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Local News Archives for 2018-12

Boil Water Advisory For Caney

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment posts a boil water advisory for City of Caney water customers.  The action follows a water leak that was detected overnight. The leak was difficult for city crews to track, given yesterday’s rainfall. The advisory will remain in effect until lab tests confirm no bacterial contamination resulted from a loss of system pressure.  

 

 

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

 

  • Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water.
  • Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
  • Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
  • Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
  • If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

 

 

UPDATE: Caney Water Leak Found

 

City Administrator Fred Gress says the water leak has been located. It is on the 12in main line that feeds water into the city. Gress says it’s in a remote location and will take some time to fix. 

 

KGGF will continue to provide updates as we receive them. 

Early Morning Water Leak in Caney

 

The City of Caney is experiencing a water leak that will result in low water pressure for residents until it can be fixed. City Administrator Fred Gress says due to the rain and lack of light they are unable to locate the leak at this time. Gress says as soon as it is light out the county will be providing a drone to help locate the leak.  They City is asking residents to notify them if they think they have found the location of the leak.

 

KGGF will provide updates as soon as we get them from the city.

Representative Rich Proehl on Upcoming Session

 

 

It’s about to get busy! Speaking with Republican Representative Rich Proehl on the upcoming session that’s right around the corner. A slow news period out of Topeka, with the new legislative session fast approaching that will quickly change. Proehl says there will be many new items that need to be seen and discussed and if you have questions to stay close with your area’s representative or Senator and ask those questions. Proehl says with a new governor in office it could bring some major changes as well as some frustration passing certain items at first. Governor Kelly has a dedicated game plan towards mainly education and healthcare. Proehl is hopeful both sides can come up with a plan together, as he says they both have the same goal, just different ways of getting it. Representative Rich Proehl says it comes down everyone finding a middle ground with Governor Kelly’s game plan to make for a smooth transition.

UPDATE: Suspect in Iola Slayings Dies

 

The suspect in the deaths of a woman and her father in Iola dies from injuries sustained in a self-inflicted shooting.  Tulsa Police say, as they were closing in, 38-year-old Ben Converse shot himself with a handgun.  Amy Elliot of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office confirms Converse’s death and says his organs were being donated before an autopsy is conducted.  

 

A manhunt for Converse began on Thursday after the bodies of 36-year-old Molly Wilson and 69-year-old John Tadlock were found in their Iola home.  Converse was located in Tulsa on Friday.  The Allen County Sheriff’s Office say the investigation continues. 

Kansas Murder Suspect Located In Tulsa

 

 

A suspect in an Allen County double homicide is located in Tulsa, OK.  The News On 6 reports police responded to a shooting near 61st and Mingo. Ben Converse, who is a person of interest in the December 27 shooting deaths of two people in Iola, reportedly shot himself. The 38-year-old Converse was transported to the hospital.  

 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says 36-year-old Molly Wilson and her father, 69-year-old John Tadlock, died of apparent gunshot wounds. They were found dead Thursday in their home.  Authorities believe Converse and Wilson had been in a relationship. 

 

 

KBI Asks Public's Help in Locating Iola Murder Suspect

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public’s help following a double homicide in Iola.  A father and daughter were found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds in a home last Thursday in  Iola.   The victims have been identified as 36 year old Molly Wilson and and 69 year old John Tadlock.

 

A person of interest has been identified connected to the case and authorities are working to locate him at this time. If anyone knows the whereabouts of 38-year-old Ben Converse, they are asked to contact the Iola Police Department at 620-365-4960. Converse is a white male, 5 ft. 9 in. tall, and approximately 175 lbs. He has hazel eyes. Converse may be driving a maroon 2011 Kia Forte with Kansas license plate 509 KZS. He may be in the Oklahoma area. If you see Converse or the vehicle, please do not approach, but contact police.  Here is a photo of Converse.

Money Goals for 2019

 

Many people are going to make New Year's resolutions for this next year involving money. K-State Research and Extension Specialist in Financial Management Elizabeth Kiss says don't be afraid to make smaller goals instead of one large one.

 

Kiss says if you have money left at the end of a pay period put it into savings or an emergency fund, add it to your retirement account or make a larger payment on a credit card.

IPD Investigates Abduction Scare

 

Sunday the Independence Police Department was notified of a Facebook post concerning a potential abduction at Walmart. The incident occurred in the early evening hours on Saturday and was initially reported to and investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. IPD opened an investigation after being alerted to the post on Facebook. Officers reviewed store video and spoke with witnesses and interviewed the people involved. The investigation did not reveal any criminal activity.

 

Officers believe the situation was a misunderstanding, but Police Chief Jerry Harrison says he wants our community to know they take their safety seriously. He says that many reports of suspicious activity turn out to have a reasonable explanation, but sometimes these reports lead to serious criminal charges. Harrison wants everyone to know that IPD cannot be successful without the help and support of the citizens.

Early Morning Fire

 

The Coffeyville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 304 E 6th at 4:00am yesterday morning. Upon arrival, flames and smoke were visible. CFD and CPD were unaware if occupants were still inside. After a search, it was determined the house was unoccupied and firefighters had the fire under control by 4:24am. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire, which extended into the attic, was determined to be a wood burning stove protruding through the wall. Damage to the structure, listed as owned by William Mayes, and contents was estimated to be $20,000.

 

In addition to CPD, off duty firefighters, the South Coffeyville Fire Department and CRMC EMS assisted at the scene.

Breaking News: Water Main Break In Caney

 

*** Update***

Water service was restored around 1 o’clock this morning.  

 

The City of Caney experiences a water main break this evening. Water service has been turned off to the entire city.  The water department has crews out trying to fix what is being called a major leak.   

 

No word yet on when water will be restored.  

Bartlesville Man Accused of Trade Secret Theft

 

A Chinese national employed by an Oklahoma petroleum company has been charged with stealing trade secrets.

 

Federal prosecutors in Tulsa said Friday that 35-year-old Hongjin Tan is accused of stealing trade secrets from his unnamed U.S.-based employer that operates a research facility in the Tulsa area.

 

An affidavit filed by the FBI alleges that Tan stole trade secrets about an unidentified product worth more than $1 billion to his employer to benefit a Chinese company where Tan had been offered work.

 

A LinkedIn page for a Hongjin Tan whose education background matches those described in the affidavit indicates he was a staff scientist at Phillips 66 Research Center in Bartlesville, which is part of the Northern District of Oklahoma.

 

The Tulsa World quotes Phillips 66 spokesman Dennis Nuss as saying the company is cooperating with the FBI regarding a former employee at the Bartlesville location.

 

The company contacted the FBI Dec. 13, one day after Tan told his supervisor he was resigning from the company in two weeks to return to China to be with his family, according to the affidavit.

 

Tan lives in Bartlesville.  He was hired in April 2017 as a research engineer in the company's battery development group, according to the affidavit.

 

Authorities say Tan allegedly downloaded hundreds of computer files regarding the manufacture of a "research and development downstream energy market product."

 

Court records show Tan made an initial appearance before a federal magistrate Thursday and remains in custody. A preliminary and detention hearing is scheduled next week.

Suspects Sought In Burglary

 

A burglary in Elgin results in a request for the public’s help to locate the suspects. It happened last evening (Friday).  According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses saw a light blue, older model Chevy pickup parked in the driveway. The truck was raised and was very noisy, according to witness accounts. The driver is described as having long blond hair. The suspect appeared to be in his late 30s.  His passenger was older.

 

Anyone who has information, is urged to call the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department at (620) 725-3108.  

 

Holiday Safety Tips from Indy Police Chief

 

Last minute Christmas shopping can be very hectic especially for parents who bring their children along. You never want to lose your kid in a store but just in case you do Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison says make sure your child is educated on what to do.  Harrison says not to leave them in the car it's always better to take them in the store with you.

 

When it comes to the holiday traffic Harrison says you have to obey all traffic laws and not drive distracted.  For those you do some holiday traveling he says thieves watch for inactivity at a house because they like easy targets.  Harrison says to put your lights on timers and have trusted neighbors check on your house while you are gone.

Library Fine Food Drive

 

Got some overdue book fines piled up at the Coffeyville Public Library but you spent all your money on Christmas gifts. Assistant Director Rachel Rose says they've got some ways were you can take care of those.

 

Rose says even if you don't have fines you can still donate and those donations can go to someone else's fine.

Area Unemployment Continues to Fall

 

Unemployment continues it’s downward trend in southeast Kansas.  Although the region as a whole has some of the highest unemployment in the state, unemployment continues to fall, according to the Kansas Department of Labor. 

 

Statistics released by the department show Montgomery County’s unemployment rate at 3.6 % for November down from 3.7% in October and down 0.6% from a year ago.  Neosho County had the highest rate of unemployment in the region at 4.3% but that’s also down 0.2% from a year ago.  Labette County was at 3.5%, down 0.1% from a year ago and Wilson County at 3.4% down 0.5% for the year.

Christmas Lights in Coffeyville

 

If you are looking for a some places to take the kids to look at Christmas lights, Director of the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce Candi Westbrook says there are two big places right here in town.

 

Westbrook says this weekend is also the last two dates for the Candlelit Tours at the Brown Mansion.

Soybean School Registration

 

 

All Soybean farmers or individuals with involvement with soybeans should mark your calendars for the Soybean school put on by the K State extension offices! James Cooper says it’s about a month away but they are already taking registrations. They will host a handful of speakers to talk about pest control, overall soybean growth and hitting on the bumpy soybean crop market that we have seen through this year. Cooper says it’s free of charge but needs reservations by calling your local extension office. The event will be held on the 15th of January so still plenty of time to work that into your schedule. Though we are a month away they are already taking reservations by calling your local extension office or by emailing agent James Cooper directly at jcooper@ksu.edu

Bartlesville PD Investigate Accidental Shooting

 

Bartlesville Police respond to a call from a residence located in the 1700 block of Country Road on Dec. 15th around midnight. The call came in as an accidental shooting with one person injured. When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Demonte Barbee from Nowata who had had suffered a gunshot wound to the waist area. He was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery but passed away from the injury Sunday afternoon. Initially police were told that Barbee had accidentally shot himself while handling a 45-caliber handgun. On Monday Detectives interviewed 19-year-old Dylan Michael Cobb a second time. Cobb changed his original statement stating he had grabbed the gun when it accidentally went off striking his friend causing the fatal injury.

 

The case will be reviewed by the District Attorney to determine what charges will be filed.

Coffeyville Kids Shop With A Cop

 

Wednesday marks Shop with a Cop for over 200 children from Coffeyville’s Boys & Girls Club.  Each child was paired an officer, a firefighter, EMT, sheriff’s deputy or a game warden.  The kids often select gifts for family and friends before picking something for themselves.  Volunteers are also on hand to make sure all the presents are wrapped. 

 

The officers and others work year-round to raise the funds to give each child a $50 Wal-Mart card. 

Cattle Perish In Semi Wreck

 

A semi overturns on US 160, just east of Oak Valley. The Kansas Highway Patrol, Elk County Sheriff’s Office, Fire & Rescue, and EMS all responded to the scene this morning. The driver of the truck and a passenger escaped injury. There were 90 head of cattle in the trailer.  It took crews several hours to clean the scene. 

 

Of the 90 head of cattle, 11 were killed in the roll-over.  

$2000 Still up for Grabs

 

Hopefully you held on to your Christmas Bucks Tickets. With only one ticket of three claimed in the first Christmas Bucks Drawing the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce has drawn two new numbers. The first winning ticket from Bluboots number 101225 and the other from Lannings number 206225.

 

The only ticket claimed in the first round of drawing came from The Yoke Bar and Grill and the Chamber wants to congratulate Jerry Moore on winning.

Soft Lockdown at Caney Valley High School

 

Reports on social media this afternoon of a lock down at Caney Valley High School proved not to be any type of emergency.  High School Principal Jimmy Littleford said it was only a drill.  Today's event was a "soft lockdown" which is required by the state. 

 

Littleford said that the state requires 9 such drills each school year.   

Delice Downing Honored in Hometown

 

Back to back NJCAA Volleyball National Championships, 2018 NJCAA Coach of the Year and now her very own day. Coffeyville Community College Volleyball Coach Delice Downing's hometown has named December 17th Delice Downing Day. The Proclamation from the City of Atchinson, Kansas says that Downing has been a female role model and pioneer for the youth of their town. Downing is the Red Ravens winningest volleyball coach in school history with over 380 wins in 14 years coaching.

 

The City of Atchinson is proud to recognize Delice Downing as one of their favorite daughters.

Caney City Council Approves Down Payment

 

Push for a grocery store in Caney continues. City Administrator Fred Gress says he feels like a grocery store will go a long way in helping recruit people to the city.  Gress says its a huge negative when people look at moving to Caney.

 

The Council approved putting down a down payment for the building for the grocery store at last nights meeting.  Gress says this is a huge first step for a very needed project.

Courthouse To Close Over Holiday

 

The Montgomery County Courthouse and other county departments will be closed on Monday, December 24th and on Tuesday, December 25th for Christmas.  County Clerk Charlotte Scott Schmidt says the closure also applies to the Coffeyville Tag Office.  Normal business hours will resume on Wednesday. 

 

The Montgomery County Commission will have its next meeting on January 7, 2019. 

 

 

A.G's Office Effort to Stop Robo-Callers Continue

 

 

On Monday Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced he is now apart of a bipartisan group effort to lessen the burden and scams from robocalls. Saying in the past they would only investigate after the call was already made, now they turn their focus to better call blocking with the phone companies.

He says next year they hope to have a new call blocking system called SHAKEN/STIR in place that he hopes drastically helps the number of calls. Schmidt says the group includes 40 different states AG’s office as in the past the AG’s office would be a lone entity in trying to track down and convict scammers and sources of robocalls. Schmidt is hoping with the help from the phone companies and addition of new technology the amount of calls will decrease, which was over 30 billion last year as he says 10 billion of those were scams.

First Mistaken Conviction Lawsuit Settled

 

The first mistaken conviction lawsuit filed against the state of Kansas has been resolved.  The attorney general’s office followed a statute enacted by the legislature earlier this year to resolve the matter. The lawsuit was filed in August by Richard Jones. In 2000, he was convicted in Johnson County and imprisoned for an aggravated robbery he did not commit. His conviction was vacated and charges against him dismissed in 2017. Between June 2000 and June 2017, Jones served 6,035 days in prison and 164 days confined by bond and court supervision.

 

Jones was granted a Certificate of Innocence. Records of his arrest and conviction were ordered expunged and any biological samples associated with his mistaken conviction are ordered destroyed. He was granted total compensation of $1,103,945.16. He was granted counseling. He was granted permission to participate in the state health care benefits program for plan years 2019 and 2020.

 

Two other lawsuits under the new mistaken-conviction statute have been filed by other individuals. 

Last Call for Coffeyville Christmas Cash Winners

 

You could be a thousand dollars richer and not know it!  The Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking people to look at their ticket numbers in the Coffeyville Christmas Cash Give Away.  Three winning tickets have been drawn, worth $1,000 each in Coffeyille Bucks.  The Chamber says if the prizes aren’t claimed by 4pm tomorrow, it will be too late and new tickets drawn.  The unclaimed winning tickets were from The Yoke Bar and Grill, Country Mart and Shoe Sensation. 

 

The ticket numbers are 330241, 276193 and 320304.

Coffeyville's Save-A-Lot to Close

 

Coffeyville will be down to just 2 supermarkets in the new year.  The Save-A-Lot on E. 8th Street will be closing it’s doors.  A source has confirmed that the last day of business for the Coffeyville grocery will be December 31st

 

No other information is being made available at this time, pending a formal statement expected before the end of the week

Safe Travel Tips From K.H.P.

 

 

Holiday travel is on the rise! As we approach Christmas many of us will be driving the winter roads to get to our holiday destinations. Trooper Ben Gardner with the K.H.P. wants you to stay safe this holiday season and gives us some good tips before you travel. Gardener says to make sure your car is fully packed for the trip, including items to help you escape the snow like a shovel, sand, even kitty litter has been known to work to gain traction. Gardner says to make sure you and your car are ready before you even hit the roads. Getting good sleep, knowing your route and telling someone of your route, packing blankets, food and water in your car. All the advice aside Gardner says make sure you at least do one thing, and that's wear your seat belt and get to your destination safely.

 

Shop with a Cop

 

Coffeyville's Shop with a Cop event is a great way for kids to build relationships with law enforcement. Boys and Girls Club Griff Walker says it also has a great impact on the community.

 

Walker says that starting this year they are going to be giving a plaque to an individual who has been an outstanding citizen in the community.

Email Bomb Threat

 

The City of Coffeyville received an email yesterday with the subject line “Bomb is in your building.” The Coffeyville Police Department was notified and Chief Kwin Bromley says they have received reports of businesses getting the same email bomb threats. Upon further investigation, Bromley learned the email style bomb threat has been sent to hundreds of companies, schools, hospitals, government agencies and individuals. According to CPD, the FBI says this email has been occurring nationwide and is believed to be a hoax.

 

If such an email is received, delete it and do not respond.

150th Calenders for Sale

 

The City of Coffeyville continues to prepare for their 150th Birthday Celebration. Chamber of Commerce's Sam Kudrick says they do have merchandise for sale.

 

Celebration for the 150th will start with the new year and last all year long.

 

Dangers of Consuming Raw Cookie Dough

 

 

 

Speaking with food specialist Barbara Ames with the K-State extension office, she wants everyone to enjoy all the sweets you'll be making this holiday season, but also warns of consuming raw cookie dough. She states it’s not just the eggs you need to be worried about as consuming raw flour has many times been linked to illness. Ames says these incidents aren’t always going to happen, but describes it as playing Russian roulette with your family's health, as she wants everyone to enjoy a healthy holiday. She also warns that pre-package cookie dough has also been linked to illness in the past.

 

Ames encourages you resist the urge this holiday season to eat your delicious looking cookie dough, and avoid the risk of any food borne illness for you and the family.

Donations for Special Needs Teen

 

Donation locations set up for a special needs Oklahoma teen who was left at rest stop in Kansas last month. After a number of people have asked where donations could be sent there have been two locations set up. Greenwood County Sheriff Heath Samuels said the donations can be dropped off or sent to Flinthills Services. The Kansas Department for Children and Families will also receive donations for the teen at their Wichita office. They ask that all items are unwrapped, due to safety and security reasons, and are dropped off before December 19th. Donors are asked to mark the items with Greenwood County Juvenile.

 

 

 

Wichita DCF
2601 S Oliver
Wichita, KS 67210

 

Flinthills Services, Inc.
505 Walnut Valley Drive
El Dorado, KS 67042

 

The following items are needed:

  • Shirts (L and XL)

  • Pants (38x34)

  • Pillow

  • Twin size bedding

  • Hat and Gloves

  • Winter Coat

  • Underwear and Socks

  • Shoes (size 10.5W)

  • Small radio

  • Posters (Wolverine, Star Wars, Superheroes)

  • Movies (Children’s, Action)

  • iPad or tablet

 

KGGF KQQF KUSN Rings the Bell

 

Members of the KGGF KQQF KUSN staff will be out at Country Mart ring the bells until around 4:30 this evening. Come by meet our sales, on air and office staff and help out by donating to the Salvation Army.

 

Bell ringers are still need and if you are interested in helping out give Joe Brooks a call at (620)870-9261.

CRMC Receives Tax Credit

 

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation has been awarded $250,000 in tax credits for 2018-2019 tax years. Community Service Tax credits are awarded from the Kansas Department of Commerce through a competitive application process. CRMC Foundation was one of 16 nonprofit organizations from around the state to receive an award and the only one in Montgomery County. CRMC Foundation’s tax credit project will improve patient care by supporting various improvements to the CRMC Medical Imaging Department including a Multi-purpose Fluoroscopy and 3D Mammography.

 

An individual or business who has obligation for Kansas State Income taxes may donate to this project.

Corrections Officers Stop Inmate Escape

 

Monday an inmate at the Montgomery County Department of Corrections assaulted Corrections Officers in an attempt to escape. 40 year old Curtis Lee Harris used force to gain control of a Taser from a Corrections Officer. The Corrections Officer acted quickly deploying pepper spray and radioing for backup. When the first backup Corrections Officer arrived to assist, Harris deployed the Taser striking the second Corrections Officer. Moments later a third Corrections Officer arrived and deployed his Taser striking Harris causing Harris to fall to the floor. After multiple Taser shocks to officers Harris was finally returned to his cell.

 

He is now facing multiple counts of attempted aggravated escape from custody, Aggravated assault, and criminal threat against a law enforcement officer.

Grandmother Arrested Involving Teen Found at Rest Stop

 

Authorities have arrested the grandmother of a 17-year-old Oklahoma boy with special needs who was found alone near a southeast Kansas rest stop. Rogers County, Oklahoma, authorities say 68-year-old Janie Gill was arrested and booked into jail Monday on one count of child neglect. Rogers County, Oklahoma Sheriff Scott Walton, says Gill drove hours into Kansas intentionally dropping off her grandson while she was on her way to pick up her husband, who was being released from a Kansas prison.

 

A custodian found the boy Nov. 29 at a rest stop near Beaumont, Kansas. He had no identification and couldn't speak. He remains in protective custody.

Main Street Sip N' Shop

 

 

A busy week in Independence as Chamber director Lisa Wilson is excited to announce another great way to get your holiday shopping done, while keeping your dollars local, with Sip N Shop tomorrow night. The Independence Main Street Sip N’ Shop is tomorrow going from 5 until 8. Chamber director Lisa Wilson says it's always just a fun time for everyone as there are a handful of items you can take part in all while you get some more holiday shopping in. There will be a book signing at Apricot Lane with Dr. Ann Hogsett  and Community National Bank will be offering holiday photos for the kids. Wilson says if your one of the first 100 people to show up at Newton's True Value tomorrow night you will receive an etched wine glass with the Sip N Shop logo on the front made from the ICC FabLab.

Needing More Help For Planning Commission

 

 

City commissioners were asked to review an application for a new member of the planning commission for the city of Coffeyville. City Manager Mark Hall says it's an exciting board and they are currently still looking for more help. Hall says these individuals will put work into planning and housing situation for the future of Coffeyville. He says it’s an exciting board as they look for someone to join from inside Coffeyville city limits. Hall says it helps to have a background in housing but is not a requirement. They are more looking for individuals that know this city well, and are dedicated to its future and growth. To apply Hall says to call City Hall at 620-252-6100.

Coffeyville City Commission Meets Tonight

 

Although Coffeyville’s Interstate Fair and Rodeo is still 8 months away early preparations are already underway.  The Coffeyville City Commission will consider a resolution to approve a cereal malt beverage license for this year’s fair when they meet in regular session tonight.

 

In other business the commissioners will be making appointments to the CRMC Board of Trustees.  Those under consideration are Dr Vinay Kohli, Doug Mund and Dr Garrick Rettele.

  

The Commissioners will also consider purchases for the water treatment plant as well as conduct other business items when they meet at 6:30 this evening in the Commission Room at City Hall.    

Nowata Sherrif's Department Receive Donations

 

Several Donations for the Sheriff's Department received by the Nowata County Commissioners during yesterday's meeting. Richard and Robin Briggs donated $100, Sherry Stoll donated $140 and new Sheriff Terry Sue Barnett's Compaign Donations contributed $1982. Undersheriff James Winn says the donations will help staff continue to make upgrades inside the building.

 

The Commissioners also accepted donations of four wall hangings, two leather chairs, office supplies, paint supplies and a toilet from Jared and Heather Collins all for the Sheriff's Department.

Sentencing for an Independence Man

 

An Independence man has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. The Montgomery County Chronicle is reporting that 30 year old Michael Dean Forrest was sentenced Friday by Judge William Cullins. Forrest was originally charged with two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor. One of the two counts was later dismissed after Forrest accepted a plea agreement.

 

The sentence comes after Forrest admitted to molesting a 10 year old stepchild in 2017.

Community Input For U.S.D. 445

 

 

We have been talking about it in recent news and now it fastly approaches. We spoke with superintendent of U.S.D 445 Dr. Craig Correll as he wanted to reminds listeners the community input night is this Thursday. The meeting will take place in the Roosevelt Middle School Gym this Thursday starting at 7PM. Correll urges you get there a little early or stay a touch later as there is also tours you can take part in at 6 and 8PM. Superintendent Correll says there are still things that need to be taken care of including ADA compliance, even though the bond did not pass. Thursday is a great way to see and ask about everything in question. Correll states that we aren't providing the state of the art education this 21st century can provide, and encourages your interaction Thursday night. Bring your questions and solutions, as they try and figure out an affordable plan that still meets all the kids needs. The meeting will take place in the RMS Gym this Thursday starting at 7PM.

A Number Of Car Break-Ins

 

The Coffeyville Police Department spends the morning fielding calls city-wide following a rash of  car burglaries overnight.  Investigators are reviewing several surveillance videos of the burglaries. Police believe the suspects are two separate individuals on foot going house to house checking for unlocked cars and stealing the valuables from inside.

 

Police say this situation serves as a great reminder of why it’s necessary to lock vehicles, especially overnight and never leave any valuables inside your vehicle. Make it your 9PM routine!

Training For Elk County Sheriff's Office

 

Elk County Dispatchers & Deputies train all week getting recertified on tasers and getting trained on a new CAD, JMS, RMS unit. This will help Dispatch & Deputies on calls and with case work. The Sheriff's Office finished up training on Saturday night.

 

Sheriff Doug Hanks finished up the training with a Christmas Party for the employees.

 

Fatal Crane Accident in Fredonia

 

 

 

According to Wilson County Sheriff Pete Figgin, deputies were called Friday morning to a possible on site work related accident.

The location is the new site of the Fredonia Water Treatment Plant that is being constructed. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult males with injuries. One male died from his injuries, and the other male was treated for minor injuries according to Sherriff Figgin. The cause of accident has not been determined and the OSHA has been contacted for further investigation.  The Wilson County Sheriff's Office expresses condolences to the families of those involved.

 

 

Courtesy of KOAM TV*

Winter Weather Fizzles Out

 

The winter weather storm that has been advertised to produce heavy snow and ice has dwindled significantly in recent days. Chief meteorologist Travis Meyer from the News on 6 tells Bartlesville Radio that the weather will be light and mostly south of Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

 

After having a near 100-percent chance of snow a couple days ago, Meyer says most of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma should remian dry. The includes Bartlesville, Chanute, Coffeyville and most of the listening area. Tulsa is only expected to get a half inch of snow if any snow at all.

 

The dry weather conditions in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma will make for near perfect road conditions in the northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas areas, Meyer says. 

Meyer would mention that another bad winter storm could develop late next week. He says the News on 6 as well as many other meteorologists will take conservative approaches with the next storm though. They only reason he mentions the possibility of snow next week is to keep people informed that the winter weather doesn’t stop with this weekends snuffed out snow storm.

Brown Mansion Candlelit Tours

 

There's a long list of things to take part in this holiday season in Coffeyville. Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director Sam Kudrick says the Candlelit Tours start this Sunday.

 

Kudrick says the tours will run from 5:30pm to 8:00pm and they are self guided. She suggests getting there no later than 7:30 to give yourself plenty of time to get through the entire tour.

Charges Filed in Homicide

 

A woman charged in the shooting death in Cherryvale last week. Julie Ann Fagerstrom has been charged with second-degree intentional murder. If convicted Fagerstrom faces a sentence of between 12 to 55 years in prison and a $300,000 fine. She will return to court on Jan 15 for selection of her preliminary hearing until then she remains free after posting bail.

 

Fagerstrom is charged in the shooting of Richard Schultheiss on November 26th. Schultheiss died of a single gunshot wound.

CCC Wraps up the Semester

 

The Fall Semester at Coffeyville Community College is coming to an end and that means finals for the students. Business Communications students completed their final by mock interviewing Vice President Aron Potter for a Sports Director position. Vice President Potter also gave students examples of what not to do during an interview.

 

The Spring Semester will start in January and there will be an interim session starting later this month just give CCC a call if you have any question about enrollment.

Funny Money in Cherryvale

 

Fake cash circulating through Cherryvale. The Police Department would like citizens to be aware of a recent influx of counterfeit currency being passed around town. Officers have responded to several reports from businesses in the area about counterfeit bills. When using cash, Cherryvale PD urges you to check your bills.

 

The following is information from the U.S. Treasury Department to help distinguish between real bills and the fake ones: Hold a bill up to a light and look for a holograph of the face image on the bill. Both images should match. If the $100 bill has been bleached, the hologram will display an image of Abraham Lincoln, who appears on the $5 bills, instead of Benjamin Franklin. Looking at the bill through a light will also reveal a thin vertical strip containing text that spells out the bill's denomination.

USD 445 Community Input Night; Parade Update!

 

 

Candi Westbrook the Director of the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce says to save the date, as on Thursday December 13th at 7PM, U.S.D. 445 will be holding a community input night. An opportunity for you to see the issues around the district and can give your input on those issues as well. Westbrook says it’s a great opportunity to visually see the needs that are all around our schools, as well as give your input to the issues. The event is for anyone, especially within the U.S.D. 445 school district as Westbrook encourages your attendance and input to many issues still needing attention around our great schools on Thursday December 13th at 7PM.

 

In other news out of the Chamber;

 

Director of the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce Candi Westbrook wanted to clear up any rumors or skeptics that the weather is cancelling the Christmas Parade this Friday. The Parade officially steps off at 6PM and if we don’t see a record storm, Westbrook says the Parade is a go! Again if we do see a significant snowfall forcing the cancellation of the event, many are still concerned about the Christmas Bucks giveaway. Westbrook says if the do cancel the parade there is still a winner for the giveaway they will just annouynce it earlier in the day on Friday. Don’t miss the Parade this Friday in downtown Coffeyville which starts at 6, especially if you are apart of Christmas Bucks. The first winner drawn, if in attendance will receive an additional 1000 dollars.

 

First Friday In Independence

 

 

The Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson wanted to remind all of our listeners that First Friday is coming up at the Civic Center Friday morning. Hearing from a few guest speakers from businesses around Independence about the busy shopping months. The speakers include Brian Hite, Megan Minzer, April Nut and Lisa Hugo all discussing the benefits to shopping local and what your dollar does in the community. As well as previewing what some of the business have on their shelves, Wilson encourages your attendance to save a little this shopping season and more importantly shop local. Wilson urges your attendance as those who do attend will receive a punch card for certain businesses around town creating more savings for the holiday season and more promoting shopping local. First Friday event this Friday at the Civic Center in Independence, starting at 7am.

IPD Ups Crosswalk Patrol

 

The Independence Police Department announces they are ramping up crosswalk enforcement in December. IPD wants to remind motorists that state law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians that are using crosswalks. Starting next week officers will participate in traffic enforcement operations at crosswalks around town.

 

Police Chief Jerry Harrison says based on complaints from citizens and members of the Traffic Safety Committee he would guess that the two busiest crosswalks are at Locust and Penn and 11th and Main, because of traffic volume and complaints those are the two locations that will receive the heaviest enforcement.

Caney Christmas Parade this Thursday

 

A great week for Christmas Parades in Montgomery County as the Caney Christmas Parade is this Thursday. The Caney Historical Society's Gina McBride says they've changed the route up a bit this year.

 

McBride says with extending the parade their hopes is to start including more bands and eventually having a band competition.

New Communication Equipment in Parsons

 

The Parsons Police and Fire Departments have new radios on the way. The Parsons City Commission approved the purchase of new handled radios for the two departments. Parsons police officers and firefighters currently use a model of radio that's been discontinued and is no longer serviced. Police Chief Robert Spinks says lives depend on the ability to communicate.

 

The new radios will also be more durable and easier to use. Fire Chief Jay Hawks says they're a rugged built radio. Bigger knob for glove hands such as a firefighter. The waterproof rating is much higher than the had before.

 

Coffeyville Christmas Parade to Wrap up the Week

 

The Coffeyville Christmas Parade is this Friday at 6:00pm in downtown Coffeyville. The parade, sponsored by the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce, begins at 8th & Spruce, east on 8th to Walnut, south on Walnut to 9th and west on 9th to Spruce.

 

The first Christmas bucks winner will be announced at the end of the parade.

Protecting Our Animals in Winter

 

 

We spoke with Becky Barnhardt from the Coffeyville Friends of Animals on protecting your animals this winter. She explains when it does decide to snow, to double check the paws on your four legged friends. Frequently check underneath their paws as it can potentially build up and become painful. She also urges you if possible to bring them inside during the cold winter months to keep them warm overnight. Barnhardt wanted to tell our listeners that come winter time temperatures will dive below freezing., With those temperatures your animals water will freeze and you need to check it frequently as they must have water. She also says straw is a great insulator for the cold. Again she urges you if possible to bring them inside during the cold winter months to keep them warm overnight.

Annual Coffeyvillle Chamber of Commerce Awards

 

 

The annual Chamber awards are approaching fast for the city of Coffeyville. Chamber director Candi Westbrook explains you can nominate anyone in a grouping of 5 categories, whether they are a member of the chamber or not. Recognizing a Business and small business of the year, as well as industry and two individuals awards, awarding the citizen and women of the year. You can nominate anyone around town including yourself and you don't have to be a member. To nominate visit or contact the chamber at 620-251-2550. Westbrook explains these awards are so these businesses and individuals around town, realize they are being noticed for the goods they provide to our community. Again you can nominate anyone around town including yourself, and to do so visit or contact the chamber at 620-251-2550.

Indy Disaster Drill

 

Tomorrow The City of Independence will put its disaster skills to the test. The Montgomery County Emergency Management, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Labette Health in Independence, Labette Health Emergency Medical Services, and Cherryvale Fire/EMS will host a mass casualty incident. Director of Safety and Code Enforcement David Cowan designed the event says the goal is test the capacity of all the agencies participating in the drill and to learn how they can better work together to protect the citizens.

 

In addition the drill will also involve Independence Police and Dispatch services, Independence Fire-EMS, and personnel from city utilities, the park and zoo, and the Independence Housing Authority.

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