Independence is celebrating Miss Able's Summer Blastoff this weekend.

Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson says there are several events planned for Saturday morning.  The events start at 9:30am with the hike and will go until 11:30am, with the last event being a rocket launch. Train rides and mini golf will be available for free from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Riverside Park. Wilson says they will have multiple giveaways.

Wilson says there will also be a drawing for a Yeti tumbler for those who complete the hike that morning.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving a caller falsely claiming to be a deputy.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the caller identifies themselves as Sutherland and provides Badge Number 4659 while claiming the victim has federal warrants and must take immediate action. Authorities say the calls are fraudulent. The Sheriff's Office says it will never demand payment, request gift cards, ask for cryptocurrency or threaten arrest over the phone to resolve warrants or legal matters.

Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be Sutherland, Badge Number 4659, or anyone demanding money or personal information over alleged warrants is urged to hang up immediately, avoid sharing personal or financial information and report the incident to local law enforcement.

AI is giving scammers a new tool to impersonate family members and trusted individuals.

Experts warn that criminals can collect audio clips from social media and other public sources to create convincing voice imitations. In some cases, victims receive phone calls that sound exactly like a child, grandchild or loved one claiming they've been arrested, been involved in a crash or need money immediately. Authorities say hearing a familiar voice does not guarantee the emergency is real. To protect yourself, hang up and call the person back using a phone number you already know. It is also important to verify the situation with another family member or trusted contact before taking any action.

Consumers are urged never to send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or payment app transfers based solely on a phone call. Creating a family safe word for emergencies can also help confirm whether a situation is legitimate. Officials say anyone who applies pressure to act immediately or insists the situation be kept secret should be considered a potential scammer. While the voice may sound real, authorities remind the public that the scam is very real as well.

The search ends after a woman is taken into custody following a traffic stop incident.

A woman who fled from a Kansas Highway Patrol traffic stop near the Labette County and Montgomery County line has been located and taken into custody. Earlier today, residents in the area of 9000 Road were warned to remain alert as multiple agencies searched for the suspect. The search involved the Kansas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Coffeyville Police Department.

Authorities described the woman as having a dark complexion, a small build, standing approximately 5'6” and weighing around 130 pounds. Investigators had also received information that she may have been armed with a knife. Officials have since confirmed that the KHP located the woman and took her into custody. No additional details about the incident, including the women's identity, have been released at this time.

Bartlesville Police are investigating a Monday shooting incident at the Brookhaven Apartment Complex.

Officers were called to the apartments on South Santa Fe Avenue around 11:15 last night (on Monday night). 9-1-1 callers reported a male suspect dressed all in black was carrying a handgun an engaging in a verbal altercation with another individual. As police arrived, the suspect fired on the officer and then fled the scene on foot. The responding officer was not struck by gunfire. However, one of the bullets struck a resident who was inside their own apartment in the leg. That victim was transported to a nearby hospital.

B-P-D located the suspect a short time later in the 1600 block of South Penn Avenue. Officers located what they believe to be the weapon in the shooting in a nearby dumpster. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Jeconiah Ray Dylan King was arrested an taken to the Bartlesville Police Department where he then allegedly assaulted an investigator inside an interview room.

King is currently being held in the Washington County Jail where he faces charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Discharging a Firearm in a Dwelling, and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer.

The City of Nowata has a new city manager.

Marie Gorley was approved to be the new city manager during this week's meeting of the Nowata City Commission.

Nowata Mayor Garry Gibson says Gorley is the right choice for the city.

Gorley has a background in accounting and finance with two degrees from Rogers State University.

Gorley has also worked with Phillips 66 as a senior accounting analyst for nearly three years. She replaces Melanie Ward whose resignation went into effect on Monday.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will hold a second open house this month on proposed improvements to US-160 in Labette and Montgomery Counties.

There will be no formal presentation at the event, but citizens will be able to view project exhibits to learn more about the proposals. Project staff will also be on hand to answer any questions. The proposed improvements to US-160 are still in the discovery phase. None of the project is currently funded for design or construction. Public input received during the open house will help KDOT determine the best path forward.

The project's goal is to improve US-160 from US-169 east to the roundabout at US-59. Project improvements include widening the driving lanes, improving existing curves, flattening the slopes of ditches and adding shoulders. The western portion of U.S. 160 is being reconstructed now for traffic flow improvements at the Bartlett soybean processing plant.

Information presented at the open house is available online for review, and public comments about the project will be accepted through July 2^nd. More information along with the public comment section can be found at this link.

The open house will be held at the Labette County High School cafeteria on Thursday, June 18, from 5 to 7 pm.

Drivers near Bolton may need to find an alternate route as a County Road in now closed to allow for a bridge replacement.

County Road 2500 between County Roads 3425 and 3600 will be closed for the next six months to allow Montgomery County Public Works to complete work on the bridge in that area. Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time during the construction period.

Anyone with questions on the project can contact the Montgomery County Public Works Department at 620-330-1170.

A Baxter Springs fisherman sets a new state record for catching a Longnose Gar.

Michael Barnett reeled in the 33.6-pound, 63-inch-long Longnose Gar on April 18 while bowfishing in the Spring River near Baxter Springs. Barnett was fishing with his son when he hooked the record-breaking fish and stated that he thought he had encountered an exceptional fish as soon as it surfaced from the water.

KDWP Game Warden Scott Leamon met with Barnett and helped him through the state record process. The record catch was later confirmed by a District Fisheries Biologist who made the species identification and confirmed the measurements.

Barnett’s catch broke the previous Kansas state record Longnose Gar – a 31.5-pound fish caught in 1974 by Ray Schroeder of Topeka below Perry Reservoir using a rod and reel with a yellow beetle lure.

Longnose Gar are one of Kansas’ most unique native fish species, known for their long, narrow snouts filled with sharp teeth. While gar can grow large in Kansas waters, fish of this size are rarely seen.

The Sedan City Council will meet tonight and continue its discussion of several items of business from their last meeting.

Council members are expected to continue the discussion on the new signs for City Hall with Dave Taylor. Also held over from last week’s meeting will be a discussion of mowing bids and a proposal for a dam inspection.

In new business, the council will consider flood plain mapping for Chautauqua County as well as procedures for the hiring and termination of staff.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 5:30 at the Sedan City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed online via the City of Sedan Facebook page.

Two people in Baxter Springs are facing drug charges following a search warrant served yesterday (on Monday) afternoon.

According to Baxter Springs Police, officers served the warrant for a narcotics search on a residence on Military Avenue. During the search, police found marijuana along with multiple items of drug paraphernalia. The contraband was seized and the residents of the house, 61-year-old Brenda Woods and 56-year-old Michael Herndon were arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Jail. Each faces charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Photo: Woods (l), Herndon (r)

Montgomery County Rural Fire is ready to go out for bids for a new Brush Truck.

That was the decision made at this week’s Montgomery County Commission meeting. Rural Fire Chief Michael Smith addressed the commission to clarify some questions raised at last week’s meeting. He says he’s consulted with other fire agencies in the county and has found some consensus on what the County should purchase.

Commissioner Phil Clubine suggested a dual-wheel truck as opposed to a single wheel. He says they are just the sturdier option.

Smith says Rural Fire must balance needs with cost.

Smith added that the estimate for what the County would pay for the new vehicle would be between seventy and one-hundred thousand dollars. The new truck will replace the current brush truck used in Cherryvale and would be expected to last the county about 20 years. Commissioners approved Smith’s request to seek bids.

Cherryvale Residents are looking to organize a new fall festival.

At yesterday's Cherryvale City Council Meeting, Dana Main spoke before the council regarding the potential event to be held on Saturday, October 10^th.

The council approved waiving the fee for the large building at Logan Park for the event.

In other business, the council approved up to $3,000 out of the tourism fund to match money from the Chamber for Independence Day fireworks. Just over $6,000 was also approved for the 6^th Street water line project, with the total project cost now at $61,000.

The Council also approved the purchase of water rescue equipment for the fire department with just under $9,000 in grant funding from the Parsons Area Community Foundation. A discussion on closing part of North Summit street was also tabled. The next Cherryvale City Council meeting is coming up on Monday, June 15^th at 6 p.m.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is selected to receive a $2.5 million grant through the Regional Partnerships Grant Program from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The funding is part of the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program and will go to assist the Southeast Kansas Rural Health Workforce Expansion Partnership create an integrated education-to-employment pipeline through expanded nursing, allied health and EMT programs at Coffeyville Community College, including enhanced simulation training capabilities.

“These investments reflect the power of collaboration and long-term planning in addressing the unique health care needs of rural Kansas communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By supporting regional partnerships, rural hospitals, and critical infrastructure improvements, the Rural Health Transformation Program is empowering communities to strengthen local health systems, improve access to high-quality care, and build a more sustainable future for rural Kansans.” 

The grant in part of $50 million in funding through the KDHE that was awarded to 22 rural healtcare organizations across the state.

This weekend is your last chance to experience the Dewey Antique Show before the annual event ends for good.

After 35 years, organizers says this will be their last show, citing the promoters aging out. Admission at the Washington County Fair Building is $5, and proceeds benefit local nonprofits along with two $1,500 scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors, one for college and one for trade school. At least 50 vendors will be on site.

It all takes place this Saturday at 1109 N Delaware in Dewey from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A shooting Sunday afternoon at a Bartlesville shopping center may be considered justified under Oklahoma's "Stand Your Ground" law, according to police investigating the incident.

On Sunday, officers with the Bartlesville Police Department and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper responded to reports of a shooting at the shopping center after receiving multiple emergency calls. Authorities detained the person who fired the gun, secured the scene and launched an investigation.

The man who was shot received emergency medical treatment from Bartlesville Fire Department and EMS personnel before being transported to a Tulsa-area hospital. His condition has not been released.

Following interviews with witnesses and a review of evidence collected at the scene, investigators determined the shooter was not involved in the altercation that preceded the gunfire.

According to police, the armed individual observed a man allegedly attempting to assault another person with a pair of scissors. During the encounter, the armed bystander fired a weapon, striking the man who was allegedly carrying out the assault.

No arrests have been made, and detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Annual KGGF/KUSN/KQQF Auction is coming up this Saturday in Coffeyville.

The unique auction features brand-new merchandise and the bidding stops at 80% of the retail value. Organizer Tina Romine says the attraction and gift certificates are a great deal for those planning a trip this summer.

In addition to the traditional auction, a silent auction for smaller items is being added this year. Free numbers are available at the door and prizes will be drawn throughout the event. Doors open at the Coffeyville Rec Center in Walter Johnson Park this Saturday at 8 to preview items, and the bidding starts at 9 a.m. A list of some of the items in the auction is available HERE.

One man is dead following a three-vehicle accident on I-35 in Olathe on Friday night.

26-year-old Jacob Hunsperger of Gardner, Kansas, was killed when his Yamaha Y-Z-F struck the rear of another vehicle on I-35 near 127th Street. After Hunsperger hit the first vehicle, he then swerved to the left where he collided with an SUV.

No one in the other vehicles was injured.

The Bartlesville Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon outside a shopping center in the 500 block of Southeast Washington Boulevard.

B-P-D responded to the scene after receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting in the area. Preliminary investigation indicates that multiple individuals became involved in a dispute outside a business within the shopping center. During the incident, a firearm was discharged by one of the individuals, striking another person involved in the altercation. The suspected shooter was taken into custody without incident and the victim was taken to a Tulsa hospital for treatment.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also assisted on the call.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bartlesville Police Department at (918) 338-4001.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a lake advisory for the swim beach at Eureka Lake north of Eureka, due to elevated E. coli bacteria levels in the water.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with the water at this location until further notice. Children and pets should not enter the lake during the advisory period.

This advisory was issued on May 29 and is separate from any harmful algal bloom advisory status.

The source of the elevated bacteria is currently under investigation. KDHE will lift the advisory once follow-up testing confirms the water is safe for recreational contact.

The Altamont City Council handles some routine tasks on a light agenda at its most recent meeting.

One of the business items was a name change for the Capital Improvement Fund. City Manager LeaAnn Myers says the change comes at the suggestion of the City’s auditors.

Myers says the change more accurately reflects how the City uses that money.

The Council approved the change on a unanimous vote.

In other business, council members also unanimously approved the State Revolving Fund agreement and corrected an error from last month’s meeting in which Brian Johnson was erroneously appointed as City Attorney. He was correctly appointed as Municipal Judge.

The Neodesha City Commission hears the results of the 2025 audit of the City’s finances.

Neil Phillips with the CPA firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips presented the findings to the commission. The audit found most of the City’s finances to be in order. However, Phillips says one area that may need to be addressed is the amount of money that carried over to the General Fund in the new year.

Phillips says, that number should be higher.

In other business, commissioners approved the use of Stadium Park and Bluestreak Avenue for Hometown Days on June 13^th and set a Public Hearing date for a property in the 1300 block of North 8th Street for July 22^nd.

Five students from Labette County High School in Altamont are traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete in the 2026 SkillsUSA National Conference.

The conference is the largest annual gathering of America's future skilled workforce and a showcase for the talents Career and Technical Education or C-T-E students. The event features over 6,000 state champions competing head-to-head in more than 110 skilled trade, technical, and leadership fields. These events range from carpentry and welding to culinary arts and medical assisting. The competitions are evaluated by thousands of industry volunteers and business partners.

LCHS students who will compete in Atlanta are Colt Griffin, Dawson Riley and Ethan Barr, who will compete in Welding Fabrication; and Mason and Madison Hoppes, in Mobile Electronics.

The conference and competition runs through Friday.

The 72nd Annual Verdigris Valley Art Show opens Friday at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center.

The show will feature original artwork from area artists all vying for prizes, including Best in Show and the People’s Choice. Art on display will be drawings, works in acrylic or oil, watercolors, mixed media and 2 & 3 dimensional. Friday night will feature the judge’s critique from judge Yeqiang (yeh-chang) Wang, who is a Professor of Painting and Drawing at Washburn University in Topeka. The critique and the awards reception begins at 7pm and are free and open to the public.

All entries will be on display through June 18 at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center, located at 123 North 8th Street. Gallery hours are 10 to 4 Tuesday through Saturday.

Three people are injured in a single-vehicle crash north of Fort Scott.

The accident occurred around 2:30 on Friday afternoon on US-69 at the intersection of K-31. A 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by 34-year-old Lawrence Magathan of Fort Scott was traveling northbound on Highway 69 when the driver side rear wheel began to detach. This caused the truck to veer onto the center median. Magathan then overcorrected back onto the roadway causing the truck to roll. The Silverado rolled across the northbound lanes of traffic and onto a grass embankment where it came to rest on the passenger side.

Magathan and two minor children in the vehicle were all wearing seat belts and received only minor injuries in the accident. All three were taken to Freeman Hospital in Joplin for treatment.