Wheat harvest around Southeast Kansas has been frustrating for many farmers, with frequent rains keeping combines out of the field and slowing progress. While some fields are producing well, others are seeing lower-than-expected yields.

Recent storms have also damaged the crop. Crop Production Wildcat Extension Agent James Coover says hail, heavy rain and strong winds have caused wheat to shatter in some fields, leaving grain on the ground before it can be harvested. Coover says shattering is a major concern because once grain falls to the ground, it cannot be recovered. Many producers are also reporting lower test weights due to the wet conditions.

Coover says farmers dealing with shattered wheat may need to slow harvest speeds and increase fan settings on their combines to help reduce losses and improve grain quality.

Drier and windier weather is expected across the southern Plains next week, which could help farmers finish wheat harvest and finally make progress on planting soybeans.

Cherokee County producers and landowners can learn more about pasture management during a Pasture Walk hosted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and K-State Research and Extension on Monday, June 29. 

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Columbus Research Farm.  Cherokee County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Clayton Lester says attendees learn about forage species, pasture health, livestock nutrition and the benefits of prescribed burning.

Those planning to attend should RSVP by Friday by contacting Lester at 620-429-3849.

The Montgomery County Commission approves the purchase a new brush truck for the Rural Fire Department.

This item was tabled last week, because the commission wanted to get the opinions of all the fire chiefs in the county. Rural Fire Chief Michael Smith says they had a fire board meeting last Monday night.

The Commission voted 2-1 to accept the bid, with Commissioner Phil Clubine voting no. In other business, the Commission approved the destruction of ballots, a request to seek bids for paint striping and the proposal for Bridge #67 near Sycamore.

The Nowata Animal Shelter is hosting a free spay and neuter clinic.

The clinic is tomorrow and will take place at the Fair Building in Nowata. The clinic is open to both dogs and cats and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are required.  The clinic begins at 7:00am and will continue until all available appointments have been filled. Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early.

Pets must be healthy to participate. Dogs must be brought on a leash and cats must be transported in secure carriers. The shelter says spaying and neutering pets helps prevent unwanted litters and reduces the number of animals entering local shelters. The free clinic is limited to residents of Nowata.

An Edna native wins the saddle bronc championship at 2026 College National Finals Rodeo.

Representing Claredon College in Texas, Tagg Bond of Edna made history in saddle bronc riding, earning the top score in every category, and winning the three preliminary rounds of competition.

Bond won the final round with an 85-point ride on a Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics horse named Badger Mountain.

Bond's total score of 340 points earned him the championship by 17 points. He was also named Men’s Rookie of the Year.

Claredon College took first place overall, with 1,100 total points.

Minor Flooding is expected later today for the Verdigris River at Independence. The latest models predict that the river will crest at 31 feet by 7 tonight. In Coffeyville, the river is expected to stay below the minor flood stage at 16 feet by 7 tomorrow morning.

A flood warning is also in place for the Neosho River where minor flooding is expect in Chanute and Erie.

Moderate flooding is ongoing at the Neosho River near Parsons, with the river expected to crest over 25 feet, which could cause flooding of several county road and water to enter several homes along 400 at basement levels.

Moderate flooding is also expected in Oswego, where the river is expected to crest just below 22 feet tonight, with 13,000 Road along the north side of the river bank expected to flood and homes alson 120th street between Star and Clem expected to begin to flood.

In Commerce, the river should crest just above 19 feet, and low lying areas around Miami will become cut off from easy access. Riverview Park may also experience moderate flooding, and State Highway 125 near the fairgrounds will be threatened.

One person is injured following a two-vehicle crash in Crawford County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash happened at around 9:00pm last night at the intersection of U.S. 69 and 600th Avenue in Frontenac. KHP Troopers say a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by 28-year-old Travis Kahn of Frontenac was crossing Highway 69 on 600th Avenue when it pulled into the path of a 2023 Toyota Camry driven by 51-year-old Tanya Romero-Russell of Osage City. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

Romero-Russell sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg. Kahn and three passengers in Romero-Russell's vehicle, including a 3-year-old who was properly restrained in a car seat, were not injured.

A Moran man is dead following a motorcycle crash involving a deer in Allen County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash happened at around 10:00pm Saturday night on Delaware Road about one-half mile east of U.S. 59, west of Elsmore. KHP Troopers say a 2006 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle driven by 68-year-old Barry Maley was traveling westbound on Delaware Road when a deer entered the roadway. The motorcycle struck the deer and crashed.

Maley sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kansas Highway Patrol reports he was not wearing a helmet.

The Kansas Masonic Foundation offers grants through their Local Community Grants Program.

Mason Board of Trustee Tim Russell says there a number of ways the grant money can be used.  Russell says applications are open until January 15, 2027.

A link to the application can be found here. Anyone with questions can contact Russell at (620)251-3003.

Two people are injured following a motorcycle crash in Osage County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened at around 2:45pm yesterday afternoon on New Prue Road north of Imperial Boulevard. Troopers say a motorcycle driven by 66-year-old John Simpson, of Tulsa, was headed southbound on New Prue Road when he attempted to turn into a driveway, turning into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by 37-year-old Brandon Sallee, of Tulsa. The motorcycle was struck by Sallee's vehicle.

Simpson and a passenger on the motorcycle were both injured. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports neither occupant of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Sallee was not injured.

Coffeyville community leaders are asking residents to help shape the city's future through a new community-wide strategic planning effort.

The City, USD 445, Coffeyville Community College, the Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Action Council and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center are partnering with the Achievement and Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas on a long-term strategic plan for the community. Before a two-day strategic planning workshop takes place, organizers are seeking input from residents through a community survey. Officials say the survey will help identify community priorities and guide discussions about Coffeyville's long-term vision.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is open to all residents, including students, families, business owners, educators, healthcare workers and longtime community members. Survey responses are confidential and will be summarized by the KU team for planning purposes only. Residents may receive the survey from multiple partner organizations but only need to complete it once. The survey will remain open through July 3^rd.  A link to the survey can be found here.

The The Montgomery County Commission to review bids for a rural fire brush truck during this morning's commission meeting.

This was tabled last meeting with the commission asking Rural Fire Chief Michael Smith to get the opinions of the other fire chiefs in the county. New business includes a request from the County Clerk for approval to destroy ballots, consideration of an engineering proposal for Bridge #67 and a request from Public Works to seek bids for roadway paint striping.

Commissioners will also hear quarterly reports from Facility Maintenance Director Jeff Phelps and Emergency Management Director Smith. The agenda also includes a 20-minute executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters involving non-elected employees. The meeting begins at 9:00am in the lower level of the Judicial Center and is open to the public.

There are two opportunities to donate blood coming up in Independence. Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says the first is with the Red Cross on Thursday.

The second is with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks on Tuesday, June 30^th in the Labette Health parking lot at 510 Peter Pan Road. That blood drive is from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Red Cross Signup

CBCO Signup

The 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo One Day Sale is coming up at the end of this week. Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook says the Fun Pass Sale is this Friday.

After Friday, Fun Pass prices go up to $40. Grandstand entertainment this year inlcude LJ Jenkins Bull Riding on Tuesday, August 11^th, two night of PRCA Rodeo on Wednesday, August 12^th and Thursday, August 13^th, the Tractor Pull on Friday, August 14^th and the Power Wheels and Demolotion Derby on Saturday August 15^th.

A flood warning has been issued for northern Montgomery County in addition to a severe thunderstorm watch through 1 a.m. for the four states. 

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1015 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...A portion of southeast Kansas, including the following
  county, Montgomery.

* WHEN...Until 1015 PM CDT.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying
  and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Expect many
  areas of slow moving or standing water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 607 PM CDT, Emergency management reported heavy rain in
    the city of Independence leading to flooded roadways. Between
    1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen.
  - Some locations that will experience flooding include...
    Independence, Cherryvale, Elk City, Liberty, Bolton, Elk City
    State Park and Elk City Lake.

Below is the information on the severe thunderstorm watch in effect through 1 a.m Monday:

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

CHAUTAUQUA           CHEROKEE            CRAWFORD
ELK                  LABETTE             MONTGOMERY
NEOSHO               WILSON

.    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

CRAIG                DELAWARE            MAYES
NOWATA               OTTAWA              ROGERS
WASHINGTON

.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              BOLLINGER
BUTLER               CAPE GIRARDEAU      CARTER
CEDAR                CHRISTIAN           CRAWFORD
DADE                 DALLAS              DENT
DOUGLAS              GREENE              HOWELL
IRON                 JASPER              JEFFERSON
LACLEDE              LAWRENCE            MADISON
MCDONALD             NEWTON              OREGON
OZARK                PHELPS              POLK
PULASKI              REYNOLDS            RIPLEY
SHANNON              ST. FRANCOIS        STODDARD
STONE                TANEY               TEXAS
WASHINGTON           WAYNE               WEBSTER
WRIGHT

.    ARKANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BAXTER               BENTON              BOONE
CARROLL              FULTON              IZARD
MARION               RANDOLPH            SHARP

***** Update ***** Flood info predictions have been updated as of 7:07 p.m.

A flood warning warning has been issued for the Verdigris River at Independence, where the river is expected to crest just over 31 feet by Monday evening, with minor flooding impacts expected.

The flood warning will be in effect through Tuesday evening, and also includes the Verdigris River at Altoona, which is expected to crest at 19 feet Monday afternoon, which will cause flooding of agricultural fields and the gravel road near the river bridge off Highway 47.

The Fall River at Fredonia crested at 18 feet as is on the way down.

In Coffeyville, the Verdigris is only expected to reach the action stage of 16 feet and stay out of the minor flood category.

A flood warning is also in place for the Neosho River where minor flooding is expect in Chanute and Erie, and moderate flooding expected near Parsons, with the river expected to crest over 26 feet, which could cause flooding of several county road and water to enter several homes along 400 at basement levels.

Moderate flooding is also expected in Oswego, where the river is expected to crest just below 22 feet, with 13,000 Road along the north side of the river bank expected to flood and homes alson 120th street between Star and Clem expected to begin to flood.

In Commerce, the river should crest just above 19 feet, and low lying areas around Miami will become cut off from easy access. Riverview Park may also experience moderate flooding, and State Highway 125 near the fairgrounds will be threatened.

Storms are moving through southeast Kansas, with a severe thunderstorm watch issued through 6 a.m. for southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri.

IN KANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 COUNTIES

IN SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS

BUTLER                COWLEY

IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS

ALLEN                 CHAUTAUQUA            ELK
GREENWOOD             LABETTE               MONTGOMERY
NEOSHO                WILSON                WOODSON

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ANDOVER, ARKANSAS CITY, AUGUSTA,
CEDAR VALE, CHANUTE, COFFEYVILLE, EL DORADO, EUREKA, FREDONIA,
GRENOLA, HOWARD, HUMBOLDT, INDEPENDENCE, IOLA, LONGTON, MADISON,
MOLINE, NEODESHA, PARSONS, ROSE HILL, SEDAN, WINFIELD,
AND YATES CENTER.

Even with all the spots being filled for the free pet clinic, there are other opportunities in Coffeyville to get pets spayed or neutered and save money.

Coffeyville Friends of Animals Becky Barnhart says the shelter offers a low cost spay and neuter program.  Applications to participate in the program can be picked up at the Shelter. They also offer the Trap, Neuter, Release program, which can help control the feral cat population.

As the 100^th anniversary of Route 66 continues, this weekend is Joplin's turn to celebrate.

The Route 66 Centennial Caravan is stopping in Joplin today from 3 to 9 p.m. The caravan began on June 6^th in Santa Monica, California, with drivers making their way along 2,400 miles of Route 66 to Chicago.

Today, the caravan will stop at the ALLO Warehouse Parking Lot at 1717 W 7^th in Joplin. In addition, there will be food trucks set up, live music, and the Big Texan Steak Challenge starting at 5. All are welcome and the event is open to the public.

The Independence Rotary Club is less than $9,000 away from their $25,000 goal for their 4^th of July fireworks celebration. Club President Cody Oates says rising costs have played an impact on the money needed for the event.

Anyone who wants to donate can do so by visiting the Community Foundation for Independence website or by contacting Rotary's Fireworks Committee Leader Fred Meier at (620)332-4906. Independence Rotary is hosting a hot dog luncheon fundraiser from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Patio 210 to help raise money as well.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation identifies the two suspects killed in the officer-involved shooting near Miami.

According to the OSBI, 48-year-old Jason Moore of Columbia, Missouri, and 35-year-old Lexi Scheets of Willard, Missouri, died during the incident on I-44 in Ottawa County. The incident began when the Joplin Police Department alerted the Quapaw Nation Marshals Service about a stolen vehicle. Officers located the vehicle at the Downstream Casino shortly after 9:00am Tuesday. Moore fled when officers attempted to make contact, leading multiple agencies on a pursuit through the Miami area. After officers stopped traffic and the vehicle came to a halt, Moore and Scheets exited the vehicle. The OSBI says Moore pulled out a gun and refused commands from law enforcement, leading to the shooting.

Both Moore and Scheets were pronounced dead at the scene. The Miami Police Department says three officers were involved in the shooting and have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting. Their identities have not been released.

There are two events in Coffeyville honoring today's Juneteenth holiday.

The Coffeyville Juneteenth Committee is hosting their Juneteenth Celebration at 11:00am this morning at the Coffeyville Community College Alumni Center. After the celebration, the City is hosting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Highway Signs Recognition Event at 4:00pm this afternoon at the east entrance to Coffeyville, near the MLK Memorial Highway sign.

The City says they hope residents take a little time out of their day to attend these meaningful events and celebrate the history, contributions and legacy that continue to shape the community.

The Independence Police Department is asking for the public's help locating a missing man.

Daniel James Hillyard has been reported missing and has not been seen or heard from by family or friends in several weeks. Hillyard is described as a white male, six feet tall, weighing about 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

IPD says his last known location is unknown, but he may have been seen on County Road 3900, about six miles south of Independence. Anyone with information on Hillyard's whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement or IPD at (620)332-1700.

The Independence Police Department responds to a bomb threat.

IPD officers were called to a home in the area of 13^th and Penn on Wednesday after a person reported placing a bomb inside the residence. Officers evacuated the area and interviewed those involved. Investigators determined there was no credible indication of an explosive device. As a precaution, the Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Device Unit responded and conducted a sweep of the area. No explosives, bomb-making materials or other hazardous items were located. IPD says the investigation found there was no actual bomb and no ongoing threat to the public.

Following the investigation, 44-year-old Tony Rice, of Independence, was arrested and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on charges including criminal threat, domestic battery, criminal trespass, use of explosives for intimidation involving simulated explosives and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This weekend the 3rd Annual Legends Classic takes place at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville.

Organizer Brett Anderson says the event features four memorial livestock shows.  Anderson says the memorial shows honor individuals who deeply loved and supported youth in agriculture, particularly through FFA and 4-H programs, and whose impact continues to be felt throughout the area.

Judging this year's events will be Mattie Haynes, Mason Engnell, Chris Danner and Scott Sutton. Exhibitors from across the region will gather tomorrow through Sunday for a weekend celebrating livestock, competition and the legacies of those honored through these memorial shows.