A Labette County native with deep roots in the Cherryvale and Coffeyville area is bringing home a national title. Competing for Clarendon College in Texas, Tagg Bond of Edna captured the saddle bronc championship Saturday at the Collegiate National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

Bond dominated the competition, winning all four rounds of saddle bronc riding and clinching the championship with an 85-point ride in the finals.

Bond says one of his favorite parts of rodeo is the people involved in the sport, noting that many competitors are simply out there trying to make a living doing what they love.

Bond also explained how saddle bronc riders are scored. Competitors are judged on a 100-point system, with half of the score based on the rider's performance and the other half on the horse's performance. Judges evaluate factors such as control, spurring technique and timing, while also scoring the horse on its power, bucking ability and overall performance.

Photo Credit:Tagg Bond

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reports Kansas wheat harvest is moving along quickly, with 58% of the crop harvested as of June 21. That's well ahead of last year's 18% and the five-year average of 26%. Statewide, 94% of the wheat crop is now mature.

In Southeast Kansas, wheat is 95% mature and 52% harvested, putting the region close to the statewide pace. Farmers continue to make steady progress as harvest moves across the area.

While harvest is advancing rapidly, wheat conditions remain tough across much of Kansas. USDA rates 55% of the crop as poor to very poor, with only 14% rated good. Final yields and grain quality will vary depending on growing conditions and rainfall received throughout the season.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds candidates and supporters that political signs are not allowed on state highway right of ways.

KDOT says state law limits the use of highway right of ways to public highway purposes only, meaning only official regulatory, guide and warning signs placed by the agency are permitted along interstate, U.S. and Kansas highways. Maintenance crews will remove political signs found on state highway right of ways immediately and without notice.

Removed signs will be taken to the nearest KDOT subarea office, where they can be retrieved before being disposed of after the election. KDOT says campaign signs may be placed on private property adjacent to state highways with the property owner's permission. Rules for signs on city streets and county roads are determined by local jurisdictions.

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

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened at around 2:45pm Sunday afternoon on New Prue Road north of Imperial Boulevard. Troopers say a motorcycle driven by 66-year-old John Simpson, of Tulsa, was headed northbound on New Prue Road. A vehicle driven by 37-year-old Brandon Sallee was traveling southbound and attempting to turn into a driveway and turned into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck 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.

Update to previous story:

The story has been updated with corrected information form OHP.

As summer meal programs continue around the area, a new program is available for children and teens at Native American Fellowship in South Coffeyville.

Kris Crane with NAFI says the food program is similar to what area school districts offer.

Crane says each box contains five breakfasts, five lunches and five snacks and all food is shelf-stable.

The food is available between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Thursday on a first-come-first-serve basis on 3^rd Street in South Coffeyville between the highway and Oklahoma Street. The program will run through August 6^th.

A Coffeyville Community College program renews its accreditation.

CCC's Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology program at the Columbus Technical Campus has renewed its accreditation through the ASE Education Foundation through May 2031. The program met accreditation standards in four areas, including structural and non-structural repair, painting and refinishing and damage analysis and estimating.

College officials say accreditation ensures students receive training that reflects current industry practices and helps prepare them for careers in collision repair and related fields. Columbus Technical Campus Director Kari Soper says the accreditation also provides access to industry resources, current technology, training opportunities and donated equipment that enhance student learning.

The Coffeyville Fire Department has community service hours available.

CFD says it maintains and tests more than 600 fire hydrants within the Coffeyville city limits and is currently repainting hydrants to reflect updated flow rates while also improving their appearance. Volunteers will be provided with painting materials and a list of hydrants needing attention. While transportation is not required, it is recommended.

Anyone interested in participating, or those who know someone in need of community service hours, can contact CFD through their Facebook page or by calling (620)252-6148.

The Brown Mansion and Dalton Defender Museum are participating in this year's Sunflower Summer.

Coffeyville Tourism Director Wyatt Starnes says this is a program put on by Kansas Tourism.  Starnes says there is a Sunflower Summer app to download that is available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Sunflower Summer runs from July 9^th through August 2^nd. A link to the website can be found here.

Local amateur radio operators will showcase emergency communications to the public this weekend.

The Coffeyville, Independence and Parsons Amateur Radio Clubs will hold a joint field day exercise as part of ARRL Field Day held across the nation, with a 24-hour public operating event from 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27^th through 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28^th.

The Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club's new communications trailer will be on display, showcasing cutting-edge communications methods.

Across the nation, clubs and individuals will set up portable stations all weekend long. The local clubs are trying a new location this year at Cedar Bluff School, located at 2294 CR 4550. The public is welcome to attend during the event for a chance to see what amateur radio is all about.

A Claremore man is dead following a boating incident on Oologah Lake.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident happened at around 11:00am yesterday morning in Will Rogers Cove on Oologah Lake in Rogers County. Troopers say 71-year-old Robert Johnson and his boat were reported missing to the Rogers County Sheriff's Office. A search involving the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Division, Northwest Fire Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was launched.

Authorities located Johnson's boat in the cove, and Johnson was later found in the water about 50 yards east of the boat. Johnson was recovered from the water by the Northwest Fire Department at around 3:40pm and was pronounced dead. The incident remains under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Nowata County Commission receives an election recap during this week's regularly scheduled meeting.

Election Board Secretary Dave Neely says in addition to the runoffs for the Republican and Democratic parties there will also be other items on the ballot for the August 25^th election.

The South Coffeyville School bond is about $5.9 million. South Coffeyville voters have rejected the last two school bonds by just one vote. Over 2,000 Nowata County voters turned out for the Primary Election.

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 caused damage. 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 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.

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