News

After one year as executive director of Grow Ellsworth County, Kevin Colle resigned according to Justin Lindsley, president of the GEC Board of Directors.Lindsley said July 20 was Colle’s last day as executive director.

SALINA — A Lorraine woman who pleaded no contest in connection with a vehicle crash that killed a Saline County woman in 2025 was sentenced to over 14 years in prison in Salina County District Court on July 10.

Rural resident Theresa Staudinger addressed the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education during Monday night’s meeting with a simple statement: “Students are here. Property taxes should be here too.

ILSON — A subtle, yet definitelyWpositive, step was taken by the Wilson City Council Monday to show those attending this year’s Wilson After Harvest Czech Festival not only they are welcome, but they will be well-cared for.

New superintendent Ken Cravens met with the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education Monday night for a special goalsetting meeting.“You are setting a new course for your district,” KASB Leadership Services Specialist Lori Blake said.

CLAFLIN — The land transfer of Wilson School properties was again a disputed topic as the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education met for its year-end meeting June 24. As a result, community members and landowners residing in the district are invited to attend the next board meeting at 6 p.m.

At the Ellsworth County Commission’s Monday meeting, Grow Ellsworth County Director Kevin Colle submitted a 2027 budget request for $82,400, a 3 percent increase from the $80,000 requested for 2026.In other business:• Approval was given to a $1,299.

School will be out for summer a little earlier next year.During Monday night’s Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education meeting, the board approved adding 10 minutes to each school day, which resulted in subtracting four days from the calendar.

KANOPOLIS — “Superman” under the stars will help celebrate a preservation grant at the Kanopolis Drive-In July 9.Monday, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced a $65,000 grant was awarded to the Kanopolis Drive-In to assist with replacement costs of the new projector.

(1949-2026)Alan G. Vopat, 76, passed away at his home in Wilson, Kan., on June 7, 2026. Alan was born on Nov. 16, 1949, in Ellsworth, Kan., to George Leonard Alan and Sylvia Georgina (Svaty) Vopat.Alan graduated from Wilson High School in 1968.