Independence High School seniors Hadley Hines and Wyatt Small attended the 41st Annual Governor's Scholars Award Program May 5, in Topeka. The recognition ceremony honors the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors. Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools across the state of Kansas. 'These high school seniors have shown dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning. They've earned this honor, and I want to congratulate them on this achievement,' Governor Laura Kelly said at the ceremony. 'We also should recognize their families, teachers and mentors for helping these outstanding students achieve their academic goals.

Labette Community College announced its 100th graduating class Friday, May 10 at the Seaton Family Pavilion located in Forest Park in the heart of Parsons. This year's commencement ceremony not only honored graduates, but celebrated a century of academic excellence and community impact.

Independence Community College welcomes Keith Stone as the new Assistant Vice President of Business Affairs. Stone, an Independence High School alumni and Independence native, is slated to start his position mid-May.

As Caney residents learned earlier this month, Caney Grocery's future is looking quite dim. Caney Grocery, which opened in 2021, has bridged a gap that many Caney residents have found hard to cross, removing Caney from being considered a food desert. But, as recession has hit hard, city officials are finding it harder to cover expenses incurred by the store. Earlier this month, City Council members learned that the grocery store, while it has been a boon to the area, is also weighing heavily on city expenses.

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Each year on the last Monday of May, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors and mourns American military personnel who died while performing their duties in service to the United States Armed Forces.

The United States flag was first imagined after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Continental Congress authorized creation of the first national flag on June 14, 1777. It was decided that the flag should have 13 stripes, alternating red and white, to represent the original 13 colonies, and that the new union be represented by 13 white stars in a blue field to signify a “new constellation.” Francis Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is most often credited with the original design.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for millions of people across the country. Backyard barbecues are a staple of Memorial Day weekend, and such informal gatherings contribute much to the laid back vibe of this beloved three-day weekend.