Iola News

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Nabs More Medicaid Dollars, Boosts Exec’s Pay to Nearly $900,000

Sunday, November 30

November 27, 2025 —The executive salaries at the Iola-based Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center which prompted the organization’s virtual defunding by the six counties in its service region when they were revealed to county commissioners skyrocketed again in 2024 according to tax documents,... Read More.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for City of Toronto, Woodson County for KDHE, KS

Wednesday, November 26

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Toronto public water supply system located in Woodson County. The advisory was issued because the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual throughout the... Read More.

Allen County Commission Accepts 2024 Audit Report, New Hangar Nearly Complete at Allen County Airport

Tuesday, November 25

ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners accepted the 2024 audit report during Tuesday's meeting, which auditor Rodney Burns said is coming to them later than usual due to some issues he had in another county. The report indicated there were no cash basis violations... Read More.

Chanute City Commission Sets Public Hearing December 8 on 2025 Budget Amendments

Tuesday, November 25

CHANUTE, Kan. — The Chanute City Commission Monday night set a Dec. 8 public hearing on amendments to the 2025 budget. Nine line items are being amended this year, compared to 12 in the 2024 budget. This takes into account both revenue and expense... Read More.

The Heart of the Holidays: Supporting Our Local Business

Tuesday, November 25

The real magic of the holidays usually isn't found in grand gestures. It’s in the small things—the familiar wave from a neighbor or a friendly conversation over a shop counter. This year, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, we have a wonderful chance to celebrate... Read More.

Kansas Child Care Zones Program Supports Communities Working to Address Local Child Care Issues

Monday, November 24

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment launched the Child Care Zones program in 2025 to support communities working to address local child care issues. A Child Care Zone is a self-defined geographic area (of at least two counties) that receives state-level support to... Read More.

Iola Woman Killed in Three Vehicle Crash Sunday Evening

Monday, November 24

IOLA, Kan. — An Iola woman was killed in a three vehicle crash Sunday evening on Old Highway 169 at the Elm Creek Bridge just south of Iola.According to the Allen County Sheriff's Office, a northbound pickup driven by Deana Foster crossed the center... Read More.

K-State Entomologist Shares Tips for Keeping Winter Pests Out of Homes, Yards

Monday, November 24

Cloyd says most insects are more of a nuisance, rather than danger MANHATTAN, Kan. — With cooler temperatures pushing fall pests toward homes, K-State horticultural entomologist Raymond Cloyd says a few simple sanitation steps can stop nuisance insects before they settle in.“As the temperature gets... Read More.

K-State Expert Helps Lead National Call to Boost Aging Services

Monday, November 24

Extension specialists across U.S. contribute to special issue on Aging in AmericaMANHATTAN, Kan. — A Kansas State University expert on aging and adult development is a key contributor to a national publication that she says will help to shine a national spotlight on the... Read More.

Saturday Night Fire Destroys Rural Woodson County Home

Sunday, November 23

A Saturday night fire destroyed an unoccupied house about 2 ½ miles southwest of Neosho Falls.The fire in the area of 180th and Ute Roads was called in at about 9:23 p.m., and on arrival the home was fully engulfed in flames. After determining the... Read More.

Allen Community College Joins Statewide ESU Articulation Agreement to Expand Transfer Pathways

Friday, November 21

IOLA, Kan. (Nov. 18, 2025) — Allen Community College today announced its participation in a historic statewide articulation agreement with Emporia State University, making it easier for graduates of Allen and the 18 other Kansas community colleges to seamlessly transfer into designated bachelor’s programs... Read More.

Commerce Awards Over $7.6M in CDBG Grants to 19 Kansas Communities

Thursday, November 20

TOPEKA, Kan. — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced more than $7.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been awarded for 19 projects across Kansas. These investments are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities in... Read More.