Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Kriley to serve as interim president for ESU
With Ken Hush retired and Matthew Baker coming on board in early March, the Kansas Board of Regents have appointed an interim president for Emporia State University. Dr Taylor Kriley, currently the Ex...
Dec 19, 2025 Dr Taylor Kriley. Emporia State University photo.
President Trump signs executive order to reclassify marijuana; Aranda sees no changes in Lyon County prosecution policy
Marijuana has been reclassified, pending additional action at the federal level. It's still listed as an illegal drug, but an executive order signed Thursday by President Donald Trump moves marijuana ...
Dec 19, 2025 Drug Enforcement Agency photo.
Deadline ahead Friday for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
Payments could be heading out to farmers in the USDA's recently-announced Farmer Bridge Assistance Program as soon as February. State Director for Kansas FSA David Schemm, a guest on KVOE's 12:05 pm n...
Dec 18, 2025 US Department of Agriculture graphic.
Gas leak under repair in downtown Emporia
Work continues to repair a gas leak in downtown Emporia. The leak was first reported in an alley near Sixth and Mechanic shortly after 9:30 am, although the incident was discovered along Fourth instea...
Dec 18, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Eskridge man arrested on suspicion of child exploitation, drug possession
A Wabaunsee County man faces numerous counts of child exploitation after an arrest this week. Sheriff Eric Kirsch says deputies and Alma Police conducted a search warrant in the 400 block of East Seco...
Dec 18, 2025 Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office photo.
Defendant in Lyon County retail fraud case set for January hearing
Court proceedings will continue next year for a Georgia man accused in Lyon County District Court of being involved in a retail fraud ring. Dwayne Rhoden is set for a pretrial hearing Jan. 16 after a ...
Dec 18, 2025 Dwayne Rhoden. Lyon County Jail photo.
Osage County closer to current on KPERS paperwork
Osage County continues getting closer to fully rectified as it reports employee contributions to the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System. KPERS Communications Officer Emily Wilson says the county...
Dec 18, 2025 Kansas Public Employee Retirement System logo.
High winds and minor grass fire activity make busy day Thursday for local emergency crews
Emergency crews have been busy Thursday as a result of the extreme winds and critical fire danger that has been anticipated for much of the week. According to Emporia Fire Captain Willie Ward, crews r...
Dec 18, 2025 Evidence of the intensity of wind speeds is evident by the damage sustained by the O'Reilly Auto Parts sign on Sixth Avenue in Emporia. Photo by Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Conversations about new public recreation center may resume in earnest next month with study plans pending for Lee Beran indoor pool
There is a set of decisions ahead on the Lee Beran Rec Center's indoor pool -- which could well play a role in conversations restarting on a new public recreation facility. Rec Commission board member...
Dec 17, 2025 Lee Beran Recreation Center Indoor Pool.
Photo courtesy of ERC Marketing Manager Shalla Bennett
Salvation Army kettle fundraiser nearing $40,000 generated with one week remaining
A week remains for the Salvation Army's annual kettle campaign, and Salvation Army Capt. Mylie Hadden says the campaign is tracking along with the overall goal. Proceeds help Salvation Army clients in...
Dec 17, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
