Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Givens adjusting to new role as Emporia's interim Building and Neighborhood Development director
Justin Givens has been busier than usual after he took on new responsibilities in Emporia city government earlier this month. Givens, the city's Planning and Zoning administrator since December 2021, ...
Jan 14, 2026 City Planning and Zoning Administrator Justin Givens (standing) presents a synopsis of the new city zoning regulations to Emporia Planning Commissioners in 2023. Photo by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
Governor signs disaster emergency for wildland fire danger; Osage County now in burn ban
As several area counties issue burn bans due to prime fire conditions, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has taken action to pre-position emergency resources in places of potential need. The governor issued...
Jan 14, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
Governor focuses final State of State on accomplishments, bipartisanship and civility
Governor Laura Kelly says Kansas is in good shape. 13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka did not respond to a KVOE News request for comment. Kelly, in her eighth and final year as governo...
Jan 14, 2026 Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. Office of the Kansas Governor photo.
Reward announced after recent vandalism at Peter Pan Park
Emporia Police officers are investigating several recent incidents of vandalism. Lyon County Crime Stoppers says several structures have been spray-painted at Peter Pan Park. Officers are asking for h...
Jan 13, 2026 Lyon County Crime Stoppers.
Lyon County Emergency Management Director urging fire safety after muddy grass fire near Neosho Rapids, destructive shop fire near Neal
Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell is using the high to very high fire danger this week and the prospect of a dry winter to remind residents about fire safety. Fell is asking reside...
Jan 13, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
Services finalized for Evora Wheeler, 94
Service plans have finalized for longtime community leader Evora Wheeler. Services will be this upcoming Saturday from 1-4 pm at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building. A special remembrance se...
Jan 13, 2026 KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas poses with Evora Wheeler after fundraisers benefiting Ron's Ride for Special Olympics in 2021. John Koelsch.
Emporia Community Housing Board, Land Bank meeting separately Thursday
Emporia's Community Housing Board and Land Bank will have separate meetings Thursday. The Housing Board will meet first to discuss housing metrics and stats for new construction, vacancies and other i...
Jan 13, 2026 City of Emporia logo.
Meyer named as Stormont Vail's Emporia clinic director with construction still set to begin this spring
With construction still tentatively set to begin in a few months, Stormont Vail Health is starting to fill out the administrative team for its new clinic in west Emporia. Stormont Vail has announced K...
Jan 13, 2026 Kelsey Meyer. Stormont Vail Health graphic.
USD 251, USD 252 set for regular meetings Wednesday
Money matters are ahead for both the USD 251 North Lyon County and USD 252 Southern Lyon County school boards in separate meetings this week. USD 251 North Lyon County 6 pm, Americus Board members wil...
Jan 13, 2026 Wave.video graphic.
Big year ahead for ESB Financial's 125th anniversary
There's a lot ahead for ESB Financial as it officially begins its 125th anniversary year. As part of KVOE's Morning Show on Monday, Marketing Officer Kandace Wakeman said there will be an emphasis on ...
Jan 13, 2026 ESB Financial Marketing Officer Kandace Wakeman (left) and President Michael Black joined KVOE's Morning Show on Monday to discuss the bank's 125th anniversary activities. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
