Author Archives: Chuck Samples
Probation, underlying prison term announced for second defendant in Hartford animal cruelty case
Rhonda Staggs was sentenced Wednesday for her role in alleged animal cruelty in Hartford. Staggs received one year of probation and an underlying prison term of a year in case she violates probation. ...
Dec 23, 2021 Rhonda Staggs. Lyon County Jail photo.
Trial dates tentatively set in Emporia sex assault case
Trial dates were set this week for a man accused of sexual involvement with a teenager. Wyatt Bennett now faces potential trial dates of Feb. 7, Feb. 14 or March 28 after allegedly having sex with a t...
Dec 23, 2021 Wyatt Bennett. Lyon County Jail photo.
Charge list amended in Emporia kidnapping case
Lyon County prosecutors have adjusted the list of charges against Lawrence Vaughn in a kidnapping case working through Lyon County District Court. Prosecutors have dismissed a criminal threat count wh...
Dec 23, 2021 Lawrence Vaughn. Lyon County Jail photo.
Olpe Christmas Lights Contest winners announced
On Wednesday, KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas and News Director Chuck Samples went to Olpe for the town's annual Christmas Lights Contest. *First place: Grandma Schmidt *Second place: Tim Bailey *Thir...
Dec 23, 2021 Grandma Schmidt's house off Schmidt's Lake near Olpe won top honors in the town's annual Christmas lights contest after recent judging this week by KVOE's Ron Thomas and Chuck Samples. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
UPDATE: One in custody following vehicle pursuit and standoff in Emporia and Lyon County Wednesday
Local authorities have apprehended the suspect involved in an alleged vehicle pursuit that began in Emporia and ended in Lyon County. The situation began in the 2700 block of West 18th in Emporia as p...
Dec 22, 2021 Rolando Galindo. Lyon County Jail photo.
ESU requesting Emporia, Lyon County financial support of multifaceted venture to bolster on-campus enrollment
Emporia State University is asking for support from the city of Emporia and Lyon County on a multifaceted plan to bring more students to campus. Emporia State Vice President Jim Williams led separate ...
Dec 22, 2021 Emporia State University Vice President Jim Williams (front) outlines the university's plans for a three-tiered program to bring more students to campus -- as well as potential financial support -- at Wednesday's Lyon County Commission study meeting. Also pictured are (from left) Lyon County Controller Dan Williams, ESU Foundation President Shane Shivley, ESU Vice President of Administration and Finance Diana Kuhlmann and former Kansas lawmaker Don Hill. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
City of Emporia announces retirement of Fire Chief Jack Taylor; Assistant Chief Brandon Beck to serve as interim chief
The City of Emporia has announced an early succession plan for Fire Chief Jack Taylor, who is officially retiring at the end of the year. Current Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Beck will take over the d...
Dec 22, 2021 Emporia Fire badge.
CORONAVIRUS: Healthier Lyon County announces another round of free testing
If you need a COVID-19 test before the end of the year, Healthier Lyon County has three options for you. Healthier Lyon County will offer free tests from 2-5 pm Wednesday, as well as 2-5 pm Sunday and...
Dec 22, 2021 Healthier Lyon County graphic.
Kansas Governor proposes $250 rebate for Kansas resident tax filers
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is offering a plan to give all state residents who filed a tax return this year a $250 rebate. The governor's plan involves a one-time rebate as a non-taxable direct paymen...
Dec 22, 2021 Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. KVOE News file photo.
CORONAVIRUS: President's omicron response plan includes free at-home test kits, additional help for hospitals
With the omicron variant supplanting the longstanding delta variant as the nation's main strain of coronavirus, President Joe Biden's adjusted response plan includes free COVID test kits and more fede...
Dec 22, 2021 President Joe Biden. White House photo.
