Iola News

Missing Yates Center Teen Found Alive

Friday, April 10

A now 16-year-old Yates Center girl who disappeared March 1st has been found. Yates Center Assistant Chief of Police Vinson Baker said they were notified Friday morning by Pittsburg, KS Police that they believed they had found Lia Seely alive. Baker then responded... Read More.

Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival Unveils New Logo

Friday, April 10

The Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival has a new look. The new logo, unveiled Friday, has at its center a vintage racing helmet, a symbol chosen intentionally over checkered flags and race only imagery. Revival President Tracy Modlin said “The helmet is human,... Read More.

Drought Conditions Improve in SE Kansas, More Rain Coming

Friday, April 10

Last week's rainfall put a major dent in drought conditions across southeast Kansas with much of the region seeing improvement. This week's US Drought Monitor upgraded nearly all areas in the Oklahoma border counties that were in severe drought last week to moderate... Read More.

Storm Damage Closes Burlington Police Station, Parts of Area Sees Heavy Rain Overnight

Friday, April 10

The Burlington Police Department office is closed until further notice due to storm damage overnight including downed poles sand power lines. Streets surrounding the police station are also closed. For non-emergency assistance they can be reached through Coffey County Emergency Management at 620-364-2123. ... Read More.

Frontier Extension District to Host Informational Tomato Program

Friday, April 10

The Frontier Extension District will host an educational program on growing and caring for tomatoes, one of the most popular backyard garden crops. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, at the Wellsville Library. Participants will learn best practices... Read More.

Iola City Council to Hear Demolition List Removal Request Monday

Thursday, April 9

The Iola City Council will be asked Monday to remove a property at 415 North Elm from the condemnation process. At the March 9th meeting the Council adopted a resolution authorizing condemnation of the property and removal of a house. Jeff Heinrich, who... Read More.

K-State Day of Giving Raises over $7.5 million

Thursday, April 9

MANHATTAN, Kan. (k-state.edu) — On Kansas State University's Day of Giving, the K-State family once again demonstrated its extraordinary commitment to advancing academic programs, student success and innovative research. Wildcats reached new heights this year in the second annual 24-hour giving challenge,... Read More.

Southeast Kansas Sees Highest Unemployment Rate in the State

Wednesday, April 8

The Kansas Department of Labor has released the January Labor report, delayed from its usual release time due to last fall's federal shutdown. Statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment for January came in at 3.8 percent, up a tenth of a point from December and from... Read More.

Scam Impersonating a Court Targets Kansans in Multiple Communities

Tuesday, April 7

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas judicial branch is raising awareness about a new scam that threatens court enforcement for an unpaid toll and encourages the person targeted to scan a QR code to make a payment. The scam appears to be a message from the... Read More.

Application Deadline for 2026 Boys State of Kansas Session Set for April 30

Tuesday, April 7

(April 7, 2026) — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session through Thursday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through... Read More.

ACC Announces Lindahl as New Dean of Academic Affairs

Friday, April 3

IOLA, Kan. (April 2, 2026) — Allen Community College has named Dr. Tara Lindahl as its next dean of academic affairs, pending formal approval by the Allen Community College Board of Trustees at its April meeting. Lindahl accepted the position following a highly competitive national... Read More.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Takes Steps to Preserve Local Behavioral Health Services

Friday, April 3

IOLA, Kan. — Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) has taken steps to preserve local behavioral healthcare following a retroactive rate adjustment for 2025 that resulted in an overpayment for services during that year. To repay these funds, SEKMHC has made the difficult decision to... Read More.