News

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.

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.

SALINA — Kiley Barnett, 39, Kanopolis, appeared in Saline County District Court April 22, where she entered a plea and was sentenced to jail time regarding her involvement in a fatality crash resulting in a motorcyclist being killed on a rural Saline County road.

WILSON — It just became easier for utility companies to serve customers in Wilson.At Monday’s meeting of the Wilson City Council, approval was given to waive the right-of-way permit requirements for all utility companies.

KANOPOLIS — City Attorney Patrick Hoffman attended the Kanopolis City Council meeting April 14 to remind the council of open meeting basics.“I feel a little bit of a need for apology,” he said. “After a change of government, I try to give a KOMA/KORA training.

CLAFLIN — The Wilson Elementary Daycare will close May 19, following action taken by the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education during the regular monthly meeting April 13.

WILSON — A request for annual chip seal work was approved at Monday’s meeting of the Wilson City Council.The council approved a bid from Vance Brothers (formerly Circle C) in an amount not to exceed $138,000.

SALINA — Kiley Barnett, 39, Kanopolis, appeared in Saline County District Court March 25 for a review hearing. She was allegedly involved in a fatal crash resulting in a motorcyclist being killed on a rural Saline County road.

Further raising of water and sewer rates was once again discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.Interim City Administrator Allen Dinkel reminded the council they adjusted both rates in 2025 — the first time since 2019.

KANOPOLIS — Less than 10 minutes into the March 20 special meeting, the Kanopolis City Council entered executive session for 30 minutes to discuss nonelected personnel.Upon exiting the session, employee payment was addressed.