Highway to reopen when work shuts down for winter
WELDA — Work to widen U.S. 169/59 between Welda and Garnett is aiming for a temporary reopening of the highway later this summer or fall when work crews shut down for the winter, The Anderson County Review reported. Traffic will continue to be controlled by temporary signals from the roundabout south to U.S. 59, and will be moved from section to section, so expect one-lane traffic and delays. The highway is currently rerouted using U.S. 59 and 54, but will open to unrestricted traffic during the winter. In the spring of 2021, the Kansas Department of Transportation will resume work with a goal to finish the project in the late spring or early summer of 2021.
Parsons graduation takes 13 hours
PARSONS — The longest graduation in the history of Parsons High School ended after 13 hours Saturday, June 6, according to the Parsons Sun. Students and family members cycled through three areas: a preparation area, a photo area and then the gymnasium to walk the stage and receive their diplomas. Students cycled through the area every 10 minutes, with a total of 64 students showing up. Principal Eric Swanson said he hoped future graduations would be similar, because he was able to talk to each family.
Caney man charged after graffiti spree
CANEY — A 21-year-old Caney man was charged with criminal damage after a graffiti spree in which messages of “Black Lives Matter” and “Crips and Bloods” were spray painted in various locations throughout Caney earlier this month. Logan Matthew Jennings was charged on suspicion of the crime, and the Caney police chief said he acted alone.
Gym changes name after CrossFit controversy
CHANUTE — The Chanute CrossFit gym changed its name to Iron Ethos Chanute after CrossFit founder and CEO Greg Glassman made controversial tweets and comments, according to the Chanute Tribune. Glassman retired June 9 after comments about the coronavirus pandemic and the death of George Floyd. The Chanute gym owner, Satinne Wicker, said she does not support Glassman’s actions or statements, and would not renew the business affiliation with CrossFit. Otherwise the gym and programs will stay the same.
Exotic animal auction draws 800
PARSONS — Nearly 800 people attended the Parsons Livestock Auction to buy camels, kangaroos, hedgehogs and other exotic animals, according to the Parsons Sun. The livestock leased its facility to K&L Sale for the exotic pet auction, which also included tortoises; chickens; peacocks and peahens; miniature cattle, horses and donkeys; alpacas, sheep and goats; blackbuck antelope, water buffalo, African crested porcupine and other animals.
Erie residents debate purchasing grocery store
ERIE — Residents in Erie will fill out a survey to determine if having a grocery store in town is worth the risk of paying for it, if it fails, according to The Chanute Tribune. The City Council will send all utility customers a survey with one question: “Do you support the City of Erie purchasing Stub’s Market?” The survey lists pros and cons, and what would happen if the city buys the store and it later closes because of a lack of support. The city has been considering purchasing the store since last summer, after the owners said they want to retire but had trouble finding a buyer. The City of St. Paul purchased its grocery store in 2013, and Moran residents briefly considered the option before forming a cooperative to purchase the town’s grocery store.
Yates Center opens shorter ball season
YATES CENTER — A shortened ball season begins in Yates Center June 22, according to the Yates Center News. All bleachers and seating areas at the Yates Center ball parks have been removed, so you’ll need to bring your own lawn chairs and spread out around the fields to enjoy the games. Concession stands will be open for limited service with sanitary precautions. Hand sanitizer will be available to players and attendees. Restrooms will be opened only for emergencies, upon request.
Longtime Waverly vet ends operation
