We spoke with Director of Recreation David Raines of Coffeyville Rec. Commission as he is happy to announce some big plans out of the commission, and it's coming summer of next year. Happy to announce that in the summer of 2019 they will be expanding Sherwin Williams Park. After attending the Recreation Conference in September, Raines is excited about the many options they have to add to the park. The goal in mind is to continue to encourage not only kids but everyone to get outside a little more. Raines says now days there are things like challenge courses, urban sports and even outdoor musical equipment as they aim to add things that will attract the more creative minded individuals. Raines says they will gain more input from the community as they move forward and hope to have the permit modifications sent down by the end of the year, by then they will have a clearer picture of when the project will be finished. If everything goes according to plan, they hope to start the project in the summer of next year.

A long-time Field Kindley High School teacher has resigned.  According to the Montgomery County Chronicle science teacher Levi Castello’s resignation was accepted after a brief 5 minute executive session by the USD 445 school board yesterday.  Neither board members or superintendent Craig Correll would discuss the situation that led to the resignation as it involves a personnel issue.

As we’ve now passed Thanksgiving, it still remains holiday season around our area. We spoke with the director of the Chamber of commerce here in Coffeyville, Candi Westbrook as they are now focused on the Christmas Parade. The Coffeyville Christmas Parade steps off next Friday December 7th. Chamber of commerce director Candi Westbrook says the night starts with pictures with Santa, then the parade will officially step off at 6PM, and will have plenty to do after as well. Westbrook noted that after the parade they will be drawing the winners of the Christmas Bucks giveaway that's been going on this holiday shopping season. Don’t miss out on your chance to win big as if you have your winning ticket in attendance, you receive an additional thousand dollars. For more information and to volunteer call the chamber at 620-251-2550. To volunteer Westbrook says to contact the chamber at 620-251-2550 as they would appreciate any help. Westbrook also mentioned that their entries cutoff date was last week, though they have extended it, meaning if you’d like to enter into the parade you still have a limited time to do so.

4H enrollment is currently taking all applicants, we spoke with K-State extension agent Cheri Nelson on the benefit of 4H for a wide range of skills and age groups. Though you must fall into a certain age group by January 1st in order to apply. Nelson says your children must be 7 before January 1st and cannot be 19 before January 1st to apply for the next 4H year. She noted the endless possibilities and benefits 4H has on children and encourages you look into it. To apply Nelson says to head online to kansa4h.org and find the enroll tab. The site will take you through and get you registered, though nelson wanted to remind everyone there is a 15 dollar program fee, for supplies and other items.

We spoke with K-state extension office agent James Cooper yesterday as he is happy to announce that the extension offices are bringing back their annual Agronomy night on December 17th. Taking place December 17th at ICC west campus, extension agent Cooper says the event is free of charge and will feature 2 guest speakers, one being Dr. Doug Jardine. Jardine will cover Plant pathology and soybean diseases, and Dr. McEowen will speak as well on Ag Law. The event is Monday December 17th starting with registration at 5:30. Cooper asks you to call 620-331-2690 to register. There will be a complimentary meal, and door prizes.

A second person has died as a result of a house fire early Saturday morning in Coffeyville.  A female, Delyn Hoffman died Tuesday at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa where she had been transported from CRMC.  A male, 44 year old Terry Park died Saturday .  A second female, 49 year old  Terri Park, remains at Hillcrest.

The Coffeyville Fire Department responded to the fire early Saturday morning in the 1500 block of South Willow with individuals trapped inside.  When firefighters arrived, heavy flames were coming from the second floor northwest corner of the structure, and firefighters used a ladder to rescue the three occupants from a second-story window.  All three were unconscious and were transported by EMS to CRMC.

The Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office and Coffeyville Fire Department have completed their investigation.  The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined, however, it is not considered to be suspicious.

A Wann, Oklahoma woman was injured in a traffic accident last night near Altoona.  26 year old Danielle Hamm of Wann was injured after the pick-up truck she was driving collided with a semi at the intersection of Highway 75 and K-47 shortly before 8:00 last night.

Hamm was transported to the Wilson Medical Center.  Neither the driver or a passenger in the semi was injured.

We spoke with the director of the Independence Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson on a very eventful weekend up in Independence. As we close in on the start of the month of December, Independence will have Christmas themed activities planned this Saturday. First at Montgomery place for Cookies with Santa from 2 until 4 that afternoon, you and the kids are invited to meet Santa and enjoy cookies. Then head to Riverside park in the 4H building at 4PM for Christmas in the park. Pictures with Santa, cookies, music and so much more to enjoy this Saturday for Christmas in the Park. This weekend you’ll have a few opportunities to catch Santa as well as Mrs. Claus and other picture opportunities. Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson says they are busy preparing for Christmas with events on Saturday but also have an open house event home tours on Sunday. An event showing off the interior and decor of a few homes around town which you can be apart of as all the events are free of charge and all ages are welcome. For more information check out Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo or the Chamber at Get Independence on Facebook.

The City of Coffeyville recognizes three of its finest during this week’s city commission meeting. The city treasurer and two police officers helped save the life of a firefighter’s 18-month-old son.  Young Grady Midget was playing outside the fair office when he stopped breathing. City Treasurer Toby Hunt heard his mother calling to him. The son of Fire Lt Kevin Midget was turning blue and lifeless when she began CPR.  Police Chief Kwin Bromley responded and assisted with CPR.  The child started breathing, but it was irregular.  Police Officer Michael Purvis arrived and turned the baby over, giving him three strikes to the back which normalized his breathing. 

The child was transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, then to a Tulsa hospital.  He is doing fine today thanks to the three heroes.  

The names of the victim and suspect in the Cherryvale Homicide have been released by the Cherryvale Police Department. Yesterday evening at around 6:00pm officers were dispatched to W. Whelan Street in Cherryvale for a report of a domestic disturbance with reports of shot fired. Upon arrival officers found 62 year old Richard Schultheiss unresponsive. Shultheiss was transported to Labette ER were he was pronounced dead of a single gun shot wound. Upon initial investigation 50 year old Julie Ann Fagerstrom was placed under arrest and proccessed into the Montgomery County Jail, in connection with the shooting.

The investigation is ongoing and final charges will be determined by the District Attorney’s Office.

The Sedan Police Department sounds a warning for those buying and selling in the community.  Check your cash.  A number of counterfeit bills have recently been passed in Sedan. Investigators ask that you contact the police if you receive one of the fakes.    

They also ask that you get a detailed description of the person who passed it and their vehicle, if you can do so safely.  

Details are being gathered on a homicide in Cherryvale. Police Chief Jimmy Holt says an official press statement will be released sometime this afternoon. Information has been gathered that an adult male was shot and killed in the northern part of Cherryvale. The Montgomery County Jail lists one person has having been arrested late last night and booked on a charge of second-degree murder.

The names of the suspect and the victim have not yet been released.

Listening to the voice of the people here in Kansas. Senator Jerry Moran says he just finished up a 105 city listening tour where he visited every county in the state.

Moran says he wants to thank the thousands of Kansans who took the time to attend the Kansas Listening Tours and share their thoughts, concerns and ideas with him.

The Montgomery County Commissioners approve a public hearing for a microbrewery for the December 10^th commission meeting. Action Council Executive Director Trisha Purdon says it will have a positive impact on the community.

In other business the commission approved the purchase of a vehicle for the appraisers office and for maintenance to be down on the other vehicles.

We sat down with C.R.M.C’s new physician in Family Medicine Dr. Michael Souter on the upcoming flu season. He says the best time to vaccinate has passed but it's still a good idea to get preventative health care shots. Whether it is the flu shot or pneumonia shot he recommends you get one each year. Souter wanted to clear up the notion that the flu shot gives you the flu, which it does not. Most of the individuals who experience flu like symptoms after receiving the shot have most likely already been exposed to the virus. To schedule yourself for a flu shot or other preventative care methods Souter says call the hospital at 620-251-1200. Souter says C.R.M.C. is happy to administer flu and other preventative care shots to citizens by calling the hospitals line and schedule for a flu shot. Souter is one of the newest Physicians at CRMC as well, and is taking new patients everyday for Family Medicine purposes and can be reached at that same number 620-251-1200

The names of the victims in fatality fire in Coffeyville over the weekend are being withheld pending an investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office.  Fire Chief Bob Roesky said the fire during the early morning hours on Saturday is suspected to be accidental.  Three people were rescued from the fire and taken to Coffeyville Region al Medical Center. 

One of those individuals died while the other two were transported by life flight helicopter to Tulsa.

Cracking down on drug crime has been a real focus in Southeastern Kansas. Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks says him and Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger have teamed up to start a drug task force.

Chief Spinks says they are going to look at their resources and reallocate and look for additional funding to get this task force going.

The Coffeyville Fire Department gets calls to two fires on Saturday. The first occurred around 3:00 Saturday morning and the second around 6:30 that evening. The early morning fire was at 1508 S Willow. Three people were rescued and taken to CRMC, Fire Chief Bob Roesky says one individual died and the other two were sent by helicopter to Tulsa.

The evening fire was at 511 E 5th. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire conditions in approximately 75 percent of the house. With assistance from off duty firefighters and the South Coffeyville Fire Department, the fire was under control in 25 minutes. The owner, Billy Joe Strickland, was transported to CRMC by ambulance for minor injuries. Damage is estimated to be $32,000, and the cause of that fire is currently under investigation.

The Elk County Sheriff’s Office gets a call for a single vehicle crash near Moline.  Deputies, EMS and fire & rescue crews responded to the scene north of the Moline Airport on K-99.  A tractor-trailer rig had rolled over.  

The highway was partially closed while emergency crews worked the wreck. The crash happened while the area was under a wind advisory this afternoon.  

Much of Kansas feels a winter blast. Montgomery County is under a wind advisory until this evening.  The National Weather Service Office in Wichita advises there will be wind gusts above 50 miles per hour and sustained winds around 35. miles per hour.  Additional caution should be used by those driving high-profile vehicles. 

Blizzard conditions have been reported west of Wichita. Around Topeka, some spots have seen up to six inches of snow. 

The call came in at 3:12 a.m. for a structure fire at 1508 S. Willow, the Coffeyville Fire Department responded to a fire with individuals trapped inside. Upon arrival firefighters reported heavy flames coming from the second floor of the structure. A ladder was used to rescue three people from the second-story window. Fire Chief Bob Roesky has confirmed one of the individuals died as a result of the fire as all three were unconscious and were transported to CRMC. Roesky says, “One individual died at CRMC, and the other two were sent by helicopter to Tulsa.”  “We do not know the extent of their injuries at this time.” All Coffeyville fire personnel, the South Coffeyville Fire Department and Dearing Fire Department were called for assistance. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes, and there were no other injuries reported. CFD, the Coffeyville Police Department and the Kansas State Fire Marshall are investigating the fire. The house is owned by Gary Close as damages are estimated at $50,000. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

The Caney Christmas Parade steps off on December 6th. But, before then, the Caney Saddle Club is accepting pre-orders on the cinnamon rolls the club will sell as a fundraiser that night. They will feature homemade cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate and coffee. The booth will be located across the street from Caney City Hall.  

Pre-orders and special orders are available by calling Carol at 620-252-8174, Mike at 252-5727 or Coetta at 620-879-5194.  

If Black Friday is any indication area retailers could see strong sales this holiday shopping season.  A check with retailers around Montgomery County shows both heavy store traffic and sales by shoppers today, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season.  It seems that retailers of all sizes, from the big box stores to local small retailers are reaping the benefits.  The big box stores say that they’ve experienced heavy traffic and strong sales in most departments, especially electronics. 

Smaller, local retailers say they’re also seeing good sales some saying that business has been much better than expected.

The City Of Cherryvale puts out the help wanted sign.  The Cherryvale City Council has announced the resignation of City Administrator Brooke Carroll and the retirement of Public Works Director Wade Webber. 

The last day for Carroll and Webber will be December 31, 2018.  The city’s website has links on its homepage for interested applicants. 

The City of Coffeyville reports the Water Treatment Plant has ramped up water production to fill the reservoirs.  Water pressure will be low in some areas, but will be improving throughout the evening.  Those in the Buckeye and Stark area where the leak occurred will be without water for a few hours as the water crew makes repairs.

Buckeye will remain closed from Stark to Catalina throughout the weekend due to the street damage caused by the leak.

As residents get ready for a busy Thanksgiving, many are dealing with low water pressure.  City of Coffeyville crews are repairing a water leak near Stark and Buckeye Street.  

The leak is causing low water pressure at other areas of town.  

The State of Oklahoma will close a portion of U.S. Highway 60 in Nowata County beginning next month.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to replace two bridges on US-60 east of the US-169 junction. 

Work that will have a significant impact on traffic through early 2020 is scheduled to start Monday, December 3^rd.  Beginning at 8a on the 3rd crews will begin closing all lanes of east and westbound traffic on US-60 from three miles east of the US-169 junction to about three miles west of the State Highway 28 junction. You will be directed to use US-169 and SH-28 as a detour.

The 8.4 million dollar project will replace the US-60 bridges over the Verdigris River and also at Kentucky Creek. The spans are located approximately four and five miles east of the US-169 junction.

The overall project is expected to complete in early 2020, weather permitting.

The days following Thanksgiving have people looking at all the ways they can save money. Director of the Independence Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson says you might want to change the way you look at that.

Wilson says this Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday and it's a great way to support your community.

The Kansas Attorney General's office has announced plans to expand and renovate the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial. A memorial standing as a permanent reminder to Kansans of the sacrifice that was made by over 280 law enforcement officers. We spoke with The Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on his offices project to renovate and expand the Law enforcement Memorial in Topeka as he says the renovation would include adding a ring of bricks to the names of those fallen as well as a new website to further your experience. The website he mentioned kansaslawenforcementmemorial.com also will have Biographies of the fallen heros and other great facts about the memorial furthering the experience you get when you visit the statehouse grounds. With that expansion comes a price tag, 500,000 dollars is the cost, though thanks to multiple major donors they only need about 75K more to have to funds raised. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt urges your support by donating yourself and you can do so at kansaslawenforcementmemorial.com

As Coffeyville Community College continues to grow more and more students are coming from further away. Senior Director of College Relations Yvonne Hull says they do require students who live outside of a 60 mile radius to live in the dorms.

Hull says enrollment number are and very high and she encourages all students to enroll soon as classes will start to fill up.

First impressions are important especially for a city trying to grow. Caney City Administrator Fred Gress says they've joined a program through the Betterment Group called First Impressions.

Gress says they have also joined Kansas Pride which is another program they can use to help grow their city.

With the change of party in the governor's office Representative Jim Kelly says there could be some changes that come with that.

Representative Kelly says it was interesting to see that Kris Kobach won in the more rural areas where Laura Kelly won in the urban areas.

Starting yesterday and going through Sunday, the Coffeyville Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. This campaign is specifically aimed at removing impaired drivers from Kansas roads and ticketing vehicle occupants who are unrestrained or whose child passengers are unrestrained.

A grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation will underwrite the overtime enforcement efforts for this campaign. According to KDOT, which tracks all crashes in the state, the day before Thanksgiving sees more impairment-related crashes than any other day of the year. On average, across Kansas, three persons are injured every day, and one person is killed every four days in alcohol/drug-related crashes.

“If you are going to be drinking, any amount at all, don’t even consider driving home,” said CPD Sergeant Rockie Yell. Make arrangements to have a designated driver, always wear a seat belt and don’t move a vehicle until each person is buckled in. “This is the best defense against death and injury, and it is the law,” stated Yell.

Senator Jerry Moran spends time in southeast Kansas this week. It is part of his listening tour as he focuses on sustainable conservation practices for agriculture. Yesterday, the Kansas Republican was the featured speaker announcing an $800-thousand grant to the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University. The money will be used to provide training for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.

Today, Senator Moran is joined by Arkansas Senator John Boozman as they tour the Alan Egbert Farm in McCune. Prior to the tour, they have a lunch stop set for Columbus.

The Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens Volleyball Team does it again.  They have garnered the 2018 NJCAA DII Championship.  The Ravens defeated #2 Ranked Parkland of Illinois in three sets (25-18; 25-18; 25-16).  That allowed the Ravens a sweep.  

CCC Volleyball Coach Delice Downing was named the NJCAA DII 2018 Coach of the Tournament.  

The team is expected to arrive in Coffeyville at 1 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The public is invited to welcome the champs home in  the Hall of Champions inside Nellis West.  Announcements will follow in the gymnasium.  

***Photo by Jeff Leiker

An investigation continues into an incident at Casey’s on Cline Road.  Coffeyville Police Sergeant Randall is needing some assistance in identifying two men who were involved.  Police think they may be driving a silver, two-door car with a temporary 60-day tag. The suspect vehicle may also have some front end damage.

If you have any information on these individuals please call 620-252-6160.

Play continues tomorrow (Saturday) for the Coffeyville Community College Red Raven Volleyball Team.  After defeating Kirkwood-Iowa 3-0 in the semifinals, the team advances to the NJCAA DII Championship.  The #1 Ranked Ravens will meet #2 Ranked Parkland-Illinois at the Charleston  Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia.  Parkland defeated Johnson County Community College 3-0 in their match-up today.  Last season, the Ravens defeated #1 Ranked Owens-Ohio to bring the title home.  

Gametime is 4:30 pm.

An early morning arrest for law enforcement around Cherokee County.  Just after 7 o’clock, a suspect was discovered trying to break into a shop just outside of Riverton.  Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived, as the owner chased the suspect into a nearby wooded area.  A perimeter was quickly set up by Deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol, Quapaw Tribal Marshal’s Office, Baxter Springs Police Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. After a hour-long search, 20-year-old Hunter Green was arrested.  

“At this point, the investigation has led us to believe, in addition to the location the suspect was chased from, he was also involved in the burglary of another nearby property earlier this morning,” stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

Green is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on $14,500.00 bond on allegations of two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, two counts of criminal trespass and one count of criminal damage to property.

Independence Police officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Oak for a suspicious package. A caller reported to police a package was left on the front porch. As the caller described the contents of the package to the officers they became concerned it could be some sort of improvised explosive. IPD Arson Investigator Derek Bryant arrived and requested the Kansas Highway Patrol Bomb Squad. Upon examination it was determined the package contained the contents of several disassembled incendiary and ignition devices contained in what was originally a large fireworks box that had been disassembled, not ignited.

Police are still seeking persons of interest in the case although no charges are expected at this time.

A K9 unit has been added to the Independence Police Department. Chief Jerry Harrison says they are going to help them crack down on drug crime but there are other areas they can help with as well.

Chief Harrison says there were several officers, community members and other area law enforcement offices who wanted IPD to add a K9 unit.

Space heaters are a popular way to provide heat to a home. Coffeyville Fire Chief Bob Roesky says there's a chance they could overload the circuit and blow a fuse.

Chief Roesky says you want to make sure you don't cover those heaters or get any clothing or paper to close because it can catch things on fire.

A fun activity for everyone is coming to the Coffeyville public Library next Monday. Rachel Rose with the library explains that they are having a course on the process of making butter The Coffeyville Public library is teaming up with 4H to put on a butter making course this next Monday November 19th at 4PM. Rachel Rose with the library explains you’ll be learning much more than just the process of making the butter, but also on how and why it is necessary .Rose says the event is free of charge you just need to contact the library to notify how many people will be attending with you. To notify visit their facebook page and message them directly or call the library at 620- 251-1370.

The Coffeyville Community College Volleyball team continues with a strong showing in the NJCAA National Tournament.  The Ravens advance to the semifinals today with a 3-0 win over Northeast Nebraska.  The tournament is underway in Charleston, West Virginia. The CCC team is defending last year’s championship. 

The team is coached by Delice Downing.  

As the 2018 Coffeyville Area Community Foundation’s annual Match Day continues it appears the success of the event will continue.  By late this afternoon a total of $61,000 had been raised for 22 community organizations.  The Foundation, along with the Bernard and Effie Jo Wade Family Fund and Pratt Family Charitable Fund is matching all donations up to $40.000.  The Perkins Building on Coffeyville’s Downtown Plaza will remain open until 5:30 this evening for in person giving.  If you can’t make it in person you can still donate on-line until midnight tonight at www.givematchgrow.com

The Coffeyville Community College Red Raven Volleyball Team advances to the Quarterfinals this evening.  They defeated Mercyhurst, Pennsylvania, to move on to the next round.  

Play will begin at 6:30pm.  

Tuesday afternoon the Chautauqua County Sheriff Deputies went to an apartment in Cedar Vale to serve a felony arrest warrant. The wanted suspect barricaded himself in a room; as deputies made entry into the room the suspect attempted to attack the officers with a large knife. Multiple tasers and one round were fired by deputies. The suspect dropped the knife and after resisting officers was taken into custody. None of the officers involved were injured. The suspect was treated for minor injuries and placed in the Chautauqua County Jail.

The case will be presented to the County Attorney for possible charges.

A blood drive being held in Coffeyville at the beginning of next week. Coffeyville Red Cross's Judy Hiner says the need for donations is very high right now.

Hiner says the drives will take place on Monday from 11:45am to 6:00pm and on Tuesday from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the First Baptist church here in Coffeyville.

One of the most important days of the year in Coffeyville, it's Match Day. There is $40,000 available in Match Funds from The Coffeyville Area Community Foundation along with the Bernard and Ellie Jo Wade Family Foundation and the Pratt Family Charitable Fund. There are 22 different foundations that can be donated to. Match Day started at 7:00 this morning and will go until 5:30 tonight. Donations can be made at the Perkins building or online at givematchgrow.com.

A full list of all foundations that can recieve donations is also on the website.

Even though colder temperatures are here, K- State extension districts Jacob Weber says you may have to worry about the sun damaging your trees more than the cold. Weber says most fruit trees, newly planted or trees with thin bark, you should cover their trunk for the winter to avoid what is known “southwest disease.” Weber explains due to our environment without any other form of shade certain trees in the winter are exposed to heavy sun exposure on the southwest side of the tree. That promotes growth in the bark which usually later that night is frozen over which damages those areas. Weber says that you can purchase a “Tree Wrap” from a local garden store or nursery. He says you can also use thin cardboard or just something to shade the trees trunk from too much sunlight.

He advises to not wrap it around the tree too tight either to avoid damage.

A Joplin man gets booked into the Cherokee County Jail.  Sheriff David Groves says 30-year-old Adam Wiles was arrested in Baxter Springs.  The investigation into Wiles began in September when deputies responded to a rural address where the owner caught someone burglarizing his barn.  He confronted the suspect who brandished a handgun. The homeowner fired his shotgun, hitting the suspect with birdshot as he ran into a wooded area. Sheriff Groves says during a. Search of Wiles’ home stolen property was recovered.  He faces charges of aggravated assault and burglary.  His bond is set at over $11 ,000.  

Wiles also faces arrest warrants from Newton County, Missouri.  

A soldier from Sedan returns home for the final time.  PFC Jacob Casebolt’s body is expected to arrive in Tulsa just before 4 o’clock tomorrow. The SEK. Blue Star Mothers President Becky Wheatley is coordinating with Oklahoma Patriot Guard to provide an escort. Casebolt had recently returned from a year-long deployment in South Korea.  He died at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was involved in a single vehicle roll-over accident last week.  He was a passenger in a HUMVEE.  

A memorial service is set for 11 am Saturday in the Sedan High School Auditorium.  PFC Casebolt will be buried with full military honors at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney.  

The Elk County Sheriff’s Office gets an assist from McConnell Air Force Base yesterday.  Deputies were called to a rural part of the county to investigate some possible old military shells.  Once they confirmed the devices were explosives, they set up a perimeter around the scene and called McConnell Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit that responded to the scene. McConnell Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was able to remove the ordnances without incident and disposed of them.

The sheriff’s office says there was never any danger to Elk County residents 

A chance to win a $1,000 and many more fun activities at Independence's Holiday Open House. Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson says it's all about the experience.

Wilson says there will also be a parade after the Holiday Open House. The open house is from 1-5 and the parade will start at 5:30 this Sunday November 18^th.

As we inch closer to the holidays, Coffeyville City Clerk Cindy Price wanted to remind listeners, with the holidays comes closures around the city. Price reminds everyone that on Thanksgiving and the following Friday the city will be closed. Trash will not run on that Thursday, and city buildings will be closed, but trash will run both Friday and Saturday to catch up. Price encourages any questions, trash disposing, or any city payments be taken care of before the holiday and enjoy Thanksgiving. In other news many properties were reviewed to be demolished on last night commission agenda. City Clerk Cindy Price says many citizens believe that all buildings up for demo. Are owned by the city. When sometimes it is owned by a third party who was given the chance to rehabilitate the property when assessed the court form. If no action is taken, it will be put up for review for demolition. Potentially greatly improving the property, many of the locations in last night’s meeting, where found with asbestos. If those buildings owned by a third party are demolished, they would be billed for the charges.

Grapefruits, oranges and apples being sold for a fundraiser to benefit Fab Lab ICC. Director Jim Correll says this is a fundraiser they took over last year from the Independence Lion Club.

Correll says a case of grapefruits is $24.95, case of oranges $26.95, half oranges and half grapefruits $27.95 and a trio that adds apples $36.95.  The deadline to order and prepay is this Friday November 16th and the fruit can be picked up from December 10th until December 22nd.

You may see a familiar face on TV this holiday season.  Independence Community College assistant theater professor, Dr. Page Petrucka will appear in the classic holiday romance movie “Jingle Belle”.  Petrucka will be playing the role of Sandra in the movie scheduled to air the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 25^th on the Lifetime Network.  

The public is invited to attend a pre-movie wine and cheese reception, including a meet and greet with Dr. Petrucka at 6pm, followed by the movie at 7 in the William Inge Theater on the ICC campus. 

With the recent temperature drop and snow you need to make sure you have your car ready for the winter. Triple A Kansas's Shawn Steward says there's really two things that stand out as far as maintenance items.  He says you should make sure that the battery cables and connections are free of corrosion.  Steward adds you need to make sure you have the right type of coolant and wiper fluid.

Steward says preperation goes beyond car maintence as you should have a winter emergency road kit in your car as well.

We saw our first significant snowfall yesterday forcing some schools in our area to close. Superintendent of USD 445 Dr. Craig Correll says Coffeyville was not closed yesterday, but tells KGGF news the criteria they go through in determining a snow day. If there is rainfall than significant snowfall after the freeze, that is usually the most dangerous time for buses to be en route. Correll says in the event of a school closure they will send out a text message, notify us here at KGGF radio and post it on their Facebook page. Correl urges you to register your phone number to receive those texts, and to make sure you info. Is up to date with the school secretary. To update your info. or register for the text updates Correll urges you contact the schools secretary.

Newly elected Nowata Count Sheriff Terry Barnett took the oath of office Friday afternoon. Nowata County Judge Carl Gibson administered the oath in front of a courtroom filled with friends of the new administration. Barnett says the transition to the staff she intends to work with will start officially next week. Barnett said Tuesday after the votes were counted that she intends to focus on training for her department and she reiterated that intent on Friday. There was a large contingent of law enforcement at the ceremony that began at 5:01 Friday afternoon. Some people were part of the sheriff's department but others were there from other departments. Barnett won election by earning more than 83 percent of the vote.

Eighteen structures in Coffeyville could be soon demolished and another rehabilitated.  These are items that the Coffeyville City Commission will be discussing in their regularly scheduled meeting tonight.  The commissioners will be asked to approve a contract to demolish 18 dilapidated structures in town as well as approve a loan application for the Distressed Housing Reinvestment Program for Properties in the Ville  Properties in the Ville is owned by Peggy Steele, who has already completed the renovation of five houses and nearing completion of two more along the 9 Street corridor.  Steele has now bought an 8^th home along 9^th Street and is applying for a loan through the program to renovate that house, 

Tomorrow’s Commission meeting gets underway at 6:30 in City Hall.

We sat down with Richard Vann with Word of Faith Church on an inspirational project they are working towards to help kids in need. To raise money Vann says they’ve organized a comedy show for this weekend. Leon the Jokester will be performing at the Comedy Night & Pasta Dinner put on by Word of Faith Church. The event is this Saturday starting at 6 PM at the church at 2707 S Walnut. Tickets cost 20 dollars as organizer Richard Vann explains the proceeds are going to a special cause. They have been awarded a few buildings that they need to get moved over to our area to help further service the children in a better space. The food will be delicious and the show will be hilarious as Leon is performing his Walk by Faith, Not by Sight Tour. Vann says to call 918-902-2987 for tickets and encourages everyone to attend. He says you will be inspired to pass along a helping hand yourself as well as contributing to getting those building to our area.

The Nowata County Sheriff’s office is investigating the shooting death of a 16-year-old girl. A Nowata County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call about a shooting incident in the Rabbit Run Road area outside of Nowata early last month.

When the deputy arrived on the scene he located the 16-year old female with an apparent gunshot injury. EMS rushed the girl to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.

No other information is available at this time as the matter is still under investigation.

As our nation prepares to honor those who answer the call of duty, KGGF News has received word an area soldier has died.  Private First Class Jacob Casebolt had recently returned from a year-long deployment in South Korea.  He died at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was involved in a single vehicle roll-over accident.  

Casebolt was a passenger in a HUMVEE.  

USD 445 continues to go through the Kansans Can School Redesign Project. One aspect is helping students prepare for the future. Roosevelt Middle School Principal Jeff Pegues says there's more than just teaching the students academically.

Pegues says the staff district wide bought in to the redesign from the start.

Not the kind of record you want to set as Oklahoma and Kansas have seen record number of flu cases the last two years. MedExpress Urgent Care's Dr. David Vester says along with the flu shot there are other steps to take.

Dr. Vester says limiting contact with people if you do have the flu is important because it can spread very quickly.

Coffeyville’s Holiday Shopping Open House event is this Sunday as businesses all around our town will be included, Director of the Chamber Candi Westbrook says it’s a good mix of stores. Simply Southern, Eisley’s Fine Jewelry, and Liebert Bros. are just a few of the names involved in the Open House. Westbrook says around 20 businesses are involved and encourages you do some of your holiday shopping locally. Westbrook says when you shop at one of these stores you receive a card containing a map of all the other stories included in the open house. Every place you go to will stamp that card which increases your chance in winning the grand prize at the end.The Open house event is this Sunday, if you contact the chamber they will get you a list of all the stores involved. Director of The Chamber Candi Westbrook can’t stress the benefits of shopping local for the holiday season, especially this weekend in particular, as you might walk away a winner.

A water survey gets underway in Caney. City Administrator Fred Gress says the state has requested the survey to determine how many homes have lead or copper pipe in them.

Gress says residents are being mailed a four question survey. He says it is OK if you do not know the answers, you can simply respond that you don't know. Once completed, the surveys should be returned to Caney City Hall.

Red Ravens aren't stressing over final exams just yet, but they are thinking about the spring semester. Coffeyville Community College's Yvonne Hull says enrollment has just begun and they have room for more students.

CCC offers a number of certificate programs and associate degree options. Technical programs are offered in Coffeyville and Columbus.  Hull encourages you to register for classes as soon as possible so you get the course you want at the time that works for you.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation releases the 2017 Kansas Domestic Violence, Stalking and Rape Report. The report compiles data on domestic violence, rape, stalking, sodomy, and sexual battery incidents reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement across Kansas. The analysis found that domestic violence incidents decreased 1.3 percent. Domestic violence homicides, however, saw a 21.6% increase. There were 38 homicides relating to domestic violence last year, that is the most in 20 years.

Occurrences of rape increased by just over 8%. The statistics show that 80% of the victims knew their attacker.

Voters have their say in yesterday's election.  The preliminary results are coming in for a number of hotly contested offices.   In Kansas, Democrat Laura Kelly wins the governor's race against Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach.  Kobach had been heavily backed by President Donald Trump.  In Oklahoma, Republican Kevin Stitt, a political newcomer, defeats Democrat Drew Edmondson for the governor's seat.  In Congressional races, Democrat Sharice Davids defeats incumbent Republican Kevin Yoder for the 3rd District of Kansas.  The Kansas 2nd District seat will go to Republican Steve Watkins who bested Democrat Paul Davis.   In Oklahoma, the 5th Congressional District seat will be occupied by Kendra Horn who unseated Republican Steve Russell.

It appears the bond question for USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer Public Schools will go down in defeat.

The complete list of results for balloting from Montgomery County.

Nowata County will soon have a new sheriff.   Terry Sue Barnett wins the office by a landslide. Barnett defeated incumbent sheriff Kenny Freeman as she earned over 83% of the vote.  Barnett has lived in Nowata County since 2015. She has an extensive background in law enforcement having served over 24 years as a member of the Tulsa Police Department.   Barnett says her goal is to enforce the law for all citizens of Nowata County.

Barnett’s term will officially begin in January 2019.

The Independence Veterans Day of Honor Parade is next Wednesday as Chamber Director Lisa Wilson says the parade kicks of at 2PM with a flyover. A long day of activities to show your appreciation and a community bean feed you can take part in whether you were in the parade or not. For a full schedule of events you can head to their website at www.indkschamber.org. Wilson also mentioned they are needing some volunteers to help prepare the town for their 4th of 5 parades in 24 days over in Independence. Wilson mentioned many businesses around town starting christmas specials a little earlier this year to urge you to shop locally after the Christmas Parade but again are needing help for the Veterans Parade, volunteers in Independence as Director Lisa Wilson says  they need some help to lay sod around the new statue on Penn and Chestnut. Not an overly difficult job bu twill need around 15 individuals to put in a few hours of their time to prepare for the parade.

The polls are open.  You have until 7 o'clock this evening to cast your ballot, unless you haven't already done so.  Advance balloting has been quite active this election cycle.   Kansans are selecting a new slate of state-wide leaders and members of Congress in some very hot race.  The same is underway in Oklahoma.  The main local issue on the ballot is a bond question for Cherryvale-Thayer Public Schools.  In Nowata County, a new sheriff could be elected.  Our coverage will span from the national picture with Fox News, to statewide coverage from Topeka and Oklahoma City.  We'll have a reporter in Nowata County.  We will be keeping close tabs on the counts at the Montgomery County Clerk's Office.

Tune in after the polls close to Hear Your Vote Count on the Mighty 690 KGGF.   Election coverage a service of Taylor Crane and Rigging and Community State Bank.

Improving our school safety and training in the event of an active shooter is something the state of Kansas takes seriously. Granting over 5 million last year in enhancing schools around the state, but not all the money went into teacher training, some districts also focused on the well being of the student. Providing buddy benches and other anti bullying tactics. Blex did mention that districts for the upcoming year have requested more than 13 million dollars in enhancements. Meaning legislature will need to address the matter in the upcoming session as Blex is hopeful we continue improving the safety in our schools. He also did mention the regulations regarding certain safety measures did need to be revised. As in some cases fire code constricts with certain active shooter precautions, which at some points could create a more dangerous situation.

The Nowata County Commissioners met on Monday morning. At the forefront of the discussion was a tort claim filed by the Riley family regarding damages to their property stemming from storm damage and debris from the district three barn.

The Riley’s claim that they were not informed that insurance ruled the incident as an act of God. District three commissioner Bud Frost defended that he went about protocol. The Riley’s claim that they still have debris from the incident on their property.

The commissioners approved a detention services agreement with Sequoyah Enterprises for juveniles at $26 per day. A detention transportation reimbursement claim was also approved.

The Nowata County Commissioners will meet again on Tuesday, November 12.

Highway 400 will be receiving some pavement patching in Wilson County.  The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced that the highway will be receiving some patch work from the Wilson-Greenwood County line east to the K-47 junction.  The bid

for the 12 miles of road work has been let to the R.A. Knapp Construction Company of Lenexa for just over one million dollars.

Kansas has returns to Central Standard Time over the weekend. With the time changes, it is a good time to remember to check those batteries in your smoke alarms. Stats show that three of five home fire deaths occur in homes without or non-working alarms. Coffeyville Firefighters remind you to Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries. Also test your alarms to make sure they are working effectively. And, remember detectors need to be replaced every 10-years.

A few other fall safety tips include: checking your furnace, exercising caution with space heaters and lit candles, check fireplace vents and screens, and make sure your have a working fire extinguisher.

From the KGGF Follow-up File, a corporate policy change has meant a major retailer can no longer donate damaged bags of dog food to the Coffeyville Friends of Animal Shelter.  CFA's Becky Barnhart felt concern when she heard about the change. Would they be able to feed all the animals at the shelter?  But, the community has stepped in to make sure no dogs or cats have to suffer hunger pains. She says the Nitrogen Plant at Coffeyville Resources sent over a pallet of dog food and others are donating, too.

She says their needs will be ongoing. If you'd like to help, you can drop off donations at the shelter or call CFA at 620-252-60-60.

Three Coffeyville residents go to jail after Coffeyville Police serve a search warrant at a residence in 1500 block of West 7th.  Those booked inlude:  61-year-old Tina Riley; 35-year-old Monzeal Gardner;  and 36-year-old Cleondas Shoate.   They were taken into custody on Tuesday, October 30th.  

The Coffeyville Police Department executed the search warrant for stolen property during a recent residential burglary.  In addition to stolen property, officers discovered marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Riley and Gardner were charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Shoate was arrested for outstanding warrants.

Officers will be seeking charges on additional subjects related to this investigation.  Anyone with information about this incident should contact Patrolman Jake York at 620-252-6160.  Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may provide information to the Crime Tip Hotline at 620-252-6133.

A boil water advisory posted for Caney residents is lifted.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment put the advisory in effect on Sunday.  KDHE took the action after a large water main break drain the City of Caney water system.  Crews were able to get the repairs completed to return service.  The boil advisory was in place to ascertain no bacteria was able to contaminate the supply.  

During during the advisory, some restaurants had to close.  The schools were open, offering bottled water.  

The City of Coffeyville has a lot of activities coming up for the holidays. One of the those is the Red Raven Christmas, which Director of the Chamber of Commerce Candi Westbrook says is coming up November 16^th.

Westbrook says the play they are putting on this year will be The Charlie Brown Christmas.

Becky Barnhart with the Coffeyville Friends of Animals tells KGGF news a special Pitt State student has selected the shelter for her business class project. As part of the project the individual has set up donation boxes around town designated for the shelter. If you see animal shelter donations boxes around town they are for the shelter as Barnhardt explains where you might find one. The locations of those boxes to donate are at Equity Bank, Coffeyville Pharmacy and Dr. Holman’s Offices. She can’t thank the community enough for the donations already made and can’t wait to see the impact of this students work.

We sat down with Sargeant Rocky Yell with the Coffeyville Police Department on the upcoming holiday season. He wanted to remind everyone the season will bring an increase in traffic on our roadways, advising to always buckle up and avoid a disaster over the special time of the year. Yell advises with an increase in traffic, comes more opportunities for road rage, especially after stressful holiday shopping. Road rage will be more apparent as he urges you ignore the individual and call the police if you need. Always wear your seat belt and know how your getting home this holiday season, have a plan B and by all means do not drink and drive. Yell also said there will be a few saturation patrols around the holiday season to keep our roads safer during the holidays. Buckle Up, avoid road rage, and enjoy your holiday safely.

Lots of corn dog lovers in Southeastern Kansas. Yesterday was $.50 corn dog day at Sonic and the location here in Coffeyville was trying to break the record for most sold. Unfortunately they didn't break the record but the finished second nationally with 6,297 corn dogs sold. In first place was Pittsburg, Kansas with 6,745 corn dogs sold.

It was the second straight year that Coffeyville finished second nationally.

The Independence Driver's License Office finds a permanent home. They have moved to 404 N 14^th St and will open up there on Monday. Division of Vehicles Director David Harper says they’re looking forward to providing a better experience. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:45pm.

The new office comes alongside other improvements to driver’s license services, including an option to skip the office and renew using the iKan app or at iKan.ks.gov. Customers seeking a Real ID will need to visit the office and should use the document checklist to make sure they have everything needed.

We sat down with K-State extension agents Jacob Weber and Jerri Geren as they wanted to remind everyone now is a good time to test your soil around the pasture or garden. Mentioning when gathering your soil, to grab from over 10 different areas within the property. Giving you a wide range of testing samples to give you the full results of your pasture or garden. Jerri Geren says to keep your testing on a consistent schedule by only testing in either the fall or the spring and not mixing the two. It’s very easy to throw on too many chemicals around your land and getting your soil tested is the best way to monitor your levels. Geren wanted to remind everyone the offices rent out probes, and help with spring and fall soil testing. For information call their Altamont office at 620–784–5337.