Pre-K students in Nowata receive a hands-on lesson in fire safety as part of Fire Prevention Week.

The Nowata Fire Department welcomed local Pre-K classes to the station, where firefighters and EMS personnel taught students about fire prevention, showed them emergency equipment and explained the role of first responders. Firefighters also demonstrated their full protective gear, including air packs and masks, to help children recognize what firefighters look and sound like during an emergency. The department says the goal is to make sure children understand firefighters are there to help, even if their equipment appears frightening.

Students also got an opportunity to spray water from a fire hose. The department thanked the firefighters, EMS personnel and teachers who helped make the visit possible.

A Parsons man is in custody following a vehicle pursuit and a search that lasted into the following afternoon.

The Parsons Police Department says an officer attempted to stop a speeding vehicle just before midnight Tuesday after the driver ran a stop sign at 13^th Street and Briggs Avenue. The driver fled into the Winway area before stopping in the 200 block of Stone Street and running away on foot. Police identified the driver as 22-year-old Jonah Teal but were unable to locate him during an initial search. Investigators later determined the vehicle had been taken without permission from a family member.  Officers located Teal Wednesday afternoon inside a camper in the 2300 block of Corning Avenue and arrested him without incident.

Police say controlled substances were also found in Teal's possession, resulting in additional charges.  Teal remains in the Labette County Jail in connection with suspected offenses including fleeing and eluding, possession of stolen property, interference with law enforcement and drug-related charges.  The investigation remains ongoing.

The City of Coffeyville has a successful stream bank clean up at LeClere Park on Tuesday afternoon.

Dozens of community volunteers helped city staff with the project to help pick up litter, remove debris, and clean along the stream banks to prevent pollution and protect water quality.

The project picked up over 30 pounds of trash from the stream bank, helping protect the environment and making LeClere Park a nice place for everyone in Coffeyville to enjoy.

The City of Chanute breaks ground on its new wastewater treatment plant.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday, October 8, as the City undertakes a $36 million project to modernize its outdated wastewater treatment plant. The move is part of a major overhaul and upgrade of Chanute's municipal infrastructure.

The existing wastewater treatment plant was put online in March 1983, but the facility no longer meets modern regulatory standards and a major overhaul has been delayed since 2010.

New construction includes a new lift station, motor-control centers, electrical/control systems, and site-wide grading, paving, and process piping integration. The project bid was awarded to Crossland Construction of Columbus.

In addition to the wastewater plant, Chanute is pursuing a simultaneous $26 million upgrade to its drinking water treatment plant.

Photo courtesy Chanute Chamber of Commerce

The Independence USD 446 Board of Education will consider a bus purchase and curriculum approval during its meeting next Monday night.

Board members will also review district enrollment numbers, receive updates on accreditation and at-risk accountability, and hear a report on the Bulldog Buds Mentoring program.

The board will meet Monday, October 12, at 6 p.m. in the Independence High School library.

The City of Parsons will hold a no charge bulk trash drop off day tomorrow.

Utilities Director Derek Clevenger says citizens can drop off items at the Parsons Tree Dump.

Other acceptable items includes TVs and appliances, batteries, car parts and furniture. Those dropping off items must bring a City of Parsons Code Enforcement Letter or a City Water Bill.

Anyone with questions can contact the City at 421-7020

A 77-year-old Afton, OK, man has died following a single-vehicle crash on Thursday afternoon, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Troopers identified the man as James Fuser. Authorities say Fuser was driving southbound on County Road South 520 near East 230 Road when his vehicle left the roadway to the left.

The vehicle then crossed three barbed-wire fences before striking an embankment.

The crash occurred at approximately one p.m. Fuser was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

The Highway Patrol reports Fuser died as a result of a medical event. No additional information about the circumstances surrounding the crash was immediately available.

Halloween is just around the corner and Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence is ready for the fun.

Zoolloween happens tomorrow evening and Riverside Park and Zoo staff have been working hard to be ready. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there be lots of fun activities for the kids.

Wilson says the evening is part of the yearly fundraising for the Zoo.

Zoolloween runs from 5 to 7pm tomorrow night in Independence. Admission is $2. Kids 2 and under are free.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect in a recent theft.

The incident occurred earlier this week at a residence located on US-166 just east of Tyro. One of the items stolen was a Dodge 2500 truck. The vehicle is described as a red 2006 3/4 ton Dodge single cab with a white drivers side door. Its an automatic with a gas engine and has a black flatbed with a headache rack and clearance lights on the cab.

The suspect also made off with a trophy saddle. The saddle is a C-R-A-A All Around Champion saddle for the 8 and under. The saddle has the name Hockett across the back of the seat.

Photos of the suspect can be seen in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com.

Anyone with information on the stolen items or the suspect should contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 620-330-1000

USD 436 in Caney says its effort in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition has ended, but plans to preserve the district’s historic stadium will continue.

The district is thanking community members for their support, despite not advancing to the next round of the competition. Caney schools will receive a five-thousand-dollar check at tonight's home football game.

The district also recognized the Caney Valley Historical Society for its work to get the stadium listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Meanwhile, the district’s November third bond proposal addresses other needs, including storm shelters, a secured entrance and improved learning spaces, while leaving the historic stadium intact.

More information about the district's bond proposal can be found at this link

More than 230 students from 10 area high schools visited Independence Community College for Cast and Crew Preview Day.

Thursday's event gave students an opportunity to explore campus and experience the arts through live theater, interactive workshops and a collaborative mural project.

The day began with a student matinee of the ICC production of Little Women, followed by a question-and-answer session with the actors. Students discussed the production, the characters and the experience of performing onstage.

After the performance, students participated in workshops, including beginning improv and photography. They also toured the campus and helped paint a mural that will be displayed at the college.

The event comes as Independence Community College reports a slight year-over-year increase in fall enrollment. The college continues to connect students from across the region with educational opportunities close to home, while introducing them to campus life and a variety of academic and creative programs.

The public is invited to attend performances of Little Women tonight and tomorrow at 7pm or on Sunday at 2pm at ICC's William Inge Theater. Admission is free.

The City of Independence is clarifying the appearance of new street signs across the City.

Recently, the City has installed new signs near several intersections, including over-sized advance “Stop ahead” warning signs. These street signs are a part of a grant-funded safety initiative through the Kansas Department of Transportation's High Risk Urban Roads program.

The goal of the program is to, install low-cost safety countermeasures, such as pavement marking and signing, at stop-controlled intersections on local roads that have been determined to be at high risk for traffic accidents.

The signs and posts come at no cost to the City of Independence, other than the cost to install them. These countermeasures have been proven to increase driver awareness and increase safety at intersections where they are in use, leading to 10% fewer crashes and 15% fewer nighttime crashes.

The program provides signs at intersections that are one size larger than signs that are required by federal regulation; additional signs to warn of the stop and intersection ahead; and the signs are also more reflective, making them more visible.

 When the project is complete, these signs will have been installed at seven intersections in the City.

A free event celebrating women in aviation is coming to the Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum.

Dr. Robin Hansen will portray aviator Micky Axton this Saturday, October 10th, at 1 p.m. The public is invited to come learn about her early years in Coffeyville, her first airplane ride and her incredible career.

Before the event there will be pulled pork sandwiches available from 11 – 1 for $8. The program will then begin at 1 p.m. Museum admission and the program itself are free. It all happens this Saturday at the Aviation Heritage Museum across from the pool in Coffeyville.

The Nowata County Commission hears an update on ongoing repairs at the county courthouse.

At this week's meeting commissioners discussed improvements to the county courthouse, specifically light fixtures and a problem with the water heater over the weekend.

Commissioner Brandon Wesson and County Clerk Kay Spurgeon discuss the issues with the water heater.

In other business, the board approved a request for leave sharing, tabled the county certification map and county action report and accepted a donation. Commissioner Troy Friddle says Rural Economic Action Plan grants funds will be used on infrastructure projects.

The commission also heard an update from Emergency Manager Laurie Summers.
 

The Nowata County Commissioners meet every Monday morning at 9 a.m. at the Nowata County Annex Meeting Room, 228 N. Maple St. in downtown Nowata.

The Sedan City Council hears a recap of the recent Kansas Fur Harvesters Convention.

The convention was held in Sedan last weekend at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds and has played an important part of the City's tourism and economic goals. Sedan Chamber of Commerce Secretary Priscilla Ellis says the event drew a large group to the City.

The Council also voted to approve a $965 reimbursement to the Chamber for promotional items. The Chamber says the items can also be used for other events to promote the City.

In other business, The council approved street closures on October 31^st for the Halloween Carnival and the Trunk-or-Treat.

A Baxter Springs, Kansas man is facing multiple charges following a police pursuit that began in Miami, Oklahoma, Wednesday evening.

Miami Police say an M-P-D officer stopped a motorcycle near 20th Avenue Northwest and F Street Northwest around 6:15 p.m. The rider, identified as Samuel Reffett, allegedly presented a driver’s license belonging to another person before fleeing on the motorcycle.

Officers pursued Reffett through northwest Miami. Police say he reached speeds of about 100 miles per hour. Due to the speed and heavy traffic, the pursuit was terminated for public safety.

Reffett later encountered Quapaw Nation deputy marshals and again fled, leading to another pursuit. The chase ended when Reffett crashed the motorcycle on East 50 Road. He tried to flee on foot but was taken into custody.

Reffett was not seriously injured. Investigators also determined the motorcycle had been reported stolen in Cherokee County, Kansas.

Montgomery County Public Works is preparing to begin a bridge replacement project that will require a road closure northeast of Sycamore.

The project will take place on County Road 4700, just north of County Road 6400, or about five miles northeast of Sycamore.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic beginning today, as crews begin replacing the bridge. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately eight to ten weeks, weather and construction conditions permitting. Motorists who regularly use C-R 4700 should plan ahead and find an alternate route while the project is underway.

Drivers traveling near the construction area are also urged to use caution, follow all posted road closure and traffic signs, and watch for changes in traffic patterns. Montgomery County Public Works says the project is a necessary infrastructure improvement and appreciates motorists’ patience and cooperation.

Officials say updates will be provided if the anticipated construction schedule changes.

A southeast Kansas man is facing charges for allegedly pointing a laser and then shooting at a police helicopter in Cherokee County.

Police say 45-year-old Jason Elmer Zwahlen pointed a green laser at a Kansas highway Patrol helicopter and then fired several shots from a rifle at the aircraft on September 22. The aircraft was involved in a search for a fugitive when the incident occurred. Police say Zwahlen then got into a vehicle and attempted to flee. K-H-P troopers were able to stop him and placed him under arrest.

Zwahlen faces two charges of Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer with a Deadly Weapon, as well as Possession of Methamphetamine.

The Altamont City Council will meet tonight and hold a public hearing on flood plain management.

At tonight' s meeting, Altamont citizens will be able to comment on proposed revisions to the City's floodplain regulations. The council will also hear a presentation from Julie Beeman from the the Altamont Hometown Economic Leadership Program or HELP regarding the Facade Grant Program. The program is designed to assist commercial property owners in making improvements to their businesses with an 80/20 match.

Council members are also expected to revisit the issue of an increase in trash rates.

Tonight's Altamont City Council meeting begins at 7pm at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed online via the City of Altamont Facebook page.

The Kansas Drive To Zero Coalition is expanding its efforts to improve transportation safety with a new community recognition program and webinar series.

The Drive To Zero Community Award will recognize cities, counties and tribal governments for efforts to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.

Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed says communities across the state are taking meaningful steps to make roads safer, and the award will give them a chance to share what’s working.

Applications will be accepted November 2^nd through December 18^th. Award recipients will be recognized during the 2027 Kansas Transportation Conference, March 9^th and 10^th in Wichita.

The Kansas Department of Transportation administers the program with support from several state and local organizations.

The coalition has also launched a webinar series covering transportation safety projects, funding opportunities, the Safe System Approach and other strategies aimed at preventing serious injuries and traffic deaths.

Smoke detectors are being credited with helping everyone escape a house fire in Nowata.

Fire crews were dispatched to a home on McCaffrey Street at about 9:30pm last night(Tuesday). The first engine arrived within three minutes and found heavy smoke and fire coming from a residence. Firefighters entered the home and quickly brought the fire under control, containing the damage to about a room and a half. Additional crews ventilated the home and checked the attic and surrounding areas for any extension of the fire. All occupants made it out safely after being alerted by working smoke detectors.

A total of 30 personnel responded, including firefighters from Nowata, Delaware, Lenapah, Alluwe and Chelsea, along with Nowata Police. Nowata Fire Chief Brandon Jarvis says the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of working smoke detectors. Residents who would like the fire department to check their smoke detectors can call (918)273-3532.

Drivers in Coffeyville will need to find an alternate route around the intersection of 8^th Street and Washita Street.

The Coffeyville Public Works Department says the intersection will be closed all day tomorrow and remain closed through Friday while crews complete repair work in the area. Drivers are asked to plan ahead, use an alternate route and allow extra travel time while the intersection is closed.

The intersection is expected to reopen following the completion of repairs Friday.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is bringing its Community Impact Tour to Coffeyville next week.

The tour will stop at the city’s Rails to Trails Pathway near LeClere Park Thursday, October 15^th, from 11:00am to 11:45am. The Coffeyville stop will highlight the City’s multi-year investment in its trail network, including the recently completed 1.26 mile Rails to Trails Pathway. The project began in 2022 and was supported by funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program and a Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant.

The pathway connects existing trails to LeClere Park and provides additional space for walking, running and biking. City Manager Ben Brubaker says the tour is an opportunity to show what those investments look like once they become part of a community. The tour will also stop for lunch at Sunflower Soda Foundation in downtown Coffeyville from 12:00pm to 12:30pm.

Joplin Police say five juveniles have been taken into custody following an investigation into a string of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles.

Since mid-August, police have responded to 20 stolen vehicles and 22 thefts involving mostly Kia and Hyundai models from 2005 through 2018.

Investigators say the suspects, ranging in age from 13 to 16, also stole firearms from vehicles. Police say evidence indicates some of those guns were recklessly discharged during the crimes. No injuries were reported.

On October 1^st , officers served three search warrants and recovered two stolen firearms, ammunition, drugs, burglary tools and a stolen Kia Soul.

Police say 19 of the 20 stolen vehicles have been recovered. Charges of second-degree burglary and stealing have been submitted to the Jasper County Juvenile Prosecutor, with additional charges possible.

Police are reminding drivers to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and secure firearms. Kia and Hyundai owners are also encouraged to use a steering wheel lock.

The Cherokee Nation is the only tribe in the country selected for a new federal behavioral health grant totaling $3 million a year for four years.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the funding will help communities develop coordinated care for people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or both.

The program, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will distribute $96 million nationwide over four years.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently met with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in California to discuss healthcare priorities for the Cherokee Nation and Indian Country. Hoskin serves on the HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee.

Deputy Chief Bryan Warner says the Cherokee Nation is continuing to expand behavioral health services, including construction of its own substance abuse treatment center using opioid settlement funds.

The new grant will provide additional resources for behavioral health services across the Cherokee Nation.