News

LINDSBORG — Marquette-area residents were given the opportunity to question Kansas State Board of Education candidates Aug. 25 at the Smoky Valley Board of Education office, Lindsborg.

The Smoky Hills Community Foundation’s spring 2026 grant cycle funded eight projects across Ellsworth County, but one grant could have a particularly important impact for residents living miles from town, helping bring an added measure of safety and security to the county’s rural communities.

About 18 months after a fire gutted Home Lumber, the grand reopening was celebrated.About 200 visitors gathered Aug. 20, Ellsworth’s Home Lumber manager Jake Bach said.“We had a giant open house where people in the community could come in and meet with our vendors,” he said.

KANOPOLIS — The Kanopolis City Council took two hours to address eight agenda items during the Aug. 11 meeting.The meeting began when an item was added. Council approved swearing in Jenny Freeman as the new city treasurer. She took the oath.

Editor’s note: This is part 1 in a series.Ellsworth County is thriving in its charitable efforts, according to Colby Richard, Executive Director of the Smoky Hills Community Foundation.The recent new dance floor at the Wilson Opera House is just one example of how SHCF works throughout the county.

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.

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.

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 — 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.

Discussion continued during Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council regarding potential new agreements between the City of Ellsworth and Ellsworth Fire Districts No. 1 and No. 2.