While I realize Memorial Day is a uniquely American holiday, it always signals for me the kickoff of the French Open tennis tournament. This morning is the final for the women, pitting veteran Maria Sharapova…

Bonna Lea (Fivecoat) Luedke, 83, of Atwood, died Tuesday, June 3, 2014. She was born Sept. 6, 1930, the oldest of two children of Claude and Florence Fivecoat, on her grandparents’ farm in Colony. She…

The Day of Giving on Saturday will help out dozens of area organizations and programs with monetary donations. Each organization is participating for different reasons. Rhonda Dewitt, director for the area’s Big Brothers Big Sisters…

A new organization to support and educate beekeepers is forming with plans to hold their first meeting this month. Anne Meats, Pittsburg, co-founded the Heartland Beekeepers Association of Southeast Kansas with friend and neighbor Linda…

Friday night hundreds will meet at Iola High School to raise awareness and money for cancer research at the Relay for Life event. During that time cancer survivors and those who lost their battle to…

  Bill Freeman, who coached Le Roy High School to a state football title in the 1960s, has been elected into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Hall organizers announced the 2014 inductees Wednesday. The…

Irene Smith has dedicated her life to special education and the Special Olympics — 37 years teaching and 41 years as a coach. Wichita State University is hosting the Special Olympics summer games this weekend…

Donald Lynn Mark, 67, Iola, died Thursday, May 29, 2014 in Iola of a stroke. Don was born in Chanute, on March 9, 1947. He was the oldest son of Earl J. and Wilma R.…

Tim Boyd, 64, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2014, in Fort Worth. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today in the First United Methodist Church in Graham, Texas. Arrangements are under the…

LE ROY — Aaron True didn’t have time to stick around to see that he made history Friday. True, a Southern Coffey County senior, was in the midst of competing in the javelin throw at…