News

(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.

WILSON — With the search for a full-time city clerk/ treasurer/municipal court clerk still ongoing, and with preparation of the 2027 Wilson city budget looming, Wilson City Council members began discussion of possibly hiring an accounting firm — specifically Gudenkauf and Malone Inc., Russell — to...

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.

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., at mile marker 221...

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. Scott Gordon, designated hearing officer, states in its findings:...

few changes are ahead for the summerAlunch program for Ellsworth, Kanopolis and Geneseo.This year, Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 will take over responsibility for the summer lunch program.“USD 327 is excited to offer a summer meals program as part of our continued commitment to supporting...

WILSON — On May 19, Wilson Elementary School students gathered in the gym for the last time.

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.In addition to hiring a new employee,...

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.The approval came after a 10-minute executive session to discuss nonelected...

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.