***** Update 3 p.m. *****

A tornado watch has been issued for all of northeast Oklahoma and southwest Kansas through 10 p.m. tonight.  Currently, southeast Kansas is not icnluded in the watch.

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARBER               CLARK               COMANCHE
EDWARDS              FINNEY              FORD
GRANT                GRAY                HARPER
HASKELL              HODGEMAN            KEARNY
KINGMAN              KIOWA               MEADE
MORTON               PRATT               SEWARD
STANTON              STEVENS             SUMNER

.    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ADAIR                ALFALFA             BEAVER
BLAINE               CHEROKEE            CRAIG
CREEK                DELAWARE            DEWEY
ELLIS                GARFIELD            GRANT
HARPER               KAY                 KINGFISHER
LOGAN                MAJOR               MAYES
NOBLE                NOWATA              OSAGE
OTTAWA               PAWNEE              PAYNE
ROGERS               ROGER MILLS         TULSA
WAGONER              WASHINGTON          WOODS
WOODWARD

****** Original Story *****

Severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening across the four-state area.

Potential hazards include 60 to 70 mph winds, ping-pong ball size hail and a few brief tornadoes. Timing is expected between 4 p.m. and midnight.

The entire four-state area is in the “slight” level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, with the greatest risk of a brief tornado in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma that now includes areas along the state line east to Missouri.

Flooding remains the primary concern with flash flood warnings issued this morning in northeast Oklahoma and a flood watch continues through Friday morning for southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, southwest Missouri and portions of northwest Arkansas.

So far, the month-to-date rain measured at KGGF in Coffeyville is 8.02”.

As rain continues to fall, some area rivers are nearing flood stage. Here is a summary of expected flooding impacts:

Moderate Flooding:

Verdigris River at Altoona – 21 feet by Friday afternoon

Verdigris Rier near Lenapah – 34.7 feet by Friday evening

Neosho River at Erie – 33.6 feet by Friday afternoon

Neosho River near Parsons – 26 feet by Saturday evening

Neosho River at Oswego – 22.4 feet by Saturday afternoon

Neosho River near Commerce – 21.8 feet by Sunday afternoon

Minor Flooding:

Fall River at Fredonia – 26.9 feet by Friday afternoon

Verdigris River at Independence – 39.8 feet by Saturday afternoon

Verdigris River near Coffeyville – 22.7 feet by Saturday afternoon

For more river updates, check this link.

Inter-State Fair and Rodeo organizer Shanna Motl says one of the biggest changes this year is that the inside exhibits are open to everyone. Categories include arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, food preparation and preservation, clothing and textiles, agronomy, and STEM projects such as welding, woodworking, and 3D design.

Motl also says Wednesday is expected to be a highlight night at the fair, with plenty of activities and entertainment planned. She says families will find something to enjoy throughout the evening.

Fair officials say subcategories and rules will be announced soon. For more information, visit fairandrodeo.com.

The Coffeyville Salvation Army is working with Westlake Ace Hardware for a community fan drive to help local residents stay cool during the summer heat.

Montgomery County Salvation Army Coordinator Joe Brooks says donated fans are distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the area. Anyone needing assistance or wishing to schedule an appointment with the Salvation Army can contact Joe Brooks at 620-870-9261.

Brooks also notes that the Salvation Army serves local families year-round. He encourages anyone in need of assistance or those interested in supporting the organization’s efforts to contact the Coffeyville Salvation Army for more information.

The new tennis and pickleball courts have become a popular spot in Coffeyville.

Police Chief Kwin Bromley says they've gotten some complaints about kids being on their bikes and skateboards on the courts.  The City says no dogs are allowed on the courts as well and they ask no one draw on the courts with chalk or rocks.

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo Fun Pass One Day Sale is tomorrow.

Coffeyville Chamber of Commece President Candi Westbrook says Fun Passes can be purchased at the Chamber office.  One Day Sale Fun Passes can also be purchased online at fairandrodeo.com from midnight until 11:59pm tomorrow. Westbrook says they have a full lineup of grandstand entertainment.

After the One Day Sale the price of Fun Passes goes up to $40 until August when they go up to $50. Ticket prices at the gate for each night of grandstand entertainment is $15 a night.

The Labette County High School trap team wraps up its season.

A total of 26 athletes competed at the state tournament earlier this month, including 17 trap shooters and nine skeet shooters. Several shooters earned High Gun honors by posting the top scores on their respective teams. Teige Thiesing led the varsity trap squad with a score of 95 out of 100, finishing 61^st overall. Jay Alloway earned High Gun honors in junior varsity trap after shooting an 87, which placed him 29^th overall. In junior varsity skeet, Alex Dolechek posted a 78 to finish 10^th and claim team High Gun honors.

In other area trap scores from the state tournament, Jayla Wakefield of Bluestem finished second in the female junior varsity tournament and Casyn Johnson and Kayden Swaggert both of Cedarvale-Dexter finished second and third in the male varsity division. Cedarvale Dexter finished first in the male varsity division and first overall.

Families can pick up weekly summer meal boxes this morning through the Native American Fellowship's Summer Meal Program. Distribution takes place each Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm at the NAFI Warehouse, located on 3^rd Street between Seminole and Oklahoma streets.

NAFI's Kris Crane says there are guidelines on who can pickup meals.  Crane says grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and other relatives may pick up a meal box only if the child is present. The pickup requirements are established by the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the organization is required to follow those guidelines.

The program is open to Oklahoma residents ages 18 and younger, and participants do not have to be Native American to qualify. Weekly distributions will continue through August 6^th.

Today is the deadline to register to compete in this weekend's handfishing tournament in Nowata.

Event Organizer Robbie Moreland says teams can be made up of one to three people.  Moreland says first, second and third will all take home prize money as well as prize money being available for other categories.

Registration ends at 11:59pm tonight. A link to register can be found here. The event is Saturday at Jack Gordon Park in Nowata.

Nearly 13,000 marijuana plants are seized and several people taken into custody after a raid in Osage County.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics' Marijuana Enforcement Teams and the Osage County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant yesterday at Linda Wood LLC along State Highway 11 near Barnsdall as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. OBN Public Information Officer Mark Woodward says investigators allege the operation involved illegal marijuana cultivation, black-market marijuana production and distribution and the cultivation of marijuana without an OBN registration.

During the search, agents and deputies seized 12,899 marijuana plants and more than 840 pounds of processed marijuana. One person was arrested, while five others were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorities say additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

The Coffeyville Walmart is evacuated last night with the report of a fire.

At around 9:30pm last night, the Coffeyville Fire Department was dispatched to Walmart for the report of a fire. Upon arrival units found the Pickup sign on the outside of the store on fire. Witnesses at the scene say they were evacuated from the store. Reports say there were visible flames and smoke and also an electrical smell. The incident was under control by around 10:00pm.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center and Dearing and Liberty Fire Departments assisted on the call.

Mosquito season is underway across Southeast Kansas, and many communities are using fogging to help reduce mosquito populations.  Residents can also take steps at home to help keep numbers down.

Wildcat Extension Crop Production Agent James Coover says one of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is by eliminating standing water.  He says mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water.  Coover says nature can also lend a hand.

Dragonflies are natural mosquito predators, feeding on both mosquitoes and their larvae, making them a helpful ally in controlling mosquito populations.

The Cherryvale Youth Fair returns July 8–11, bringing together young exhibitors from across the area for four days of livestock shows, exhibits and competition.

Fair Organizer Jackie Chandler says the Cherryvale Youth Fair is unique compared to other area fairs.  Chandler says Friday is her favorite day of the fair. 

Other events on Friday include the exhibitors' breakfast at 8 a.m, the annual Skillathon competition, a silent auction of baked goods running from 2 to 8 p.m. and livestock judging beginning at 6 p.m.

The Independence Rotary Club is getting closer and closer to their $25,000 goal.

The club is raising money for their 4^th of July fireworks show. Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says the hot dog fundraiser was very successful.  Wilson says they've raised over $21,000.

The link to donate can be found here.

Motorists traveling on K-146 west of Walnut will need to plan for a temporary road closure next week.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says K-146 will be closed to through traffic on Tuesday from U.S. 59 east to the Neosho and Crawford county line while crews replace drainage pipes beneath the highway. The closure is scheduled from 7:00am to 4:00pm, weather permitting. The drainage pipes being replaced are located about a mile and a half west of the Neosho and Crawford county line.

KDOT encourages drivers to use an alternate route during the closure and to follow posted signs while traveling through work zones. Updated highway conditions and construction information are available at kandrive.gov.

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce is offering professional business headshots. Chamber President Candi Westbrook says the event is this coming Tuesday from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Westbrook says anyone wanting a headshot will need to call the Chamber at (620)251-2550 to make an appointment. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $40 for non members.

Update: A flood watch is now in effect for southeast Kansas and a portion of southwest Missouri through Wednesday.

A Flood Watch is in now in effect until 1 PM Wednesday for most of eastern Oklahoma.

Additional rainfall amounts tonight through tomorrow morning around 1 to 2 inches will be common, with locally higher amounts around 4 inches or greater.

In addition, an elevated risk of severe weather is on the way tomorrow, with the four-state area in the "slight" level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather.  Hazards include high winds, up to golf-ball size hail and a limited tornado threat.  Stay tuned to KGGF for updates as the potential weather approaches.

The Independence Police Department has new information in the case of a missing man.

IPD says a confirmed contact with Daniel Hillyard was made on May 8^th, when he was assisted in getting to Tulsa. Since that time, there has been no verified contact, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. Hillyard has not been seen or heard from by family or friends in several weeks. He is described as a white male, 6' tall, weighing about 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who has seen Hillyard, spoken with him, or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement or IPD at (620)332-1700.

A public meeting is on the way tomorrow for the capital bond issue for USD 484 Fredonia.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 25^th at Lincoln Elementary School with hamburgers and refreshments at 6 and the building tour and bond meeting at 6:30.

The $11.5 million proposed bond issue includes adding a new cafeteria that will double as a storm shelter for Lincoln Elementary School. Plans at the elementary also include an expansion of the media center and classroom renovations.

At the Junior/Senior High Campus, proposals include renovation of the auditorium, plumbing work and a second gym with dedicated weight room and wrestling space, plus adding security cameras to all main entrances.

The 20-year bond would result in a monthly tax increase of $10 for the average property owner within USD 484, and is planned to be on the ballot for the November general election.

The Nowata County Commission passes a resolution establishing an Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma Self-Insured Group, and approved their payment option for property and liability insurance.

County Clerk Kay Spurgeon says they have two payment options.  The commissioners approved the first option to make the payment in full compared to installments over a certain period of time.

In other business, the commissioners declared items as surplus, disposed equipment and approved a donation for the Nowata County Sheriff's Office.

Visitors from other countries continue to explore the United States as the World Cup continues across North America. Coffeyville Tourism Director Wyatt Starnes says they've seen an impact here in Coffeyville.

The World Cup continues until July 19^th. There are four games left in Kansas City, Tunisia vs Netherlands tomorrow, Algeria vs Austria on Saturday and two knockout stage games on July 3^rd and July 11^th. The United States is currently 2-0, with their final group stage game tomorrow against Turkey.

Update: The event has been postponed again due to forcasted weather.

Original story:

The rescheduled Miss Able's Summer Blastoff is coming up tomorrow in Independence.

Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says as a part of the event FORPAZ is celebrating 50 years.  Wilson says from 5:00pm to 8:30pm there will be train and carousel rides and mini golf.

FORPAZ will also be doing giveaways for two scooters and three bikes. Those can be entered during their celebration and the winners will be announced at around 7:00pm.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office warns residents about a recent scam.

According to a Facebook post, a scam caller is impersonating Sergeant Anthony Goodheart and requesting personal information. The Sheriff's Office says they will not call anyone and request personal information.

They remind residents to not provide personal details, hang up immediately and report suspicious calls to the Sheriff's Office.

The Vinita Fire Department is reminding residents to avoid driving across flooded roadways after responding to multiple swift water rescues.

Firefighters safely rescued drivers from two separate small SUVs that became stranded while attempting to cross heavily flooded county roads. VFD says many drivers overestimate their vehicle's capabilities or underestimate the depth and force of floodwaters. Even shallow, moving water can sweep away cars, trucks and SUVs.

Motorists are urged to never drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roads. Emergency officials continue to stress the message "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

A Labette County native with 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.  He 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 says scoring is based on both the horse and the rider. 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*