Iola News

Governor Kelly Appoints John Mazurek to Fill District Court Position in the 11th Judicial District

Friday, August 15

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly today appointed John Mazurek of Pittsburg to a judgeship position in the 11th Judicial District. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to the Kansas Court of Appeals.“John Mazurek has a wide breadth... Read More.

Court Ruling Strikes Down Protection Status for Lesser Prairie Chicken

Friday, August 15

A federal judge in Texas has blocked a US Fish and Wildlife Service decision to list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species.The rule proposed by the Biden administration in 2022 was challenged by attorneys general in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas,... Read More.

Hope Unlimited and CASA of 31st Judicial District Awarded State Grants

Thursday, August 14

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday over $32.5 million in state grants to maintain and enhance services for adult and child survivors of crime.These grants, funded through the State General Fund were awarded to nonprofit organizations providing services for survivors of... Read More.

Housing Tax Credits Awarded for Projects at Two Former Iola Schools

Wednesday, August 13

Plans to convert two former elementary school buildings in Iola to housing are a big step closer to moving forward.The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation announced Monday award of funding through the federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credit programs totaling 1.7 million dollars... Read More.

Chanute City Commision Approves Electric Rate Hike to Fund Radio Replacement, City Budget

Wednesday, August 13

CHANUTE, Kan. — The Chanute City Commission Monday approved what will for the average electric bill be a 6.5 percent increase. The just under one cent hike will be used in part to fund replacement of radios for the Police and Fire Departments, which is... Read More.

Governor Kelly Proclaims August as Kansas Farmers’ Market Month

Tuesday, August 12

MANHATTAN, Kan. (Aug. 1, 2025) — In recognition of the important role farmers’ markets play in Kansas communities, Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed August as Kansas Farmers’ Market Month.In both urban centers and rural communities, farmers’ markets give consumers access to fresh, locally grown produce... Read More.

Allen County Commission Gives Final Approval to Change County’s Emergency Notification System, Hear Presentation on Iola Community Conversation

Tuesday, August 12

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners this morning gave final approval for a change in the emergency notification system the county uses. Last week Emergency Management Director Jason Trego presented a proposal from Genasys, which would provide a product that would be better... Read More.

KDOT’s Cost Share Program Applications Being Accepted

Tuesday, August 12

The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2025 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. More than $157 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program began in 2019.The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance... Read More.

Two Injured in Three Vehicle Crash South of Iola Monday

Monday, August 11

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Two people received serious injuries in a three vehicle crash late this morning on US 169 about a half mile south of the NW Minnesota Road interchange south of Iola.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a car driven by Anthony... Read More.

Inspiration 4 Mission Pilot Dr. Siam Proctor Announces 2025 Farm City Days Theme

Monday, August 11

IOLA, Kan. — This year's Farm City Days in Iola will be “Out of This World.” That's the theme which was announced over the weekend on social media by Dr. Siam Proctor, the mission pilot for Inspiration 4, the 2021 flight that was the... Read More.

Get Tickets for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center Season Announcement Party

Monday, August 11

IOLA, Kan. — Friday is the deadline to RSVP for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center's Season Announcement Party Monday, Aug. 25 at 6 PM.Along with announcing this year's season programming they will also have live entertainment, complimentary beverages, and early access to tickets. The... Read More.

Iola USD 257 to Induct Floyd Smith in Don Bain Hall of Fame

Monday, August 11

IOLA, Kan. — Longtime Iola educator, coach, and community leader Floyd Smith will be posthumously inducted as the newest member to Iola USD 257's Don Bain Hall of Fame.Smith spent 38 years in the district, starting as an industrial arts and physiology and industrial... Read More.