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KSDE delivers administrative review decision

WILSON — The final chapter of the story of the closing of Wilson Elementary School was written with the publication of the results of an administrative review by the Kansas State Department of Education.The review, signed by R.

Remembering the Dragons

WILSON — On May 19, Wilson Elementary School students gathered in the gym for the last time. It wasn’t just the end-of-the-year awards assembly, but a memorial to the end of the public school in Wilson.
Ripley Kepka celebrates as she’s recognized as the 2026 Reading Grand Champion and winner of the Claudia Patry Reading Award. In addition to the medal, certificate and trophy, her name is engraved on the plaque honoring each year’s winner. CATHERINE DOUD/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

Kanopolis hires city clerk

KANOPOLIS — Marne Herlan was hired as the new city clerk during the May 12 Kanopolis City Council Meeting.She will begin her role full time June 1.“We did do an interview yesterday,” Mayor Tom Wilkinson said.Council approved hiring Herlan for $22 an hour.

Wilson city clerk to retire

WILSON — At Monday’s meeting of the Wilson City Council, approval was given to the resignation of longtime Wilson City Clerk Susan Kriley.No explanation was given for the resignation, which tentatively takes effect June 8.

Lloyd joins USD 112 board

CLAFLIN — The open District 2 seat on the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education was filled by Thomas Lloyd during the May 11 regular monthly meeting.

Ellsworth increases sewer rates

Sewer rates in the City of Ellsworth are officially going up.At Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council, approval was given to adopt Ordinance No. 3184, relating to the sewer user charge system and actual user rate structure.

OCCK discusses support options for residents

Ellsworth County Commissioners discussed services and the 2027 budget with OCCK .“We had 1,000 more calls than the year before,” OCCK President/CEO Sheila Nelson-Stout said. “What it tells me is people are in greater need every year.”She said OCCK will not ask for any funding increase.

I-R earns 46 KPA awards

Local graphic artist Bill Beckmeyer swept the Editorial Cartoon category of the 2026 Awards of Excellence from the Kansas Press Association.His cartoons placed first, second and third.“It really shocked me,” he said. “I never dreamed in a million years I’d pull something like that off.
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