News

Democratic candidate for Senate Sandy Spidel-Neumann and her campaign manager Justin made a stop at the Community Center in Cherokee County on her Listening Tour Monday, April 20. Important issues were discussed at the round table and party members shared concerns that are affecting the local area. Those attending the meeting included Elaine Warstler, Tom Pryor, Spidel-Neumann, Steve Langerot, Toni Spieth and Margaret Radlund. Courtesy photo.

Democratic candidate for Senate Sandy Spidel-Neumann and her campaign manager Justin made a stop at the Community Center in Cherokee County on her Listening Tour Monday, April 20. Important issues were discussed at the round table and party members shared concerns that are affecting the local area. Those attending the meeting included Elaine Warstler, Tom Pryor, Spidel-Neumann, Steve Langerot, Toni Spieth and Margaret Radlund. Courtesy photo.

Cherokee County Court Docket

News Staff
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
This is the schedule of the District Court Room with Judge Maradeth Frederick 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.
Nearly 200 years ago, a little wallpaper and pasteboard and a scrap of fabric made a brightly colored multipurpose box. Now, antique boxes like these can sell for hundreds of dollars. Photo Credit: Conestoga Auction Company Division of Hess Auction Group (c) 2026 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.

Nearly 200 years ago, a little wallpaper and pasteboard and a scrap of fabric made a brightly colored multipurpose box. Now, antique boxes like these can sell for hundreds of dollars. Photo Credit: Conestoga Auction Company Division of Hess Auction Group (c) 2026 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.

In the past ‘scraps’ were too valuable to throw away

Terry Kovel
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Today, “zero waste” may be a movement, but in the past, it was a necessity. Scraps were repurposed not out of environmentalism, but because they were too valuable to throw away. Folk art and crafts turned discarded material into useful and beautiful items.
Trees and power lines were snapped in Hallowell and Sherwin. Minimal damage was reported in the city limits of Columbus. Heartland Rural Electric Company reported at least 30 power poles in the Columbus area damaged.

Trees and power lines were snapped in Hallowell and Sherwin. Minimal damage was reported in the city limits of Columbus. Heartland Rural Electric Company reported at least 30 power poles in the Columbus area damaged.

Tornadoes touchdown west of Columbus

News Staff
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Yet another storm system blasted its way through Cherokee County. Sunday night two tornados were reported approaching Columbus. At 9:37 p.m. a tornado was confirmed on the ground near Oswego and was moving east at 25 miles per hour.

Columbus Public Library Hours

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
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.

Johnston Public Library Hours

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
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.

Cherokee County Court Docket

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
This is the schedule of the District Court Room with Judge Maradeth Frederick 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.

Cherokee County Jail Report

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Brock Johnson, 31, was arrested Thursday by Galena Police officers on charges of driving under the influence, vehicle liability insurance required, unlawful registration and use or possess drug paraphernalia for use in the human body and is being held in lieu of $4,000 bail.

CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Friday, April 24•Clean and Serene Narcotics Anonymous meeting Galena Community Room 6 p.m.Saturday, April 25•Breaking the Chains of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous Spiritual Support Group at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Baxter Springs 4 p.m.Sunday, April 26 •Attend the church of your choice.
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