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Aeriel Tennell recently completed classes at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. She is employed by Columbus Police Department. Officers Arlo Lewke, Preston Hosier and Chief Kyle Clark attended her graduation ceremony. Courtesy photo.

Aeriel Tennell recently completed classes at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. She is employed by Columbus Police Department. Officers Arlo Lewke, Preston Hosier and Chief Kyle Clark attended her graduation ceremony. Courtesy photo.

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Columbus officer completes KLETC training

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
Integrity Auditorium, in Hutchinson, filled quickly as friends and family gathered to celebrate the graduation of the 352nd Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC).Included in the graduating class was Aeriel Tennell, of the Columbus Police Department.

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CALENDAR

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
Tuesday, February 10•Bunco activities at the Cherokee County Hospitality Center 516 N. Kansas 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Everyone welcome.•Recovery through Christ Fellowship 7 p.m. Fellowship Baptist Church in Baxter Springs.•Baxter Springs City Council Meeting 6 p.m. in the Baxter Springs City Hall Building.

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Riverton FFA member gets $500 SAE grant

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
The Kansas FFA Foundation has awarded 40 grants of $500 each to Kansas FFA members to help expand and improve Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects across the state.Riverton FFA member Rylee Heistnd received one of the $500 grants.

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Scam prevention class Thursday

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
A class focusing on common scams will be presented by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office Thursday February 12, 6 p.m. to 7:30 in the Columbus Community Center 320 East Maple. It is sponsored by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau.

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Local Pizza Hut closes

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
Without advance notice, the Pizza Hut in Columbus closed Sunday evening.None of the local franchisees management team would respond to questions about the closing.The 42 year old Columbus store, is owned by a franchise company located in Miami, Okla.
Musing Under the Clock Tower

Musing Under the Clock Tower

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Musing Under the Clock Tower

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
“A gossip is a person who creates the smoke in which other people assume there’s fire.” — Dan Bennett

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Columbus Public Library Hours

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 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.

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Johnston Public Library Hours

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 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.

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Kansas Legislative Hotline

News Staff
Monday, February 9, 2026
Information about the 2026 Kansas Legislature and legislative session is only an email, online chat or phone call away on the Legislative Hotline for Kansans, 1-800-432-3924.
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