Iola News – Page 8 – Ad Astra Radio

Allen Transfer Students Outperform Peers at Emporia State for Second Straight Year

Friday, August 21

IOLA, Kan. — Allen Community College students who transferred to Emporia State University continued a pattern of academic excellence in 2026, outperforming both the overall ESU student population and fellow community college transfer students for the second consecutive year. According to Emporia State University's Spring 2026... Read More.

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

Friday, August 21

KANSAS - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae. The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do... Read More.

Coffey County OK Kids Event Celebrates 25 Years with Free Family Activities and Outdoor Fun

Thursday, August 20

Plans have been finalized for the 25th annual Coffey County O.K. Kids event, with a free weekend of outdoor activities, food, games, prizes and family fun planned for Sept. 11-13 at John Redmond Reservoir. Saturday’s activities begin with the O.K. Kids Fun Run at 7:30... Read More.

Burlington to Host Smoke on the River BBQ Festival with Competitions and Live Music

Thursday, August 20

Burlington will host the 2026 Smoke on the River BBQ event Saturday, Sept. 5, at Kelley Park, with activities planned throughout the day for barbecue enthusiasts and the community. The event will include the Kids Q Competition, sponsored by the Coffey County Attorney and Sheriff’s... Read More.

Grass Fire Destroys Hay Bales Near Fredonia in Wilson County

Thursday, August 20

A grass fire in rural Wilson County spread to a large pile of hay bales northeast of Fredonia Wednesday evening, destroying approximately 120 round bales. The Wilson County Rural Fire Department said crews were dispatched shortly after 5 p.m. Aug. 19 and found the entire... Read More.

E-Bike Rider Killed after Crash with Semi

Thursday, August 20

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol 59-year-old Kevin Hooper of Coffeyville died after a semi-truck struck the electric bike he was riding in Montgomery County. The crash happened Wednesday on U.S. Route 166, when a 2024 Mack semi rear-ended the E-Bike on a bridge. The truck... Read More.

Cases of Cyclosporiasis Top 800 in Kansas

Thursday, August 20

The number of cases of cyclosporiasis in Kansas is rising again - with 807 documented cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment show that 59 new cases were reported since last Wednesday. Health officials expect the case count to keep rising because it can... Read More.

Allen County Adds Wednesday Evening Hours to Recycling Program

Wednesday, August 19

Allen County is expanding its recycling program by adding Wednesday evening hours from 5 to 7 p.m. at the collection site at 410 N. State St., beginning Aug. 26. The county will offer additional Wednesday hours throughout September, October and January, with one evening scheduled... Read More.

Anderson County Treasurer’s Office Hiring Full Time Clerk

Wednesday, August 19

The Anderson County Treasurer’s Office is accepting applications for a Clerk I position. The full-time position will perform clerical and accounting duties involving real estate, personal property, motor vehicle taxes and general office finances, along with billing, receiving payments, answering phones and providing customer service. Applicants... Read More.

Allen County Approves Contract for EMS Sales Tax Public Information Campaign

Wednesday, August 19

Allen County commissioners have approved a $5,000 contract with Kansas City-based Strategy Consultants to develop a public information campaign about a possible half-cent sales tax for countywide EMS services. Commissioners have not yet decided whether to place the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot, but... Read More.

Parsons Police Legacy Fund Invests Another $5,000 in the Legacy in Leadership Scholarship

Wednesday, August 19

The Parsons Police Legacy Fund is proud to announce an additional $5,000 donation to the Labette Community College Foundation in support of the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Endowed Scholarship, continuing the fund's commitment to investing in local students and the future leaders of... Read More.

Boys State of Kansas Announces Awards, Highlights From 2026 Session

Wednesday, August 19

August 19, 2026 — High school students from across the State of Kansas participated in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, held May 31 through June 6 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This was the program’s 34th consecutive... Read More.