News

City of Newton Launches Newton Next, New Comprehensive Planning Process

Friday, August 29

NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton has begun its new comprehensive planning initiative, Newton Next. The community-centered effort will update the previous plan, ReNewton, which was developed in 2010. The plan will serve as a roadmap for how the city grows, preserves its unique... Read More.

Incident at Smoky Valley High School Turns Out to be False Alarm

Friday, August 29

LINDSBORG, Kan. — An incident this morning at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg turned out to not be as serious as first feared. USD 400 Superintendent Quinton Breese said a community member alerted authorities about a possible weapon seen in a student's car on... Read More.

Kansas State Parks Propose Fee Hikes to Cover Parks Cost

Thursday, August 28

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proposing significant increases in state park fees. KDWP officials say the increases are needed to cover park costs that have gone up nearly 45 percent since 2016, and Parks Director Conner O'Flannagan said they are necessary... Read More.

Smoky Hill River Festival Seeking Button Art Designs for 50th Festival

Thursday, August 28

SALINA, Kan. — Salina Arts and Humanities is seeking local artists to design the button that will celebrate 50 years of the Smoky Hill River Festival next year. Among submission criteria for the button, artists are encouraged to include the number 50 in their design.... Read More.

Local Leaders Reflect on Nearly a Century of Making a Difference

Thursday, August 28

GREAT BEND, Kan. (8/27/2025) — The Kiwanis Club of Great Bend is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 85 years of dedicated service to the community. This remarkable achievement represents decades of commitment to improving the lives of children and strengthening... Read More.

Mastermind Grants Open Now Through Sept. 30, Upcoming County Wide Mastermind Summit

Thursday, August 28

McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) is now accepting applications for its Mastermind McPherson County grant process. Applications are open through Sept. 30 for county nonprofits, government entities and community groups. To be considered, projects must address one of the key... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor the Victims of Minneapolis, Minnesota Shooting

Thursday, August 28

TOPEKA, Kan. — Today, in honor of the victims of the Minneapolis, Minnesota shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sundown on Sunday,... Read More.

Lori Shultz of Lindsborg Announces Candidacy for 73rd District Kansas House of Representatives

Thursday, August 28

There is now a declared candidate for 73rd District Kansas House of Representatives next year, and it's someone who has briefly been there before. Lori Shultz of Lindsborg announced her candidacy during a McPherson Chamber of Commerce Connection Thursday. Shultz, whose husband Clark is Mayor... Read More.

Investigation Underway Involving Exploded Device in Newton

Thursday, August 28

NEWTON, Kan. — An investigation is underway in Newton involving an exploded device this morning. Newton Police responded to a report about 5:20 this morning of shots fired in the area of the 1500 block of North Anderson. While no evidence was found at the... Read More.

Hope Unlimited Brings Support Services to ACC Students

Thursday, August 28

IOLA, Kan. (Aug. 28, 2025) — Allen Community College welcomed Hope Unlimited to campus this week with an informational table set up in the student union. The outreach effort is designed to connect ACC students with vital support services offered by the Iola-based nonprofit. Hope... Read More.

Sign Up for the 23rd Annual Burnin’ Down Main Cook-Off

Wednesday, August 27

McPHERSON, Kan. — Get Your Team Together for the Burnin’ Down Main Cook-Off! Think you’ve got the best chili or dessert in town? Grab your coworkers, friends, or family and prove it at the 23rd Annual Burnin’ Down Main Cook-Off! This is the perfect opportunity to... Read More.

Newton City Commission Approves Demolition Agreements for Former Dillons Building

Wednesday, August 27

NEWTON, Kan. — The former south Dillons Store in Newton will soon be coming down. Newton City Commissioners have approved a $160,000 contract with Dondlinger Construction of Wichita to tear down the building at 320 North Main which has been vacant for over a... Read More.