Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Lawmakers propose 1-percent pay raise for certain state employees as regular legislative session nears end
The 2026 regular session ends Friday for Kansas lawmakers, and legislators have a new budget bill for Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to consider -- although she has already said she does not like a key c...
Mar 26, 2026 Wave.video graphic.
UPDATE: Storm chances to bring cooler temperatures into weekend; Fire danger to remain elevated through weekend with red flag warnings and fire weather watches in place Friday and Saturday
High fire danger throughout the day Thursday is expected to give way to severe storm potential late Thursday into the early morning hours Friday. Red Flag Warnings remain in place through 8 pm for Lyo...
Mar 26, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Lyon County Commission to discuss KDOT funding for road sign upgrades at Thursday meeting
Lyon County commissioners have contracts and purchases as the main items for their action meeting Thursday. Commissioners could well approve a funding agreement with the Kansas Department of Transport...
Mar 26, 2026 KVOE News file photo .
Newman Regional Health named as Rural Health Transformation Anchor Hospital
The state's Rural Health Transformation program is taking shape, and Newman Regional Health is set to have a significant role going forward. During the hospital's Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, ...
Mar 25, 2026 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services graphic.
April 28 Rec Center Steering Committee meeting may see significant decisions on recreation facilities
Significant decisions are still ahead for the Emporia Recreation Commission's Steering Committee when it comes to a new public recreation center and renovations to the Lee Beran Rec Center. Those deci...
Mar 25, 2026 Emporia Recreation Commission Steering Committee Chair Deon Morrow updated KVOE listeners on the process towards a new public recreation facility and renovations to Lee Beran Recreation Center on KVOE's Newsmaker segment Wednesday. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Statehouse passes policy changes for pharmacy benefit managers
The Kansas House and Senate have voted to put restrictions on what are called pharmacy benefit managers in a way to curb price increases for prescription drugs. Lawmakers have been discussing changes ...
Mar 25, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
Emporia Chamber near end of interim CEO search
The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is in the hunt for an interim chief executive officer. On KVOE's Morning Show on Tuesday, Chamber Board Chair Lisa Kirmer said the process is nearing the end. The ...
Mar 25, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Chase County water improvement project gets state grant
A Chase County water project is getting state funding as part of a special grant program. Public Wholesale Water District 26 is receiving $735,000 for drinking water well improvements. The program is ...
Mar 25, 2026 KVOE News photo.
2025 decisions by Kansas Prisoner Review Board set up potential for significant changes in state parole system
Kansas lawmakers are working towards changes in the state parole system after an uproar developed last year over a Prisoner Review Board decision on convicted murderer Jimmie Nelms. The Prisoner Revie...
Mar 25, 2026 Kansas Great Seal.
Fire destroys semi, damages 700 acres in Chase County; KDHE issues air quality alert; fire weather watch announced
Concerns continue about fire danger Thursday. The National Weather Service has announced a fire weather watch for Lyon, Chase, Greenwood, Morris and Osage counties from 12-8 pm. The watch reflects hig...
Mar 24, 2026 National Weather Service photo.
