Author Archives: Chuck Samples
US-56 CRASH: Two crash scenes, 12 total vehicles, 5 to hospitals after smoke-related wreck outside Admire
Five people were sent to hospitals following an extensive crash zone that developed outside Admire on Wednesday. Lyon County deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, Emporia Fire/EMS, Allen-Admire Fi...
Apr 01, 2026 Two crashed cars, at least one of which caught fire, lie in a burn zone from a grass fire just south of US Highway 56 outside Admire on Wednesday. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Repair timetable still pending for downtown Emporia sinkhole; estimated repair costs could approach $60,000
With discussions ongoing about repairing the immediate sinkhole site at 10th and Commercial, Emporia city officials are also considering exactly how extensive repairs may be elsewhere in downtown Empo...
Apr 01, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
United Way announces Hopkins Employee Relief Fund
Another way to help workers recently displaced by the closure of Hopkins Manufacturing has come to light. United Way of the Flint Hills is announcing the formation of the Hopkins Employee Relief Fund....
Apr 01, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Effort honoring Veterans Day founder Alvin King with special plaque moving forward
An effort to give special, visible recognition of Veterans Day founder Alvin King is moving forward after years of conversation. Spokesman Jesse Solis with the Mexican American World War II Committee ...
Apr 01, 2026 Alvin King (right) and Gertrude King. Courtesy Lyon County Historical Society.
Fire damages house in downtown Emporia
Emporia Fire battled a house fire in downtown Emporia early Wednesday morning. Fire was reported at 809 Market by a neighbor around 1 am. Fire Capt. Greg Davis confirmed an earlier report from Police ...
Apr 01, 2026 Exterior damage is minimal after a house fire at 809 Market early Wednesday, but Emporia firefighters say there is extensive damage inside the home. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Lyon County commissioners to handle zoning requests during Thursday's action session
Lyon County commissioners could handle a pair of zoning requests as part of their action session Thursday. Commissioners will consider Tillman Infrastructure's request for Agriculture Conditional Use ...
Apr 01, 2026 Pictured left to right: Lyon County Commissioners Chris Bartel, Ken Duft and Doug Peck. Photo by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News.
Memorial to Fallen Educators tablet fundraiser nearing goal
A special fundraiser for the National Teachers Hall of Fame's Memorial to Fallen Educators ends Friday, and it's close to the financial goal. The Hall of Fame says it has raised almost $23,500 through...
Apr 01, 2026 National Teachers Hall of Fame graphic.
Heavy rain, severe weather possible by Thursday evening
Strong to severe storms and heavy rainfall are still possible areawide after sunset Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center has a slight-to-enhanced severe weather risk areawide, with the enhanced area...
Apr 01, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
UPDATE: City officials awaiting findings of recent video survey work under Commercial Street to gauge extent of recent sink hole
City officials are awaiting the findings of a recent video survey under Commercial Street following the development of a sinkhole in the 900 block of Commercial this past weekend. According to City En...
Mar 31, 2026 Video work is ahead as the city of Emporia considers plans to repair the sinkhole area near 10th and Commercial as well as determine whether there are more extensive repairs needed nearby. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Heinen with several projects underway, including Match Day preparation, as she adjusts to CEO role at Emporia Community Foundation
Emporia Community Foundation CEO Loni Heinen has a few things on her slate as she continues to adjust to being the organization's new leader. First is the fact she's actually the CEO after nearly 20 y...
Mar 31, 2026 Emporia Community Foundation graphic.
