Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Prayer service announced for Rebecca Rauber; EPD chief details weekend search efforts
Emporia Police Chief Ed Owens tells KVOE News there were no signs of foul play in this past weekend's death of Rebecca Rauber. Service arrangements are currently pending. Officers are still investigat...
Jan 24, 2026 Rebecca Rauber. Emporia Church of Christ graphic.
Indiana man to Newman Regional Health after wreck in west Emporia
An Indiana man was hurt after a wreck near one of the three roundabouts near Emporia western city limits. Kansas Highway Patrol and Emporia Fire/EMS were among the responding agencies to a two-vehicle...
Jan 24, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
More architect interviews set for Saturday for USD 251
More architect interviews are ahead in the coming days for USD 251 North Lyon County. The district school board has scheduled a second special meeting for that purpose, meeting with architects at 6 pm...
Jan 24, 2026 USD 251 North Lyon County logo.
Governor focusing on water policy, rural healthcare as legislative session continues
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is urging lawmakers to make significant progress on water issues during the current legislative session. On KVOE's Morning Show late last week, the governor said it's high ...
Jan 24, 2026 Kansas Governor Laura Kelly considers a question as part of KVOE Newsmaker segment series recently. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Local jobless rates tick up for December, still well below 2025 peaks
After a year where Emporia's jobless rates hit the highest levels in years, those numbers were noticeably lower at the end of last year than in the middle. Emporia's jobless rate was 4.3 percent in De...
Jan 24, 2026 Kansas Department of Labor map.
WEATHER UPDATE: Schedule adjustments already beginning for Monday with potential for refreezing and dangerously low temperatures expected
Several schedule adjustments have been announced to start the work week due to abundant snow accumulation and bitter cold expected to remain through at least midweek. One of the more notable changes w...
Jan 24, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Governor seeks to restore state budget's structural balance during final year in office
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly stopped by the KVOE studios to discuss the agenda for her final year in office this week. On KVOE's Newsmaker segment Friday, the governor highlighted upcoming conversation...
Jan 23, 2026 Kansas Governor Laura Kelly poses after an interview with KVOE's Morning Show team of Ron Thomas (right) and Chuck Samples. Grace Hoge/Office of the Kansas Governor.
Chase County Sheriff's Office gains over $360,000 in federal funds for upgrades
Chase County Sheriff Jacob Welsh says his office has received a major grant for several aspects of law enforcement and emergency operations. Welsh says the department has secured over $360,000 as part...
Jan 23, 2026 Chase County Sheriff's Office.
Bitter cold now in place with hefty snow likely to begin by Friday night; governor announces state of disaster emergency
Travel should be OK for most of the rest of Friday. As for Saturday and Sunday, that's another story. Meteorologists, emergency responders and law enforcement officials are urging people to avoid trav...
Jan 23, 2026 National Weather Service graphic.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony opens ESU Nursing + Student Wellness Center
Emporia State University had good reason to celebrate Thursday. After officially opening the brand-new 32,000-square-foot Nursing + Student Wellness Center to students at the start of the spring semes...
Jan 22, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
