Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Formal charges pending after recent drug-related arrests by Council Grove Police officers
Council Grove Police officers are highlighting two recent drug-related arrests. Chief Shawn Wangerin says a Valley Center man was arrested Aug. 24 after a traffic stop in the 400 block of East Main. T...
Sep 03, 2025 Council Grove Police Department photo.
David Traylor Zoo welcomes mini-Highland cow as preparations continue for Zoo Brew, Boo in the Zoo
This has been a busy summer at the David Traylor Zoo. Social media Tuesday announced a new resident: Axl, a mini-Highland cow who is in Emporia after time at Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina. Axl enjoys sw...
Sep 03, 2025 David Traylor Zoo photo.
Dickinson, Morris County authorities searching for man missing since Sunday
Morris and Dickinson County authorities are asking for help in finding a man with Emporia connections last seen Sunday. James Cole, age 24, apparently started using the Flint Hills Nature Trail at Her...
Sep 03, 2025 Courtesy Council Grove Police Department.
WEATHER: Flood warning canceled, severe storm potential still in forecast for Wednesday evening
Flood concerns have settled just a bit; however, severe storm activity remains a possibility through the evening hours Wednesday. The National Weather Service has canceled a flood warning issued Tuesd...
Sep 03, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
Kansas businessman running for governor
Another candidate is in the field for Kansas governor. Businessman Philip Sarnecki, a Republican, announced his run for governor Tuesday. Sarnecki founded the wealth management company RPS Financial G...
Sep 03, 2025 Philip Sarnecki. Philip Sarnecki for Governor photo.
EFD: Accidental natural gas explosion inside Bontrager home led to fatal incident in east Emporia
Investigators have concluded their work after an explosion in east Emporia killed two people earlier this summer. Emporia Fire Marshal Stephen Beemer says an accidental natural gas explosion led o the...
Sep 02, 2025 Emergency responders and law enforcement surround the site of a fatal home explosion at 1814 East Sixth. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Stormont-Vail announces $1.5 million contribution to DeBauge Complex renovations as part of 'unifying' effort with Jones Aquatic Center
Last week, Emporia city commissioners approved an application for Community Development Block Grant funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce as part of a $4.5 million investment and renovatio...
Sep 02, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
Flood warning announced for Cottonwood at Emporia
Early Tuesday, it did not appear there would be significant flooding concerns despite rainfall over the Labor Day weekend and another round of storms possible Wednesday. Now it appears that might be c...
Sep 02, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
Trial scheduled for Pitler in solicitation case
A former Emporia State University professor and longtime education administrator is set for jury trial in Johnson County this upcoming fall. Howard Pitler is tentatively set for trial to begin Nov. 10...
Sep 02, 2025 Howard Pitler. Johnson County Jail photo.
NRH bringing on new staff, equipment
As Newman Regional Health continues determining its future steps after an inadvertent trigger of a special emergency alarm last week, administrators are also looking forward to new staff and new equip...
Sep 02, 2025 KVOE News photo.
