Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Ashburn pleads no contest to drug possession after alleged involvement in May 31 chase that hurt Lyon County deputy
One of two defendants accused of leading a law enforcement pursuit leading to injuries for a Lyon County deputy late last month has accepted a plea agreement. Preston Ashburn had been charged with bat...
Jun 19, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
Topeka man appealing nearly eight-year sentence for drug distribution in Lyon County
A man who pleaded no contest to drug distribution in a Lyon County criminal case will spend nearly eight years in prison. Rafael Munoz Garcia, age 27 of Topeka, received a 95-month total sentence as p...
Jun 19, 2025 Rafael Garcia. Lyon County Jail photo.
Flood warning up for Cottonwood River at Emporia, removed for other area gauges
A flood warning remains in effect for the Cottonwood River at Emporia following heavy rainfall this week. *The Cottonwood River at Emporia is in a flood warning from late Thursday night to Friday even...
Jun 19, 2025 Cottonwood River water flows from the old Kansas Highway 99 bridge to the new bridge early Thursday. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Severe thunderstorm warning late Wednesday afternoon leads to brief heavy rain in north Lyon County
Isolated storms late Wednesday afternoon led to a severe thunderstorm warning for north Lyon County. No severe weather was reported afterward. Rain totals: *Allen: 0.20 inches *Bushong: 0.54 inches *2...
Jun 19, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
National Teachers Hall of Fame inductees discuss 'humbling' experience on KVOE's On-Air Chat
"Surreal." "Humbling." "Overwhelming." Those were some of the adjectives this year's class of National Teachers Hall of Fame inductees used on KVOE's On-Air Chat on Wednesday to describe their time in...
Jun 18, 2025 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductees appeared on KVOE's On-Air Chat on Wednesday. From left: Tom Jenkins, Michael Dunlea III, Dr Camille Jones Ford, Michelle Pearson and Dr Pascale Creek Pinner. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Emporia City Commission approves Stormont Vail final plat
The planning phase is complete and now design and later construction can begin for a new multi-million-dollar medical facility in Emporia following action by Emporia City Commissioners Wednesday. Duri...
Jun 18, 2025 City of Emporia map.
Juneteenth Celebration set for Thursday in Emporia
Emporia's Juneteenth Celebration is coming Thursday. Activities will take place at Eastside Memorial Park. Eastside Community Group spokesman Arthur Lorick says the event will combine a celebration an...
Jun 18, 2025 Society for Public Health Education graphic.
Flooding declaration, budget request ahead for Lyon County Commission action meeting Friday
After verbally issuing a local disaster declaration for significant flooding last week, Lyon County commissioners could officially sign the document as part of their action meeting Friday. The verbal ...
Jun 18, 2025 KVOE News file photo .
Wildlife and Parks seeking input on 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is looking ahead for the next several years, and it is seeking public input on its updated Kansas State Wildlife Action Plan. The draft currently under disc...
Jun 18, 2025 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks logo.
Flood warnings up for area river gauges after Tuesday's heavy rain
So far, there hasn't been a widespread impact reported in Lyon County after heavy rainfall Tuesday. Renewed flooding has been noted on Road 150 from Kansas Highway 99 to Road J, south to Road 140 and ...
Jun 18, 2025 Ditches in Strong City ran full Tuesday after around 3 inches of rainfall. Jacob Welsh/Chase County Sheriff.
