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Three-peat: Newspaper wins sweepstakes

HUTCHINSON — For the third consecutive year, the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter earned the sweepstakes award at the Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence June 5.“Collectively, the I-R staff earned 46 awards, which is more than we earned last year,” Editor/Publisher Karen Bonar said.
Karen Bonar displays sweepstakes awards for both the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter and Marquette Tribune newspapers. WAYNE MIKOLS/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

Storm causes damage around county

By i-r StaffNearly 100-mph winds caused a minimum of six rollover accidents along Interstate 70 in central Kansas Monday evening, as a thunderstorm made its way southeast through this part of the state.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol dispatch in Salina, at 8:37 p.m.
Ellsworth City Street Department employee Daren Webb clears a tree from West 2nd Street Tuesday morning. KAREN BONAR/Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter

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.
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