Iola News – Page 46 – Ad Astra Radio

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Combat Crime, Bolster Public Safety

Friday, February 6

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2347 to strengthen public safety by amending and creating laws related specifically to crimes of theft, buying sexual relations, criminal use of a financial card, and unlawful use of a laser pointer. “This... Read More.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for City of Toronto, Woodson County

Friday, February 6

TORONTO, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Toronto public water supply system located in Woodson County.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 of a waterline break resulting in a loss of... Read More.

Tips to Extend the Life of Valentine’s Day Roses

Thursday, February 5

K-State horticulture expert shares guidelines to keep roses fresh MANHATTAN, Kan. — Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but the holiday’s favorite flower often declines shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert Matthew McKernan offers guidelines to extend... Read More.

ACC to Close February 13 for Training on New Student Information System

Wednesday, February 4

IOLA, Kan. (Feb. 4, 2026) — Allen Community College (ACC) will be closed on Friday, February 13 to allow all employees to participate in essential training for the college’s new Student Information System (SIS), Jenzabar. This dedicated time ensures staff are fully prepared for... Read More.

SEKMHC to Transition Away from Primary Care, Dental Services, in Discussions with Chanute Hospital

Wednesday, February 4

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (NMRMC) announced Wednesday they are working together to explore options to preserve access to local healthcare services for communities across southeast Kansas. In the wake of last week's suspension of SEKMHC Chief Executive... Read More.

Applications now open for Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

Wednesday, February 4

Qualifying Evergy customers can get help with their energy bills TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 4, 2026) — Evergy Kansas customers who need financial assistance can now apply for the 2026 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through Tuesday, March 31. Evergy is one of five utilities partnering with the Kansas Department for... Read More.

Apply Today: Evergy to Award Hometown Grants for Community Impact Projects

Monday, February 2

Three winners to receive grants up to $10,000 for organizations that address basic needs KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 2, 2026) — Non-profit agencies have a shot at receiving up to $10,000 through Evergy’s Connecting for Good Hometown Grants Program. This year’s Connecting for Good Hometown Grants... Read More.

January Total Tax Collections at $988.2 Million; 1.2% Above Estimate

Monday, February 2

TOPEKA, Kan. – The State of Kansas ends January 2026 with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2 million, or 1.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.8% from January 2025. “Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of hundreds of... Read More.

Neosho County Attorney, Commissioners Discuss Issues

Monday, February 2

NEOSHO COUNTY, Kan. — When Interim Neosho County Attorney Sheryl Bussell took over last month for Tiana McElroy following her sudden resignation, she stepped into a lot of issues within the office; some financial, some organizational. Bussell met with Neosho County Commissioners at a... Read More.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Toronto, Woodson County

Monday, February 2

TORONTO, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Toronto public water supply system located in Woodson County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute prior... Read More.

KDOT to Replace Union Pacific Railroad Bridge on U.S. 59

Monday, February 2

Work will begin the week of Feb. 23 to replace the 285-foot bridge on U.S. 59 over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks just north of Parsons, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. A 40-mile signed detour (see map) will be in place later that... Read More.

EPA Identifies Substance Spilled in Garnett New Years Eve

Friday, January 30

GARNETT, Kan. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified the chemical compound spilled in Garnett, Kansas, on Dec. 31, 2025. Recent laboratory analysis corroborates EPA’s preliminary field screening results with a “high level of confidence” that the corrosive substance was sodium aluminate, a... Read More.