Author Archives: Chuck Samples
90th Seasonal Celebration sets holiday tone for USD 253
Emporia Public Schools invited the community to White Auditorium for its annual musical holiday gift this week. The district held its two-day Seasonal Celebration on Wednesday and Thursday, with Empor...
Dec 12, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Harrouff: City's new Budget Book gives raw data 'a story'
The city of Emporia's new online Budget Book is the product of conversations and behind-the-scenes work for over a year, according to City Finance Director Janet Harrouff. She tells KVOE News it gives...
Dec 12, 2025 City of Emporia graphic.
Emporia, Lyon County jobless rates dip from August to September
Local jobless rates came down significantly in the latest report from the Kansas Department of Labor. Emporia's jobless rate went down from 6 percent in August to 4.9 percent in September. Lyon County...
Dec 12, 2025 Kansas Department of Labor map.
Trio of grants approved by Emporia Public School Endowment Fund
The Emporia Public School Endowment Fund is helping several classroom projects after an announcement Thursday. *Emporia High School is getting $750 for advanced glassblowing equipment and another $750...
Dec 12, 2025 Emporia Community Foundation photo.
Reward announced as Hornets Pointe complex fire investigation from 2021 continues
Almost four years to the day after fire destroyed an apartment complex near the Emporia State University campus, the incident is back in the headlines. The Hornets Pointe complex at 1325 Merchant was ...
Dec 11, 2025 An investigation continues into the fire that destroyed the Hornets Pointe apartment complex in December 2021. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Baker's goal as new ESU president: 'Come together as one Emporia State'
Emporia State University's new president has a lot of experience at the regional public university level -- and some familiarity with ESU. At a special on-campus meeting Thursday, the Kansas Board of ...
Dec 11, 2025 Emporia State President Matthew Baker (left) meets with members of the campus and community shortly after the Kansas Board of Regents named him as the university's new leader. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
Emporia Fire responds to car fire, two gas leaks Wednesday
Emporia Fire responded to two gas leaks and a vehicle fire Wednesday. Gas leaks were reported in the 1000 block of East 12th and the alley in the 200 block of Union. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Ryan ...
Dec 11, 2025 KVOE News file photo.
Holiday concerts coming soon at Emporia Granada Theatre
The holidays wouldn't be the same without music, and there's lots of live music to go around the next few days. The Emporia Arts Council has limited seats available for Home Free's return to the Empor...
Dec 11, 2025 Emporia Granada Theatre photo.
Allen's Hometown Christmas coming Friday
The town of Allen will have you in the Christmas spirit with its annual holiday festival. Hometown Christmas takes over the community Friday afternoon and evening. Organizer Janet Bathurst says there ...
Dec 11, 2025 Courtesy graphic.
Latest traffic adjustment for Southeast Transmission waterline project announced
Emporia's Southeast Transmission waterline replacement project is advancing. City Communications Manager Christine Torrens says Neosho Street will be closed for about three weeks immediately south of ...
Dec 11, 2025 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
