News

Columbus Fire to host Freedom Fest 2026

Large fireworks will once again light the sky above Columbus thanks to the efforts of the Columbus Fire Department and community donors. The Annual Freedom Fest hosted by the Columbus Fire Department is scheduled to kick off tomorrow at 5 p.m.

Fireworks season begins in county

As Independence Day approaches, Americans from all backgrounds and professions become pyrotechnicians overnight, using roman candles and mortar shells in place of the rockets and bombs sang about in our National Anthem.Consumer firework spending is expected to hit nearly $2.
Youngsters under five had the opportunity to imagine and create their own dinosaur habitat at the Columbus Public Library this week. Lincoln Knopp, Beckham Eaton and Barrett Eaton use Play-Doh, pipe cleaners and other craft items to create their dino lands. The Library hosts multiple kid’s events throughout the summer.

Youngsters under five had the opportunity to imagine and create their own dinosaur habitat at the Columbus Public Library this week. Lincoln Knopp, Beckham Eaton and Barrett Eaton use Play-Doh, pipe cleaners and other craft items to create their dino lands. The Library hosts multiple kid’s events throughout the summer.

Youngsters

Baxter Springs man charged in national fraud takedown

A Baxter Springs man was charged in the recent National Health Care Fraud Takedown.Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced Tuesday the Kansas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) played an active role in the 2026 U.S. Department of Justice National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
With recent storms, many Columbus residents have seen limb and tree damage accumulate. City equipment operator Levi Thompson places brush in one of several waiting dump trucks as city crews work to pick up debris set out for collection by area residents. The city anticipates running the pickup through the end of the month before crews begin work on road milling in preparation for summer street projects.

With recent storms, many Columbus residents have seen limb and tree damage accumulate. City equipment operator Levi Thompson places brush in one of several waiting dump trucks as city crews work to pick up debris set out for collection by area residents. The city anticipates running the pickup through the end of the month before crews begin work on road milling in preparation for summer street projects.

With recent storms

Cemeteries provide source of genealogical information

Cemeteries provide source of genealogical information

Cemeteries provide source of genealogical information

It is springtime and this is the time of year that many people like to visit cemeteries, either to place flowers on loved ones’ graves or to gleam information from the tombstones for family history research. There are various types of cemeteries.Church burial yards such as St.

K-State announces honors students

For their academic performance in the spring 2026 semester, 5,100 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors.

Fundraisers discussed at Mercy Auxiliary June meet

Fundraising possibilities and the fair were on the agenda at the June 16 Columbus Mercy Auxiliary meeting. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Melissa Torchia.Fifteen members were present. Torchia led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Auxiliary Prayer.

Cherokee County Jail Report

Anthony Joseph Simon, 45, was arrested Monday by Galena Police officers on charges of failure to appear and is being held in lieu of $111 bail.Nathan Eugene Williams, 32, was arrested Sunday by Galena Police officers on charges of disorderly conduct and was released on $500 bail.