According to the Montgomery County Chronicle criminal charges of blackmail and identity theft have been filed against a former Independence Community College football coach. This afternoon former ICC Head Football Coach Jason Brown was formally charged with a total of 10 criminal counts that include four counts of blackmail, four counts of identity theft, and two counts of criminal false communication. Blackmail and identity theft are felonies and criminal false communication is considered a misdemeanor. The charges were filed by the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office. Brown was at ICC from 2015 to 2019 before resigning after a controversy around texts sent to a German born football player where Brown referred to himself as the players “Hitler”.  The charges come just weeks before Last Chance U Indy Part 2 is set to release on Netflix.

You can go to the Montgomery County Chronicle's Facebook page for the full story.

Coffeyville Commissioner Justin Doane was at the ABC Christian Preschool yesterday teaching little ones CPR and when and how to call 911 and the importance of knowing their home address.

Doane said he knows they're young but he doesn't feel you can ever be too young to be prepared.

Thank you, Justin, for all you do for our community!

(Photo courtesty of ABC Christian Preschool)

Don't forget! Tonight is Coffeyville's outdoor movie across from Midland Theatre. The city band will be playing at 8:00 under the Midland's marquee. The movie this time is “The Goonies”, and it starts about 9:15 or at dark. Community State Bank is sponsoring the five outdoor movies showing through October, and the bank is providing movie popcorn until it runs out.

Bring your lawn chair. Candy and sodas are available for purchase in support of the Midland Theater, as well as Vaude in the Ville tickets for purchase. A table will be set up for the city band in case anyone is interested in signing up to be a part of it or support it any way.

This monthly event is hosted and supported by Midland Theater Foundation and Coffeyville's Reawakening.

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees announce they will be hiring an independent firm to facilitate a nationwide hiring search for the new ICC President. The board accepted the resignation of ICC President Dan Barwick during their regularly scheduled meeting last night. Barwick resigned his position effective this Sunday, June 30th after having served as president for eight years since June of 2011. Trustees will be appointing an interim president to run college operations during the search for a permanent replacement.

In the coming weeks, the college will be hosting a series of community meetings to begin the hiring process.

The Brotherhood of the Third Wheel holds their annual Coffeyville meeting at Walter Johnson Park this Saturday about 9 p.m. You may be seeing many three-wheel motorcycles around town this weekend as they will light up their bikes and travel from the park to Braum's and back. As citizens we welcome the cyclists to Coffeyville and hope they enjoy a safe meeting.

The Independence City Commission yesterday approved a bid for a new tractor and brush hog for use in the street department. Prairieland Partners submitted the winning bid, with the John Deere 5065E tractor and HX7 brush hog both either meeting or exceeding the specs required by the city.

The bid also met the city's budget, coming in at a total of just over $43,000 for both the tractor and the brush hog. The closest service center for the combination is also in Independence. Other bids offered to the city did not meet spec requirements, were over budget, or did not have a service center nearby.

The tractor and brush hog will replace a 1977 tractor and brush hog currently used by the street department for mowing rights-of-way and nuisance lots.

Placement on C.C.C’s President’s Honor Roll requires a minimum of 14 hours of graded academic work with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher and no grade below a B.  The Vice President’s Honor Roll requires a minimum of 12 hours of graded academic work with a grade point average of 3.4 or higher and no grade below a B. 

Coffeyville Community College is proud to release the list of students who made the Honor Roll and you can find the full list of categorized honor students HERE

Celebrate America’s Independence! A holiday that most look forward too as well as look over the well being of their pets, as we could bet is your pets least favorite holiday. With fireworks going off and potentially scaring them, Becky Barhardt with Coffeyville Friends of animals gave our listeners some tips. Barnhardt knows in some cases you can’t bring the animal inside, but that is the best thing for it. Find it somewhere inside with some other noise going on like a TV or radio. Give it some extra food, water and treats ensuring everyone, including your pets, enjoy the 4th. 

If you must keep them out she stresses they have their collars on so they can be returned quickly if spooked.

The fate of three buildings within Independence city limits was decided at yesterday's City Commission meeting. Two buildings, located at 301 N. 11th and 208 N. 17th, were condemned as dangerous and unsafe. The key factor in both cases according to Building Inspector Don Cushing was little to no contact from the owners of the two buildings and a lack of progress on repairs after both were damaged in seperate fires. The building located at 301 N. 11th had also been the subject of complaints from neighbors who claimed unwanted people were going in and out of the house.

A third building, located at 513 W. Cottonwood, was deemed by Cushing to be making satisfactory progress toward repairs. The building inspector recommended the commission revisit the issue in two months at their August 22nd meeting.

Movie Night! Throughout the summer the Independence Chamber of Commerce will be hosting movie nights, in the downtown area. Chamber Director Lisa Wilson says tomorrow night, is Teen Night! Teen night is for kids ages 12 thru 18 as Wilson says pre-Show activities get started at 7PM with fun games and good food, then the movie will get started at 9PM. Games like Corn Hole, Firehose Bowling, cup flipping and many others as well as pizza will be provided. Tomorrow will be showing Captain Marvel as all kids in that age group are welcome and encouraged to come as the rest of the summer movie nights are more family themed

Movie night will be every Final Saturday thru the summer, next one after this weekend is July 27th as they will be showing the Incredibles 2.

Today is the last working day for the Children's Librarian at Coffeyville Public Library. Heather Posey DanVyne talks about her experience and credits special people in Coffeyville and Independence for her success. Click here to listen to her on the airwaves!
 

VanDyne finished her Masters in Library Science in May and is starting a position teaching “big kids” at the Allen County Community College Library in Iola, KS. Thank you, Heather, for teaching and loving our kids at the library, and we wish you much success as you influence college students.

For the longer version of Heather expressing herself, click on this link.

The Essential Stop in Coffeyville is having a special event today. Pamper yourself at their Slim & Sassy Wrap Night. Maybe your preparing for a special weekend event, and they say this is a great way to super charge results for a short-term solution on a target area such as tummy, thighs, and the... “backside”. Your body will be wrapped in muslin cotton and saran wrap, treated with pure essential oils.

The cost is just $15. Slim & Sassy Wrap Night starts at 6:00 and ends at 7:30 this evening (June 27). The Essential Stop is at 806 E. 8^th St., Coffeyville, and if you have questions, give 'em a call at 620-688-6018 or check out their Facebook page.

By the way, they also have $25 custom massages using their essential oils!

This weekend is the KidsFest at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. Arts and crafts, games, live music, inflatables, train rides and more. The Prairie Fire Grille will be serving goodies such as Indian tacos, corn dogs and cherry limeade.

The fun starts at 10:00 in the morning on Saturday and runs through Sunday 5:00pm. Admission is free for those ages 11 and under, and members also get in free. Adult admission is $12, and for seniors it's $10.

Check out their website for more information.

The Coffeyville's Reawakening group is holding an information session the evening of Wednesday, July 17^th at their headquarters, 115 W. 9^th St.

They are calling for volunteers and anyone interested in helping or learning about current and future projects for the revitalization of the city.

The meeting starts at 5:30, the presentation begins at 6:00 and ends at 7:30 that evening.

For more information, call 620-252-5861 or check out the Coffeyville's Reawakening Facebook page.

Self-service style lottery vending machines could soon be coming to your neck of the woods. The Kansas Lottery is launching four pilot machines in select locations around Topeka. In 2018, the Kansas state legislature passed HB 2194, allowing the lottery to start selling traditional-style lottery tickets through self-serving vending machines.

The first site was installed Wednesday and has already seen several customers. Currently, the Kansas Lottery plans to roll out 272 locations to retailers throughout the state beginning in July 2019. Up to $8 million of the net profit from the machines will go mental health programs throughout Kansas.

If you enjoy Big Band music, you definitely don't want to miss the Tulsa Praise Orchestra this weekend with brand new material along with traditional favorites, including patriotic. The orchestra is made up of musicians who profess faith in Jesus Christ and love playing Big Band style.

This year marks their 25^th season. They've taken their brand from Tulsa to Branson to New York City, and this weekend's show includes Saturday in Broken Arrow, OK, 2:00 at the Performing Arts Center. Then on Sunday the concert is at the Independence Memorial Hall this Sunday at 6:00pm.

Owner & Organinzer Bob Archer says you can reserve your free tickets online at www.ringsingswing.com. But he also added they will NOT turn you away at this point if you show up without a ticket!

If you'd really like to get a ticket in your hands, they are available here at KGGF in Coffeyville (Saturday hours are only until 11am), many retail stores on Pennsylvania Ave., and at the Montgomery County Chronicle office in Independence.

Saxophone player Alan McKenzie says it's a great event that recognizes america and our vetrans in a manor that everyone in the whole family will enjoy.

By the way, they're welcoming musicians and frontline singers. For more information and to see videos, go online to tulsapraise.com or check out their Facebook page.

Today is Throwback Thursday at Coffeyville's Aquatic Center. That means music from the 50's and 60's, concession stand specials all evening including $1 hot dogs, root beer floats, and icees!

Those with vintage vehicles are encouraged to cruise in and park poolside.

It's a special dmission price, too - only $1 for all ages.

Throwback Thursday begins at 5:30 and ends at 8:00pm.

The City of Independence is having a fireworks show July 4^th starting at 9:30pm. In case of rain, the backup date is Friday, July 5^th. It will be handled again by Rainbow Fireworks of Inman, KS and they'll shoot just north of Kiddy Land in Riverside Park, visible from multiple viewing locations around the park and city.

The show is costing about $5,800, and contributions are welcome to help fully fund it. Call the city about that: 620-332-2500.

Checks are payable to: Community Foundation for Independence (with “Fireworks Fund” in the memo).

Mail to: Jim Kelly c/o Community National Bank, PO Box 687, Independence, KS 67301.

For just ten bucks, you have a chance to win the best seats in the house for the annual Coffeyville Summer Celebration on July 13^th. The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo’s Junior Advisory Board is selling raffle tickets for the chance to sit in the VIP booth at Walter Johnson Park's arena, for the best viewing of the fireworks show.

The winning raffle ticket includes seating for 25, plus appetizers and drinks during the Summer Celebration on July 13^th which includes a fun run walk and 5K, car show, poker run and cruise, kids power wheels show and cruise, and live music by the Backroads Band and the Retro Rockers.

Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from any Junior Advisory Board member or call the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce at 620-251-2550.

Funds go towards scholarships to be awarded at the end of the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo August 13-17.

Congressman Ron Estes and Congresswoman Terri Sewall, both of Kansas, introduced Tax Preparer legislation yesterday (Tues. June 25) to protect taxpayers by allowing the IRS to remove bad actors from preparing taxes. Currently, tax preparers must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

Estes said the bipartisan legislation will protect taxpayers by ensuring the IRS can revoke the certification for unqualified tax preparers. Sewell pointed out that about 60 percent of taxpayers use paid preparers, and the IRS receives more than 10,000 complaints every year.

The IRS has identified nearly 20,000 registered preparers who are potentially non-compliant with their own tax filing and payment obligations.

Currently a preparer's own tax compliance and criminal conviction history are not cause for revoking their certificate, but this legislation is aimed at correcting that.

The Hillcrest Golf Course in Coffeyville is holding a 4-person golf scramble on July 4^th at 8:00am, shotgun start.

A golf scramble is a format for a golf tournament. Two or more playesr form a team, with the rules emphasizing fun without the pressure of players keeping individual scores. Each player hits a tee shot on each hole, but everyone plays from the spot of the best shot, subject to certain criteria. 

Sign up to play by contacting the golf course at 620-252-6190.

The deadline is Wednesday, July 3^rd.

At last night's city commission meeting in Coffeyville, two police officers, Terrance Gaston and Dylan Shelton were sworn in by Mayor Paul Bauer.
 

Sean Steward of AAA Kansas awarded Police Chief Kwin Bromley and the police department the AAA Silver Award.
 

Only 30 police departments across Kansas receive the AAA Silver Award.

Congratulations, Officers Gaston and Shelton, Chief Bromley, and the Coffeyville Police Department!

The following photos courtesy of City Clerk, Cindy Price:

USD 445 school board members meet tomorrow. Due to the 4^th of July holiday next week, the Board of Education meeting has been moved next Monday to tomorrow/Thursday (June 27^th).

School board members will be accepting resignations and retirements. They will take action to approve Superintendent Correll's recommendations, including the disposal of excess equipment and final budget transfers for the last school year.

Correll is also recommending several employment positions with the district, as well as just one termination.

The school board meeting is open to the public. It starts at 12:00pm at the board office on S. Ellis St.

Congressman Ron Estes of Kansas applauds a grant awarded today to the City of Sedan by the Rural Development office within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The $400,000 grant will replace water lines across Sedan, including some of the city's original lead pipes installed in 1935.

Estes said it's great news for the city and Chautauqua County because water infrastructure is key to economic development and improving quality of life. This project will ensure Sedan is in compliance with standards set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Previous funding for this project has included $5.16 million in Rural Development loans and grants.

The Street Department Supervisor for the City of Independence, James Brickens, is retiring after 18 years of public service, and all are welcome to his retirement party this Friday, June 28^th from 2:00 to 3:00 at the Temporary City Hall, 811 W. Laurel St.

Fire Chief Bob Roesky is retiring, and on his last day, Wednesday July 3rd, he's having a party. Click to listen to him invite you!

Chief Roesky's been with the Coffeyville Fire Department since April of 1990, just passing 29 years. He expresses appreciation to all those who have supported him from the fire department and city.

City Manager, Mark Hall, will be appointing the next fire chief, to be determined.

Roesky asked to give a special shout out to his wife, Robin, and their three kids for their tremendous support over the years. He couldn't have done it without y'all. Their son, Matthew, is in the US Airforce, Nicholas is at Pittsburg State University, and Olivia will be a senior at Field Kindley.

As for what's next for Bob, well, he's planning to stay in Coffeyville, but you'll have to get the scoop from him at the party next week!

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced yesterday that the state has recovered nearly $1 million in state funds after several companies were held responsible for illegally inflating the price of natural gas in the early 2000s.

"Our successful defense of state antitrust law made this recovery possible," Schmidt said. "We are gratified by this outcome and are determined to continue defending the public treasury from those who unlawfully lay claim to taxpayer funds."

In 2014, Schmidt filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court claiming that federal law does not preempt the authority of states to enforce state antitrust laws against price-fixing of natural gas in retail transactions. The Court would eventually agree with the Kansas position, allowing the plantiffs in the case to proceed with their lawsuits against the companies in question.

The attorney general's office filed claims in 2017 to recover funds due to the overinflated prices. Last week, the state received reimbursement of $957,451.02 to cover the overcharges. The money will be returned to the State General Fund.

One person sustained injuries in a house fire this morning at 210 W. 1^st Street. The Coffeyville Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 8:40, and upon arrival moderate smoke was seen coming from the rear of the structure. The residence, owned by Rhonda Lewis, was occupied by three adults. One occupant was transported to CRMC by ambulance with non-life threatening burns. The fire, which began in the kitchen, has been determined to be accidental. Damage to the structure is estimated at $15,000.

CFD was assisted at the scene by the Coffeyville Police Department, CRMC EMS, Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power and Atmos Energy. The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to occupants.

In Coffeyville, applications are being accepted for funding of programs for alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education, intervention or treatment and recovery. The State of Kansas created an alcoholic liquor fund from taxes paid on the purchase of alcohol.

For cities with a population more than 6,000, state law states one-third of the funds goes to the general fund, one-third goes to parks and recreation, and one-third goes to a special alcohol and drug program fund.  

For 2019, there is about $27,000 available. Applications are due Friday, July 19.

The Safe Routes to School project in Coffeyville in underway since yesterday, and it will continue for about two weeks. Keep in mind 1^st Street from Cline to Parkview will be closed while they work on the sidewalk.

The Safe Routes to School program is thought the US Dept of Transportation. It promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools, safety education, and incentives to encourage walking and bicycling to school.

The City was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation Alternatives Program to design and construct the first phase of the project, which includes construction of the main walks and connecting the sidewalk system east of Buckeye.

Later, sidewalks will branch off the main walk. They will all be ADA compliant with ramps.

(Photo courtesy of City of Coffeyville)

Oklahoma's governor and legislative leaders have reached a deal with the state attorney general over how an $85 million settlement with an opioid drug manufacturer will be structured.

Attorney Bob Burke serves as a spokesman for the court during Oklahoma's ongoing case against drug makers. He says a revised agreement with Israeli-owned Teva Pharmaceuticals will be presented to the judge in the case today.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and GOP legislative leaders sought to intervene in the case, arguing that the state's proposed settlement with Teva doesn't comply with a new state law directing any settlement proceeds into the state treasury.

Burke says a retired Oklahoma Supreme Court justice appointed to help resolve the dispute conducted mediation and submitted his report to the judge.

The 75-year anniversary of the G.I. Bill was Saturday, June 22nd. Two Kansas Senators, Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts, introduced legislation Friday, June 21st, to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a Kansas native, former Topeka lawyer, and WWI veteran who authored the original G.I. Bill to Harry Colmery.

The tow Republican senators led their congressional colleagues urging President Trump to honor Colmery for his support of veterans. The G.I. Bill's name was originally the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944 which Colmery witnessed President Roosevelt sign.

In 2017, Mr. Colmery legacy was honored when the Forever G.I. Bill was signed into law. It enhanced and expanded education benefits to veterans, service members, families and survivors.

Today, the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System in Topeka bears his name, the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center.

(Photo courtesy of The American Legion)

The United States Navy named a new rescue ship after the Cherokee Nation. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jim Inhofe, joined with citizen of the Cherokee Nation Markwayne Mullin and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Congressman Tom Cole, after Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, announced the newest Towing, Salvage, and Rescue ship to be named 'Cherokee Nation' for the service and contributions of the Cherokee people to the Navy and Marine Corps.

This is the fifth U.S. ship named in honor of the Cherokee people.

Read the full report from Sen. Lankford's page here. 

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The City of Coffeyville received a letter of recognition from the Kansas State Treasurer, Jake LaTurner. It states that he and everyone in the state treasurer's office congratulates the City of Coffeyville on their 150^th Anniversary.

LaTurner writes, “It's towns and communities like you which makes Kansas, Kansas.” LaTurner thanked the City, saying, “Thank you for keeping your community a wonderful place.”

Kansas will allow transgender residents to change their birth certificates so that the documents reflect their gender identities under a legal settlement ending a federal lawsuit. LGBTQ-right advocates said yesterday (Mon. 6-24) that Kansas now will have a policy on birth certificates in line with most other states' policies.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree signed an order to make the agreement binding on Kansas Department of Health and Environment officials who issue birth certificates. Four transgender Kansas residents along with the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project sued in 2018 over the health department not allowing a change to the sex listed on their birth certificates after they legally changed their names.

Gov. Laura Kelly applauded the agreement and called the old policy "outdated." Opponents argue that a birth certificate is a record to reflect the science behind a person’s gender – either your biologically male or female – and that we should not become detached from reality for political purposes

It's never a good idea to drive impaired, and it'll be doubly so later this week, as the Coffeyville Police Department will be conducting an Impaired Driving Saturation Patrol on Friday. Additional officers are going to patrol the streets of Coffeyville between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. The officers are looking specifically for signs of impaired driving as well as other traffic violations.

The saturation patrol is part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program.

The Independence City Commission is set for another busy meeting this Thursday. This week's agenda includes an item to consider the approval of bids for a new tractor and brush hog for use by the Street Department. City Commissioner Leonhard Caflisch has also requested three items to be added to this week's meeting, including a review of the Code Enforcement Department relating to code and construction review.

At Thursday's meeting, the commission will also consider the condemnation of three buildings within city limits:

• 513 W. Cottonwood Street
• 301 N. 11th Street
• 208 N. 17th Street

Per usual, the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Veteran's Room in City Hall. The full agenda can be viewed here.

Coffeyville Police never know what a shift will bring. Yesterday  Officer Shelton had a prosthetic leg turned into him at police headquarters. The prosthetic has been listed as found property.

If you or someone you know lost their leg, contact dispatch at (620)252-6160.

The Nichol's Trading Post in Parsons is relocating and they are having a moving sale this week. The new store in Parsons is scheduled to open July 1^st. They will be staying local in the City of Parsons at 314 Main St.

John and Sherrie Nichols say the new location is “bigger and better”. The moving sale is happening all this week: Monday and Tuesday, everything is 10% off, Wednesday 15% off, Thursday 20% off, and then Friday and Saturday is 25% off.

Saturday is their auction when they say all meat will be selling fast.

Nichol's Trading Post is currently at 3830 Main St, and as of July 1^st their new location is 314 Main St.

The Nowata County Sheriff’s Office is thanking the First Church of God for a “Love Offering” from youth attending a Vacation Bible Study yesterday (Sunday, June 23). The kids chose to donate the money to the county sheriff's office, presented yesterday during their VBS program.

Undersheriff Jason McClain accepted the donation on behalf of his office. They say the money is the first money collected to save for the stop sticks and body cams their deputies desperately need to assist in doing their jobs to the best of their ability for the citizens of Nowata County. They wrote, “The outpouring of kindness to assist our Sheriffs Office is amazing from the people of the County.”

(Photo courtesy of Nowata County Sheriff's Office)

Pittsburg County Sheriff's Office arrested a shooter who had the intention to kill. Andrew Scott Luna, 21 years old of Canadian, was arrested for the shooting that occurred June 14^th at a rural mobile home park. Luna was booked into the Pittsburg County Jail and remains there on an $85,000 bond.

Related to that, Jerry Ray Luna, Jr was arrested for Harboring a Fugitive, assisting in a felony, domestic assault and battery by strangulation, and domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The county recognizes Trooper Garrett Gray and Trooper Austin Mass for the two arrests.

The Montgomery County Commissioners had their regular meeting this morning. A highlight was the presence of a leader from Four County Mental Health, Greg Hennen, a practicing psychology doctor who works at Four County in Independence. Hennen spoke to commissioners about the rate of suicides in the county being of concern, particulary having three in one week. He said $9,500-10,000 is spent per person every year in the United States, and while our country spends 2-3x more money than other nations, we have less of a health outcome. Hennen pointed out that other nations spend more on social services, leading to a better quality of life. He requested commissioners to approve any amount from the mill levy, or property tax, to be determined.

Other items discussed included land for Coffeyville's Summer Celebration for July 13^th. All commissioners approved the property at East 8^th and 1800 for the event, and it will be asphalted shortly.

Money was approved to be debited from the Noxious Weed Fund to pay the lowest bidder, Van Deist Supply of Lindsborg, Kansas, for chemicals or herbicide.

A citizen petition was discussed regarding properties bought for alleyways, roads, and streets.

Emergency Management Director, Rick Whitson, informed of bids received to work on roof repairs and painting.

County Appraiser, Dianna Carter, was back from last week to follow up on the commercial project of combining same-owner properties for data efficiency, requesting to move forward with Equitable Solutions, Inc. Commissioners approved and will sign off at a future meeting.

County Clerk Charlotte Schmidt let commissioners know the Tobacco Free Parks Policy in Coffeyville is the only one possible for the county, all approved.

Finally, this Friday the 28^th is the closing on the sale of Coffeyville's old Red Cross building to the county. It will be the new Tag office. The county already paid $10,000 and today they approved a $30,000 payment for Friday's closing.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tomorrow for its regularly scheduled gathering. Items on the agenda include a presentation to award the AAA Silver Award to the Coffeyville Police Department, and the swearing in of two CPD officers. Also on the agenda is an audit report for 2018.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. A full copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

The Verdigris River at Coffeyville is on the rise again. Between 1:00 and 11:00 yesterday morning, 2.32 inches of rain was recorded at the Water Treatment Plant. Significant rainfall has also occurred north of Coffeyville, and the National Weather Service issued a river flood warning for the Verdigris beginning today/Monday. At 1pm yesterday, the river level was 6 feet and rising. The National Weather Service indicates the river will rise to 18.3 feet today. This is an improvement as earlier today it was expected to rise to 21.5 feet. City crews will continue monitoring the levee which can hold up to 26.5 feet.

The Verdigris River in Independence will go through a dramatic rise. The river, which now stands at about 11 feet, will rise to 36.3' at the east river bridge gauge by midnight tonight. This will cause the following areas to flooded and will be closed due to high water: North Park Blvd, South Cement Street at CIty limits, South 2nd Street at CIty limits?, and South Pennsylvania Ave at City limits?, and South 10th Street at City limits. After the crest, the river will fall quickly to its normal level, barring any additional rainfall. Motorists are advised to not drive into high water or around barricades.

The city of Caney’s Fire Chief has resigned.  City Administrator Fred Gress says that Chief Robert Jones submitted his resignation last night.  Gress says that even though the Caney Fire Department is comprised of volunteers they are considered city employees therefore Jones’s resignation will still need to be accepted by the City Council.  The next Council meeting is not scheduled until the end of July so Gress says it’s possible a special meeting may be called before then.  Meanwhile, Gress says he’s heard that the fire department has called a meeting for tonight but that he has not been invited.

This week marked the 154^th Anniversary of Juneteenth in America, and OK Sen. James Lankford said it's important for the nation to remember it. Juneteenth refers to the date slavery was abolished in the southern states.

Sen. Lankford acknowledged the anniversary on the Senate Floor where he said the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln January 1^st of 1863, but that it took two years for multiple areas of the south to know about the liberation of the slaves.

Due to communication barriers, it took a year longer for the word to reach Oklahoma, on June 14^th, 1866. June 19^th is the date it was officially recognized, so it's that day every year we call "Juneteenth" or Emancipation Day.

Nowata, Osage and Washington counties have all been approved to get disaster assistance from FEMA. Once they get in touch with applicants, it is important to have the proper documentation including address, social security number, condition of damaged home, insurance information if available, phone number, and directions to the property.

It's also important to provide banking information to FEMA because disaster assistance funds can be sent directly to a bank account. After registering with FEMA, a registration number is provided. That number needs to be saved for reference when contacting FEMA.

To register for disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 or go online to disasterassistance.gov. 

An Osage County woman last seen leaving the Owasso Walmart has been found dead. After searching on land, in the water and by drone, kayakers found the body of Laura Pace whose car had been found near North 52^nd West Ave. by the Hominy Creek Bridge.

Pace's body was found three to four miles downstream from the bridge near a creek in Skiatook. Pace had worked at the Owasso Walmart for more than 20 years. The medical examiner's office is working to determine the cause of death.

The Neodesha Police Department were in a high speed chase with a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a 2008 Harley Davidson for traffic violations in the 300 block of Mill. The vehicle failed to stop for the officer and a pursuit began, leaving city limits into the southeast area of Wilson County driving at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle tried going through a ditch on 5700 rd south of 6200 road in Montgomery County, but the driver laid the motorcycle on its side.

The pursuing officer tased the suspect and took him into custody without injury. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Matthew Williams of Neodesha. Williams was found in possession of Methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest. He was taken to Wilson County jail and charged with flee and elude, reckless driving, no proof of insurance, no tag, basic speed, possession of Methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no motorcycle drivers license.

A “Wanted Fugitive” in Cherokee County: Harvey William Baker, 45, of Columbus is described as 5’10, 270 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Please contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 620-429-3992 with info as to his whereabouts.

You can also submit information by texting 888777. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says to type “tip cherokee” in the text message, along with the information you wish to provide.

You may also call 620-429-3992.

A lightning strike during recent weeks cost a Caney woman her home. Neighbors, on 5th Street, reported hearing a loud boom before the ensuing fire. North Star Metal Works Owner Shane Vernon listed a wooded swing for sale on social media.He wanted all proceeds to benefit Sallie Bausch, who lost everything. 

The swing was was scooped up within a couple of hours. 

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator Julie Daniels amended Title 74 which includes the duties and responsibilities of the Attorney General. Sen. Daniels said it's their opinion that when the AG sues on behalf of the people of Oklahoma and wins the lawsuit or settles out, that money must be paid back to the State, specifically put into the State Treasury so the legislative branch can fulfill its duties.

Sen. Daniels said the settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma regarding the opioid crisis was troubling because money was never received into the state treasury, seemingly because the attorney general believed it was not necessary because "they negotiated the settlement and the judge signed off on it".

Now the amended Title 74 states that if the attorney general settles, compromises, or disposes of any action in court on behalf of the people, those dollars must be spent in the State Treasury immediately.

 Don't think you won't get arrested for driving high. Kansas law enforcement and justice systems gear up to make more arrests for this DUI offense. A new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey reveals that nearly 70 percent of Americans think it’s unlikely a driver will get caught.

An estimated 14.8 million Americans report driving within one hour after using, and the most impairing effects of marijuana are within the first one to four hours. Studies indicate drivers high on marijuana are up to twice as likely to be involved in a crash.

Training programs such as Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC)

were developed around the country to more effectively recognize drug-impaired driving, and law enforcement is getting more sophisticated in their methods for identifying marijuana-impaired drivers .

The Relay for Life annual event is back. It's Friday, June 21st, and event leader, Conley Cornell, wants people to know the new location is the field behind Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville. Click to listen to Cornell on the airwaves.

 

And Windsor Place is providing transportation from all around town. Cornell said if you need a ride, look for the Windsor Place van, wave at them, and they'll pick you up, and even take you back to your vehicle. 

 

Doors open at 5:30. KGGF's John Leonard will be MC-ing until 11pm, with professional DJ Chase Brake of CG Entertainment taking over at 11. Cornell said you don't want to miss the auctions starting at 5:30. She said the two items you do NOT have to be there to win is the custom-made ring by Cantrell's Fine Jewelry valued over $2,300, and a hand-made, patriotic quilt. Go to the Relay's Facebook page here to see videos of all the auction items, very impressive!

They have a brand new team this year that has started across the nation called #Gold Together, and it's the only one set up for funds to go towards childhood cancer. Click to hear more from Cornell about the leaders of this team and how it got started.

Doors open at 5:30 when the silent auction starts. It kicks off with a parade at 6:00. A free dinner is served from 6-7 for survivor and guest before the survivor lap/walk begins. 

Lighting ceremony is at 9:30, food concessions by donation, the band Outlaw Soul, corn-hole games, kids activities, and more. Click to hear about them.

It's all-nighter ending at 6:00 in the morning!

Attention Leaders! Leadership Coffeyville makes its 2019 return as this course emphasizes in growing many leadership skills. Chamber Director Candi Wesbrook explained what to expect as it’s course designed to not only teach individuals a better understanding of their leadership skills but also how to apply them to everyday experiences.

Westbrook says you will also experience presentations and speakers from businesses around town, giving you a better knowledge of Coffeyville. They are taking registrations now, you can stop by the chamber at 807 S. Walnut or for more information you can call 620-251-2550.

At least two Kansas colleges won't be raising their tuition rates next year. Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University both announced yesterday that there would be no tuition cost increases for the 2019-2020 school year.

Wichita State modified their request to the Kansas Board of Regents to hold all tuition rates flat for the 19-20 school year. There are still 17 fees left unchanged in their proposal, including charges made by special programs and colleges, and laboratory fees. The 0.0% increase in tuition will be the lowest rate of change for WSU since 1989.

Pittsburg State also announced their full-time in-state tuition would remain at its current rate of $2,847 per semester. PSU President Steve Scott credited the state legislature's recent reinvestment into higher education with the decision to keep tuition costs at their current rate.

In addition, the University’s Gorilla Advantage program will grow in fall 2020 from its existing portions of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri to include every county in those states.

There'll be a good chance to help beautify Coffeyville later this month. The City of Coffeyville Park Advisory Board has officially scheduled a Park Clean-Up Day for next Saturday, June 29. Volunteers are requested to help with projects at North Park, Harmon Park and Walter Johnson Park. Those interested in helping out with the projects should meet in the City Hall north parking lot at 9 a.m, where individual projects will be assigned.

For those interested, the board is requesting all volunteers to bring tools, rakes, brooms and gloves.

According to the CDC drownings are the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4. Kstate Research and Extension's Kylie Ludwig says 3 children die everyday because of drowning.

Ludwig says it's important to teach kids how to swim and life jackets are also very important.  Swim lessons are taught in Coffeyville, Caney, Parsons and many other places in the area.

The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is in search of a few good women. Rodeo queens and princesses, that is. The 111st annual Inter-State Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville is accepting pageant applications for queen, princess, and little miss through July 15. Queen candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 26, Princess candidates must be from seven to 13, and Little Miss contestants must be ages 6 and under. The young ladies will compete in several categories including horsemanship, speech, modeling and interview. Royalty is crowned during the rodeo on August 15. Entry forms and more information can be found on the Fair and Rodeo’s website.

This year’s Fair and Rodeo takes place August 13-17 at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville.

Hopeful end to education lidigation! Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is hopeful  last week’s Kansas Supreme Court school-finance decision in Gannon v. State will hold up as he described the lengthy process. It took seven rounds of arguments at the Kansas Supreme Court and legislative responses to each prior decision, last week the Court unanimously ruled the Kansas school finance system complies with the requirements of the state constitution. Schmidt is relieved this litigation has ended and should not recur as long as the Legislature and governor fulfill their promises, though the court did hold the jurisdiction. Schmidt wants focus to be more on education policy then actual lidigation and at the end of the phase-in period, Kansas taxpayers will be spending – and public schools will be receiving – roughly $1 billion more each year than when this began.

With this lawsuit now behind us, Schmidt says it’s time for a thoughtful conversation about whether this process we have witnessed over the past decade is really how Kansans want school finance decisions to be made.

All Wheels Night and Cruisin Indy is this Friday. Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson says it gets started at 6:00 and there will be live music by Straightaway and food from the American Soda Fountain.

Wilson says on Saturday there will be a summer car wash from 1:00 to 5:30 in the parking lot of the Independence Autozone. She says proceeds will go towards funding summer camps for high schoolers.

Due to last night's storms, the City of Independence is warning those living in the city to be careful in avoiding flooded roads this morning. Currently, 10th Street near the ballfields has its southbound lanes closed due to high water. However, other roads may be flooded without signage. Turn around, don't drown!

United States Senator Jerry Moran introduced bipartisan legislation alongside another U.S. Senator, Chris Coons (D-Del.), intending to give investors involved with clean energy projects access to an old decades-old corporate structure with tax advantages.

Currently, the advantages provided by the structure are only extended to those investing in fossil-fuel based energy projects. The Financing Our Energy Future Act will seek to modify the federal tax code and "unleash" private capital by allowing energy-generation and renewable fuel companies to form master limited partnerships, which combine the funding advantages of corporations and the tax advantages of partnerships.

A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04) and Mike Thompson (CA-05).

A fireworks reminder from the Coffeyville Police Department as firework stands start to go up in the area. Fireworks in the city limits of Coffeyville can only be discharged and sold July 1^st through July 4^th from 8:00am until midnight. Bottle rockets of any sort are prohibited. There are also several locations that you cannot discharge any fireworks including public streets, alleys, parks and the business district. These ordinances are nothing new and have been in effect for years. Each year CPD gets questions from those who are caught violating these ordinances. Violations of this ordinance can result in a costly citation so please save your firework displays.

CPD thanks you for your cooperation in this matter.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has named a new Director of Communication. Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz named Jeanny Sharp the new director. In her new position, she will lead the communication team members at Headquarters in Topeka and at the District offices across the state. Previously she was Public Affairs/Communications Director for the Kansas Department of Corrections.

A native of Manhattan, Sharp has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and master’s in business administration from Ottawa University.

Tickets to this summer's Coffeyville Community College performance are in popular demand. Director of College Relation Yvonne Hull says all four originally planned showings for Disney's Frozen Jr. are sold out.

Hull says that doesn't mean you can't still grab a ticket. An additional matinee performance has been added for Saturday, July 27th. The show will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets will go fast, so it is advised to get yours quickly. Ticket can be found here.

It's National Pollinators Week, and one of the Neodehsa students has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon Beekeeper by the company Bayer.  The student is 12-year-old Tucker Leck, a top applicant for Bayer's Young Beekeeper Award for his excellence in beekeeping activities with his 4-H club, as well as for his beekeeping presentations to area kindergarten classes and after school programs.

Each member of the 2019 class will receive $1,000 and a plaque commemorating their new status as Blue Ribbon Beekeeper. Bayer, besides having a pharmaceutical division, is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture.  

In December, Bayer's Feed a Bee program reached its goal of awarding grants to support diverse forage for honey bees and other pollinators in all 50 states. Bayer's new round of grants has awarded more than $700,000 for pollinator-focused planting projects to organizations across the country.

(Photo courtesy of Bayer)

The pro-Medicaid expansion group, Oklahomans Decide Healthcare, seeking a public vote to expand Medicaid to low-income Oklahoma citizens, must first clear a legal challenge today in the state's Supreme Court against the conservative think tank, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

After hearing both sides, the Oklahoma Supreme Court will decide if the pro-expansion group can go after the 178,000 signatures they need to get the question on the 2020 ballot. Proponents of expansion point out eight hospitals in OK have declared bankruptcy with many closing their doors, and they say too many hard working citizens are not getting the life-saving care they need.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, after taking office earlier this year, said he wasn’t sure about expanding Medicaid in his state because he's concerned they may have to pay for it down the road, particularly if Washington D.C decides to end the program, and he said that would leave the state “holding the bag”. Although about 90% of the cost would be funded with federal dollars, critics say the state’s share of 10% would cost too much.

Parsons Community Development Corporation is having their annual meeting this Thursday the 20^th, and their focus is saving the Sullivan Building. Parson's Chamber of Commerce executive director, Jodeci Turner, says they are inviting new businesses into their downtown, and they are excited the Sullivan building is ready for new ownership. Click here to listen to Turner on the airwaves tell us about the opportunity.

Turner said reservations are required, and she encourages prospective business owners to drop into the Sullivan Building itself for the meeting anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 this Thursday the 20^th. Keep in mind the business session of the meeting starts at 5:15. Finger foods and beverages will be served.

RSVP by calling 620-421-7030. The Sullivan Building is at 707 Main St. in Downtown Parsons.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office recognized five employees with service awards this week. The awards are based on years of service with Montgomery County as of 2018.

Recognized for 10 years of service was Sheriff's Deputy Robert Foulk, DOC Lt. Eric Thiessen, and DOC Crystal House. Receiving a service award for 25 years of service was DOC Rona Kustanborter. and recognized for 30 years of service was interim Sheriff Richard George.

The Friends of the Mansion in Coffeyville is currently conducting a membership drive. As part of the drive, people are encouraged to renew their current membership or to become a new member. Family memberships are $35, or single memberships are available for $20.

Dues can be mailed to P.O. Box 843 in Coffeyville. Money from dues will currently go toward helping to repair the mansion's second chimney.

The organization will be conducting several activities in the next few months, including a general membership meeting on June 27th. The meeting will center on Coffeyville's Reawakening Project and activites regarding the preservation of the Midland Theatre.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center announces it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. CRMC underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey in December. During the review, a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

CRMC is the only hospital in the region to be accredited by The Joint Commission.

Coffeyville Police Officers discovered the front door window of Sunshine’s Store and Gas Station at 1308 W 8th St,. smashed in Friday night around 10pm. A business that has had its door closed for the last few weeks as Police Captain Danny Griggs states it may have been a planned break in. Through the officers investigation, they have not yet identified anything missing from the business, though a smashed lottery machine was found nearby, they aren’t unsure if it is related.

Griggs says they have contacted the owners who have boarded up the door and will assess if items are missing. We will keep you up to date as C.P.D continues their investigation.

Montgomery county commissioners met this morning at 9am for their regular weekly meeting in Independence. The highlight of the meeting was Trisha Purdon's update from Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). First she requested to add $5,000 to hire personnel for small business development, a positive sign as new businesses are moving into the area.

The BIG news is about the Amazon building. Click here to listen to Purdon on the airwaves. It has a new tenant, Walmart - on a short-term basis to see if they like the site. Walmart is considering expanding and possibly fill the Amazon facility completely. Walmart is leasing 60,000 square feet of the nearly 1 million square feet of the Amazon building located at Coffeyville Industrial Park. It will initially be a six-month lease to give Walmart time to know if the facility works for them long-term.

Purdon thinks said the job numbers are not yet known, but they are anticipating jobs to be minimal as Walmart uses the space for the first six months for what is likely dry goods. A detailed press statement is expected later this week. Amazon has a new owner since the building foreclosed end of February, and the price of the building is down to $9M.

Furthermore, Purdon was in Washington D.C last week showcasing our county to businesses at the Select USA conference where one deal was done. Another company is specifically looking at Montgomery County. Also, Coffeyville's Reawakening project has been selected as one of four innovative ways for rural downtown revitalization, and they hope to take it to Caney, Cherryvale and others.

Finally, Purdon said she is meeting with the Census Bureau this week to coordinate for year 2020, aiming to count refinery people again. Last time the refinery brought over 5,000 people into the census, and if again, the county can better meet demands such as housing.

They heard from Coffeyville Recreation Commission member Davis Rains about the tobacco free parks policy, county appraiser Dianna Carter addressed the commission about decision to combine properties with same owner. Carter said commercial properties have been appraised at a total of $7M more than last year. Two job openings for field appraiser are now open, as Mr. Long took a position with with Anderson County. 

Public Works Coordinator Jim Wright got unanimous approval for a culvert replacement at CR 4300 and also to purchase tires for $5,660 from their lowest bidder, Ashcraft Tire Company. Wright gave an update on the Tucker Corner project at CR 3900 and CR 3400, and met with commissioners privately in executive session about he acquisition of real property.

Class LTD's Scott Thompson presented their 2020 budget, requested at least the same $48,000 amount for 2020 as received this year for developmental disability services. Thompson said its difficult to cover costs, as Medicaid is the main source of funds, and then supplemented by the county. He credited legislators such as Jim Kelly for increasing funds 1.5%. Currently, 58 people are on the waiting list for services with 76 total served including 61 adults and 15 children.

Finally, commissioners presented 2018 Service Awards to ten county employees as follows: 

1. Kenneth Fecke, Community Corrections - 10 years
2. Crystal House, Dept of Corrections - 10 years
3. Eric Thiessen, Dept of Corrections - 10 years
4. Robert Foulk, Sheriff's Office - 10 years
5. Patricia Coffey, County Clerk office - 10 years
6. Duane Powell, Juvenile Services - 10 years
7. Rona Kustanborter, Dept of Corrections - 25 years
8. Scott Barnhart, Environmental Health & Zoning - 25 years
9. Charlotte Schmidt, County Clerk - 25 years
10. Richard George, Sheriff's Office - 30 years of service

Congratulations!

Thank you all for your service to our county.

In Cherokee County, multiple arrests occurred in rural Scammon for methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, paraphernalia, and child endangerment. The first search warrant was at 307 East Roseland Blvd where Barney Castagno, 59, was arrested at the scene and transported to Cherokee County Jail, held on $23,000.00 bond.

Also arrested was 50-year-old Paula Becker, held in lieu of $7,000.00 bond. A second search warrant was for 5895 Northwest 19^th St. where they arrested Domenic Castagno, 41, and 22-year-old Hannah Briley, both held on a $27,000 bond. Two juvenile children were taken into police protective custody.

The third search warrant was at 5789 Northwest 19^th St. where additional methamphetamine and paraphernalia was found, believed to be connected to the same suspects.

Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves said those arrested and anticipated future arrests have been suspected of being involved in illegal activity for quite some time, and he's proud of law enforcement for the work they did to get them off the streets.

New Plant Disease found in Kansas! The Kansas Department of Agriculture released a statement warning residents of a disease found in Rhododendrons sold at over 60 Walmart locations and a Home Depot in Pittsburg. Sudden Oak Death or Phytopthora Ramorum has been found as K-State Extensions Jacob Weber explains the potential threat. Weber says it is still an unknown to our area, but on the west coast this disease has caused widespread devastation to some Oak Trees. To be safe and avoid the same disease entering our area if you have purchase Rhododendrons from Walmart or the Home Depot to dispose of.

Having such a negative effect on the west coast, it's not worth the risk of seeing the diseases impact here. Weber says if you've purchase rhododendrons in 2019 to either burn them, bury them deep, or double bag and properly disposed.

More than $300,000 in financial assistance was awarded to over 300 victims of violent crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced last week. Awards were made by the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board in 141 new cases, while 196 previously submitted cases saw additional expenses paid. The total amount of awards equaled $305,259.36.

The Division of Crime Victims Compensation administers the Crime Victims Compensation program, which was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.

A new food truck is in Coffeyville. Have you tried Nanny's Soul Food yet? Owner, Jemil Martin, recently served fried chicken, baked beans, polish sausage, fish and good old fashioned side dishes.

Head over to Nanny's Soul Food Truck today. After all, June is actually National Soul Food Month! He's located behind Daylight Donuts in Coffeyville. Daylight Donuts is at 909 W. 11^th St, and you'll find Mr. Martin serving “soul food” behind the donut shop.

(Food in photo is not from Nanny's Soul Food.)

A Bartlesville man who allegedly kidnapped another man at knife-point appeared at the Washington County Courthouse on Friday. Gilbert Rusell Campus was arraigned on a felony count of kidnapping. Campus allegedly forced George Besseris into a vehicle while wielding a knife.

Besseris claims he was dropped off in Rogers, Arkansas. According to a release from the Bartlesville Police Department, Campus was the arrested in Idabel, Oklahoma.

An affidavit alleges that Campus arrived at an apartment on the 300 block of Chickashaw Avenue. The victim and two females were in the residence. Campus believed that one of the females had an intimate relationship with Besseris. He forced all three individuals into a back bedroom, and it is alleged he threatened to kill Besseris before forcing him into the vehicle.

Bond was set at $100,000. Campus is due back in court on June 21 for felony charges.

A Nowata man is now out of jail after getting arrested for locking two six-year-old boys in a dog kennel. Tulsa's ABC News Channel 8 reports Nowata police reports that City of Nowata Police Chief Mike McElhaney said the two boys were still in the kennel when he arrived, and the man told officers the boys were in there as a punishment.

The owner of Kid Kountry Day Care where the boys attend, has allowed the man to stay at her home because she believes he's innocent, but police said the man admitted to the alleged abuse, telling officers he told the boys they would be staying outside in the kennel all night.

Nowata police found out about the incident from the boys 11-year-old sister who was hiding in the bathroom when she called the police.

The man posted a $50,000 bond and faces charges of child abuse.

Don't miss the Father's Day Meat Sale at Nichol's Trading Post in Parsons and Hitching Post in Coffeyville. They've been busy stocking the shelves with new items daily and the freezers are full.

They brought in more produce from the auction, and for today only you can get zucchini, yellow squash, and cucumbers on sale for just 32-cents each or two for 60-cents. A case of 32 is $6.50 saving even more.

The Parsons store is at 3830 Main St. and the Coffeyville store is at 131 W. 8th St.

Con artists will go to any length for what to them is free money. KGGF’s Debra Woodall reports technology makes it easier. The Coffeyville Police Department has recently received complaints of thefts by deception made through different Coffeyville  businesses. Police indicate an email is sent to the employer from a false employee email account requesting changes to their direct deposit settings, defrauding the employee of their wages.

Investigators say there is a a way the boss can protect employees’ money.   CPD recommends businesses make sure any direct deposit changes be verified in person first, especially if the change request is made electronically.

The City of Caney will be getting it’s new swimming pool.  The City announced today that it has officially received word that they will receive a 1 million dollar grant from the state for construction of the new pool.  Additional funds needed to build the pool will come from the recent voter approval of a sales tax modification. 

The Montgomery County Commission will hear a report on the recently passed ordinance in Coffeyville prohibiting tobacco use in the city’s parks when they meet on Monday.  In other business commissioners will receive the 2020 budget for Class LTD and updates from Trisha Purdon on the Montgomery County Action Council and Public Works Coordinator Jim Wright.  They will also meet in executive session to discuss the job status of non-elected personnel.

Commissioners will meet in the lower level o/f the Judicial Center in Independence Monday morning at 9:00.  

The Farm Bureau Bill which is now officially Kansas law, is allowing current and future members health coverage as an alternative to Obamacare. Our local Farm Bureau agent in Coffeyville, Heath Higbie, tells us what to expect.

Agent Higbie said anyone in Kansas may become a member, and the cost for an entire household is only $50 (children under the age of 23 are included). It is actually not "insurance" but is like a cooperative, cost sharing program. It will not cover pre-existing conditions, but it WILL cover conditions that are NOT pre-existing.

KGGF will keep you posted as updates as the Kansas Farm Bureau is structuring the rates and details. Members will be able to apply for participation in the coverage as we get closer to November, coinciding with renewals for The Affordable Care Act.

January 1st of 2020 will be the effective date of coverage. If you'd like more information or to apply for membership, call your local Farm Bureau agent, such as Coffeyville's Heath Higbie whose number is 620-251-6597 or drop by 113 W. 7th St.

The VFW in Independence is hosting a Health and Services Fair for veterans and their families who are coming from all over the State of Kansas. The event started at 9:00 this morning (Friday, June 14) and ends 4:00 this afternoon, but it's going again tomorrow (Saturday, June 15) from 9:00 to 4:00 as well.

It's at Memorial Hall in Independence, and the VFW Quartermaster, Donnie Collier, said they expect about 1,000 veterans to show up. Click here to listen to Donnie on the airwaves tell us what is happening for vets today and tomorrow in Indy.

Grab yourself some donuts in the morning, anddon't miss lunch – They are BBQ-ing using their amazing Freedom Smoker barbecue pit (Donnie said, “You just gotta see this thing!").

If you have questions, call Donnie at 620-515-6222.

The Essential Stop in Coffeyville is having a Sidewalk Sale today with multiple vendors. A wide variety of merchandise is for sale featuring Tattered Threads Apparel for babies and children, Custom T-shirt’s is there, Vintage Glass, and Lularoe Leggings and Apparel.

Proceeds go to the St Paul’s Episcopal Ladies missionary fund. The Sidewalk Sale started at 7:00 this morning goes all day until 7:00 this evening, and again tomorrow, Saturday, from 7:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. The Essential Stop is located at 806 E. 8^th St. behind Aaron's Rent to Own.

The City of Independence yesterday posted a job application online for a code enforcement officer. Roles of the job include conducting inspections and investigations concerning violations of local and state laws, particularly those of the environmental variety. The officer will also determine the presence of health hazards and nuisance violations.

Potential job seekers can apply online, or in person at KansasWorks, 317 N. Penn in Independence. The application will remain on the city's website until the position is filled. You can find it and other listings, including an open position for a patrol officer, here.

It appears there has been a collision between a car and a motorcycle near 8th Street and Beech Street in Coffeyville.  The Coffeyville Police Department and Fire Department are on the scene.  CPD is encouraging people to avoid that area for the time being.

We will have more updates as we get them.

Don't miss the largest fireworks show in the area. Mark your calendars for July 13 for a completely free event all day long. The fireworks show starts about 9:45, getting close to 10:00 that night. It will be put on by Kirk and Segra Stephens and the Foggy Bottom Boys.

It will be a full day including a huge car show, poker run, 5k run, food and merchandise vendors, kiddie car show and cruise, water slide, a DJ during the day, Backroads Band and Retro Rockerz that evening, and fireworks to end the day. There will be lots of giveaways, cash and merchandise. Everything is free except for vendor sales.

This is one day you don't want to miss out on, so bring your lawn chairs and spend the day at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville on Saturday, July 13^th. Get updates on the Facebook page, Coffeyville Summer Celebration.

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) condemned Medicare for All in Washington today. At a U.S. House Ways and Means Committee hearing titled 'Pathways to Universal Health Coverage', Estes condemned it and similar proposals that would expand government-run health care and negatively impact rural critical access hospitals.

He said the health care industry has been thrown into chaos for about a decade with rising costs and no more choice for care. He said it should not be a one-size-fits-all, government-run health care system which would double taxes, hurt rural hospitals, destroy the Hyde Amendment and eliminate private and employer group health plans for 158 million Americans.

Estes believes a free market system that has more affordable options is what is needed – to allow individuals to choose the plan that works best for them.

The video of Estes on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives can be seen by clicking HERE.

Footage of Estes' exchange with Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner about the impact slashing this reimbursement rate would have on critical access hospitals, click HERE.

Get ready for this year's Kidsfest at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville - the last weekend in June. Now going for about 30 years, it has quickly grown into a tradition for families. Kids of all ages can enjoy inflatable toys, games, crafts, pony rides, train rides, and traveling magicians. A number of craft booths will be on the grounds as well.

Doors open Friday the 29^th at 10:00 in the morning and it goes through Saturday the 30^th with doors closing at 5:00pm. There is NO “extra” cost for these tickets. Train rides and food will cost extra, but not the tickets. The regular adult admission is $12, Seniors $10, and it's FREE for Children 11 and under and Members of Woolaroc.

City of Coffeyville has announced a Haz-Mat Training Exercise scheduled for Wednesday, June 19^th beginning at 7pm, at the intersection of 8th & Patterson. Traffic will be closed on Patterson from 4th to 9th St. beginning at 6pm until about 11pm Wednesday night.

Multiple emergency response units will participate in the simulated accident including the Coffeyville Fire and Police Departments, EMS and CVR. An emergency operations center will be set up at the Emergency Services Building during this training exercise.

Bags and bags of cans have already been dropped of at the Coffeyville Friends of Animals recycling bin. CFA's Becky Barnhardt says they set a goal to fill it by the end of the week and it was already filled yesterday.

Barnhardt says the new challenge is to see if it can be filled again by the end of the week. The bin is setup in Coffeyville Feed and Farm's parking lot on 8^th Street.

One might say it’s the cowboy way. Coffeyville Community College cowboy, Chance Merrill, has moved up to 2nd Place in the nation after an 80 point ride. With 231  points on three rides, Merrill has qualified fo the Championship Round on Saturday night at the College National Finals Rodeo, continuing in Casper. 

Chance is a bareback bronc competitor. The rodeo team is coached by Johnny Weil.  

Smoking in public parks? The City of Coffeyville commission approved on Tuesday a voluntary compliance with the public to stop smoking in public places or parks where posted. City Manager Mark Hall explains they had their eyes opened by a great presentation from the Boy’s N Girls Resist Club. With nearly 80% of Kansas that DON’T smoke, there is still an alarming statistics to the effects of 2nd hand smoke. Signs will be posted in public parks throughout the town hoping to discourage people from smoking near.

With voluntary compliance there is no fee, fines or charges assessed but they are asking if you could, to avoid smoking in those areas. Hall is optimistic the public will comply and hopes this will help in the efforts to cut back 2nd hand smoke intake.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in 3D mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.

CRMC is the only hospital in the region to be accredited by The Joint Commission which is the most respected and recognized accreditation body in healthcare.

Kansas leaders are serious about stopping vaping in public schools as usage soars. With a unanimous vote yesterday, the Kansas State Board of Education, launch an anti-vaping campaign for what they say is a public health epidemic.

Local school boards are looking at amending student codes of conduct and district disciplinary policies to outline penalties for students caught vaping. The state board also agreed to formalize and expand an emergency task force to decrease the demand for the sweet-flavored alternative to smoking.

Kansas State Department of Education commissioner Randy Watson said the fact that about half of students in Kansas high schools are involved in vaping justifies an aggressive statewide response.

Kroger grocery stores in Kansas will be selling CBD products. The company announced yesterday they will be selling CBD topical products, including lotions, creams, balms, and oils infused with hemp-derived cannabidiol, to be in 945 Kroger stores across 17 states, including Kansas and nearby Arkansas and Missouri.

Dillons Corporate Affairs' Sheila Lowrie said the products are expected to hit Wichita area Dillons stores next week. Lowrie explained that CBD is a naturally-occurring and non-intoxicating compound with promising benefits permitted within federal and state regulations, and their suppliers have been reviewed for quality and safety. Because the FDA does not allow stores to add CBD to food or sell it as a dietary supplement, product sales are limited to beauty and skin-care.

They will be sold in select larger and medium-sized stores, even includes Pickup orders, and they'll also be sold through Vitacost.com and Ship.Kroger.com. All 17 states include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Work is underway on the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project around Coffeyville's Community Elementary School.  The City was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation Alternatives Program to design and construct the first phase of the project.  

Initially, the main walks will be constructed as well as connecting to the current sidewalk system east of Buckeye. Future sidewalk projects will branch off the main walks. All newly constructed sidewalks will be ADA compliant with ramps at the street and non-grade drives.  

RFB Construction is the contractor.

The Coffeyville Friends of Animals were gifted with an aluminum can recycle bin built by anonymous donor who hauled it from Wichita. For your convenience, it's located at the Coffeyville Feed Store on 8^th St.

The animal shelter asks everyone to collect your aluminum cans and throw them into this bin to “help the lost and unwanted furbabies without spending extra money”. They are asking everyone to please BAG your cans before dropping them into the bin.

Get up close an personal with singer-songwriters this Saturday evening at the newly formed Meadowlark Lounge in Independence for their very first event with singer-songwriters, including Martin Metzger of Independence originally from Nashville and Daytona Beach, Cody Johnson of Cherryvale, Stacie LuPardus and Chris Mitchell both of Independence.

Director Mike Flood said the event will be similar to the way it's done at the world renowned "Bluebird Cafe" in Nashville. A country dinner is served at 6:00pm. and the show starts at 7:00pm. This concert benefits the Independence Historical Museum & Art Center which still has tickets available for $25, but they told us this morning they are going fast. Drop by the museum for your tickets at 123 N. 8^th St. or call the museum at 620-331-3515.

Sponsors include Independence Pharmacy, Mr. Reid's Workshop, 4 Leaf Entertainment, Midwest Real Estate, Ane Mae's Coffee & Sandwich House, Down Home Family Restaurant and the Independence Chamber of Commerce.

Also, they are looking for songwriters interested in future events such as the next potentially on August 17^th . Songwriters may call Mike Flood at 620-330-0675.

He’s chalking up points. Coffeyville Community College cowboy, Chance Merrill, sits 4th in the nation after two rounds.  As of this morning, Merrill is four points out of 1st Place. He’s riding broncs in the the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming.

The competition continues though June 15th. The rodeo team is coached by Johnny Weil.  

The Independence City Commission will meet again on Thursday for its regularly scheduled meeting. This week's agenda includes a couple of presentations from Montgomery County Emergency Preparedness Director Rick Whitson and TranSystems of the Whiskey Creek Hydrology Study.

Following approval of the common consent agenda, the commission will initiate discussion on six items, including a decision to award electrical work to repair the Wald Lift Station.

In addition, there will be a discussion on placing a question on the November 2019 ballot regarding whether to expand the commision from three to five, and whether they should be at-large or through districts.

A copy of the agenda can be found here. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Veterans Room at Memorial Hall.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the Tower Mental Health Foundation yesterday announced their intention to accept grant applications for projects and activites that support mental health services in the state of Kansas.

Individual grants will vary, but the total amount given by the state will equal $65,000. Applications are due by August 2, 2019 and can be found here. This year's focus criteria for the grants was chosen to be programs and projects that actively promote mental health services for youth aged 0-24 years old. The foundation is looking for projects that involve broad community engagement, and can be reproduced throughout the rest of the state.

The Tower Mental Health Foundation of Kansas was created as a result of an agreement between the attorney general’s office and the Menninger Foundation in 2007. It offers support to organizations that provide mental health services in Kansas.

The William Inge Theater Festival has named their honoree for 2020. Lynn Nottage, a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is the Playwright Honoree of the 39^th William Inge Theater Festival. The Festival takes place May 20-23, 2020, at the William Inge Center for the Arts in Independence. Nottage will accept the Distinguished Achievement in the American Theater Award and join the roster of acclaimed writers who have attended the Festival including Arthur Miller, August Wilson, Wendy Wasserstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Paula Vogel. Nottage, a screenwriter as well as playwright, is the first woman in history to win two Pulitzers for Drama.

The Inge Festival is the Official Theater Festival of Kansas, as designated by the state legislature.

The Coffeyville Area Community Foundation awarded a $1300 grant to Coffeyville Community College theater director Ryan Mahannah yesterday afternoon. The money will go toward costs of the department's latest production, Disney's Frozen Jr., and will be used to purchase rights to the script and the rights to record the production among other things.

CCC will hold its production of Frozen Jr. next month, running from July 25 to the 28th.

Four People were arrested following a weekend raid in Caney.  Police executed a search warrant Sunday at a residence at 107 N. Ridgeway in Caney.  Police Chief, Ron Wade says 40 year old Preston Bellmyer, 35 year old Ernest Eugene Huffered and 38 year old Brandy Michelle Mulkey were taken onto custody and face charges of Possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Wade said a fourth person, 25 year old Samul J. Watt was arrested at the residence on a separate case and is charged with felony burglary and possession of stolen property.

All four were transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections.  The Chief said this is an on-going investigation indicating further charges and arrests are pending upon completion of the investigation.

The Kansas Leadership Center will be at the Yoke Bar & Grill in Coffeyville tomorrow the 12^th during its 2^nd annual state tour. They are hosting a free, one-hour event to present a new approach to leadership that can be practiced anywhere.

Attendees will receive lunch, and the first 25 attendees will receive a free copy of their latest book on civic leadership, “What's Right With Kansas”. If you'd like to attend, RSVP by registering online HERE.

Click here to for other area events such as in Parson, McPherson, Wichita, and more.

For more information, contact Carrie Lindeman, 316-393-1076 or carrie@lindemancollective.com. 

The Long John Silvers fast food restaurant in Coffeyville is now closed, according to the city's Heartland Review Podcast. Yesterday, Sunday, was their last opening day. It is not yet clear why the local franchise closed their business, but the buzz on Facebook indicates residents are concerned to be losing another business, especially another restaurant when many already travel out of city limits because of the few choices for dining out in Coffeyville.

On the bright side, the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce reports that Coffeyville is growing. "While we were sad to hear about Hibbitts and Long John Silvers, thee is much to celebrate! Multiple businesses are looking to relocate to the downtown area... Several new businesses in Coffeyville, including Nichols Hitching Post adn Good Guys Auto Sales... The Chamber had 18 new members join recently and more joining every day... The City is working on road and other infrastructure improvements to make our city safe..."

Many positive changes happening in Coffeyville during the 150th anniversary of Coffevyille and Coffeyville's Reawakening. The Chamber points out that a very wise person once said, 'Be a part of the change you want to see in the world!'

Lawmakers in Oklahoma and Arkansas are mourning the loss of two former state senators who were found dead in their homes within a span of two days.

CNN reports that in Arkansas, this week's fatal shooting of former Republican state Sen. Linda Collins-Smith is being investigated as a homicide, according to authorities.

In Oklahoma, former state Sen. Jonathan Nichols was found dead from a gunshot in his home in Norman, about 20 miles from Oklahoma City.

Authorities have not provided additional details on the apparently unrelated deaths. Investigations are under way in both states.

Montgomery County Commissioners met this morning for their regular weekly meeting. Public Works Coordinator, Jim Wright, reported on the status of the City of Independence having well above the minimum of $134,080 for receiving disaster relief assistance. County Emergency Management Director, Rick Whitson, reported that the county also is over the threshold by about $2M at about $6.7M.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management conducted Preliminary Damage Assessments in about 43 counties of the 63 total declared counties. FEMA has validated 24 of them. According to a report from state emergency, the goal is to assess enough damage to get each of the 63 counties to meet their threshold, and they anticipate that it will be a state-led disaster meaning the state will complete all projects with possible occasional assistance from FEMA.

Stay tuned to the Mighty 690 AM for updates as the county receives more information.

The bond issue for Coffevyille Public Schools has been something that has been ongoing for several months now. After the previous one didn't pass Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll says they've made some changes and the USD 445 school board has approved the new bond.

Correll says they have listened to the community and they have reduced the number of years, they've created two different options for the bond and it will be apart of the November ballot and not have it's own special election.

The KU Center for Public Partnerships & Research will be holding a Community Engagment Session to ask for family needs and wants in regards to the state's early care and education system. The session will be held July 1st at the Windsor Event Center at 102 W. 8th Street in Coffeyville.

Attendents are encouraged to bring their children and will be asked to share their thoughts on several questions, including what areas they have found to be challenging and what areas might need more support and/or attention.

The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and will run for about an hour. The session in Coffeyville is just one of several being held across the state to help gather information about the happenings in communities around the state.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. for its regularly scheduled meeting.

Items on the agenda include several public hearings, including a presentation on tobacco free parks by Marci Roberts and members of the Boys & Girls Resist group. That presentation will be immediately followed by a vote to determine whether the city will adopt the tobacco-free parks policy.

Several other items are included in Tuesday's agenda, which can be found in full here.

A Coffyville man is dead and another Coffeyville man in custody following a suspected homicide over the weekend.  Police responded to 905 W. 9th Street at about 7:00 Saturday evening for a battery call.  Upon arrival, officers found 71-year-old Steven L. Lucas of Coffeyville unconscious.  Lucas was transported by EMS to CRMC where he died of his injuries.

47 year old Ralph Hayward of Coffeyville has been identified as a person of interest and is currently being held in the Coffeyville jail without bond.  No suspects are believed to be at large.

CPD is also looking to identify the occupants of the black SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Equinox as they may have additional information. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call CPD at 620-252-6160.  Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information to the Crime Tip Hotline at 620-252-6133.

Historic pictures of Coffeyville wanted. Coffeyville Reawakening leaders, Denise York and Peggy Steele, are working on a collage featuring the history of the community and are seeking old pictures.

Drop them by the Coffeyville's Reawakening office downtown at 115 W. 9th Street. Original pictures will be returned. For more information, call 620-252-5861.

(Photo courtesy of City of Coffeyville)

A formal complaint was filed with the Kansas Attorney General's Office in reaction to Senate President Susan Wagle's actions last Wednesday (May 29) when a group of protesters disrupted a Senate meeting about Medicaid Expansion legislation.

According to the complaint, nine protesters were arrested, but the news media were also removed, clearing the Senate gallery and removing the news media because they said reporters were providing publicity or an audience for the protesters. President of the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government, Ron Keefover, tells us what happened.
 

The complaint against Wagle was filed on behalf of the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government, the Kansas Press Association, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and the Kansas Institute for Government Transparency for being in violation of the State of Kansas Constitution, the Senate's own rules, and the Kansas Open Meetings Act (or KOMA) which declares it public policy “that meetings for the conduct of governmental affairs and the transaction of governmental business be open to the public.” (click to read more about KOMA).

In a continued effort to address the recovery needs of the citizens, Nowata County is offering a community assistance resource center open today (Friday, June 7) and tomorrow/Saturday at the Nowata County Fair Building. The veteran’s administration and other community resources will be there. Emergency Director Laurie Summers says the county has shovels, rakes, and cleanup kits for citizens, and the Red Cross could have resources to share as well.

It's open today from 9am to 1pm, and tomorrow/Sat from 9am to 3pm. Residents affected by the storms are encouraged to fill out a damage survey which makes it possible for Nowata County to document damage and potentially receive state and federal aid. For the survey, click on this link.

The Independence Police Department responded to three incidents yesterday. The Montgomery County Chronicle reported a standoff Thursday evening on West Myrtle, immediately east of the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Police Chief Jerry Harrison said last night his office will release a press statement this morning.

Another armed standoff occurred earlier yesterday morning about 6am that resulted in one arrest at the 200 block of East Main to investigate a death. Chief Harrison said the death is not believed to be a criminal matter, not related to any police activity, and not related to a third incident that occurred even earlier Thursday morning when police were called to the 300 block of South Wald for a report of a disturbance which an officer witnessed as a woman struggling with a man armed with a rife.

The officer ordered the woman out of the house, took cover, and called for back-up. The man barricaded himself inside the home while Independence police attempted to make contact with him as well as neighbors to inform them to evacuate or take shelter. Coffeyville police assisted with an armored vehicle and communications equipment, and Montgomery County Sheriff's Department arrived to assist with securing the scene.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation's tactical team and local fire and EMS were on the scene due to risk of injury for everyone involved. After four hours of attempted negotiations with the man and preparations to take him into custody, he finally surrendered. Rob Schwinger, age 52, of Independence was arrested for interfering with a a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault. Schwinger was transported to the Labette Health Emergency Room by police and then to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections.

Stay tuned to KGGF for updates.

Wouldn’t it be nice to show potential businesses an inch by inch 3D map of purposed properties in the county? Well next week Montgomery County Action Council’s Trisha Purdon will be showing this technology off as well as our counties potential business sites at the Select USA International Trade conference in Washington D.C. Purdon says thanks to technology and a program graciously given by George Eisley, they will be able to show potential businesses a full 3D map of the proposed property. Seeing dimensions, details and other information all from an Ipad in Washington DC. Purdon says this program will allow them to show site selectors or other businesses, by an Ipad, potential properties without the expense of travel from China or other Countries. Giving us a step up from other regions of our Country who do not have the technology.

She says they will be meeting with several potential international businesses for our county and will have the ability to show them every square inch of the properties, all the way from Washington D.C.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Chanute Police Department, and Allen County Sheriff’s Office made several arrests Thursday following a two month long investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs.  Arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Later,  arrest warrants were executed as a part of “Operation Street Sweeper” around the county. The subjects were later booked into the Neosho County and Allen County Jails for drug-related crimes including the suspected distribution of methamphetamine, and the possession of controlled substances.

Criminal complaints have been filed against the 16 suspects in Neosho County District Court, and will be prosecuted by Linus A. Thuston, Neosho County Attorney.

A former Coffeyville woman was killed in Tulsa this week. Starrinda Burgess Martin was shot by her husband, Roger Martin, in the parking lot of Omega Laundry near 31^st and Mingo Street. Sgt. Brandon Watkins of the Tulsa Police Department reported the two were arguing in the laundromat parking lot when her husband pulled out a gun and shot Star multiple times.

He then loaded her in his SUV and dropped her at a local hospital where they pronounced her dead. About an hour after the incident, police later found and arrested Mr. Martin at a relative's home in east Tulsa. According to police, the shooting occurred in front of their children who were later found safe at home.

Private wells submerged in Oklahoma floodwaters are eligible for free testing of bacteria by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The counties of Nowata, Osage and Washington are included due to the flooding experienced since May 20^th.

All 77 counties in Oklahoma are being offered this free testing, so if you have a private water well that's been submerged in floodwater, DEQ recommends not drinking the water until your well is disinfected and wait until an analysis of your well water shows it's safe to drink.

For help, call DEQ at 800.522.0206 or the local number is 918-333-2734.

Independence has a train trestle project underway and is closing North Penn Avenue (or Highway 75) from Sycamore to Pecan starting 2:00pm tomorrow/Friday, June 7^th , and it will be closed until next Wednesday the 12^th.

The youth group, R-Turn, whose mission includes rejuvenating Independence, is enhancing the trestle with new paint and signage.

(Photo courtesy of City of Independence)

The Kansas Deparment of Transportation today announced the approved bid for a bridge replacement over Hafer Run. The new bridge will be on 2100 Road, 3 miles east and 0.9 miles north of Caney. The bridge itself will span 0.2 miles, and the approved bid was submitted by B&B Bridge Company out of St. Paul, Kansas. The company bid $381,674.50 for the job.

The W.S.U. College of Applied Studies invites you to join in celebrating Frank Lloyd Wright Day tomorrow, June 7, at the Corbin Education Center on the Wichita State campus. The College of Applied Studies' administrative offices are housed in Corbin,  and designed by the famed American architect. Corbin Education Center was completed in 1964, and many of the original furnishings from Wright's design studio are still in use in classrooms and offices.

Tours of the building and light refreshments will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

With the filing deadline behind us, several have registered to run for office in Chautauqua County. The election will be held November 5, 2019, but before that date, there will be one primary held.  A primary to decide the two candidates for Member At Large-Position 7 for the USD 286 School Board will be held August 6.

Those running in the primaries include:

USD 286 School Board, Member At-Large

Jayson Stettler

Jason Prince

Jonathan Cude

Bryan Blankinship

Other candidate filings for the November elections include:

Cedar Vale, City Council

Harold H. Donaldson Jr. 

Joseph Fox        

Ryan Hollins

David Ferguson

Cedar Vale, Mayor 

Stephen Dale

Oscar Mattocks

USD 285 School Board 
at Large

Heather Jones

Cassie A. Crocker

Katy Rock

James Rainbolt

USD 285 School Board
2 year unexpired term 

Joel Haden

Peru, City Council

Bill Sweaney

Paul W. Marshall 

Joleen Edens

Heath Joslin

Adam G. Joslin

Jack Myers

Francis (Mack) McKinney

Peru, Mayor

Greg Joslin

Jessica Wells

Carol S. Ramsey

Sedan, City Council 

Barbara Gould

Wellington Butler

Jason Prince

Bryan Blankinship

Elizabeth Irene Nitcher

D. Brett Dickens
 

Sedan, Mayor

Jack Warren

USD 286 School Board 

District 1, Position 1

P.J. Buck     

Lauren Goode

Jason Bell        

District 2, Position 2

WITHDRAWN Jill Adcock Gray      

David Warren

Kathy Chamberland

District 3, Position 3

Denise Signer  

Clinton Williams

Gale Newton

Rolling Prairie, Extension Board

Crystal Wade

Sonny Williams

Jessica Rainbolt

For one day, fans of the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo can buy their fun pass at a low, low rate. From 12:01 am to 11:59 pm tomorrow, Fun Passes for the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville can be purchased online for $25. Fun Passes are good for admittance to each night of the five nights of grandstand entertainment at the 111^th annual event, which will be August 13-17. On June 8, the Fun Pass ticket price goes to $35, and on August 1, the price goes up to $45.

Fun passes are available online at fairandrodeo.com and through Junior Advisory Board members.

Fun on the Prairie! Chamber Director Lisa Wilson says coming up this Saturday is the 2019 Prairie Days Festival, a fun event for the whole family with a special guest in store. Jason Wilder, the grand nephew of Amonzo Wilder will be in attendance emceeing the kids costume party and giving a few presentations. Wilson says there will also be games, food and vendors as well as the kids costume party. It’s only 3 bucks a ticket plus free parking and gets kicked off at 10AM Saturday Morning.

The event is located in Independence at 2507 CR 3000.

It will be a crowded field for the Parsons City Commission race in November.  With the filing deadline now past 10 people have filed for three open commission seats.  On the ballot for the November election will be incumbent Kevin Cruse along with Verlyn Bolinger, Leland Crooks, Jonna Gabbert, Sontana  “Tana” Johnson, Braden D. Lett, Brady Magner, Ryan Robertson, Jeffrey Wayne Stammer and Eric Patrick Strait.

Four candidates filed for Chetopa Mayor including Charles Archer, Gary W. Bryant, Tammy L. Bushong and Robert Kirkwood.  Six people have filed for three open positions on the Chetopa City Council.  They are incumbents Geraldine Castle, Juanita Kepner and Linda Seaman along with Virginia Davis, Sandra R. Fleming and Sherrill McConnell.

Other contested races in Labette County are the Mound Valley City Council where five people filed for three open seats.  They are:  Michael Baima, Steve L. Cleaveland, Jay Etter, Linda Killman and incumbents Jennifer Palmer and Alex Ybarra.

Five filed for four open seats on the USD503 School Board:  Beatrice Fontelroy, Michael Kastlre, Louis R. Martino, David Ray and Joan Thompson.

For three positions on the Labette Community College Board of Trustees there were six filings including incumbents Mike Howerter, Montie Taylor and David Winchell along with Beatrice Fontelroy, Tish Karhoff and Laurie Lewis.

This weekend is the 4^th annual KGGF Auction. Organizer Tina Romine says there are several great items that will be up for bid including anything from a recliner, to gift cards and Branson tickets.

Romine says the auction will start earlier this year then the last three. It will be at the Coffevyille Recreation Commission doors will open at 8:00 and the auction will start at 9:00 and go until all the items are all sold.

The son of a Dearing couple and grandson of an Independence couple has graduated basic military training. 

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James D. Gaskill graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Gaskill is the son of Cheryl and Joey Robbins of Dearing and the grandson of Robert and Dorothy Moreau of Independence.

Kansas Senator Dan Goddard spoke at Coffeyville's 150^th birthday celebration last weekend. He spoke about the strength of Coffeyville.
 

Sen. Goddard also spoke with KGGF about the successful override of Gov. Kelly's veto of a $51 million-dollar payment to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System or KPERS which funds county and city employee pensions.

Goddard said KPERS is currently funded at about 70%, and over the next 10-15 years, it will continue to be funded, aiming for over 80% funded.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act yesterday with a vote of 237 yes to 187 no. In addition to providing protections and a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, provide permanet protection and a path to citizenship to Dreamers and people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), H.R.6 also seeks to repeal a restriction that prevents states from providing higher education benefits to undocumented immigrants unless those benefits are available to all U.S. citizens.

Oklahoma's federal representative Kevin Hern was unable to vote because he joined Vice President Pence in his state to tour the flood damage, but said he would have voted “no” on HR-6 because he believes it's dangerous to grant amnesty to millions living in America illegally, including criminals, and it puts more lives in danger at the border. Supporters of the legislation point out that most “dreamers” eligible for protection arrived in the United States at about the age of 8, have grown up and built their lives here.

Proponents also point out that under HR-6, illegals would be eligible for conditional permanent residence if they entered the US before age 18 and have resided in the country continuously for at least four years prior to the bill's enactment, but it also requires that illegals have no criminal convictions, immigration violations, are not national security threats, and have not persecuted anyone based on race, religion, or other factors.

Nine democrats defected because of the costs – According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, it would add more than $30 billion to the deficit. The American Dream and Promise Act passed the House, but it's expected to face more challenge in the Republican-controlled Senate.

The Coffeyville Public Library will hold its Summer Reading Kickoff event tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. Potential participants of all ages are welcome to visit and set reading goals for the upcoming summer. Tomorrow's event will consist of not only setting goals, but also snacks, prizes, and other activities. For a full list of events that make up this year's program, you can visit their Facebook page or visit their website.

For the eighth year in a row, Coffeyville Municipal Light & Power has received first place in the Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma (MESO) annual electric operations and reliability competition. In 2018, CMLP had an average system availability index of 99.9989 percent. CMLP won the award in the category for cities over 10,000 population and achieved the highest reliability among MESO's four-state coverage area.

CMLP also recorded a perfect safety record in 2018, with no reportable incidents that resulted in lost or reduced duty time in over 74,500 work hours.

In 2018, there were 82 reported outages, 14 of which were due to birds. Trees accounted for 12 outages, and the weather caused 11 more. Other reasons made up the majority of the outages reported.

Update from the Corps of Engineers this morning. Conditions in the Osage and Missouri River Basins continue to present challenges for releasing water from three Kansas reservoirs and three Missouri reservoirs, in the Osage River Basin, which are holding high water levels behind their dams: the Pomona, Melvern, and Hillsdale lakes in Kansas, and the Stockton, Pomme de Terre and Truman lakes in Missouri.

Project technicians increased releases at Truman Lake Monday to 40,000 cubic feet per second - up from 30,000. Truman Lake is in surcharge operations meaning it has filled beyond the flood control pool and needs to release as much as inflows bring into the lake. As stages are forecast to decrease along the lower Missouri River beginning Friday, releases then may be increased to 60,000 to 70,000 cfs to allow the reservoir to reacquire space in the flood pool.

Releases from Pomona, Melvern, and Hillsdale lakes are at minimum flow, meaning less than 50 cfs. Stockton Lake had work on one tainter gate which was repaired today. Releases will be reduced from 6,750 cfs to minimal level. Currently, more than minimum releases are not scheduled from Pomme de Terre Lake.

Stay tuned to KGGF for updates.

Kids throughout the county can get an opportunity to see what emergency responders can do later this month. The 2019 Montgomery County Public Safety Kid's Camp will be held June 26 at Riverside Park in Independence. The camp, offered by Labette Health Independence and others, is being offered to kids 5 through 9 years old and will run from about 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 that afternoon. Campers should wear comfortable clothing, and should also bring a swimsuit and towel.

Those interested can register at Labette Health's website under the "Resources" tab, but space is limited.

Boys and girls aged 11 to 13 interested in babysitting training can still register for the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center's "Safesitting" class this Saturday, June 8th. The summer session will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room of the CRMC.

The Safesitter program is designed to be a hands-on experience that educates particpants on basic information about babysitting and the problems that might arise while watching a child in another person's home. A large segment of the program will focus on infant and child CPR as well as choking rescue. Particpants will also receive tips and training regarding sitter safety.

Those interested should register by tomorrow, June 6th. The cost of registration is $35 and is due at time of entry. Participants are also advised to bring a sack lunch as the class will go into the lunch hour. To register, call 620-252-2201 or email Ashley Tatman.

The man involed in the Bartlesville Police shooting has been identified.  Captain Jay Hastings says 35-year-old Oologah resident Thomas Goodeyes Gay died Saturday at approximately 8:00 pm after being shot by Bartlesville Police.  Hastings says the two officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and State Medical examiner’s Office are working on the investigation.

The Caney Saddle Club Caney to Pawhuska Trail Ride, which was scheduled for this weekend, has been canceled due to area flooding. Secretary Carol Artherton says this is for the safety of the riders and their horses.

Reservations will be refunded.

Another 150^th birthday was this week, just after coming out of Coffeyville's 150^th birthday celebration last Saturday, Montgomery County turned 150 yesterday. The Montgomery County Chronicle reports the county was born June 3^rd of 1869 when Gov. James Harvey signed the proclamation declaring the county as an official Kansas county. The story will be in this week's issue of the newspaper.

U.S. Representative for Oklahoma Kevin Hern praises the passage of a disaster aid package that comes with the passage of the Senate Amendment to House Resolution 2157. It's the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2019 which allocates $19.1 billion in assistance for several natural disasters that occurred in the 2017 to 2019 Fiscal Years.

After seeing firsthand the destruction that the storms and floods brought to Northeast Oklahoma, Rep. Hern called the two weeks of tornadoes and flooding “brutal” and acknowledged the “desperate need” of federal help. He said the disaster package will help those in our country and his district who have experienced the worst and need the relief this funding provides.

The Nowata County Commissioners discussed several flood related matters yesterday. With flooding no longer an immediate threat, the process of funding recovery is at the forefront. Commissioners looked at a notice of intent for grant funding to cover costs of setting up a hazard mitigation plan, but Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers says she needs funding from the state to set up the plan, but it's a process, so the board initiated a $100,000 transfer of funds from the county's CBRI account in order to start working on damaged roads, and they hope it will be reimbursed by FEMA. Commissioner Burke LaRue says it will not cover all the damage.
 

Julie Lamb with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service said including Nowata County in the Emergency Watershed Program could provide funding for infrastructure projects like fixing roads and bridges, and the county would be responsible for only 25% of the costs.

Photo courtesy of Max Gross, Bartlesville Radio

The Montgomery County Action Council's Annual Meeting and BBQ is this Thursday, June 6^th. Due to all the natural disasters, Kansas Secretary of Commerce, David Toland, is unavailable, so in his place as Keynote Speaker is Andrew Nave, the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Wichita Partnership, and he also serves as the current President for the Kansas Economic Development Alliance.

MCAC's annual meeting and barbecue begins at 5:30pm this Thursday at the Coffeyville Country Club, 1322 N. Inglewood. For more information, contact Trisha Purdon at 620-331-3830.

A member of Coffeyville's Future Farmers of America was recognized as the State Star in Ag Placement. Emily Swiger, daughter of Brian and Carol Swiger, received one of the association’s top honors during the 91^st Kansas FFA Convention last week held on the Kansas State University campus.

Swiger's placement was in Agribusiness, and at the same time she placed second overall in the Public Speaking Contest.

The Star competitions are sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank and Trust and Kansas Farm Bureau.

Corps of Engineers gave an update Monday on the Kansas River Basin Reservoir operations. They state that conditions continue to present challenges for releasing water from the four Kansas reservoirs which are holding high water levels behind their dams including: Milford Lake, Tuttle Creek Lake, Perry Lake, and Clinton Lake. Project technicians planned to begin releases yesterday with 4,000 cubic feet per second.

Releases from Milford Lake take about six days to reach the Missouri River. By the time the releases from Milford reach the Missouri River, river forecasts indicate flows should have declined more than 30% from today and stages should be four feet lower. Releases from Tuttle Creek Lake currently are at 30,000 cubic feet per second and expect to hold steady depending on whether inflows from rain events cause releases to be increased. Releases from Perry Lake remain steady at 10,000 cubic feet per second. Perry Lake has gradually gained a small amount of space in its flood pool. Releases are not scheduled from Clinton Lake at this time.

The public should monitor National Weather Service forecasts and follow the directions of local authorities and emergency managers.

Photo by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District

No primary elections are needed for Montgomery County in the 2019 local elections cycle, so a Nov. 5 general election is on the horizon. Noon Monday was the deadline for local residents to file for local office. Positions in city government, school boards, community college, and Extension district will be on the 2019 election ballot. Here's a list of the city positions and candidates:

Independence Community College trustees: Nine candidates have filed for the three available positions. Current trustees Terry Clark, Jana Shaver, and Mike Wood did not seek re-election. The nine candidates include Nicholas Rau, 4423 CR 4300; John Eubanks, 613 W. Laurel; Amber Gaston, 1812 W. Laurel; Allison LaBatt, 4969 Duke Ave.; Kristen L. Torrey, 509 E. Third, Cherryvale; Kevin Brannum, 3518 Harmony Lane, Independence; Wayne Stephany, 197 Woodward Road, Independence; Ashley Osburn, 319 N. 2nd; and Harry Karl Johnson, 2200 Sue Lane. The top three will start January 2020.

Coffeyville Community College trustees: Seven candidates are seeking the three available positions including two incumbents. The incumbents are Sherri Melander, 2538 CR 2400, Caney, and Keith Osborn, 2520 CR 1475, Coffeyville. The other five candidates are Dickie Rolls, 410 N. Bradley, Caney; Jimmy Littleford, 2741 CR 1475, Coffeyville; Lora Stafford, 1698 CR 3700, Coffeyville; Doug Misch, 1303 Crestwood, Coffeyville; and Rob Carter, 4392 CR 3000, Coffeyville. Current board member Lue Barndollar chose to not seek re-election to the CCC board. The top three in the election start January 2020.

USD 436-Caney Valley Board of Education: All incumbents have filed for the four positions, and each is unopposed. They are Natalie M. Rees (district A, position 4), 400 S. State; Aaron W. Richey (district B, position 5), 1101 S. State; Austin Bruce (district B, position 6), 1634 Old Highway 166; and Rick Wilson (at large), 106 E. Olive, Tyro. Their four-year terms begin in January 2020.

USD 445-Coffeyville Board of Education: Seven candidates have filed for the four at-large positions, with only one as an incumbent, Magan Martin, 2211 W. 3rd, Coffeyville. The other candidates include Marcus Kastler, 502 Overlook Drive; Jason D. Barnett, 1502 Columbus; Karen Littleford-Rittenhouse, 505 W. 4th; Dirk Andrews, 2421 CR 4335; Gail Misch, 1303 Westwood; and Lakisha Johnson, 2208 W. 1st. The top four start January 2020.

USD 446-Independence Board of Education: Eight candidates filed for the four at-large and one at-large unexpired term. Four of the eight are incumbents, including Melissa Small, 1672 N. 24th, who was recently appointed to the board, so her term is two years instead of four. Other incumbents are Jen Rutledge, 1400 Rainbow Drive; Scott Hines, 2905 Royal Court; and Charles Barker Sr., 521 S. 16th. The four non-incumbent candidates include David Bales, 210 E. 4070 Street; Leslie Fox, 611 S. 1st; Desirea J. Packard, 300 E. Maple; and Tamisha Sewell, 408 W. 2nd. The top four will begin January 2020.

USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer Board of Education: Six candidates have filed for the four at-large positions, and three are incumbents. Incumbents are Mark Torkelson, 703 E. 4th, Cherryvale; Randall Studebaker, 6425 Brown Road, Thayer; and Jo Neuburger, 802 E. 4th, Cherryvale. Other candidates are Gina Booe, 533 E. 5th, Cherryvale; Gina M. Hester, 5168 CR 6000, Cherryvale; and Mandy Lantz, 117 S. Olive, Cherryvale. The top four will begin their terms in January 2020.

City of Caney: All positions are unopposed and will be filled by incumbent officers including: For mayor: Thomas C. Burk, Jr., 108 E. 7th. For City treasurer: Sara Shively, 609 E. 4th. For Ward 1 council: Dan Johnston, 1017 N. High; Ward 2 council: Kenith A. Butts, 412 N. State. Ward 3 council: Lori Patterson, 208 S. Fawn. Ward 4 council: Keith Rogers, 200 E. 5th. City councilors, treasurer, and mayor serve two-year terms effective January 2020.

City of Cherryvale: Two candidates are seeking the position of Cherryvale mayor including incumbent John Wright, 508 W. Main. The other candidate is Gary D. Minnich, 808 E. 8th. Two Ward 2 councilor candidates are Gary Brooks, 725 W. Main, and incumbent Dan Ward, 640 W. 2nd. Current Ward 1 councilor Don King filed for re-election, and will be unopposed. The four-year terms for councilor is effective January 2020.

City of Coffeyville: Three positions are open for City Commission, and seven candidates include Jim C. Taylor, Jr. (incumbent), 608 Willow; Jim C. Taylor, Sr., 704 Spruce; Robert York, 605 Highland Road; Tracy Maxson, 3507 W. 7th; Don W. Edwards, 1107 W. 5th; Justin A. Doane (incumbent), 512 Westwood Drive; and Rudy Draper, 102 Wilshire Blvd.

City of Dearing: No residents filed for mayor or any of the five council positions, so write-in votes will determine the winners.

City of Elk City: Three council positions open and four applied including Brandon Sanders, 506 S. Washington; Ellie McCollam, 302 E. Hickory; Jessica V. Johnson, 205 S. Jackson; and Eric Bennett, 603 S. Franklin.

City of Havana: Not one person filed for the three available council seats, so write-in votes will determine winners.

City of Independence: Three candidates filed for City Commission, including the one incumbent Mayor Louis H. Ysusi, 112 Timberlane. The other two are Anthony D. Royse, 208 S. 4th, and Dean A. Hayse, 2625 Rolling Green Drive.

City of Liberty: The lone candidate for city mayor is A. Paul Hawley, 325 Elm. Two candidates filed for the five available council seats: Mary P. Allen, 128 N. 3rd, and Jim Tallman, 413 N. 3rd.

City of Tyro. No residents filed for mayor, but four filed for the five council seats including Wayne Graham, 200 W. East; Jeffery L. Finney, 104A SE Tyro; Larry Buchholz, 402 E. State; and Wayne Blakemore, 107 E. Main.

Wildcat Extension District: Two candidates filed including Chuck Voelker of Sycamore and Warren Newby of rural Coffeyville.

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The Wilson County Wildflower Tour "Ditch Drive" will be held this Saturday, June 8th. Those interested in taking the tour may gather at the Chatauqua at Rocky Ridge compound on the eastern end of 700 Road and Harper Road just south of Fredonia. Before the tour, participants will be treated to light refreshments, a short welcome, and instructions to follow. After, participants may either walk or use small vehicles such as golf carts to view the native and introduced plant life alongside 700 Road. There will be personal guides and a paper guide provided.

All are welcome, and the event is free of charge. For more information, contact the Wilson County Conservation District at 620-378-2866 or you can visit the office at 930 N. 2nd Street in Fredonia.

Montgomery County Commissioners met yesterday morning for their regular meeting with one item on the agenda – Public Works. The Coordinator of Public Works, Jim Wright, addressed commissioners, requesting to purchase a new truck mount air compressor from the company, Fastenal, for about $2,500. Also, a public complaint submitted to the county clerk's office about a railroad crossing at 1^st St. and Sycamore in Independence was discussed. Wright tells us more about a new bridge project awarded to B&B Bridge Company.
 

Furthermore, Mr. Wright gave commissioners a copy of the 2017 Summary of County Engineers' Annual Reports which includes information about all the county roads and budgets in the state of Kansas.

He also provided them with the KDOT Executive Summary (link below) on the Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force comprised of 35 members from across the state, led by Senator Carolyn McGinn and Representative Richard Proehl. In the Fall of last year, the task force met 12 times to evaluate the status of the transportation system, and their conclusions and recommendations to the legislature for improving the state's transportation network. View the KDOT Executive Summary at the following link:

https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/offTransInfo/AnnualReports/2019/KDOTExecSummaryforWeb.pdf

Due to inclement weather, the Chatauqua County storm siren test that was scheduled for noon yesterday has been postponed. The new date for the test has been set for June 10. As with the last attempted test, it will be weather permitting.

Over twenty candidates filed their candicacy papers in time to take part in local city elections this fall in Coffeyville. Spots on the City Commission, the CCC Board of Trustees, and the USD 445 School Board are available. No primary is needed, so the election will occur on Tuesday, November 5th.

Among those listed as candidates include:

Coffeyville City Commission

Justin A. Doane
Rudy Draper
Don W. Edwards
Tracy Maxson
Jim C. Taylor, Jr.
Jim C. Taylor, Sr.
Robert York

CCC Board of Trustees

Rob Carter
Jimmy Littleford
Sherri Melander
Doug Misch
Keith Osborn
Dickie Rolls
Lora Stalford

USD 445 School Board

Dirk Andrews
Jason D. Barnett
LaKisha Johnson
Marcus Kastler
Karen Littleford-Rittenhouse
Magan Martin
Gail Misch

One man is dead following a police-involved shooting that occurred on Madison Boulevard in Bartlesville Saturday evening. Bartlesville Police confirmed that the suspect was shot after an altercation with police and died on the scene. Captain Jay Hastings says police responded to a call around 8 p.m. on Saturday.

No name has been released. However, it is believed the subject was a male in his 30s or 40s. Hastings says the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is interceding in the investigation. This is protocol when an officer is involved in an incident. We will have more information on this situation when it becomes available.

The Independence Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct its monthly meeting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Veterans Room at 410 S. Penn. This month's agenda includes a couple of public hearings, including a request to rezone a couple tracts of land. Also on the agenda is a consideration of several text amendments of the city code. A full version of the agenda, with supporting documents, can be viewed here.

Two dead after a two vehicle crash on US 400 about four miles west of Parsons yesterday evening. Vehicle one, driven by 39 year old Steven Bradford, was westbound on highway 400. Vehicle two, driven by 53 year old Harry Pierce, was eastbound and struck Bradford's vehicle head on. Both vehicles caught fire.

Next of kin has been notified and the investigation is currently ongoing. The highway has been reopened.