We all wanted it. And now it’s coming! The remodel of the railway above N. Penn Avenue next to Woods Lumber in Independence has it’s design and now has its approval! After approval from the city commision, the park board, and the tourism committee, the railway will be receiving a much needed face lift. One of the project directors Amy Taylor tells us what it will look like as the north side of the bridge entering the downtown area will contain a blue graphic advertising the historic downtown, while the south side will be orange and promote the River side park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo.  The city commission did make a point that the sign needed to be maintained and managed but are all very excited for the renovation. Amy Taylor says after the approval the group is getting to work very quickly and expect to be done later May or into early June.

Montgomery County Sheriff Bobby Dierks knows his role is to protect and serve. But, he and many others in law enforcement are finding themselves in the position of having to deal with those who have severe mental health issues and are not receiving adequate treatment.   Sheriff Dierks says last week his deputies had to talk down a suicidal person who wanted the deputies to kill him. He says they took the individual into protective custody, but couldn't locate a mental health facility that had space.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office arrests three Baxter Springs residents on drug charges. Sheriff David Groves tells KGGF News, his deputies served two search warrants at two addresses where methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons were seized. 51-year-old Stacy Lynn Castillo remains in the Cherokee County Jail on a $10-thousand bond. 53-year-old Rickey Mayberry was booked into the jail and released after posting $14-thousand bond. 40-year-old Catherine Mallory remains in the Cherokee County Jail on $7-thousand bond.

Sheriff Groves says the investigation is still open and he expects additional suspects will face charges.

Stagnant state funding gets part of the blame for job cuts announced by Pittsburg State University. The university says state funding issues, increasing costs and enrollment pressures will lead to the elimination of 19 positions. Employees affected by the layoff will continue to be paid through mid-June, receive job placement assistance through the university’s Office of Career Services, and have preferred status for university job openings over the next 12 months.

Vice President for Administration Doug Ball points out that had state funding simply kept pace with inflation recently, Pittsburg State would have seen its general fund budget increase by nearly $9 million.

A Colorado man draws a sentence of life in prison after being convicted of multiple Jessica’s Law charges for sex crimes against a person younger than 14 years of age. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says 40-year-old Jose Armando Contreras of Pueblo West, Colorado was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 25 years.

Last month, a Scott County jury found the man guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of aggravated intimidation of a victim. 

It appears it was a tragic accident. Montgomery County Sheriff Bobby Dierks says there is no evidence of foul play in the death of Cory Barnes. The Texas man went missing in Coffeyville. His body was found on the 16^th by the Verdigris River Bridge.  Sheriff Dierks says Barnes was walking back to where he was staying near the Industrial Park after visiting a Coffeyville bar.

Barnes was walking across the bridge on US 166/169, and Dierks says it appears he jumped over the side to avoid being struck by traffic. 

A lot of possible future careers rolled onto the Community Elementary School campus. The Careers on Wheels event is in it's second year, according to Principal Jennifer Bright.  In addition to city vehicles, CRMC had ambulances, First Student had a school bus, Gordon Farms had farm equipment.

Mercy Life Flight brought in a helicopter for the students to consider as future career options.

Coming face to face with a knife or gun is a reality every police officer has to face, but you’d never expect it right out of the gate. Officer Ty Lupardis and Officer Cook of the Independence Police Department, were dispatched to a trespassing call to a household and were allowed into the residence. After entering the residence they quickly noticed contraband and began the arrest. During the arrest the suspect became violent and waved a knife eventually slashing officer Lupardis. The two officers stuck to their training and were able to apprehend the individual without an further injuries. Now Officer Cook at the time was just a F.T.O (Field Training Officer) and was mere weeks out of the academy yet showed professionalism and knowledge of the scenario as a very new officer. Police Chief Jerry Harrison says that just goes to show how good the academy is and praised Lupardis for his training. He later awarded them with commendation awards for their courage.

An accused murderer in a cold case returns to Oklahoma from Kansas. Ronnie Busick was extradited back to Craig County yesterday. As he was escorted into the jail, the family of Laura Bible sought answers.  Busick is charged in the deaths of Danny and Kathy Freeman-- who were shot to death in December 1999. Their home was set on fire to cover up the slayings. The Freeman's daughter, Ashley and her friend, Lauria Bible, were spending the night at the home.

Both16-year-old girls disappeared. They have never been found.

The News On 6 contributed to this story

The Winfield Police Department is looking for the owner of a small ziploc baggie that was found not far from the school campuses. A resident called police after spotting the suspicious item which contained a crystallized substance. Police have determined it was a baggie of methamphetamine.

The Winfield PD says if you're missing a bag, they'd be happy to talk with you about it.

A traffic stop in Chanute ends with a man going to jail. Justin Diebolt was pulled over by Chanute Police near 21^st Street and South Santa Fe. During a search of his vehicle, K-9 Officer Quake detected an odor of narcotics.

Diebolt was taken into custody on complaints of driving on a revoked license, illegal tag display, no insurance, and possession of depressants.

April showers bring May flowers, and a little more. With all this precipitation and cooler weather, it promotes great growth for most plants as well as a lot of bacterias and fungus. We talked with Jacob Weber from the wildcat extension program as he explained it’s prime season for what's called Cedar Apple Rust. Cedar Apple Rust is an infection that grows from the stems of a Cedar tree and grow into a tumor like object about the size of a meatball and is sometimes described to look like a flower. With this colder weather those gulls will start to release spores that will try and find a host. Jacob Weber says the infection needs a secondary host so the Cedar tree is not at risk of infection. It is Apple trees that are most prone, when the spores infect the apple tree it will begin to create small yellow and brown spots throughout the leaves. Weber says in extreme cases it will turn the tree almost a complete yellowish color. Be weary of Apple trees around Cedar trees as this is the time these gulls will start to form, and maybe as important, think of your neighbors trees as well.

Check your cash. There's a warning this midday from the Coffeyville Police Department. Police Chief Kwin Bromley reports some counterfeit bills are being passed around town. The funny money being circulated looks very real, but it is stamped in the upper right corner with the words: Only Motion Picture Purposes. Businesses and individuals are advised to look carefully at all money before taking it. If you receive a fake bill, you should report it to the Coffeyville PD and try to get a description of the person who passed it.

Chief Bromley advises whoever may be using the bad money that the city jail is open and ready to arrange a stay.

An Independence High School student garners some big recognition. Amanda Trout has been named an ACT Scholar. The award recognizes exceptional academic performance.

Trout is a senior at Independence High School.

Coffeyville Community College President Linda Moley is among thirty-five college presidents recognized by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at its 100^th annual convention in Kansas City. During the conference, President Moley was honored at a breakfast and recognized on stage for her support of the organization. The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction is presented to those who demonstrate outstanding efforts toward promoting the goals of Phi Theta Kappa.

In addition to being recognized at the National level, President Moley received the Kansas/Nebraska Distinguished College President Award at the Regional level. 

Pittsburg State University becomes the second entity in the state of Kansas to offer VeoRide's dockless pay-as-you-ride bike share system to the campus community. The university today unveils 70 Pitt State-branded bicycles — each painted red and emblazoned with the splitface gorilla. Students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to try the new bikes for free for the first two weeks, while community members may try them at half off their usual cost. 

The program is gaining traction across the United States, as campuses and communities of all sizes embrace bikes that are not only environmentally friendly but also easy to use. Last week, the University of Kansas brought the VeoRide dockless bike share to its campus.

Love Independence Day is back! Volunteering and random acts of kindness is what happens this Saturday over in Independence. Lisa Wilson of the Independence Chamber of Commerce tells us it’s such an easy and fun way to give back to your community. She says it’s very easy to get busy with life sometimes, but it’s something we need to try and remember to do, is to spread kindness. That is one of the inspirations behind Love Independence Day is to just take one day out of the year to spread kindness and encourage others to pass it on. House painting, flower handouts, donations sites, trash clean up and that giant list goes on. A food drive, flower planting and handouts all over town are also some items you’ll find but it all starts with you. Pass on kindness starting this Saturday for Love Independence Day and remember to exercise those acts everyday.

Risk of undoing trade relationships with China and other countries. K-State agricultural economist Vincent Amanor-Boadu  says this is something that's at risk with the trade dispute between U. S. and China and its something American agriculture has worked hard to develop over many years.

Amanor-Boadu says that while these tariffs have not yet taken effect damage may already be done. He says that even the mere proposal of tariffs can disrupt the agricultural trade relationship with Chinese buyers. 

Restoration work continues at the Montgomery County Courthouse following a winter flood. Serv-Pro's Scott Rackers updated county commissioners this week.  In the meantime, each of the county offices is putting together a list of the furniture that will need to be replaced before that goes out for bids. It is hoped they may be able to get a truckload discount.

A 2-inch long split in a water line dumped 100-thousand gallons of water into the courthouse in less than six hours over the weekend of January 6^th.

Authorities in Vinita say a 66-year-old man has been charged with the 1999 deaths of a couple and the abduction of two then-teenage girls who remain missing. District Attorney Matt Ballard says Ronnie Dean Busick is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and one count of first-degree arson. OSBI Agent Angela Spurlock says the case isn't closed.  Authorities say Danny and Kathy Freeman of Craig County were shot to death in their mobile home on Dec. 30, 1999. The home was set on fire to cover up the slayings.

The 16-year-old friends Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman disappeared the same day and have never been found. 

Accountability is something we look for in any profession, but one that is almost forced to is a police department. With the he said she said argument, and full legal evidence a mandatory, a police department is usually always held to a higher standard. With everyone who seemingly is recording with their own device, information can get misinterpreted. We talked with Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison, as he says he is happy to say his department had these things already implemented but admits to the possibility of bad seeds in any profession even his. Things like a GPS tracking device on squad cars to check speeds and location of the officer, and cameras on the body and on the squad car. All of these items the officers are unable to turn off making the truth all but accessible. Having devices for transparency and accountability is something Chief Harrison wants his officers to continue to wear. He stresses though, not only does it monitor the action of the officer, but also is a great way for evidence gathering in any situation. Harrison says the majority of his guys’ footage actually is hard evidence but he says it’s a great way to keep our guys within the lines, keep our guys safe, and keep the community safe.

Patients from all over the globe. Representative Jim Kelly says it's good to see the KU Medical Center make an impact not only in the states but also globally.

Kelly recently toured the medical center and got to see four programs including oncology, neurological, neonatal, and the joint center. He says the center has come a long way since he was there last.

The Coffeyville Public Library prepares for a big fundraiser later this week. The library's Rachel Rose says the book sale will open on Thursday. And, they're accepting donations.  The book sale will included donated items and some things that are being taken out of circulation. Rose says there will be books, DVDs and audio books.

The sale wraps up on Saturday.

A Galena man is jailed after an argument escalates to a shooting. Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says deputies were dispatched to the rural Galena home after a verbal disagreement led to a woman being shot. During their investigation of the shooting, deputies conducted a search of the residence. 28-year-old Matthew Wilkins was taken into custody on allegations of aggravated battery, criminal threat, and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He was released after posting just over 20-thousand-dollars bond.

The woman was treated and released from a Joplin hospital.

The City of Pittsburg selects Major Brent Narges as the interim police chief.  He'll take over for Chief Mendy Hulvey who announced her retirement last month. Narges has served with the Pittsburg Police Department for 22 years.

Chief Hulvey's last day will be June 29^th.

The Cherryvale City Council will be making a change downtown. Westar Energy's Kari West says a lighting project will replace 44 street lights along Main from Liberty to Montgomery Street. The mecury vapor and high-pressure sodium lights will be replaced by 23 high-efficient LED lights.

While the number of lights will be less, the illumination coverage should be improved.

It will be a busy summer around USD 436 in Caney. Superintendent Blake Vargas tells the Montgomery County Chronicle major improvements will be made on the Caney Valley campuses. The plans include a new roof covering at the junior-senior high building, new LED lights at all facilities, exhaust fans in the locker rooms and a new heat and air system at Lincoln Memorial Elementary School.

Voters last fall approved  a $4 million dollar bond question to finance the projects.

A lot of public discord gets aired at the Independence Community College Board of Trustees meeting. A number of those attending also commented about the decision by ICC to eliminate the baseball program. Concerns were raised about decision to terminate the contract with English instructor Brenda Sanchez.

In other business, the trustees approved the purchase of championship rings for the ICC football team.

Can anyone become a Police officer? Popular belief is any and everyone is allowed to become a Police officer. Though every station will have open arms about people interested in joining the force, Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison tells us not everyone will be considered. Extensive criminal background checks, credit check, and a deeper analysis of your references. Not only will they call your reference but will gain more by asking if their are any other people who can speak on your behalf. Giving a deeper look at your history and your character. Once the preliminary steps have been completed you will then have to undergo psychological and physical testing. You’ll also need to appear in front of a panel of seasoned officers and other emergency service members, as they will see if your fit for the following stages. Chief Harrison also says, if maybe your credit may have taken a dive in the early years or any other areas, but you have shown you are a responsible individual from that, you will still be up for consideration. The only absolute is if you have a prior domestic violence charges, or any other criminal offenses. 

While many still live with daily reminders, for some of us it seems hard to believe today is the 23^rd Anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. A memorial service will be observed at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, including a tribute to Reverend Billy Graham. Admission into the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum will be free of charge for the day. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There were 168 people killed when the Timothy McVeigh truck bomb exploded on April 19, 1995. 

Everyone remembers Pearl from the Midland Theatre. Whether you heard stories of her or actually handed her your ticket, Pearl will always be known in this area. This May 19th, we celebrate her 100th birthday here in Coffeyville with a block party. Right around the theatre there will be food, entertainment, activities for kids and an auction being held all while celebrating Pearl’s 100th. Candi Westbrook the executive director of the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce says it will be great fun, and a special sighting is in store for the event as well. Mark your calendars! This May 19th we celebrate Pearl’s 100th Birthday at the Midland Theatre.

Be on the look out if you are the owner of an older model pick up. There has been three trucks stolen in the past week in the area. The first was stolen in Bartlesville on 4-13 it is a teal 1972 Chevy C-10. If you have any information on this vehicle you can contact Crime Stoppers 918-336-2593.

The other two trucks were stolen in the Coffeyville area. One was a yellow truck stolen on 4-14 and the second a baby blue truck stolen on 4-16. If anyone has any information about these trucks, please contact Coffeyville Police Department 620-252-6160 or your local Law Enforcement. Pictures of all three trucks can bee seen on our website kggfradio.com.

The William Inge Theater Festival is coming up the second week of May. Interim Artistic Director Eric Rutherford says the festival has quite the history.

Rutherford says the festival will be May 9^th through the 12^th and this year they will be honoring Carlyle Brown. You can buy tickets at the box office call (620) 332-5648.

The population over age 65 continues to grow as more and more baby boomers retire. With a larger senior population comes more instances of elder abuse. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt wants to start work now to address that.  This week he's hosting a Presidential Summit on Elder Abuse for the National Association of Attorneys General.

The meetings in Manhattan are allowing states to compare notes and look for best practices for combating the abuse.

With severe weather season all but here, do you know what to do in the event of an emergency? We spoke with meterologist Stacia Knight on the upcoming season and she stressed having a plan in place before the storm hits takes some of the worry. She says if you don't have a basement staying in the most central area of your home will give you the most protection. In a bathroom, a closet or a crawl space is what she recomended just to put as many walls in between you and the outside of your house. Going into the day of a storm it's also to stay up to date with the surrounding watches and warnings and also knowing the difference. A watch means the atmospheric conditions are possible for severe weather and a warning means those conditions currently exist. Staying up to date with those notifications will keep you ahead of the storm and safer in the long run. Staying calm, staying up to date with the storm, and having a plan in place will keep you ahead of this storm season.  

There's a new drop box for unused or expired medicine has been set up in Coffeyville. City Commissioner and Four County Mental Health Regional Opioid Project Nurse Justin Doane says the drop box will be available 24/7.

Doane says all prescription medications, patches and ointments as well as over the counter medications, vitamins and pet medications can be placed in the box. He says items not accepted include needles, inhalers, thermometers, aerosol cans and ointments, lotions or liquids. 

The Montgomery County Register of Deeds seeks some pay hikes for her department. Register Marilyn Calhoun asked the county commission yesterday to provide the necessary funds to pay for raises for employees in her office. She says they're being paid under the state average.  Typically, it is up to the official to determine raises out of their existing budget.

Commissioners decided to table the matter for another week to further consider how to handle Calhoun's request.

The Coffeyville Police Department investigates the theft of plants.  Approximately $600 worth of tomato plants, flowers and vegetable plants were taken overnight from the Orschlens Farm Store on 11th Street in Coffeyville.   

Anyone with information on the thefts should contact the Coffeyville Police at 620-252-6160.

The Nowata County Sheriff's Office issues a Silver Alert for 77 year-old John Daniels of Delaware. The alert indicates Daniels is under  medical treatment and was last seen at his home at about 5:30 Sunday evening near the intersection of County Roads 18 and 411. Daniels is considered to be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death due to a disability. Authorities say he is under guardianship and unable to handle his own affairs.

Daniels may be in a 96 Chevy truck with a GMC front grill. He was traveling with a white and tan dog. If you have seen Daniels you are asked to call the Nowata County Sheriff's Office.

An auction for a good cause. The Coffeyville Community College Scholarship auction returns this cinco de mayo at Nellis Hall. Sally Presson the director of the event, tells us to get involved you need to call her at 620-252-7070 and reserve your spot. Presson says they have gained more items to bid for including, the “Kansas City” package which has Royals Tickets with a parking pass and tickets to the zoo, a personal massage and a 100 dollar gift card to Joe’s of Kansas City. A few more items on a very large list include a John Deere pedal car for kids jewelry sets from Eilsey’s fine jewelry and a fully refurbished golf cart..A huge list full of great items to bid for giving the possibilty of huge gains as Presson also mentioned the auction is strictly for student scholarship funding. It does not go towards specific clubs or faciclties, but goes directly towards the funding for the student making this a very useful event.

The Coffeyville Police Department confirms the body of a man reported missing over the weekend was found.  Corey Barnes of Texas was working in Coffeyville. The police tell KGGF News Barnes was located Monday afternoon near the Verdigris River Bridge on US166/US169.   Investigators say immediate family has been notified.

A cause of death has not been released.  

A new U.S. District Court Judge for Kansas gets the nod of approval from the United States Senate. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas says our state will be served by a highly-qualified and well-respected legal mind.  John Broomes will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for Kansas. He graduated first in his class at Washburn University School of Law.

Broomes of Wichita also served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Submarine Force, where he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals

If it is not yours, you shouldn't take it. But, someone in Chautauqua County apparently didn't get the memo. The Sheriff's Office says that around April 2^nd, a FedEx box was stolen from a driveway near Road 30 and Bronco Road. The box contained $2,500 worth of assorted knives. Sheriff Richard Newby says the owner of the box is offering a reward in the case.

Anyone who has information that could help convict the person responsible should contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office at 620-725-3108.

A fire has been reported at the Trinity Church in Nowata. At this time, Nowate Fire Department has confirmed that there is a fire, and they are on the scene working on the fire.

Nowata Fire Dispatch says that there are 13 other fire crews working to control this fire, and the building is a total loss. However, there are no injuries reported at this time. No cause of the fire has been determined yet. 

We will have more information for you as it becomes available.

Blame it on Friday the 13^th, maybe. Big G's Burgers and More in Caney has a drive-thru, but someone tried to drive in, literally. Owner Deb Gulick says someone hit the northside of the building damaging the wall. No injuries were reported.

The owners are evaluating how extensive the damage is today before they can determine when they'll re-open.

A funeral with full firefighter honors is set to begin at 2 o'clock. Lt. Derek Messner of the Coffeyville Fire Department will be remembered at the Tyro Christian Church. Inurnment will follow at the Lutheran Cemetery. The 44-year-old Messner died in 2-vehicle crash west of Coffeyville on Sunday.

Garry Bush of Caney was also killed in the wreck. His wife, Jana Bush, remains hospitalized.

Some of Coffeyville's youngest minds will soon be heading into the classroom full-time. Community Elementary School Principal Jennifer Bright says not all the students come in with the same previous experience.  She says any child turning 5 before August 31^st of this year may enroll.

The Kindergarten Round-Up at Community Elementary will be on April 27^th at 10 a.m. or 5 p.m. Parents may select the time that best fits their schedule.

A new sign is in place marking some Coffeyville history. The Public Service Department of the City of Coffeyville has installed a new tourist information sign at Elmwood Cemetery. The sign was provided by the Coffeyville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The new sign shows some of the historic grave locations as well as historical information about Elmwood Cemetery. 

Three Galena residents are arrested this week after a search warrant is executed at a residence. The Galena Police Department worked with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office during the search. Investigators found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia at the residence.

David A. Arnhart and Dakota B. Wittenmyer are being held on a $7,000.00 bond. Mandy D. Marez is being held on a $5,500.00 bond. All three were booked into the Cherokee County Jail.

Traffic congestion this evening near Lenapah. Witnesses report a semi is on its side on the Highway 10 turn-off to Lenapah from U-S Highway 169.  Emergency responders were on the scene.  

Drivers are urged to find an alternate route. 

Only so much tragedy training can prepare you for what the Coffeyville Fire Department is feeling this week. After losing one of their own, Derek Messner, to a fatal car wreck earlier in the week. We checked in with the department as Fire Captain Pete Caresio as he says his team is doing well. He also states his team is trained to deal with these types situations, but hardly had any words to describe coming up to see it's one of his fellow fire fighters. Being one of the ones on the first response that night, Captain Caresio says it was one of his worst nightmares coming true. Captain says after some mourning as a family his department is ready for work and hasn't missed a step but says, “Derek will always be with us.” Services for Derek are this Friday in Tyro, at 2 pm.

A 19-year-old man remains jailed in Cherokee County after the FBI contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office regarding a possible school threat. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the sheriff's office reviewed online content allegedly posted by Colton Rodger Speer. Law enforcement implemented their school emergency plans until Speer was taken into custody. He was taken into custody at his rural Cherokee County home.

He was booked on a complaint of aggravated criminal threat.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Red Flag Warning for extreme grassland fire danger, which is in effect from 1 PM til 8 PM today. Tomorrow, Thursday the 12th also has a burn ban in effect into the evening around 8 pm; Extreme grassland fire danger is most certainly in the forecast. With southern winds up to 20 to 30 mph the next few days, and gusts up over 40 mph, and relative humidity getting as low as 28 percent the National weather service has put Montgomery County and many others in south eastern Kansas in a red flag warning. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Please notify your local Fire Department if you see a wildfire developing.

Spring is in the air! The Riverside Park in Independence has it's “opening day” this Saturday with plenty of activities to be involved with. Director of the Independence Chamber of commerce Lisa Wilson tells us some things you'll see include a free pancake breakfast featuring “Chris Cakes,” a professional pancake making and flipping group. A putt putt tournament at the newly improved course, starting at 9:30, and the rest o the activities to fall in between 11 and 3. Those other activities include train rides, face painting, a free petting zoo and food vendors will also be in attendance. Lisa Wilson says it's not only something the community looks forward to, but other citizens do travel from other towns to be apart of the park opening. The Riverside Park opening is from 11 to 3 this Saturday on north 5^th street, in Independence.

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s little house on the prairie is about to get a scheduled makeover. In 1977, the current Ingalls cabin was re-created and built near Independence at the height of the popularity of the TV series “Little House on the Prairie.” But four decades of Kansas storms and wind have taken their toll. The cabin is leaning and its logs are deteriorating and for safety reasons, its interior is no longer open to the public. The two siblings who own the land are planning to change that, Bill Kurtis and Jean Schodorf want to build a new cabin and a barn like the Ingalls family had in 1869. The cabin is scheduled to be built in October and November, after the tourist season winds down. So far, $30,000 has been raised to rebuild the cabin, but nearly $20,000 more is needed to help pay skilled craftsmen. This has become a high priority to the siblings as they know more than 20,000 people from around the world visit the cabin site each year, and is a footnote in Kansas history.

A breath of fresh air for Red Raven fans and the head football coach Aaron Flores. After receiving a double lung transplant, he is now out and walking around on his own power and is looking great. We got the full update from Red Raven Athletic Administrative Assistant Janna Kastler as she says the rehab and breathing training has begun and will continue for the next 3 to 4 months. Though the process is a long road ahead Kastler, says Flores and his family are very happy with the progression made thus far. There is also a Facebook page you can visit to message and check in with coach Flo, called “Coach Flo is Getting New Lungs.” Kastler also says he would like us to spread his thanks to everyone who has sent messages, prayers, and thoughts to him his and family through this process.

A two vehicle crash leaves two dead and a passenger injured.  Yesterday about three miles west of Coffeyville two pickup trucks collided head on.  44 year old Derek Messner, a member of the Coffeyville Fire Department, was driving east bound on Highway 166 when he went left of center and collided with 57 year old Garry Bush who was driving west bound.  Bush had a passenger in his truck, 55 year old Jana  Bush, who was transported to Mercy Medical Hospital in Joplin.  Both drivers were dead at the scene. The crash is being investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Customer Appreciation Day at the Bartlett Co-Op until 2:00pm today. Lots of deals to take advantage of, 10% of store merchandise, animal health care products, pet foods, BCA branded feeds and more. There are pre-pay deals on custom application and seed treatments as well as deals on Altoz mowers, hitch installs, trucks beds and much more. Also, 5% off bagged mineral and pasture chemicals.

It's not just deals today there is also plenty of entertainment. Camel rides, baking contest, egg drop, antique tractor display, rope making, barrel rides, and live music. There's free food and plenty of other freebies at all the booths.

Montgomery County Commissioners continue work on a neighborhood revitalization plan that could be implemented county-wide. The program would require a minimum investment of $10-thousand in new construction.  York notes the school districts, cities, and community colleges have to agree with the plan.

The commission would like to have it begin July 1^st.

Four people end up in the Neosho County Jail after the Chanute Police Department shows up at a motel looking for a suspect facing a warrant.

Officers responded to the Skyline Motel late Monday night and found Levi McClenning who was wanted. He was also in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia when he was taken into custody. TJ Mishler was arrested on a warrant.  Daniel Berthot arrested for obstruction, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and distribution of meth. Brianna Larue was also arrested for distribution of meth and paraphernalia. 

The Coffeyville Police Department completes an investigation into a January shooting. Chief Kwin Bromley says an arrest has been made.  Bromley says more charges could be filed against Fullard, including a count of robbery.

24-year-old Lester Gregory Fullard of Coffeyville remains in the Montgomery County Jail.

Students walking out in support of their teachers. Around 40 Oklahoma Union High School students were lined up along Highway 169 advocating for school funding. Walkout Organizer and Senior Austin Lafferty says it's not just about teacher pay.

Lafferty says he plans on continuing the walk out until something is changed.

There were rumors that any student who participated in the walkout would be suspended, but the students and superintendent both said those are not true. Superintendent Kevin Stacy says the students will just be counted as absent.

A downed pole is creating a power outage for South Coffeyville. Crews are working to get the electrical service restored. 

It is not yet known how long it will take to get everyone affected back online.  

The auction will be May 5th and tickets are $25.

South Coffeyville teachers are pulling for public support.  Some are lining Highway 169 pushing for increased funding for Oklahoma schools.  High school teachers along the highway today joined tens of thousands of teachers across the Sooner State rallying at the capitol yesterday.

Today the district’s elementary teachers are in Oklahoma City pushing for more funding.  

A number of burglaries and equipment/trailer/vehicle thefts have been reported in the southwest portion of Butler County and the northwest portion of Cowley County. Both sheriff’s offices are working diligently to identify the thieves. Some arrests have been made, but authorities believe there are more suspects still unidentified. The Cowley County Sheriff's Office reminds residents they can help prevent thefts with some simple steps: Make sure you have the serial numbers to your equipment/trailers or any other valuables you own. Take photos of your items. Lock your equipment. And, finally, put up cameras.
 

If you have any information regarding any of the crimes you can contact the Cowley County Sheriff at 620.221.5445

The Montgomery County Appraiser will soon begin a pictometry flyover of the county. The collection of images should help the appraiser see what's being built in the county in between 5-year physical reviews. Commissioner Ryan York says they won't just be looking for new construction.

The program will begin in 2019.

The total cost for the pictometry will be just over 28-thousand-dollars which the county will pay over a three year period.

A hand up not a hand out. That's the way Home Sweet Home helps people get into housing and back on their feet. Director Chris Mitchell says their are a number of ways you can help them help others.

Mitchell says if you can't donate money or supplies they'll always take your time. He says they have houses that need fixing and other work to be done.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is staying busy. Sheriff Bobby Dierks says seasonal activities are getting underway for the bad guys.

The sheriff says while warmer weather is a factor, many of the suspects arrested earlier are also being released from jail and returning to their usual activities.

Sheriff Dierks says if you see any suspicious vehicles in your area or people who do not belong, you should call his office.  He says residents need to keep their homes locked and outbuildings secured.

Bartlesville police spent Sunday night processing the scene of a shooting in the 200 block of Northwest Rogers.  According to police Captain Jay Hastings, officers were called to the scene just before 8 o’clock.

Upon arrival, police spoke to the homeowner who had came by to check on a vacant home he owns. The homeowner told police the home had been broken into several times recently. The man said he found a man hiding inside the attic and confronted him about what he was doing inside the home.  At some point the homeowner fired a shot striking the man once.   

Bartlesville Ambulance took the suspect to Jane Phillips Medical Center.  He was later taken to a Tulsa Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.