News

USD 493 approves technology bids

A 2026-2027 Technology plan for Columbus USD 493 was presented to the Board of Education by Technology Director Ron Storey at the boards regular monthly meeting Monday.

CALENDAR

Friday, March 13•Weir Municipal Court 8:30 a.m. at City Hall in Weir.•Clean and Serene Narcotics Anonymous meeting Galena Community Room 6 p.m.Saturday, March 14•Breaking the Chains of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous Spiritual Support Group at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Baxter Springs 4 p.m.

Columbus man gets five years for sex crimes

Robert F. Graves, 27, of Columbus, was sentenced today in Cherokee County District Court by District Judge Maradeth Frederick to 64 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for two counts of indecent liberties with a child, k.S.A. 21-5506(a)(1) and (c)(1), severity-level 5 person felonies.
Edward Sweeney gave an informative talk about various historical ships to Chapter BT of P.E.O. at their recent meeting. Courtesy photo.

Edward Sweeney gave an informative talk about various historical ships to Chapter BT of P.E.O. at their recent meeting. Courtesy photo.

History of famous ships presented to Baxter Springs group

American history is wrought with stories of sailing ships. For example, the Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, was written aboard a sailing ship.
During Read Across America Week, Park Elementary students had a read-athon. Winners in each class were allowed to cover Principal Matthew Crain with silly string. Crain was sprayed once in the morning and once in the afternoon according to grade level and to include morning and afternoon Pre-K. News Report photo by Tanya Woolsey.

During Read Across America Week, Park Elementary students had a read-athon. Winners in each class were allowed to cover Principal Matthew Crain with silly string. Crain was sprayed once in the morning and once in the afternoon according to grade level and to include morning and afternoon Pre-K. News Report photo by Tanya Woolsey.

Two of the leads, in Kiss Me Kate, Nathan Coleman and Melissa Holt-Thompson, with Kolby Matson, a thwarted suitor. Courtesy photo.

Two of the leads, in Kiss Me Kate, Nathan Coleman and Melissa Holt-Thompson, with Kolby Matson, a thwarted suitor. Courtesy photo.

‘Kiss Me, Kate’ hits the stage at Galena Performing Arts Center

The stage is set, the egos are enormous, and the exes are… unfortunately working together. Cherokee County Arts is bringing the classic Broadway musical Kiss Me, Kate to local audiences this season, and if rehearsals are any indication, it’s going to be gloriously dramatic.

Johnston Public Library Hours

Mondays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays 9 a.m.-. 5 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. - Noon 210 W. 10th, Baxter Springs.

Columbus Public Library Hours

Mondays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m-6 p.m. Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 a.m. Fridays 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon.Curbside service will be available upon request. Call the library at 620-4292086

Cherokee County Court Docket

This is the schedule of the Magistrate Court Room with Judge Douglas R. Steele presiding. All of the hearings, conferences, arraignments, dismissals, appearances and trials are open to the public. They are also subject to change or cancellation without notice.Magistrate Court Judge Douglas R.