Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Flu vaccines now readily available; COVID shots coming by end of September
Flu shots are in and COVID-19 shots are coming. That was the update from Lyon County Health Officer Dr. Ladun Oyenuga on KVOE's Newsmaker segment Tuesday. When it comes to flu shots, Dr. Oyenuga says ...
Sep 10, 2024 CareArc photo.
First 'Connect with Curtis' gathering Thursday
Emporia's newest city commissioner, Tyler Curtis, will meet informally with the public Thursday as part of what he's calling "Connect with Curtis." Curtis was sworn in as city commissioner last month ...
Sep 10, 2024 Tyler Curtis graphic.
Emporia City Commission announces special meeting Wednesday on economic development plan
Emporia city commissioners have announced a special meeting this week. Commissioners are gathering at 2:30 pm at the Municipal Court Room to present and discuss the city's economic development strateg...
Sep 10, 2024 Pictured left to right: Emporia City Commissioners Jamie Sauder, Erren Harter, Susan Brinkman, Becky Smith and Tyler Curtis. Photo by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News.
Halfway to Everywhere founder sees signs of future growth after 2024 festival
Through a year of change, Halfway to Everywhere founder Hank Osterhout says he's pleased with the results of this past weekend's festival -- as well as signs the festival could grow. Osterhout joined ...
Sep 10, 2024 Over 1,100 people attended this year's Halfway to Everywhere Music and Arts Festival in downtown Emporia. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Jones Trust grants Southwick House $1 million for transitional housing facility
It's not often that a local nonprofit can secure a seven-figure grant. But that's the case for Southwick House after a $1 million lead gift from the Walter S and Evan C Jones Testamentary Trust. The J...
Sep 10, 2024 Southwick House logo.
Simmons donating $100K to Little Lyons
Simmons Pet Food ultimately decided not to purchase the former Maynard Early Childhood Center, but it is financially supporting the venture that's now at the former Maynard address. Simmons will give ...
Sep 09, 2024 Lyon County is applying for Hazard Mitigation funds to build a storm shelter at Little Lyons Childcare (pictured) and to install a storm siren in Thorndale. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Emporia Police investigation continues into recent auto burglaries
Emporia Police officers continue investigating after a rash of auto burglaries reported late last week. Police Capt. Ray Mattas is encouraging anybody with information to call the Lyon County Emergenc...
Sep 09, 2024 KVOE News file photo.
Conversations about traffic, pedestrian needs around Emporia to continue with recent approval of Safe Routes to Schools study
With a study now approved, the city of Emporia will continue conversations with the Multi-Use Planning Board, USD 253 Emporia and the Kansas Department of Transportation for potential Safe Routes to S...
Sep 09, 2024 Students use crosswalks to exit Walnut Elementary. Kansas Department of Transportation photo.
Services announced for Emporia native killed in southwest Kansas wreck last week
Funeral services have been announced for Austin Wagoner, a former Emporia man killed in a crash in southwest Kansas last week. Wagoner and his dog, PK, were killed when Wagoner's car crashed just east...
Sep 09, 2024 Austin Wagoner. Courtesy Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.
Watch parties announced for Tuesday's presidential debate
The first -- and possibly only -- presidential debate is Tuesday, and Lyon County's major political parties have special activities planned. The Lyon County Democrats' watch party is at the county hea...
Sep 09, 2024 Democrat (from left) and Republican logos. Smithsonian graphic.
