The City of Bartlesville is undergoing a change in leadership. City Manager Mike Bailey resigns effective immediately after 21 years with the city.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Jim Curd and the City Council, Bailey says he decided after considerable reflection to pursue opportunities outside the city. Bailey describes serving as city manager as the greatest honor of his professional life. He says he has complete confidence in the city’s leadership team and employees and believes Bartlesville is well-positioned for the future because of their commitment and talent.

Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders will serve as acting city manager. Sanders will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations to ensure municipal services continue without interruption. Curd thanked Bailey for his years of service and wished him well in his future endeavors. The Mayor says the council has full confidence in Sanders and believes her experience and leadership will provide continuity during the transition. The City Council will determine the next steps for filling the city manager position and announce its plans as soon as possible.

Full resignation letter

Update 4:45 pm:

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has canceled the endangered persons advisory that was issued on behalf of the Yates Center Police Department. Tava Glover, 44, of Yates Center, was located safe in Oklahoma.

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Police in Yates Center are looking for a missing woman.

44-year-old Tava Glover was last seen by her family on Tuesday. when she was expected to be driving home to Yates Center from Kansas City. She is believed to be driving a 2016 white Lincoln MKZ bearing Kansas tag 9-2-6-1-A-G-M.

Glover is a white female who is approximately 5'4” tall and weighs around 175 pounds. She has light brown hair and hazel eyes. Authorities believe she may have traveled in Pittsburg, Kansas; Miami, Oklahoma; and Ottawa, Kansas, since Tuesday. Glover has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and is without necessary medication.

An endangered persons advisory has been issued for Glover by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone who thinks they have seen Tava Glover, should call 911 immediately. Anyone with information about her whereabouts, should call the Yates Center Police Department at 620-625-8640.

A Kingman man who owned a home daycare center and also worked as a bus driver for the Kingman-Norwich school district is arrested for child sex crimes.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation  are investigating multiple allegations of child sexual abuse made against 47-year-old Tony Streight. Streight was one of two adults operating a home daycare at 250 East H Avenue, in Kingman. The daycare, Little Explorers Playschool, had operated since 2017, and was licensed since 2022.

He was taken into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Kingman County Jail on charges of  rape of a child under 14 years of age, and indecent liberties with a child. The K-B-I continues to investigate the case.

Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announce that Kansas and the Czech Republic have signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation.

The announcement on Thursday stated that the statement is aimed at expanding collaboration in trade, business development, technological research, and other shared priorities. The agreement establishes a framework for closer cooperation between Kansas and the Czech ministries responsible for foreign affairs and industry and trade, while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, universities, scientists, artists, and other institutions.

The partnership focuses on four key industries: aerospace; agriculture, animal health and biotechnology; advanced manufacturing; and nanotechnologies.

State leaders said the agreement also strengthens cultural ties between Kansas and the Czech Republic, building on the state's longstanding Czech heritage. Kansas is home to several Czech-owned businesses and the town of Wilson, known as the Czech Capital of Kansas and one of the nation's largest Czech-American communities.

Three people are injured in a head-on crash in Cowley County.

The accident happened around 4:30 on Thursday afternoon on US-77 near the intersection with 102^nd Road or about 6 miles north of the City of Winfield. 58-year-old Jeffery Nicoll of Denver, Colorado, was driving a 2024 Ram 2500 south on US-77 when he attempted to pass another vehicle. Once in the northbound lane, Nicoll saw an oncoming Chevy Volt driven by 36-year-old George Brady of Rose Hill. Nicoll attempted to avoid a collision by swerving into the east ditch. Brady also swerved into the east ditch. The two vehicles then collided head-on on the shoulder. The collision caused Brady's vehicle to spin and Nicoll's vehicle to roll.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries. A passenger in the Ram pickup identified as 60-year-old Amy Nicoll also received minor injuries. All drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

An Independence health group receives a microgrant from the Community Foundation for Independence.

The Foundation has announced that Indy Women United will receive $500 to assist with the purchase of basic hygiene products for local students. Indy Women United is a group that helps USD 446 students have access to essential hygiene products when they need them most. The group works through each local school's nurse's office to distribute items to students in need, helping them feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn. For many families, rising costs can make it difficult to afford necessities. By helping meet these basic needs, Indy Women United is making a meaningful difference in the lives of local students and creating a stronger, more compassionate community.

The Community Foundation for Independence connects donors and organizations to support projects to improve the quality of life in Independence and other surrounding communities.

Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Independence

The Caney Police Department will begin activating school speed zone lights beginning today.

Today's activation will be to test the lights before the beginning of the new school year. The lights in the school zone on US-75 near Caney High School as well as those near Lincoln Elementary will turn on automatically starting on Monday morning. The lights will be active all next week to ensure the system is working properly.

The first day of classes for Caney students is Thursday, August 13^th.

Emergency crews respond to an injury car accident on US-400.

The accident occurred around 7pm last night near the intersection of US-400 and County Road 5300 or about 2 miles west of the US-169 junction. The Montgomery County sheriff's Office along with Independence Fire & EMS and Cherryvale Fire & EMS. Preliminary reports indicate that at least one person was injured in the two-vehicle accident, but no further details have been released.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds to a grass fire along US-400.

The call came in around 3 yesterday afternoon. Crews responded to a corn field near the intersection of US-400 and 600 Road, just northwest of Neodesha. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to crops.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

A representative from the human resources group that conducted the recent wage study for Montgomery county will attend Monday's commission meeting to field questions from the public.

Phil Hayes with the Arnold Group will be at Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting to answer questions regarding the compensation study that was conducted for county employees. The issue recently came to light after public documents showed significant wage increases for some county employees over the past few years. While the county has requested that question be submitted before the meeting, there will be the opportunity for the public to ask questions at the meeting.

Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting will be held at 9am at the Judicial Center in Independence.

Standing room only as a large crowd gathers to ask questions and express concerns on a potential data center project in Coffeyville.

City Manager Ben Brubaker, Director of Electric Services Chris Weiner and Montgomery County Action Council Director Melissa Johnson spoke during the meeting about the potential project and the impacts it could have on the area. Brubaker says they have received four proposals for a data center.

A number of Coffeyville residents and residents from surrounding areas spoke during the meeting, with a majority of the crowd not in favor of the data center. The meeting was just informational and no decision was made. The City Commission will consider the four proposals at the upcoming meeting on Tuesday. The first step is for a study to be done to determine if the area can support any of the proposed data centers.

The U.S. Postal Service is proposing the permanent closure of the Longton Post Office.

Postal services at the location have been suspended since November 2020. The Postal Service says the building has safety and health concerns that cannot be repaired. In-person retail services will remain available at the Independence Main Office Post Office.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 2:00pm to 2:30pm. Residents will be able to ask questions and provide comments. People can also listen by calling 1-855-860-4313 and entering meeting ID 165-483-8012. Telephone participants will not be able to submit questions during the meeting. The letter sent to Longton Residents with website information for the meeting can be seen here.

Work is underway on a water system improvement project in South Coffeyville.

Crews have started open trenching for a new 10-inch waterline along Willow Street. Work will eventually move north from 5^th and Willow Streets. Crews will also work west from 3^rd and Willow Streets toward Delaware Street. The project includes nearly 4,000 feet of new waterline, improvements to a booster pump station and repairs to the valve vault below the city’s 250,000-gallon water tower.

The improvements are expected to reduce water loss, improve water pressure and help the system meet peak demand. Drivers are asked to use caution in the construction areas.

A garage fire in Coffeyville is under investigation.

Firefighters responded to the 1200 block of Stark Street shortly before 2:00am this morning. Crews arrived to find a detached garage with heavy fire on all sides. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished without incident.

The Dearing and South Coffeyville fire departments provided additional manpower. The Coffeyville Police Department and Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause.

Coffeyville Community College's move in and welcome event is next weekend.

Organizer Donna Chambers says this year's event is called Aloha Welcome Weekend.  Chambers says they are looking for volunteers to help move the students into the dorms.

Chambers says for those that want to volunteer to contact here at (918)808-2018. Move in will from around 9:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The City of Sedan considers changes to city water rates.

At this week's city council meeting, Jim Koger of the Kansas Rural Water Association discussed a possible increase in water rates for Sedan water customers. Council member Crystal Wade says raising rates only on high quantity users won't improve the problem.

Council member Wellington Butler says spreading the increase among all users would reduce the impact of rising rates.

No decision was made at this week's meeting. Council members will continue to consider the issue as they work through the 2027 budget over the coming weeks.

Demolition has started on the former Coffeyville Fire station in downtown Coffeyville ahead of a planned housing development.

Earlier this year, the Coffeyville City Commission approved a housing redevelopment incentive package with MTI Commercial Construction of Springdale, Arkansas.

The company plans to build 30 condominiums in downtown, with a $20,000 incentive paid per unit, split upon completion and occupancy. According to minutes from the Coffeyville Planning and Zoning Commission, the buildings north of the Terminal building at 709 and 711 S Walnut will be combined to house the 30 units. MTI told the City earlier this year they were hoping to at least save part of the tower structure of the station to incorporate into the new design, but also notes additional parking will be needed for the units.

The former fire station at 7^th and Walnut was built in the 1950s and served the city for decades before being eventually replaced the the Emergency Services building on 11^th.

Students across the four-state area are getting ready to head back to class and drivers are urged to take extra care.

Drivers should be on the lookout for students walking and biking to and from school as students head back to class, and remember that it is against the law to pass a school bus that is loading or unloading children. Pay careful attention near bus stops and crosswalks, obey speed limits in school zones, and avoid distractions while driving to make sure students can safely travel to and from school.

Students in Howard, Caney, and Cedarvale-Dexter all head back to class next week.

Fans of the spooky, the unusual and the paranormal will have a chance to experience panels, presentations, workshops, and vendors at the Bordertown ParaCon coming up in Caney.

The 8th Annual Bordertown ParaCon is a full day dedicated to ghosts, cryptids, UFOs, high strangeness, and other mysteries. The event is held annually by the SEK Bordertown Paranormal Society. Organizer Pam Earnest says there will be lots of information and activities.
 

Earnest says the one-day event is coming up on Saturday.

Admission is free.

The City of Parsons continues an ongoing discussion over the construction of a micro data center in the Tolan Creek Industrial Park.

At this week's meeting of the Parsons City Commission, during the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident presented a petition with dozens of signatures in favor of a temporary moratorium on the construction of data center facilities. At issue is a proposed micro data center from the company HyperDataGrid. Director of Economic Development Jim Zaleski says the proposed facility would generate a great deal of income for the City.

Commissioner Verlyn Boulanger stated that he had concerns with promises from HyperDataGrid that have not been put in writing. Boulanger says that's a major problem for him and spars with Zaleski over the issue.

A major part of the concern over data centers is over water usage. Commissioner Eric Strait says a lot of that concern stems from much larger structures than what Parsons is considering.

After a lengthy discussion, the commission voted 4 to 1 in favor of accepting a six month option to buy 20 acres of land in the Tolan Creek Industrial Park as a future site for a data center, with Commissioner Boulanger voting no.

To view the data center discussion during this week's meeting, follow this link. The discussion begins at the 13:20 mark. To view a previous commission work session on the issue, go here.

Coffeyville's Community Elementary School announces new guidelines for parents picking up and dropping off their students in the upcoming school year.

School officials have updated the traffic map and ask that parents review the new map before the beginning of the new school year. The changes have been made to keep students safe while ensuring that traffic moves freely and efficiently during both mornings and afternoons. Parents who would like to walk their children into the building are asked to park in the parking lot located near the soccer fields.

The first day of classes for USD 445 Coffeyville students is August 17^th.

The suspect in a fatal shooting in Parsons is charged with First Degree Murder.

27-year-old Billy Ray Duncan has been charged with one count of intentional and premeditated first degree murder in the shooting death of 35-year-old Gabriel Kane Duncan. The incident occurred yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon around 1:30 when Parsons Police were called to a residence in the 1200 block of Southwest 10^th Street. There they found one individual who was deceased. Billy Ray Duncan was arrested without incident. In addition to the murder charge, Duncan is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

The case remains under investigation.

Local fire departments respond to a garage fire in Coffeyville.

Early this morning around 2 a.m., firefighters from Coffeyville, Dearing and South Coffeyville Fire Departments responded to the 1200 block of Stark Street near the Public Services Department to a report of a fully-involved structure fire.

Firefighters were able to control the fire. There's currently no word on any injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Parsons Police arrest a man following a fatal shooting.

PPD officers responded shortly before 1:30pm this afternoon to the 1200 block of Southwest 10^th Street. Police identified and detained 27-year-old Billy Ray Duncan on suspicion of homicide. The victim, 35-year-old Gabriel Kaine Duncan, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Labette County deputy coroner. Police say both men lived at the residence.

Detectives continue to process the scene, conduct interviews and gather evidence. The Labette County Attorney’s Office will determine formal charges after reviewing the completed investigation.

The City of Caney continues to look at the budget for the upcoming year after voting to raise the mill ceiling by 10 mills.

City Administrator Andrea Sibley says they are working to determine the needs of the City.  Sibley says there will be a budget workshop on August 17^th and the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing will be on September 7^th.