Texas woman sentenced in deaths of two people from Wichita

A Texas woman has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on capital murder charges stemming from the deaths of two individuals in July 2018, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said. Kimberley Stacey Younger, 55, of Aransas Pass, Texas, was sentenced on one count of capital murder in Barton County District Court. Senior … Read more

Governor Kelly names new KDHE secretary

Governor Laura Kelly today announced Janet Stanek as the new Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Stanek will serve in an acting capacity until the Kansas Senate confirms her as the new head of the agency. She had previously served as the Director of the State Employee Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).

KDHE monitoring variant

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 variant Omicron. No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date. This variant is new, and it is still unknown how transmissible or contagious this variant is. It is unclear how quickly it will spread, but … Read more

KDHE secretary departs

Governor Laura Kelly recently announced the departure of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Lee Norman. KDHE Deputy Secretary Ashley Goss will serve as Acting Secretary until a permanent candidate is appointed. Dr. Lee Norman has served as the KDHE Secretary since Governor Kelly took office in 2019. Under his leadership KDHE … Read more

Ark City Middle School conducts food drive

From USD 470: Arkansas City Middle School students participated in their annual food drive this year. Students from all three grade levels worked with their families, friends, and neighbors to collect food for the community. In less than a week, students were able to collect an astonishing 14,245 food items for people right here in … Read more

Art Club Fundraiser set for December 1

Serving as an Art Club fundraiser, the annual Chili Sale and Art Showcase at Cowley College will be held Wednesday, December 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. inside the Earle N. Wright Community Room. Along with chili, individuals will have the option to get macaroni or chicken noodle soup. The cost … Read more

KS Agriculture Department has reimbursement money available

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for reimbursement to Kansas specialty crop growers who attend an educational conference with a primary focus on specialty crops. Qualifying conferences may include sessions about production practices, specialized equipment and technology, pest and disease management, specialty crop marketing practices, or business principles for specialty crop producers. The … Read more

Musical events set for November 30th

Cowley College choir students who take voice lessons throughout the semester are giving a recital to showcase their talents on Tuesday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Earle N. Wright Community Room. Following the performance the students will gear up to join the CC Singers, Jazz Band, and Jazz Ensembles to perform the Candlelight … Read more

Festival of Trees going well

This year’s Festival of Trees at Burford Theatre Arts is off to a great start! Community members, civic organizations, and area businesses have generously donated beautifully decorated trees to be auctioned off through silent auction to benefit Burford Theatre Arts. Some opportunities to bid on trees include: Ark Valley Players’ Tis the Season on Saturday, … Read more