Fireworks can now be sold and shot off in Coffeyville.

City Clerk Melissa Carter says fireworks can be sold and shot off from 8:00am to midnight through July 4^th.  There are five stands that have been approved to sell fireworks in Coffeyville.

Bellino Fireworks – 1000 Hall

First Assembly of God – 1504 W 8th

Frese Fireworks – 710 NE Street

Jake's Fireworks – 714 W 11th

Sizzboom Fireworks – 801 W 11th

Public Service Company of Oklahoma customers will see higher electric bills.

Beginning today, the utility company implemented interim rates while state regulators continue reviewing its request for a permanent rate increase. The interim rates will increase the average residential customer's monthly bill by about $11, based on usage of 1,100 kilowatt-hours per month. The increase comes as the Oklahoma Corporation Commission considers PSO's request for a larger rate hike. Regulators could approve the company's request, set a lower permanent rate or establish a rate below the interim amount now taking effect.

If the commission ultimately approves a rate lower than the interim rate, PSO says it will refund customers the difference. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has not announced when it expects to issue a final decision on the utility's rate request.

Data centers are showing interest in Coffeyville.  City Manager Ben Brubaker says because the City owns and operates its own municipal electric utility they are in a unique position.  Brubaker says he wants any potential conversations with data centers to be completely transparent.

Brubaker says any proposal that the City would consider would need to protect the reliability of the electric system, ensure that existing customers aren't subsidizing development and provide long term value to the City. He says these standards are what have pushed developers away over the last two years.

Brubaker says he believes that if structured correctly having a data center come to Coffeyville would represent a significant opportunity. Brubaker says in the next 30 to 45 days they are going to be putting a public forum together where they can discuss the benefits and hear concerns about data centers from the community. He says he believes in the next 30 days they'll have proposals from two data centers.

County fair season is here, and now is the time for exhibitors to make sure they're prepared. Before heading to the fair, carefully read your county fair book for important entry requirements, project rules, deadlines, and the correct age divisions and exhibit categories.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Clayton Lester says if you're showing livestock, don't forget to keep your animals well-watered, especially during the summer heat, and continue providing proper daily care.

Horticulture Agent Kenny Dodson also says the fair is about more than earning a ribbon.

The fair is an opportunity to showcase months of hard work, gain valuable feedback, learn new skills, and grow through the experience.

A Parsons man is in custody and faces charges of aggravated assault and battery.

In the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, officers from the Parsons Police Department responded to reports of an armed assault involving a firearm at the Mendota Creek Apartment Complex on South 25^th Street. Upon arrival, officers learned that an adult male victim had been threatened with multiple firearms during a confrontation outside an apartment. A second victim reported being struck in the head with the shotgun, causing visible injury. Following the confrontation, the suspect allegedly returned to the area and damaged the victim's vehicle and personal property before again fleeing the scene.

The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Daiquarrius "Tre" Higgins of Parsons. Law enforcement was able obtain a search warrant for Higgins' apartment, but he was not found inside.

Higgins later arrived voluntarily at the Parsons Police Station and agreed to an interview with investigators. He was then taken into custody without incident. Higgins was booked into the Parsons Police Department Holding Facility on the following requested charges Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Threat. Additional charges remain under review as the investigation continues.

Tomato cracking remains a common issue in home gardens as fruit nears maturity.  Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Clayton Lester says tomato cracking develops when rapid growth creates internal pressure in the fruit, often after inconsistent watering or sudden changes in moisture.

While cracking affects the tomato's appearance, it does not reduce its eating quality. Lester also says maintaining consistent soil moisture through deep watering and mulch helps minimize cracking. 

Gardeners can also reduce the risk by selecting crack-resistant varieties, including Jetstar, Mountain Fresh, Mountain Pride, Floralina, and Sun Leaper.

The Fourth of July is coming up on Saturday and Triple-A Kansas says the holiday weekend is shaping up as a busy time for travel.

More than 70 million Americans are expected to travel more than fifty miles from home to celebrate America's 250^th birthday this weekend. Shawn Steward with Triple-A Kansas says that includes around 690,000 Kansans.

For those looking to avoid the busiest travel days, Steward says, because the holiday falls on a weekend, roads may be consistently busy.

For drivers, gas prices in Kansas are averaging $3.51 a gallon, which is 60 cents higher than a year ago. However, Steward says prices in the Sunflower State are down nearly 40 cents per gallon over the last month.

Steward adds that one of the most important things to remember as you head out for the holiday is to avoid alcohol and always wear your seat belt.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site will put the boom in the Fourth of July this Saturday.

The public is invited to the Fort Scott fort for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence. Attendees can celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

The Fort will conduct artillery demonstrations at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm on Saturday. At 1pm, there will also be a ranger-guided tour of the historic fort.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is a part of the National Park Service and is open to the public Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 to 4:30 . Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit the National Park Service online at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Electric rates for customers across the State of Oklahoma are set to rise today, though not as much as originally expected.

Oklahoma electric rates will increase by on percent beginning today after State Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Office reached a settlement agreement with the Public Service Company of Oklahoma. The settlement reduced the P-S-O's original request for a 15 percent increase, a rise that would have seen the average customer's utility bill increase by around $15 per month. Instead, the settlement that was announced on Tuesday will see the average residential customer's monthly bill increase by about $2.45.

The settlement agreement will still need to be approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

A Winfield teen is in the hospital after falling from a moving vehicle on Monday night.

Winfield Police say the accident occurred around 11pm on Monday at Winfield City Lake in Cowley County. The 16-year-old boy was taken to a Wichita hospital after being treated at the scene by first responders. His condition has not been released. An investigation into the incident indicates that the boy fell from the back of a moving vehicle that was being driven by an 18-year-old Winfield woman. The fall caused the boy's head to strike the roadway, causing him to lose consciousness.

The incident remains under investigation and the case has been forwarded to the Cowley County Attorney's Office for possible charges.

A former Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy is sentenced to 18 years in prison in a child sex abuse case.

25-year-old Garrett Gayoso of Baxter Springs was sentenced on Monday to 222 months in prison for enticing a minor to create and send him child sexual abuse materials. Court documents indicate that Gayoso entered a guilty plea to one count of producing child pornogrpahy.

Between August 2024 and April 2025, the Kansas bureau of Investigation says Gayoso exchanged text messages with a 16-year-old minor that he met online. Evidence in the case showed the victim was quickly forthcoming with Gayoso about her age and that Gayoso groomed and convinced the victim to engage in explicit activity, produce visual depictions of the conduct, and then send him the images via text messages. At the time, Gayoso was serving as a detective in the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and was assigned to investigate online crimes against children.

Gayoso resigned as a deputy in May 2025 and was indicted by a grand jury the following December with one count of producing child pornography. He entered a guilty plea in the case in federal court in April.

The City of Cherryvale has canceled the Talk With the Chief event scheduled for tonight at City Hall.

This was to be the second event to allow the public to engage in an open forum with Interim Police Chief Joshua Shields. Shields took over as Interim Chief following the resignation of former Chief Jimmy Holt in early May. The City gave no reason for the cancellation of tonight's event and there has been no word as to whether or not the Talk With the Chief forum will be rescheduled.

Four southeast Kansas organizations are among twenty-four Kansas non-profits that will share in $4.13 million in Community Service Program Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors who make contributions toward approved projects. Organizations in rural areas with populations less than 15,000 can receive a 70% credit. Among the groups receiving $182,000 in credits are Labette Health in Parsons for the purchase of a new mammography machine; St. Paul Alumni & Friends Association for ADA compliance at Miles Field in Saint Paul, and the Community Health Center of SEK to construct two quality, energy-efficient homes in Columbus. The Elk County Preservation Society in Howard will receive $125,000 in credits for creating a multi-use community space in the vacant Howard National Bank building.

The Community Service Tax Credit Program provides an opportunity for non-profit organizations and public health entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns. The Community Service Program Tax Credits program was first implemented in 1994.

Wilson County Firefighters respond to a structure fire.

According to Wilson County Rural Fire, last night around 7:45, county units were called to a structure fire in the northeast part of the county. Upon arrival, Chanute Fire was requested for mutual aid. Despite the efforts of the departments, the structure was a total loss. No injuries were reported.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire

A new food truck is now open in Coffeyville.

Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says the food truck is in the parking lot of the Wilcox Bargain Outlet.  Yum Yum Cuisine opened up last Thursday and the Chamber will host a ribbon cutting for the new food truck tomorrow at 10:00am.

The Coffeyville City Commission approves an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers for a study on the Verdigris River levee.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says the agreement says the City is committing to pay a maximum of $1.5 million over the course of three years for the study on the levee.  Brubaker says even if with a signed agreement there is a way for the City to get out of it if they want to down the road.

The Commission voted 3-2 to sign the agreement with Commissioners Michael Golden and William Kendall voting against it.

A new Kansas law takes effect tomorrow aimed at improving safety in active construction and school zones across the state.

Under Senate Bill 366, drivers may not use a handheld mobile device while traveling through an active construction zone where workers are present and warning signs are posted, or in an active school zone when reduced speed limits are in effect. Hands-free device use is still allowed. The Kansas Department of Transportation says officers will issue warning citations for violations through June 30, 2027, but beginning July 1, 2027, drivers who violate the law can receive a $60 traffic citation.

The new law also allows construction and maintenance vehicles to display green warning lights in addition to amber and white lights. Stationary trailers in construction zones may also use blue lights between sunset and sunrise when workers are present.

The United State Farm Bill has made its way through the House of Representatives and into the Senate.

Congressman Derek Schmidt says the bill is three years overdo.  Schmidt says he is hopeful the Farm Bill will move through the Senate.

The farm bill is a multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. The current Farm Bill is from 2018.

The Labette County Commission is introduced to a new member of the Deep Fission team and receives an update on the project.

Key Stakeholder Engagement Manager Tara Mays says she's been in this new role with Deep Fission for about a month.  Mays says the first borehole drilling is complete.

Mays says hole two will be wider at 36 to 39 inches but not as deep at around 2,500 feet. She says hole three has to be approved by the United States Department of Energy and will be 36 to 39 inches wide and 6,000 feet deep.

The Elk County Free Fair returns to Longton July 15th through the 18th with four days of livestock shows, exhibits, contests, and family fun. The fair kicks off Wednesday with 4-H exhibit judging and animal check-in.

Thursday features the 4-H sheep and goat shows, while Friday includes the swine and beef shows, tractor pull, food auction, and a free barbecue with live entertainment.

Saturday wraps up the fair with the parade, premium livestock sale, garden tractor pull, dance, and more. Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Agent Richard Fechter says come out, support the community, and enjoy everything the fair has to offer.

For a complete schedule of events and additional fair information, visit the Elk County Free Fair Facebook page.

Southeast Kansas farmers continue making strong progress in the wheat harvest, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report. Statewide, winter wheat harvest is 72 percent complete, well ahead of last year's pace.

In southeast Kansas, wheat harvest is 66 percent complete. Corn is also developing quickly, with 82 percent of the crop now silking, compared to the statewide average of 24 percent.

Across Kansas, soybean conditions remain mostly good, with 68 percent of the crop rated good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions are also holding up well, with more than half rated good to excellent.

The City of Neodesha is considering whether or not to expand the offerings of the City's trash service.

Up for consideration is if the City will expand its trash service to areas just outside of the city limits. City officials have been receiving input on the issue, but say that the more responses they get, the easier it will be for them to make the right decision for the community.

Neodesha residents are asked to contact City Hall at 620-325-2828 to respond.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight with plans to issue a special proclamation in honor of two Coffeyville residents.

At tonight's meeting, the City will honor the work of Gail and Cathy Smith for their efforts in organizing Coffeyville's Summer Celebration. The Smiths have voluntarily organized the summer fireworks show and festival held annually at Walter Johnson Park for the past ten years. Tonight's proclamation will pay tribute to their hard work in providing a much-enjoyed event for the City.

Also on tonight's agenda, is the discussion of a city ordinance that would change the fishing rules at LeClere Park to prohibit net fishing. There will also be a discussion of the potential abatement for the Brown Building located at 129 West 9^th Street.

Tonight's Coffeyville City Commission meeting begins at 6:30 in the commission room at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed online via the City of Coffeyville YouTube channel.

The Oswego Historical Society, Museum and Geneology Center cancels its planned Heritage Days celebration.

The event was slated to take place on July 18^th, but, according to organizers, this year's festivities will not be held due to unforeseen circumstances. The day had been planned to celebrate local traditional crafts, demonstrations, and history.

This year's Independence Day celebration is still anticipated to take place as planned on Friday, with a car show at 4pm and a Red, White and Blue kids parade at 6pm to be followed by an evening at the fairgrounds, featuring music, food, and fireworks in Oswego.

Independence Community College announces the establishment of a new memorial scholarship.

The scholarship honors the memory of Trevor Joseph Martinez and will be available for the 2026-2027 academic year. The $500 per semester scholarship is designed to assist students who have participated in programs that provide additional support and opportunities for success, including Bridges Academy, AVID, Sparkwheel, JAG-K, and Adult Education.

To be eligible, students must have successfully completed at least one full-time semester at Independence Community College, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit a personal statement describing how they plan to use the education they are pursuing. Applicants must also provide a reference from a representative of one of the qualifying programs.

The Trevor Joseph Martinez Memorial Scholarship will be administered by the ICC Foundation and is intended to support students who have demonstrated perseverance, personal growth, and a commitment to continuing their education.

Those interested in applying for the Trevor Joseph Martinez Memorial Scholarship should contact the ICC Foundation Office at 620-332-5625