A woman with ties to the Sedan area has announced plans to seek the Republican nomination for the 4th District congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt in 2010. Read more

The Howard American Legion Carter-Rader Post 149 and the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual picnic on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cox Building. Members should bring a covered dish.

Come and enjoy reports from our Boy’s and Girl’s State delegates: Tanner Weber, Ben Bellar, Kayla Harrod and Geena Mericle.

Hostesses for the evening are Kate Rader, Janet, Harrington, Kathy Cummings, and Carolyn Wilnerd.

The Longton Elk County Free Fair is fast approaching as it will be held this weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1.

Booth spaces inside the fair barn are still available.  Booths can be set up Thursday, July 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. Read more

The Bellar family of rural Howard gave Elk County’s proposed wind farm a plug during last week’s fair parade in downtown Howard. “The Answer is Blowing In the Wind” was the caption on their sign, playing upon on the 1960s song by Bob Dylan.  Luke Bellar is riding on the float

Watch this video to see clips from the 2009 Chautauqua County Fair.

The grand parade for the Chautauqua County Fair went a different route this year — this time making a trip completely around the courthouse. Hundreds of spectators lined the street to wave at those in the parade. Of course, the American and Kansas flags carried by horseback riders caused everyone to stand at attention as they passed by. The final performance of the rodeo concluded the fair on Saturday evening following the 4-H livestock premium sale.

Two area churches will host VBS events this week and next week. The Chautauqua Baptist Church will host VBS from July 27-30. Lone Cherry Southern Baptist Church will host VBS from Aug. 2-7. Details follow… Read more

The Chautauqua County Fair is already underway, July 22-25, and a full slate of activities are keeping all ages of fair-goers busy and having fun, according to Debbie Wall, fair board president. “Winning Tradition” is this year’s theme.

The exhibit building will be open for viewing every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the public is encouraged to drop by any time.

On Wednesday, July 22, livestock are weighed in and judging of exhibits takes place in the 4-H Building. The gospel music group, “Otis,” will perform at 5 p.m. Wednesday right before the Read more

There are still a few slots open for 4-man teams wishing to participate in the Elk County Free Fair Ranch Rodeo.  The ranch rodeo will be held Aug. 1 at the fairground arena in Longton, beginning at 8 p.m.  Events will be sorting, branding, doctoring, and double-mugging.

For more information or to enter a team, please contact Shari Kaminska at 620-642-6303.

Complete details of the Elk County Free Fair at Longton will be in the July 29 edition of the Prairie Star.

INDEPENDENCE — (July 20, 2009) – Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt today took the first step toward becoming a candidate for Secretary of State in 2010 by appointing a Wichita business leader as treasurer.

Schmidt appointed Gary C. Allerheiligen, C.P.A., of Wichita, as campaign treasurer. A partner with the international accounting firm Grant Thornton L.L.P., Allerheiligen provides tax and business advice to his clients. He is former chairman Read more

Here are a few clips from the Saturday activities at the Elk County Fair at Howard.

A 57-year-old Sedan woman was injured in a one-vehicle mishap north of Sedan on Saturday afternoon, July 18.

Read more

By Richard Fechter
The Elk County 4-H Fair events began earlier this week with the horse show on Monday evening and on Wednesday judging of the 4-H fashion revue, clothing construction and fiber arts projects will took place.  The “Supporters and Friends of 4-H Picnic” was held that evening prior to the 4-H fashion revue. Read more

Proposals are being sought by the Chautauqua County Economic Development Board for artwork to be used for a new billboard at the eastern edge of the county.

The billboard will be located east of Niotaze near the Montgomery/Chautauqua County line along U.S. Highway 166. Read more

A reconfiguring of education in the West Elk school distrct and construction of a new elementary school are being proposed by the USD 282 Board of Education and a 24-member community committee.

Planning for this concept has been underway for several months and Supt. Corey Reece gave a report at Monday night’s board meeting saying this plan would save money over the way the district currently operates its three campuses. Read more