LAHARPE — When it comes to rural broadband internet access, Kansas is the envy of the nation. “We are light years ahead of most other states,” notes Shekinah Bailey, a field representative with the USDA’s…

Economic development directors from across southeast Kansas gathered for a quarterly meeting in Iola Friday morning. The event was hosted by Thrive Allen County. Among the participants were, from left, Allen County economic development director…

Land in or near South Iola could see new development now that the area has been designated an “Opportunity Zone” by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The area stretches from U.S. 54 to the Allen…