News

An Ellsworth woman is taking her place on the international stage thanks to her years of dedication to the Kiwanis Club.Long-time Ellsworth Kiwanis member Cynthia “Cindy” Bender was recently selected as chairperson of the District Secretaries Worldwide for International Kiwanis.

KANOPOLIS — This year, the Fort Harker Days parade combined the role of grand marshall and Volunteer of the Year, awarding it to Smoky Hill River Pheasants Forever chapter.

Just weeks after the resignation of Ellsworth Police Chief Jerry Penny, the Ellsworth City Council began to discuss how to proceed forward at the meeting Monday.The brief discussion centered around consideration of two options.

KANOPOLIS LAKE — Search and rescue crews worked for more than a day to recover two swimmers who drowned July 3.Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard said three individuals were swimming near a boat July 3, when the boat drifted away in the wind.

Instead of a formal agreement, the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education opted to transport students to the Early Childhood Learning Center for a donation, in place of a signed contract.

CLAFLIN — The approval of a onetime $1,000 retention incentive for certified staff members was a major topic at the Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education’s meeting June 25.Superintendent Bobby Murphy proposed the incentive to the board as a way to increase staff retention.

Ellsworth County Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Jim Kirkbride gave a brief update on planned construction projects during the June 18 hospital board meeting.“We’ve selected the general contractor for the rehab project,” he said, adding that contractor is Murray Construction.

The resignation of Ellsworth Police Chief Jerry Penny was accepted by the Ellsworth City Council Monday.Penny sent a letter of resignation to Interim City Manager Allen J. Dinkel June 18. It becomes effective two weeks from that date.

KANOPOLIS — Slowly, the new water tower project is moving forward.“We have an actual agreement in front of us,” said Thaniel Monaco, BG Consultants, during the June 12 meeting. “Based on motion in April, we’re moving forward with the project.

WILSON — With the July 4 holiday fast approaching, the Wilson City Council approved when residents can shoot off fireworks to celebrate Independence Day during Monday night’s meeting.