A special election has been called for Tuesday, Dec. 1, for all Chautauqua County residents to decide whether to approve a one-cent sales tax which would fund the building of a new jail and law enforcement center in Sedan.

A legal notice is published elsewhere in today’s Prairie Star outlining details of the election.

Sheriff Perry Russell said the current jail was closed on March 2 of this year by the state fire marshal 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 ten-person steering committee has recommended to the Chautauqua County Commission that a new jail and law enforcement center be built adjacent to the courthouse and that a one-cent sales tax be collected to pay for it.

Sheriff Perry Russell said the group has held meetings for several months following the closure of the jail on March 2 by the State Fire Marshal, citing safety and fire protection violations. Read more

The Chautauqua County Fair will be held July 22-25 this year, combining both the county fair and the 4-H fair.

The Round-Up Club will have a rodeo Friday and Saturday night.  The car show is scheduled to be at the fair grounds on Saturday along with the Caney Antique Tractor Club. Read more

Two Chautauqua County residents were arrested last Thursday after law enforcement officers searched their house in Cedar Vale and allegedly found explosive devises and drugs.

Sheriff Perry Russell said his office conducted a search of 608 Lawrence Street in Cedar Vale, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Kansas Fire Marshal’s office and local police departments. Read more