Iola News

Arctic Air Coming for the Weekend, Snow Possible

Tuesday, January 20

Extreme cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will likely impact Kansas this weekend. The National Weather Service says an arctic air mass is forecast to move into the area Thursday night, with this air to stick around into next week. Current forecasts indicate overnight lows... Read More.

Allen County Commission Looks into Using Enterprise Fleet for Vehicle Procurement and Maintenance Services

Tuesday, January 20

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners learned more at Tuesday's meeting on the services offered by Enterprise Fleet, which is being looked at to provide vehicle procurement and maintenance services. Kenneth Olson from Enterprise said they essentially leverage all the tools, resources, people... Read More.

Dr. Peterson Launches Walk with a Doc Program in Garnett

Monday, January 19

GARNETT Kan. –– Dr. Mackenzie Peterson is encouraging Anderson County residents to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk every second Sunday of the month at 3:00 PM at... Read More.

Garnett Fire Department Responds to Spill of Wet Distiller’s Grain Friday Night

Saturday, January 17

GARNETT, Kan. — There was another product spill reported Friday night in Garnett, but the incident was nowhere near as serious as the one on New Years Eve. According to the Garnett Fire Department, this was reported to them at 8:28 p.m. in the area... Read More.

Governor Kelly Announces $11M for Rail Service Improvement Projects

Friday, January 16

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 10 rail service improvement projects across Kansas will receive a total of $11.2 million through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP). “Investment in rail infrastructure is an investment into the economic success of the entire state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Rail Service Improvement Program, we’re ensuring... Read More.

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Lyon County in Honor of Former Mayor Evora Wheeler

Thursday, January 15

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags be flown at half-staff in Lyon County, Kansas, from sunup to sundown on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in honor of former Mayor Evora Wheeler. “For decades, Evora Wheeler was a... Read More.

Evergy Receives HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

Thursday, January 15

Veterans comprise 11% of Evergy’s workforce compared to national average of 5% KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 15, 2026) — Evergy’s strong record for hiring and retaining military veterans earned the company the 2025 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award. The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes employers... Read More.

Governor Kelly Unveils Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Wednesday, January 14

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday her annual budget, which provides a path back to structural balance and continues to fully fund Kansas public schools. The budget also includes investments in Kansas’ water needs, early childhood, health care, public safety, and more.... Read More.

Iola City Council Swears In New Members; Approves Final Plat for West Industrial Park

Wednesday, January 14

IOLA, Kan. — Two new members, one former member, and a re-elected Iola City Council member along with re-elected Mayor Steve French were sworn in at the start of Monday's meeting. Doug Kerr, who was elected on a write-in, and Jeremiah are the new... Read More.

City of Chanute Approves RHID Agreement with Chanute Housing LLC; City Swears in New Commissioner Tim Harding

Tuesday, January 13

CHANUTE, Kan. — The long journey to establish a Reinvestment Housing Investment District for the Hidden Hills town-home project behind the Chanute Walmart took a major step forward Monday night when the Chanute City Commission approved the RHID Agreement with Chanute Housing LLC, which... Read More.

Kansas Fish Consumption Advisories for 2026

Tuesday, January 13

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2026. The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities... Read More.

Allen County Commission Hears Updates on Landfill Repairs, Airport Paving and Report on Mental Health Program

Tuesday, January 13

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners were told by Public Works Director Mitch Garner at Tuesday's meeting the landfill compactor was picked up for repairs Monday, with all parts now in. He also provided an update on paving work around hangars at Allen... Read More.