News

WILSON — Wilson, the Czech Capital of Kansas, is known for its fabulous traditional Czech food. For many area cooks, their Bible of Czech cooking is a well-thumbed-through, spiral-bound edition of the “Cooking the American Czech Way” cookbook.

At the Dec. 22 meeting of the Ellsworth County Commission, Jessica Kootz of the Midway Extension District had several questions regarding the courthouse renovation project.

The Ellsworth City Council approved the selection of Chad Murphy, Sterling, to be the city’s next police chief at the Dec. 22 meeting.“I’m excited,” Murphy said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”Murphy previously worked three years as an investigator for the Rice County Attorney’s Office.

Santa Claus had a little help this year, thanks to the Ellsworth County Christmas Store and the many businesses, partners, donors and volunteers who have allowed it to continue to help Ellsworth County families for years.

It was a normal day at the Ellsworth County Clerk’s office late last summer when a letter arrived from Colorado asking for help. The body of the letter read:“My son will be 40 in November. His middle name is Ellsworth, after my father. He has not been very “flattered” with the name.

KANOPOLIS — At the start of the Dec. 9 city council meeting, the City of Kanopolis swore in a new council member and a new city clerk.Khrystal Serrien was sworn in as city clerk and Theresa Kyler as a new city council member.

The Ellsworth Kanopolis Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education met for a special meeting Dec. 10 to review results from a community survey and feedback.Lori Blake from the Kansas Association of School Boards is leading the search for the district’s next superintendent.

CLAFLIN — USD 112 School Board of Education member Cherilee Ward was elected by write-in during the Nov. 4 election, despite not putting her name on the ballot.Following Monday night’s meeting, Board President Tamara Dody asked Ward if she intended to remain on the board.

Kathryn A. “Kay” Dees, 94, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Ellsworth, Kan. She was born Sept. 20, 1931, one of six children, to George and Vlasta (Doubrava) Barta. A lifetime resident of Ellsworth, Kathryn was a 1949 graduate of Ellsworth High School and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center is getting new technology, thanks to the generosity of local organizations.At the Nov. 24 meeting of the Ellsworth City Council, approval was given to an agreement with Crosspoint Church and their donation of $50,000 towards the HVAC system at the facility.