Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Recent rain reduces drought in some areas, eliminates it in others
The area isn't completely drought-free, but there was a lot of positive movement in the latest update from the US Drought Monitor. Five to seven inches of widespread rain over the last week and upward...
May 29, 2025 US Drought Monitor map.
Mitchell bench trial set in latest appeal after fatal crash in 2021
A bench trial is the next scheduled hearing for an Emporia man accused of killing another Emporian in a crash over four years ago. Devawn Mitchell will appear before Judge Lee Fowler beginning Sept. 2...
May 29, 2025 Devawn Mitchell. Kansas Department of Corrections photo.
Pretrial hearing scheduled in Emporia rape case
Court proceedings in a Lyon County rape case are taking the next step forward after a hearing Wednesday. Luis Jalpa-Sena will return to Lyon County District Court on June 20 for a pretrial conference....
May 29, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
87th Flint Hills Rodeo begins Thursday evening
It's go time for the Flint Hills Rodeo. Activities begin Thursday evening in Strong City, kicking off three days of rodeo action. On KVOE's Talk of Emporia this week, Rodeo Board President Buck Bailey...
May 29, 2025 Members of the Flint Hills Rodeo Committee appeared on KVOE's Talk of Emporia this week. Pictured are (from left) Craig Hatcher, Stacy Davis, Dow Wilson and Buck Bailey. Adam Hilton was a guest via phone during the program. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Successful Up With Theatre fundraiser concludes with preparations underway for ESU's summer schedule
Area residents were definitely down with Emporia State University's Up With Theatre online fundraiser. Donors went over the $10,000 goal this week, making Theatre Director Aubrey Wilson ecstatic as th...
May 29, 2025 ESU Theatre photo.
Two Lyndon residents arrested on suspicion of drug, weapons violations after Osage County traffic stop
Two Lyndon men have been arrested on suspicion of drug and weapons violations. Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells says a deputy handled a traffic stop on Interstate 35 about 30 miles northeast of Empori...
May 29, 2025 (From left) Seth Landie, Jon Reed. Osage County Jail photos.
WEATHER: Highway department announces several road openings, one new closure Thursday
A handful of road sections in Lyon County have been reopened with barricades still in place for a few. The Lyon County Highway Department announced the following openings Thursday afternoon. *Road 160...
May 29, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
ELECTION: Two USD 251 incumbents file for re-election
The ballot for USD 251 North Lyon County school board is filling up as the filing and withdrawal deadline approaches. Incumbent Josh Hamlin has filed for re-election to USD 251 District 2 Position 5, ...
May 29, 2025 Kansas Secretary of State graphic.
Prelim date set in Perez-Ricardo murder case; EPD sees no apparent connections to recent drug bust, illegal dentistry cases
A preliminary hearing in an Emporia murder case is set to take place this upcoming summer. Alexei Perez-Ricardo, age 36 of Emporia, will return to Lyon County District Court on Aug. 28 after his first...
May 28, 2025 Alexei Perez-Ricardo. Lyon Country Jail photo.
UNBOUND GRAVEL: Biggest field in event history expected
Riders from age 1-92 will be part of the biggest Unbound Gravel in history the weekend. Organizers say over 5,000 riders are coming to Emporia for the annual gravel cycling showcase -- or they are alr...
May 28, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
