Iola News

Applications Open for Second Cohort of Kansas Commerce Rural Champions

Tuesday, April 30

By the Kansas Department of Commerce TOPEKA, Kan. (April 29,2024) — Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced that the Office of Rural Prosperity has opened applications for the second cohort of Rural by Choice Champions. Offered in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation,... Read More.

Damage Information Sought by Area Emergency Management Officials

Monday, April 29

By Lucky Kidd SOUTHEAST, Kan. — Emergency Management officials around the area are asking anyone who had flood or other damage from the weekend storms to contact them. This is part of the process that could lead to disaster declaration requests being submitted, which require a... Read More.

Tetanus Shots Offered to Individuals Affected by Flooding

Monday, April 29

By SEK Multi-County Health Department SOUTHEAST, Kan. — SEK Multi-County Health Department is offering free tetanus shots for individuals affected by the recent flooding. Tetanus shots will be available to impacted residents as well as first responders, volunteers, or any others who have been... Read More.

Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Services to be Held May 2 & 3

Monday, April 29

By Kansas Highway Patrol KANSAS — In honor of National Police Week, and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, the State of Kansas will be holding its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 3. A Candlelight Vigil will take place on Thursday, May 2.... Read More.

Friday Tornado Damage Survey for SE Kansas

Sunday, April 28

By Lucky Kidd SOUTHEAST, Kan. — The National Weather Service has completed assessments on the tornadoes of Friday.An EF2 rating was given to a tornado that touched down at 3:32 p.m. west of Buxton in Elk County and ended three miles west of Fredonia. This... Read More.

Update: Saturday Rainfall Leads to Significant Flooding Issues

Sunday, April 28

By Lucky Kidd UPDATED POST:SOUTHEAST Kan. — The Neosho River at Iola was at 19.86 feet as of 4 p.m. near crest and a little over a foot below the moderate flood level. It's forecast to fall below the 15 feet flood stage by mid-morning... Read More.

Heavy Rainfall Thursday and Friday Morning Cause Flooding Issues in Southeast Kansas

Friday, April 26

By Lucky Kidd SOUTHEAST, Kan. — Very heavy rainfall Thursday into Friday morning caused flooding issues in parts of southeast Kansas, with the potential for additional heavy rainfall through the weekend.The highest rainfall totals locally were in Anderson, Bourbon and Linn Counties. The National Weather... Read More.

Backyard Chickens to Remain Banned in Iola

Tuesday, April 23

By Lucky Kidd IOLA, Kan. — A motion to approve an ordinance to allow chickens on residential lots in Iola, which has been discussed at a number of recent meetings, failed on a 4-4 tie vote. Under state law, passage of an ordinance requires a... Read More.

2023 Kansas Civil Asset Forfeiture Report Released

Monday, April 22

By the Kansas Bureau of Investigation TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) recently provided the 2023 Kansas Civil Asset Forfeiture Report to the Kansas Legislature, and released it to the public at https://kasfr.kbi.ks.gov/.Civil asset forfeiture is a procedure that authorizes... Read More.

City of Garnett Refuse Service Routes on Tuesday and Wednesday Changing May 6th

Monday, April 22

By Brenna Eller GARNETT, Kan. — The City of Garnett Tuesday and Wednesday Refuse Service routes are going to change, beginning May 6th.All residents' trash from the west side of Maple Street and south of 4th will be picked up on Tuesdays. The east side... Read More.

Governor Kelly Signs Compromise Legislation to Provide Greater Flexibility for Schools to Determine State Aid

Friday, April 19

By the Kansas Office of the Governor TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly today signed Senate Bill 73, amending the process for determining school district enrollment under the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA). “This bill represents a crucial step in ensuring that our... Read More.

Commerce Updates ROZ Student Loan Repayment Program

Thursday, April 18

By the Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA, Kan. — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced significant changes to the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) program that could increase participation in student loan repayments for people moving to rural Kansas counties.Individuals who earn an associate... Read More.