News

TOPEKA (WIBW) - Topeka’s Marquel Russell came home as one of the biggest stars of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Russell captured gold medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump, while setting world records in the 100 meters and long jump.

Flint Hills 4-H Club The Flint Hills 4-H Club Junior Officers’ Night was called to order on June 8, 2026, at the Council Grove Christian Church. Roll Call, which answered the question “What is your favorite 4H project?”, was answered by 19 members and 2 community leaders.

We’ve had a turkey and a goose sitting on eggs in the barn for what has apparently been 28 days already. I only knew it had been 28 days after my youngest came running across the yard and into the house with a big grin on her face. She had spied a little head poking out from under the turkey hen. Since we have farm cats, and unless we can relocate the mama and babies to a safe place, we usually take the babies and put them in a brooder to grow.

I, too, question why the Kansas Legislature would put something so important as a proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot of a Primary Election, when voter turnout is historically lower than in a General Election. I’m told they did this in 1986 and 2022, as well as this year. However, the authority behind their decision stems from Article 1, Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution which states that the legislature can schedule a statewide special election for all electors to vote on an amendment. They chose August to coincide with this year’s primary. No conspiracy theory necessary.

Adam Hodge will present the Kaw Mission Councils: 2026 Westward Expansion lecture Series “Kansas 1776” at 2 p.m., July 12, in the Council Grove United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Adam is the head of reference at the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka.

.

Jim Ray’s cross-country bicycle ride began at the Pacific Ocean, but the Kansas portion of the trip carried a family connection. Ray, an optical networking engineer from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has family roots in the Wilsey and Delavan area.

Part 2 31. House Bill 2440 – excludes owners of oil leases from having to file request for exemption with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals for property tax exemptions.

Alyssa Wilmore, White City, was among more than 500 students who graduated from Emporia State University in May 2026. Wilmore graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree..

Council Grove will offer three nights of live music July 9-11, with performances scheduled at four local venues. The weekend begins Thursday, July 9, with nationally touring bluegrass group Mountain Highway performing at 6 p.m.