Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Additional crossing work announced for Neosho Rapids area, Commercial Street removed from Emporia project list
With work already underway inside Neosho Rapids, Burlington Northern Santa Fe has announced more crossings near the town are also getting maintenance work. BNSF is closing the tracks at Road Y and Roa...
Jul 04, 2025 Courtesy graphic.
Schmidt: More benefits than drawbacks to One Big Beautiful Bill with House vote pending
Kansas Second District Congressman Derek Schmidt says there are some concerns about the One Big Beautiful Bill, but he sees more benefits than drawbacks as the bill nears a final vote in the House. On...
Jul 03, 2025 Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt. Official portrait.
Stars and Stripes Celebration begins Thursday in Lebo
It will be an Art-rageously good time in and around Lebo for the town's 36th Stars and Stripes Celebration. Things start Thursday evening with the West Park Family Night, according to organizer Amanda...
Jul 03, 2025 City of Lebo file photo.
Farewell reception scheduled for outgoing Chamber president
As Jeanine McKenna prepares for a new chapter in her life, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a farewell reception in her honor. "A Stylish Farewell: Celebrating Jeanine McKenna's New ...
Jul 03, 2025 Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce graphic.
"Leaders matter:" Regents approve 4-percent compensation increase for Hush
Emporia State University President Ken Hush is getting a pay raise. Hush received a salary increase of $14,000 from $301,000 to $315,000 at a Kansas Board of Regents meeting recently. His total compen...
Jul 03, 2025 KVOE News photo.
Wagon Wheel celebrates new location with ribbon-cutting
Having been open for about three weeks, Wagon Wheel Grill and Bar had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location Wednesday. Co-owner Jerrod Mai says it was a huge relief to get to this p...
Jul 03, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Emporia's First Christian Church settling into temporary home at Presbyterian Church West Campus
The congregation at First Christian Church is settling into its new location, although it likely won't be a permanent stay. Church operations are now at Emporia Presbyterian Church West Campus after d...
Jul 02, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Track repairs and maintenance underway in Neosho Rapids area, coming soon to Emporia crossings
Track repairs and maintenance work is underway now in and around Neosho Rapids. Lyon County Emergency Communications says Burlington Northern Santa Fe is working on the tracks by the town and the Main...
Jul 02, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
BNSF confirms minor derailment in Emporia yard Monday
Burlington Northern Santa Fe has confirmed a minor derailment in an Emporia rail yard Monday evening. The railroad says there were no injuries, no hazardous materials response needed and no impact to ...
Jul 02, 2025 Several rail cars went off a siding track at an Emporia rail yard Monday. Ashley Brooks.
Fowler proud to promote local activities as interim Visit Emporia director
To say the least, Interim Visit Emporia Director Matt Fowler is excited for his role -- for as long as he has it. The city has not said when it plans to revisit the topic. While he is leading the agen...
Jul 02, 2025 Matt Fowler. Courtesy photo.
