Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Wind-related wreck hurts one person in Osage County
One person was hurt and hospitalized after a wreck in southern Osage County on Wednesday. The two-vehicle wreck happened at 1:30 pm on Interstate 35 near mile marker 159, just west of the Kansas Highw...
Apr 09, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
American Legion's Second Saturday breakfast to benefit Emporia High Theatre's trip to International Thespian Festival
Residents are encouraged to get a good meal and support the Emporia High Theatre Department at the same time this weekend. The American Legion Post 5, 2921 West 12th, has its Second Saturday breakfast...
Apr 09, 2026 American Legion Post 5 members Ed Rathke (left) and Clay Childs (right) joined Emporia High Theatre Director Amanda Ballard on KVOE's Morning Show to preview the Legion's Second Saturday breakfast raising money for the Theatre Department's trip to the International Thespian Festival later this year. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Spring Book Sale to be shorter than in years past
The Friends of the Emporia Public Library have the annual Spring Book Sale beginning this weekend, and there is a change from years past. The event will be shorter, according to longtime spokesperson ...
Apr 09, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
Wednesday weather shifting from poor air quality to very high fire danger as extended rain chances loom ahead
If there is any consolation to wind gusts above 30 mph Wednesday afternoon, the winds could disperse the thick smoke in the Flint Hills air Wednesday morning. Numerous controlled burns across and near...
Apr 08, 2026 Overnight fire activity triggered a lot of smoke across the east half of Kansas. KVOE News file photo.
Civil asset forfeiture planned as KRGC continues investigation into allegedly illegal gaming machines at Emporia gas station
An investigation continues into allegedly illegal gaming machines at an Emporia convenience store. Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission Government Relations Manager Randy Evans tells KVOE News there is...
Apr 08, 2026 Several allegedly illegal gambling devices were seized in March 2026 from Emporia's Sunoco convenience store, along with documents and money. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
West Emporia travel plaza work continues
Emporia's One9 travel plaza is nearing an opening date. Construction continues on the travel plaza's gas station as well as restaurants. Sbarro, a pizza chain, and India Eats have signage already post...
Apr 08, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Sinkhole work continues near 10th and Commercial
There is work ongoing now to fix the sinkhole in downtown Emporia. And there is still some investigation yet to do to figure out how much more work may be ahead. The sinkhole near the southeast corner...
Apr 08, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
ARISS linkup Wednesday morning at PAROC
Linkup day is here for Emporia and Lyon County elementary students and the International Space Station. Students will gather at Emporia State's Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center around 8 am...
Apr 08, 2026 ARISS logo.
Southwick House breaks ground on new facility
Southwick House is one step closer to having a transitional housing facility in south Emporia. Groundbreaking took place at the site of Southwick's future transitional facility, 115 East Logan, on Tue...
Apr 07, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
NTHF announces 2026 inductees, two granite tablets as part of 12 for 12 campaign
The National Teachers Hall of Fame has two big announcements Tuesday. First is the annual induction class: *Margaret "Peg" Cagle, high school mathematics teacher at Reseda Charter Middle/High School a...
Apr 07, 2026 The 2026 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductees are (clockwise from top left) Margaret Cagle, Dr Melyssa Ferro, Theresa Maughan, Dr Michael Anthony Pope and Carla Neely. National Teachers Hall of Fame photos.
