Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Local plants suffering after hard freeze Monday -- ahead of record highs, ongoing dry conditions this weekend
We have had weather whiplash this week, and we aren't the only ones affected. High temperatures will be near record highs Friday and setting a record Saturday. This follows a hard freeze and a record ...
Mar 20, 2026 Wave.video graphic.
Emporia Country Mart rebrands, reopens as Good's CashSaver
The doors have reopened at Emporia's longtime downtown grocery. Long known as Country Mart or Reeble's Country Mart, Good's CashSaver reopened to the public Thursday -- complete with new signage outsi...
Mar 20, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Kelly signs 'bell-to-bell' cell phone ban in schools
During her 2026 State of the State address back in January, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said she would sign a cell phone ban in schools. On Thursday, she made good on her statement. The governor signe...
Mar 20, 2026 Office of the Kansas Governor photo.
Madison boil water advisory ends
Madison residents can now use their water without boiling it. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded a boil water advisory for the town Thursday, a week after it was announced. A wa...
Mar 19, 2026 Kansas Department of Health and Environment graphic.
Olivarez plans appeal after sentence for aggravated indecent liberties, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping
An appeal is likely after Emporian Daniel Olivarez was sentenced to a lengthy prison term on several aggravated-level criminal counts Wednesday. Lyon County Judge Lee Fowler sentenced Olivarez to 208 ...
Mar 19, 2026 Daniel Olivarez.
Lyon County Jail photo.
Fire damages Council Grove church
A Council Grove church had moderate fire and heavy smoke damage after a fire Wednesday. Council Grove Berean Baptist, 330 Huffaker, caught fire Wednesday. Council Grove Assistant Fire Chief and Public...
Mar 19, 2026 Fire damaged Council Grove Berean Baptist Church on Wednesday. Council Grove Police Department.
Formal charges pending after separate Lyon County arrests for suspected rape, kidnapping cases
Emporia Police officers have arrested a man on suspicion of criminal sexual activity and another on suspicion of kidnapping. Luis Hernandez-Ortiz, age and hometown not listed, was arrested Wednesday o...
Mar 19, 2026 Wave.video graphic.
Transfer Station tipping floor closing next week for repairs
Construction is coming to Emporia's Transfer Station. Work is planned between Monday and April 5, and the city says this will have an effect on how materials are unloaded. The tipping floor will be cl...
Mar 19, 2026 KVOE News File Photo.
Street Cats Club begins Working Barn Cat Program
As if it wasn't busy enough, Emporia's Street Cats Club is adding a new dimension to its operations. Founder Victoria Partridge, the guest on KVOE's On-Air Chat on Wednesday, says Street Cats is now h...
Mar 19, 2026 Street Cats Club graphic.
No Kings rally set for downtown Emporia on March 28
Emporia is having another No Kings rally later this month. Organizers plan to be at the intersection of Sixth and Commercial on March 28 from 11 am to 1 pm. Organizers say No Kings is a nonviolent pro...
Mar 19, 2026 Several hundred people attended Saturday's No Kings rally at Sixth and Commercial in downtown Emporia in October 2025. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
