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Columbus Firefighters responded to assist with two structure fires late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Despite efforts by crews on scene, both structures were a total loss. Photo courtesy of Columbus Fire Department.

Columbus Firefighters responded to assist with two structure fires late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Despite efforts by crews on scene, both structures were a total loss. Photo courtesy of Columbus Fire Department.

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Late night structure fires destroy two area homes

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Two structure fires kept local departments busy Tuesday night, January 27.At approximately 10:16 p.m., Columbus Fire Department was dispatched to assist Lola Fire Department in the area of Southwest 120th Road and Southwest Messer Road for a fully involved structure fire.Columbus Fire responded...

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Columbus Public Library Hours

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 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
Thursday, January 29, 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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Tips to help make habits stick

News Staff
Monday, January 26, 2026
As we settle into the new year, many of us are working to maintain resolutions to eat better, lose weight, or reduce screen time. Historically, millions of Americans make resolutions that eventually fall by the wayside as the year goes on.

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Cherokee County Jail Report

News Staff
Monday, January 26, 2026
Jessie Christopher Fetzer, 33, was arrested Monday by Galena Police officers on charges of driving while suspended, vehicle liability insurance required and interference with law enforcement officer; obstruct or resistNathan Eugene Williams, 31, was arrested Thursday by Galena Police officers on...

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Real Estate transfers

News Staff
Monday, January 26, 2026
James Herman Huffman and Willa Mae Huffman, Anderson, Missouri, conveyed a deed to the property located at 713 South Highschool, Columbus, to Mark O. Richards and Kathy A. Richards, Columbus.

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Farm, ranch transition conferences set

News Staff
Monday, January 26, 2026
K-State Extension will host two 2026 Farm and Ranch Transition Conferences on February 17 in Fort Scott and February 18 in Fredonia, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Keynote speaker, Lance Woodbury, has years of experience in farm succession planning and helping families navigate estate transitions.
Like many English ceramic companies, Aynsley has its roots in the 18th century. Their designs still kept up with the times, like this teapot from the mid-20th century. Photo Credit: DuMouchelles (c) 2026 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.

Like many English ceramic companies, Aynsley has its roots in the 18th century. Their designs still kept up with the times, like this teapot from the mid-20th century. Photo Credit: DuMouchelles (c) 2026 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.

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Aynsley pottery favored by royals

News Staff
Monday, January 26, 2026
John Aynsley founded his pottery in Staffordshire, England, in 1775 and initially made earthenware.

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CALENDAR

News Staff
Monday, January 26, 2026
Tuesday, January 27•Baxter Springs City Council Meeting 6 p.m. in the Baxter Springs City Hall Building.•Disabled American Veterans meet 5:30 p.m. 5898 N. Main, Joplin, Mo. All area veterans invited to attend.•“Genealogical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. at the museum complex.

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Senator mourns loss of local newspapers

Tim Carpenter
Monday, January 26, 2026
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, an occupational resident of Washington, D.C., for three decades, says he looked forward to reading weekly editions of the Plainville Times for the latest news from his hometown.“Growing up in this small town in western Kansas, I saw firsthand how the newspaper...
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