Category Archives: News
Monthly jobless rates up for Emporia, Lyon County; annual rate down from July 2025
Jobless rates for Emporia and Lyon County climbed from June to July. The Kansas Department of Labor has Emporia's jobless rate now at 5.4 percent, up from 5.1 percent in June. Lyon County's rate is no...
Aug 22, 2026 Kansas Department of Labor map.
Rec Commission Board to discuss public rec facility community engagement, DeBauge Complex construction
Facility plans are ahead for members of the Emporia Recreation Commission as the board meets Monday. Board members will discuss plans for upcoming community engagement sessions connected to a now-publ...
Aug 22, 2026 Emporia Recreation Commission logo.
Flint Hills Mall anticipating opening of new tenant storefront between September and October while actively searching for new tenant to fill PetSense space
There is a lot to be excited about at the Flint Hills Mall, with a new tenant set to open soon and mall leadership actively pursuing others. During an interview with KVOE News on Friday, Mall Manager ...
Aug 21, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
Flint Hills Technical College exploring potential of 'registered apprenticeship model' to benefit students and local employers within next year
Flint Hills Technical College is currently exploring the possibility of bringing more real-world work opportunities to students this year. On the monthly Tech Talk with FHTC President Dr. Caron Daught...
Aug 21, 2026 KVOE News file photo.
2026 SOS Strong campaign brings renewed energy, greater awareness and nearly $24,000 for SOS services over past month
SOS leadership is heralding this year's class of SOS Strong Ambassadors for the dollars and, maybe more importantly, the awareness raised over the last month through the SOS Strong Campaign. That was ...
Aug 21, 2026 The 2026 contingent of SOS Strong Ambassadors proudly display their fundraising total at the annual SOS Strong celebration.
Photo by SOS Inc.
Emporia City Commission announces special meeting regarding special questions to be placed on upcoming election ballot
The Emporia City Commission will convene a special meeting next week to take action following a court ruling regarding a petition question for the upcoming general election. The commission will conven...
Aug 21, 2026 Emporia City Commission. (Clockwise from top left): Erren Harter, Kurt Steinkuhler, Becky Smith, Monica Duncan, Tammi Ogle. City of Emporia photo.
Playground upgrades in Hartford to include new splash pad with City Hall demolition set to begin next week
There's a notable improvement project underway at Hartford City Park. Playground equipment is getting upgraded and replaced, according to project spokesperson Yvonne Gardner. She says this is a projec...
Aug 21, 2026 New playground equipment is getting installed in Hartford with the goal of having items ready for public use by Hartford Harvest Day next month. Plans continue as well for a new splash pad. Yvonne Gardner.
Grand opening of new Olpe football field coming Aug. 28
The Olpe Fitness Park is moving along -- to the point where residents are invited to a special grand opening for the high school's new football stadium. The field opening is coming Aug 28. Olpe Fitnes...
Aug 21, 2026 Olpe Fitness Park Committee photo.
Marginal severe weather risk returns to area Friday
Area residents may have some strong to severe storms by late afternoon or evening. There is a marginal severe weather risk for much of northeast, east-central and central Kansas. Wind gusts up to 60 m...
Aug 21, 2026 Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
United Way begins annual fundraising campaign with $500,000 goal, increased emphasis on direct services
The atmosphere was festive and laid-back for the United Way of the Flint Hills' annual Campaign Kickoff at Good Way Gardens on Thursday. United Way officials, including Executive Director Whitney John...
Aug 21, 2026 United Way Executive Director Whitney Johnson (center) mingles with residents at the United Way's annual Campaign Kickoff, held Thursday at Good Way Gardens. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
