
    (1968-2026)Patrick Shawn Perez, 58, passed away on July 26, 2026, at his home in Kanopolis, Kan. He was born on July 2, 1968, in Ellsworth to John Cleveland and Diana Petrie Perez. Although Pat had several forms of employment, he took the most pride in working at Kirkham Michael and Wear Techndoays.
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    Gail K. “Pep” Shanelec

    1 week ago By News Staff
    (1925-2026)Gail K. “Pep” Shanelec, 101, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, in Salina, Kan. He was born on March 17, 1925, in Ellsworth to Joseph “Joe” and Anna (Stehno) Shanelec. Pep’s lineage also included the Rezab and Cikanek families — “100% Czech!

    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 hour 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 hour 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

    6 days 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!!