Kansas State Senator Virgil Peck said he expects the veto session will be busy after a flurry of vetoes by Governor Laura Kelly.

Sen. Peck said that he was unhappy that Gov. Kelly vetoed House Bill 2089, which would have allowed school boards to provide firearm safety education programs to students of all ages.

Sen. Peck also gave us his thoughts on Senate Bill 55, better known as the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which was also vetoed by Gov. Kelly and whether the veto can be overridden.

The veto session begins May 3^rd and adjourns on May 15^th. You can hear the entire interview with Sen. Peck here.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Coffeyville Police Department are investigating a man’s death.

At about 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, the KBI said the Coffeyville Police Department received a call from a citizen, requesting that officers conduct a welfare check at a home in the 1700 block of South Spruce Street.

When Coffeyville police arrived at the home, they discovered a deceased male inside. Due to the state of decomposition, the man has not yet been positively identified.

The Coffeyville PD asked the KBI to assist in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to the death investigation should call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or the Coffeyville Police Department at 620-252-6160.

A Cherokee County man is facing felony meth charges following his arrest. Just after 6:00pm yesterday, law enforcement located 33-year-old William Monson at his Baxter Springs home. As Monson was being placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant, over 35 grams of suspected methamphetamine was discovered in his pockets.

Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves said any time law enforcement is able to locate and seize methamphetamine, especially over an ounce at one time, it makes the communities safer. Monson is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on a $56,595 bond on various drug charges including intent to distribute and the failure to appear warrant.

If you are interested in running for local office, the Coffeyville City Commission will have 3 positions up for election this Fall.

The eligibility requirement to file for a Commissioner seat is if the person filing is registered to vote and live in Coffeyville. Candidates will file with the Montgomery County Courthouse at 217 E. Myrtle in Independence. The filing fee is $70 and the deadline is 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 1^st. Primaries for elections are held on Tuesday, August 3^rd with the general election falling on Tuesday, November 2^nd.

For questions, contact the Montgomery County Clerk at 620-330-1200.

The Caney Police Department is looking for a suspect after fleeing from an accident. At around 8:00pm yesterday evening, Caney PD received a report of a possible accident at the corner of 9th and Wood St. Upon arrival the officer found an unoccupied vehicle in the ditch.

After further investigation, the officer located a female and a male subject who had been in the vehicle at the time of the accident.  It was determined that 34-year-old Matthew Dunham was the driver of the vehicle and had fled the scene on foot.

Dunham is wanted on outstanding warrants in Montgomery County City Warrants in Caney. A search of the area failed to locate Dunham. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Dunham should contact your local law enforcement or Caney PD at 620-879-2141.

A near-record number of young musicians eager to learn to play in the band has USD447-Cherryvale looking for band instruments for the 2021-2022 school year.

They are asking the community that if you have an unused instrument, to donate to the Cherryvale band program. These instruments will go to the incoming band students. Even if an instrument is not in working order, it will be accepted as they can have the instruments repaired and utilized.

34 students are planning to join the band next year and band director Tad Lafferty would like to see each student have the opportunity to find a passion for music through instruments. Those wanting to donate can contact Lafferty at tlafferty@usd447.org or call the school at (620) 336-8100.

The Chautauqua County Commission considered the purchase of a new ambulance at its meeting Thursday.

Gary Hadley from Chautauqua County EMS spoke to the commission and requested help with the purchase. The current ambulance used by EMS has clocked around 190,000 miles. Hadley said they could get one of a similar age, with less miles, for much cheaper than buying a new one.

Ultimately, the commission told Hadley to return on Monday, after they have time to dig out more concrete numbers involved with the purchase.

An Independence Middle School student has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Montgomery County Health Department.

Per the school district's protocol, areas that the student had occupied over the last several days have been temporarily closed off to be disinfected.

Those identified as close contacts have been notified and they, along with the infected student, will not be able to return to school until the health department deems it safe.

If you have any questions, you can contact Superintendent Rusty Arnold at 620-496-4706.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has chosen the executive director of the Montgomery County Action Council to lead the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity. Director Trisha Purdon says it is a huge honor to be selected for this position.

Purdon says she has a lot of goals and ideas on how to move forward with new opportunities to help all of rural Kansas.  Purdon will oversee daily operations, which include investing in programs, realigning existing resources, enhancing technical assistance provided to local leaders and expanding on successful programs to better focus on the needs of rural communities. Purdon’s office will be based out of Montgomery County.

The City of Neodesha wants to inform its residents that the 100 block of North 4^th Street will be closed to traffic in both directions as crews will be setting up equipment to erect the new water tower on May 17^th and 18^th, weather permitting.

Citizens are asked to find an alternate route for their commute during these two days. The City of Neodesha is also asking citizens in the area to stay behind the barricades for their safety.

For more information, contact the city at (620) 325-2828.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office transferred over 523 pounds of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration this week as part of the National Drug Take-Back Program.

Sheriff David Groves said the National Drug Take-Back Program has been widely successful, not just in Cherokee County but across the country, as well. Due to the success of the program, the Galena Police Department, Baxter Springs Police Department, and the Sheriff's Office all now allow prescription drug drop-offs at those respective agencies any time throughout the year.

Sheriff Groves went on to say that he appreciates all those who participated in this program because it results in prescription drugs being safely discarded rather than ending up being accidentally ingested by a child or stolen from someone addicted to narcotics.

The Hops Around Town Beer Festival returns to Coffeyville this fall after the event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The Coffeyville city commission approved unanimously for the public consumption of alcohol on 9th and Walnut streets for the event to be held on October 9th. The exemption for the festival temporarily lifts city law forbidding the consumption of alcohol in public areas.

The last time the event was held in 2019, there were over 200 people in attendance from 14 difference cities that were counted, according to Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook. During the festival, there was heavy security on-hand, but according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, there were no incidents reported. This year, there will be over 20 breweries and wineries from the area serving samples, and Westbrook is hoping for 300 people to attend.

Westbrook also shared with the city commissioners that the economy for the city is doing well. A high school rodeo will take place at the fairgrounds this weekend which will also bring hundreds to Coffeyville and help the city's economy.

There were only eight new positive COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County in the previous week leading up to Monday.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are a total of 3,434 cases since the pandemic began last March. There was also one additional hospitalization in the county in the past week for a total of 104. Statewide, there were 493 positive cases over the weekend with two news deaths and 56 new hospitalizations.

Most counties in Kansas have been rejecting new shipments of COVID-19 vaccines mainly due to the demand being down with citizens rather already having received their shots, or choosing not to get vaccinated. President Joe Biden plans to send shipments of the vaccine overseas to help outbreak epicenter countries such as India.

An Independence High School student has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Montgomery County Health Department.

Per the school district's protocol, areas that the student occupied over the last several days have been temporarily closed off to be disinfected.

Those identified as close contacts have been noitified and they, along with the infected student, will not be able to return to school until the health department deems it safe.

If you have any questions, you can contact Superintendent Rusty Arnold at 620-496-4706.

The City of Independence will be celebrating Arbor Day this Friday with a ribbon-cutting of 18 trees planted on Oak Street leading up to Riverside Park. Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson tells how the seed got planted for the project.

Wilson then took this idea to the Chamber's Pride Committee and the Independence Tree Board and each group started to work on different parts of the project.

The Ribbon Cutting with begin at 11:30 am at the corner of 5^th and Oak near the Aquatic Center. For more information, call the Independence Chamber at 620-331-1890.

A bridge replacement in Greenwood County could slow down traffic for just over a year. The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work in early May on the project to replace the bridge that spans over Fall River and is just over 2 miles south of the west U.S. 54/K-99 junction.

K-99 traffic will be placed on a temporary road around the work zone. The bridge replacement should be completed early next year, weather permitting. Bridges Inc. of Newton is the primary contractor on the nearly $4 million project.

An Oklahoma man has been arrested five times in three weeks in Coffeyville. According to the Coffeyville Police Department's Mugshot Monday, all five arrests of 45-year-old Raymond Mark have been for criminal trespassing.

The first incident was on April 9^th and Mark was bonded out only to be arrested again that same day. He was arrested two weeks ago on April 13^th and April 17^th and then the most recent incident last week on April 20^th. According to CPD, the trespassing has occurred at different businesses around Coffeyville. Chief Kwin Bromley said Mark can only be held for 48 hours, because trespassing is a misdemeanor crime, but most of the time he bonds out. Mark will have a court appearance at a later date.

The winds were blowing in full force around Coffeyville on Monday morning.

The National Weather Service in Wichita reported that a wind gust of 51 mph, the only one to cross the 50 mph line, was recorded at the Coffeyville Municipal Airport around 11:45 am. The city of Salina recorded a wind speed of about 49 mph just 8 minutes earlier, and the city of Parsons recorded a gust of about 44 mph at about 12:37 pm.

Earlier this month, the NWS reported that the region had seen more days with at least one gust of 40 mph than any year since at least 2010.

UPDATE

More details have been released on a downtown Springfield, Missouri shooting on April 25th that involved a Coffeyville man.

According to a probable cause statement, Thompson said it began with an altercation with a man in the club. He said to investigators he made it clear he did not want any trouble.

Thompson then told investigators he then noticed another man behind him. Investigators say Thompson claims he was tackled to the ground by the two men beginning the physical altercation. That is when Thompson says he fired the shots in self-defense.

Thompson’s first court appearance is scheduled for May 12 at 9 a.m.

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A Coffeyville man has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that occurred outside of a downtown Springfield, Missouri nightclub.  23-year-old Jawaun Thompson was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action for the shooting that left one man hospitalized with serious injuries.

According to statements, Thompson and two friends came to Springfield this past weekend from their home in Coffeyville to check out the nightlife.  Thompson and his friends spent the evening at the nightclub, but there was an altercation just after closing time that led to the early Sunday morning shooting.

KGGF has received reports of a house fire occurring on the 1200 block of West 4th Street in Coffeyville. Those reports were made around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. The picture included with this story is of the house in question.

Stay tuned, we will have more information as it becomes available.

Restaurants were hit hard in 2020 due to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry will now receive a grant from the federal government as part of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund that was part of the American Rescue Plan that was established by President Joe Biden earlier this year. The funds will go to the hardest hit small restaurants. Montgomery County Action Council Director Trisha Purdon says that a wide variety of restaurants are covered by the grant.

Purdon also talked about two state officials visiting Caney on May 20^th.

You can hear the entire conversation with Purdon here, Links to apply for the RRF and other types of financial resources can be found here.

U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner announces his staff mobile office hours schedule for May. LaTurner said guaranteeing his constituents are receiving the best possible representation is his top priority. LaTurner's staff hosts mobile office hours across the 2nd District as a way to ensure constituents receive prompt and effective assistance at their convenience.

Mobile hours in the area include May 3^rd Oswego City Hall from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, May 12^th Coffeyville City Hall from 9:15am to 10:15am, Anna Mae's in Independence from 11:00am to 12:00pm, Neodesha Public Library from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and Parsons Carnegie Arts Center from 2:15pm to 3:15pm.

A former FFA district officer is being honored as the Arvest Bank and KGGF April Ag Student of the Month. Caney FFA Advisor Kimber Kiersey says Maeli Simpson didn't come from an agriculture background.

Simpson says she wants to pursue a career in nursing and FFA has helped prepare her for that future.  Simpson is very active in FFA, participating in speeches, poultry judging, dairy foods, opening and closing ceremonies and parliamentary procedure. She says poultry judging is her favorite.

The Coffeyville Police Department is investigating a homicide after the suspect was arrested in another state. Early Friday morning, CPD responded to the 700 block of West Martin Street for a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene it was reported that the gunshot victim, 46 year old Christopher Temple of Coffeyville, had been transported to the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Temple was later transported to St. Francis hospital in Tulsa, where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect 24 year old Ruben Alfonso Ruiz Robles of Coffeyville, was apprehended in New Mexico. Anyone with information should call CPD at 620-252-6160, Detective Sergeant Lucas Vargas at 620-252-6010, or Detective Kastler at 620-252-6145. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information to the Crime Tip Hotline at 620-252-6133.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol in Montgomery County could become even more costly.

County Attorney Lisa Montgomery spoke to the county commission at their most recent meeting regarding an increased fee of $100 for anyone who applies for a diversion on a DUI.

The money from each diversion would be split among the county's four school districts (Coffeyville, Independence, Cherryvale, and Caney Valley) with $25 going to each district. Montgomery said that this would build up until eventually Topeka would send a check out to each school.

Nothing was passed, but the proposal will be discussed again at a later date.

State Senator Virgil Peck will conduct a listening tour this Friday and Saturday. Peck says he wants to hear the thoughts and concerns of voters in the District on many issues, but specifically as it relates to Governor Kelly’s recent vetoes of legislation.

The tour will start on Friday in Chanute at 9:00 am and will go from Erie to Independence and end in Coffeyville. Peck will continue the tour on Saturday starting at 8:15 am in Oswego, before moving on to Altamont, Parsons, and finishing up in Cherryvale.

Peck said that this is a listening tour not a speaking tour and he will be listening to what voters have to say and answering any questions they may have. You can view the full tour schedule below.

Friday, April 30th

9:00 – Chanute, Memorial Auditorium–Alliance Room, 101 S. Lincoln

10:30 – Erie, Brickhaus, 202 N. Main

1:00 – Independence, Historical Museum and Arts Center, 123 N. 8^th

2:15 – Coffeyville, Senior Citizens Activity Center, 601 Walnut

Saturday, May 1st

8:15 – Oswego, Senior Citizens Center, 723 Commercial

9:00 – Altamont, City Hall, 407 S. Houston

10:00 – Parsons, Carnegie Arts Center, 117 S. 17^th

11:30 – Cherryvale, Cherry Blossom Festival, Rep. Women’s Booth

The Independence Community College Theater department will present A Midsummer Night's Dream this weekend.

Directed by ICC Theater professor Paul Molnar, this free event will be held at the Riverside Park Bandshell in Independence. Showings on Friday and Saturday will begin at 6:30 pm, and Sunday's performance will start at 2 pm.

Molnar spent 20 years working in New York City under several capacities. He's directed several Shakespearean plays in the past, including Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth, among others.

A Galena man is facing felony drug charges following a weekend traffic stop. 

Just after 2 p.m. on Saturday, a Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the Galena city limits.

Following a K-9 alert on the vehicle, the deputy located and seized a significant amount of methamphetamine, which was hidden inside the car.

Arrested at the scene was the driver and sole occupant, 35-year-old Carlos Blake Gandy.  Gandy was transported to the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked and driving with no proof of insurance.

According to the Missouri Department of Corrections, Gandy is currently on parole having been previously convicted of two counts of second degree robbery and stealing.

Representative Richard Proehl joined KGGF for his monthly visit and about a variety of topics including Governor Laura Kelly vetoing several bills and the education budget that has yet to be finished.

Rep. Proehl first brought up House Bill 2089, which would have allowed school boards to provide firearm safety education programs to students of all ages. Proehl, who voted for the bill, said that there may not be enough votes to override Kelly's veto.

Rep. Proehl also talked about House Bill 2039, which would have required high schoolers to pass a basic civics test in order to graduate.

Rep. Proehl brought up the education budget that failed just before adjournment.

The Legislature will return to Topeka for the veto session on May 3^rd to attempt to override any vetoes and finish the education budget.

The American Red Cross will have several opportunities to give blood during the month of May with several locations in southeast Kansas. Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center have implemented precautions to help protect the health of all those in attendance including temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff. Those who give between May 1-15 will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card by email.

Below are a list of locations in southeast Kansas

Allen County

Iola

5/13/2021: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Iola North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye

5/14/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Iola North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye

_______________

Chautauqua County

Sedan

5/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sedan Community Building, 1000 N. Montgomery

_______________

Crawford County

Pittsburg

5/13/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium, 5th and Pine

Frontenac

5/14/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Eagle Beverage, 250 N Cayuga St

_______________

Labette County

Chetopa

5/12/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Mae Lessley Community Center, 1st and Maple

_______________

Montgomery County

Caney

5/7/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Cornerstone Church, 900 S. Ridgway St

_______________

Wilson County

Fredonia

5/11/2021: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 Madison St.

The travel and exposure-related isolation and quarantine rules have changed for the state of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment made changes to the list yesterday.

Those who have traveled to the following locations need to quarantine upon arrival in Kansas:

• Traveled on or after April 22 to Minnesota or the countries of Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Sweden and Turkey.
• Traveled on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania or the countries of Andorra, Bermuda, Curacao, Poland, Serbia or Uruguay.
• Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island or the country of Hungary. 
• Traveled on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York or the country of State of Palestine. 
• Traveled between April 8 – April 22 to Connecticut.
• Traveled between March 26 – April 22 to Jordan.
• Traveled between March 12 – April 22 to Estonia.
• Traveled between Feb. 26 – April 22 to San Marino.

Also, if you have attended a mass gathering of more than 500 people that were not practicing social distancing or wearing masks must quarantine. Lengths of quarantines vary depending on the situation, and a form with the different quarantine lengths can be found here.

A Bartlesville man was arrested after an incident with police on Wednesday afternoon.

Austin Michael Riley was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance and driving with a suspended in Washington County court on yesterday.

According to an affidavit, a Bartlesville police officer attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Riley at 6^th Street and Virginia Avenue. Riley continued at a high rate of speed before finally stopping at 5^th Street and Cheyenne Avenue.

Riley was then put in to custody without incident. An officer located a baggie containing nine grams of marijuana in the vehicle. Riley also had a warrant for having a suspended Oklahoma driver’s license.

The defendant entered a guilty plea on both misdemeanor counts. Riley will be sentenced on May 12th. The defendant has multiple previous convictions in Washington County. Bond was set at $1,000.

Pittsburg State University’s spring graduates will be honored next week at a Spring Commencement that will be very similar in style to Fall Commencement, which was well-received by participants. In the past, Spring Commencement has been held in four ceremonies — one for each of the university’s four colleges.

This year, PSU will hold eight in two days to comply with COVID-19 mitigation strategies. All ceremonies will start in the Robert W. Plaster Center and then proceed to the Garfield Weede Building. Graduates and their guests will remain together as a group throughout, except when the graduate crosses the stage. PSU also will hold a pinning and graduation event in the afternoon on Friday, May 7, for graduates in the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing.

The ceremonies are scheduled as follows: 

Friday, April 30, 2021 

• 3:30 p.m. - College of Technology (Automotive Technology and School of Construction) 

• 5:00 p.m. - College of Technology (Engineering Technology, Graphics & Imaging Technologies, and Technology & Workforce Learning) 

• 6:30 p.m. - College of Arts & Sciences (Communication, English & Modern Languages and Literatures, Family & Consumer Sciences, and History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences) 

• 8:00 p.m. - College of Arts & Sciences (Art, Biology, Chemistry, General Studies, Integrated Studies, Math, Music, and Physics) 

Saturday, May 1, 2021 

• 1:30 p.m. - College of Business (all graduate degree candidates)

• 12:00 p.m. - College of Business (all undergraduate candidates) 

• 10:30 a.m. - College of Education  (Teaching & Leadership graduate degree candidates)  

• 9:00 a.m. College of Education (Health, Human Performance, & Recreation, Psychology & Counseling, and Teaching & Leadership undergraduate candidates)

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Chanute Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made several arrests Wednesday following an eight-month investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs.

With assistance from the Neosho County Attorney’s Office, the Allen County Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. During the execution of one of the arrest warrants at 804 N. Garfield, in Chanute, suspicious explosive devices were located. The ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit responded to assist with the safe removal of these devices and aid in the investigation.

Arrested during this operation were (the listed charge may be the most serious of several charges):

• Shadow McKinney, age 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine

• Kerry Wilson, age 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

• Anna Stockenbrand, age 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

• Deedra Bright, age 36, Cherryvale, Distribution of methamphetamine

• Gina Perez, age 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

• Michael Naff, age 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

• Ellen Fisher, age 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

• Quintin Obermiller, age 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

• Markus K. Steeves, age 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosive

Pending arrests connected to this operation:

• Kevin Pratt, age 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school

• Jessica Rogers, age 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine

• Timothy J. Mishler, age 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine.

The joint operation represented a coordinated law enforcement effort to reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs impacting Southeast Kansas. This investigation is ongoing.

The K-State Research and Extension's Wildcat District Education Foundation is hosting an online fundraiser and auction next week.

From April 21 through April 24, anyone can bid on over 100 items donated by businesses and individuals throughout the district. This includes Montgomery, Labette, Wilson, and Crawford counties. Money raised will support programming for the district, including the areas of Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, Horticulture, Community Vitality and 4H/Youth Leadership.

For more information, contact district director Frances Graves at 620-724-8223.

The Water Department of the City of Parsons is doing sewer service work in the 1300 Block of Morgan Avenue.

They anticipate the road to be closed from now until 5:00 pm tonight. The city of Parsons apologizes for any inconvenience, and asks that you please use an alternate route.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department had a busy day earlier today with two separate drug busts. 

In the first incident, deputies made a traffic stop at Main and Wald in Independence and discovered the driver was Peter Eugene Olsen of Coffeyville who had a warrant for his arrest.  Upon further investigation deputies located items associated with illegal substances.  Olsen was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a number of drug charges, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and driving without a license, registration and no insurance.

Meanwhile in Cherryvale, the Sheriff’s Office was conducting a search for a subject wanted in a neighboring county. Deputies stopped a vehicle being driven by Deedra Bright of Cherryvale who had an outstanding warrant.  During the stop deputies saw illegal narcotics in the vehicle in plain view.  While searching the vehicle deputies discovered crystal meth and marijuana.  Bright was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on multiple drug charges.

Pittsburg State University reported one positive COVID-19 case of the 13 symptomatic students who were tested at Bryant Student Health Center in the week leading up to April 21^st. Currently, one student is in isolation and none are in quarantine. In the same period, no faculty or staff members reported an infection, though one is in quarantine due to close contact.

The Crawford County Health Department and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas held clinics on the campus of Pitt State, at which about 900 faculty, staff, and students were vaccinated. Additional clinics are planned for next week.

National Drug Take-Back Day is coming up this weekend. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said law enforcement officers at locations across the state will be collecting unused medications for safe disposal Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The collection events are part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of leftover medications to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.

Since the Drug Take-Back Day program began in 2010, more than 101 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed in Kansas alone. Kansas law enforcement agencies that are participating in this include Neodesha Police Department, Chanute Police Department, Pittsburg Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office. In Oklahoma, both the Bartlesville Police Department and Miami Nation Police Department are participating.  

Unwanted prescription drugs can also be dropped off at the Coffeyville Police Department any time. There is a green drop off container located just inside the front entrance to the police department. CPD asks for no syringes in the drop box.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall congratulated Wichita native, Margaret McMullen, after she was announced as the winner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's 2021 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest.  

Senator Marshall said McMullen went head to head with some of the greatest artistic talents in the nation and brought the victory back to the great state of Kansas for the first time in 30 years. He said the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest is a vital part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s mission to instill principles in the youth that are near and dear to his heart, which is a deep respect and appreciation for America’s wildlife and the conservation of natural lands.

After a bizarre weather week that included snow yesterday, a return to normalcy will come next week with temperatures above average expected.

Coffeyville got two-tenths of an inch of precipitation yesterday which included snow during the early morning hours which turned into a rain/snow mix in the afternoon with a high of just 48 degrees.

As for next week, it will start heating up with temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s on Saturday and getting up to the 80s next Monday.

Before then, we can expect more rain in the forecast tomorrow and Friday. If there is any severe weather, stay tuned into 690 KGGF-AM.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall said that he doesn't want the recently proposed hate crime act passed.

He said that the proposed COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act seems "open-ended" and "overly broad". Marshall said that he obviously is against any hate crime against anyone, but laws against these offenses are already in place.

The topic arose after eight Asian-Americans were killed in an Atlanta spa last month. The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act will be voted on by the Senate today in which Sen. Marshall plans to vote against.

The 2^nd Annual Independence BBQ Cook-Off was a success as over $7,000 was raised for 5 year old Avery and her family. Organizer Brett Trotter says the expectations he had were greatly exceeded.

Trotter says Boom City BBQ, Woodward, OK, was the Grand Champion and Consuming Fire BBQ was the Reserve Champion. Boom City BBQ also placed 1^st in Brisket, Full Throttle BBQ 1^st in ribs, Two Buds BBQ 1^st in anything but and Bigley BBQ 1^st in chicken.

*Photo courtesy of Magnolia Tree Photography*

If you have ever wanted to own a piece of Field Kindley football memorabilia now is your chance. With the announcement of new uniforms for the Nado football team the old jerseys are for sell.

Head Coach Deonta Wade said the money will go into their fundraiser account and help go towards other gear, paying for football camps and other football related expenses. There are three styles of jerseys being sold, the purple home Adidas jersey, the white away Adidas jersey and a yellow GT jersey. Both Adidas jerseys are $20 a piece and the yellow GT jerseys are $10. If you are interested in a jersey you can contact Coach Wade.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall is skeptical with how the current Biden administration is handling the border crisis.

He said that the first step to recovery is admitting that there is a crisis. Marshall said that he's concerned about letting illegal immigrants into the country is the health risk it has for Americans. The solution Marshall gave was straight forward, but unlikely.

The full interview with Senator Roger Marshall can be found here.

There were ten new positive cases of COVID-19 over the past week in Montgomery County.

As of yesterday, there have been a total of 3,426 cases and 103 hospitalizations, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Statewide, there were 429 new cases, two new deaths and 17 hospitalizations from Friday leading up to yesterday. In total, there have been 306,290 cases, 9,961 hospitalizations and 4,955 deaths.

President Joe Biden announced yesterday that all adults are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

The Parsons Police Department's newest K-9 unit Karim made his first drug bust over the weekend. Karim is a 19-month-old Belgian Malinois who is nationally certified in narcotics detection.

Sergeant Brice Dickens conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of Morton Avenue early Saturday evening. Backup was called and Karim investigated the vehicle and sensed the presence of drugs. Officers were able to locate marijuana and methamphetamines in the vehicle.

The driver was identified as 57-year-old Christopher Cuddy. He was arrested on multiple drug charges and three failure to appear warrants.

A local food bank based in Caney received a letter of support from the Montgomery County commission at their most recent meeting.

The food bank started in Caney and has expanded to all of Montgomery and Chautauqua counties as well as parts of Labette, Woodson, Greenwood, Wilson and Elk counties. They have also assisted those in need in South Coffeyville as well.

Thousands of people have been served by the food bank's donations of fresh fruits and veggies which has helped improve the health of those in the area. According to Volunteer Dorothy Shaffer, 105 tons of produce have been brought in to Kansas by volunteers.

The vote for the letter passed unanimously by the commissioners.

Those who were forced to delay travel plans because of COVID-19 should pay close attention to the expiration dates of their travel vouchers. These will vary depending on the issuing cruise line, airline or travel vendor. Since the beginning of March, there has seen a big increase in travel bookings, due to increasing confidence with the vaccine roll out and easing of CDC travel restrictions.

Those who are planning to travel, whether cashing in a voucher or booking new travel, will need to adjust expectations for a new normal. AAA offers some tips for post-pandemic travel. Make sure you understand COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, book accommodations in advance, prepare to pay more for car rentals and consider travel insurance.

A trailer was stolen from the city of Caney.

The trailer was taken from the city's water treatment facility located on West 6th Street early Saturday evening. The trailer is a black 18-foot dual axle trailer that has a dove tail on the rear with two stand-up loading ramps and a wood-decked floor.

It's undetermined how many people were involved in the theft or who was involved in the theft. If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact the Caney Police Department at 620-879-2141.

The trailer seen in the picture above is not the actual trailer. It's just a reference for what the trailer looks like.

A Welch cattleman who defrauded First State Bank of Commerce pleaded guilty in federal court. Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson said 52 year old John Theodore Linthicum, also known as Teddy Linthicum, perpetrated a check kiting scheme for his own gain and cheated the bank out of $1.2 million. The scheme was carried out by Linthicum and another cattle dealer, Douglas Mayfield, from October 2016 to January 2017.

In the fall of 2016, Linthicum experienced dwindling cash flow in his cattle business. He proposed that Mayfield write NSF checks to Linthicum that he could deposit into his bank account, thereby enabling Linthicum to avoid overdraft limitations and continue his cattle operation. Linthicum knew that Mayfield did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks he was writing to Linthicum.

Mayfield provided approximately 30 insufficiently funded checks from his accounts at Grand Savings Bank, in Grove, to Linthicum for deposit into Linthicum’s account at First State Bank.  Most often, Mayfield would simply sign the checks and Linthicum would fill in the amounts payable to himself. Linthicum frequently wrote in the memo notation that the checks were for the purchase of cattle, which was not true. The checks generally ranged between $100,000 and $375,000. The bank lost approximately $1.2 million as a result of the scheme.  Linthicum’s sentencing is set for August 3^rd. Mayfield previously pleaded guilty to the same charge in federal court, and his sentencing is pending.

A Parsons fast food chain is the victim of a early morning robbery. At around 8:23am, officers responded to Taco Mayo at 3210 Main. Corporal Garrett Lucas collected evidence and surveillance video of the incident. The suspect, wearing gloves and a mask, entered through the door with a key around 6:00am. The safe was opened and an undisclosed amount of money was taken.

Police Chief Robert Spinks said he hopes that “See It, Hear It, Report It” can again prevail and they can catch this individual to close yet another case in Parsons. The investigation is ongoing and if anyone has information on this incident you can call (620)421-7060 or the Tip Line at (620)421-7057. Two photos of the suspect can be found in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com.

United States Senator Roger Marshall expressed his firm disagreement with President Joe Biden's proposed infrastructure bill as well as another stimulus package.

Marshall stated that hardly any of the money from the nearly $2 trillion infrastructure bill will go towards the country's infrastructure.

Marshall also believes that the country is rebounding strongly and there is no need for another COVID relief bill. He stated the unemployment rates in the state of Kansas are steadily declining.

For those who are skeptical about the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine, Marshall had some encouraging words.

The full interview with Senator Roger Marshall can be found here.

A Topeka man was injured in an early morning crash in Coffeyville.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 23-year-old Cordell Ramsey of Tulsa was driving a 2007 Dodge Caliber northbound on U.S. Highway 169 when he crossed the center line and caused 62-year-old Mark Mikoleit who was driving a 2013 Freightliner to make an avoidance maneuver onto the southbound shoulder. Ramsey's vehicle then struck the Freightliner causing it to overturn in the east ditch.

Mikoleit was transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin with suspected serious injuries. Ramsey was not injured. Seatbelts were in use in both vehicles.

Two Pittsburg residents were arrested earlier this week on an array of charges.

A Pittsburg Police officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a spray-painted Ford Fusion passenger vehicle in northeast Pittsburg for an observed moving violation. The vehicle failed to yield and then began to flee from the officer. After a short chase that saw the vehicle end up crashing into a fence post, both the driver and passenger fled the vehicle on foot and were apprehended a short time later. The vehicle was reported stolen out of rural Crawford County on April 11^th.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 29-year-old John D. Robertson Jr. and the passenger was identified as 22-year-old Kaitlyn M. McMurry. Both were arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and various warrants out of different counties. Robertson also picked up fleeing and eluding and interference with law enforcement charges. Both were transported to the Crawford County Jail.

The City of Coffeyville has released its 2021 Water Consumer Confidence Report.

The report covers the 2020 calendar year, and is a "snapshot" of the quality of water provided by the city. This includes where the water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to state and EPA standards.

The city reported that there were no violations of drinking water standards in 2020. That does not guarantee that there are no contaminants in tap or bottled water, but it does guarantee that the water is safe and does not pose a health risk.

For the full report, follow this link.

Authorities with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office executed a narcotics search warrant at a Weir home Thursday evening which led to an arrest. 

As part of an ongoing investigation, detectives served the warrant at 201 North Jefferson around 7 p.m. During the course of the search, suspected narcotics were discovered and seized, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old Cheyenne Jones.

Jones was transported to the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of possessing methamphetamine, possessing marijuana and possessing drug paraphernalia. Criminal charges on additional suspects are anticipated.

Low-income residents in the city of Indpendence will be getting some financial assitance.

The city approved an adjustment to the criteria for assisting low-income residents with their water, sewer and trash service rates at its most recent city commission meeting. Those who qualify must be under the "extremely low-income limits" based on United States Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria.

Other criteria include that you must be living in the city limits, you must be a resident for at least 12 months, the water/sewer account must be listed in the name of the hardship subscriber and the hardship subscriber must be recertified on January 1st each year.

The previous criteria for income was $11,000 regardless of how many people live in the household.

The updated hardship rate application is available for download on the City website. For more information, you can contact the city of Independence at (620) 332-2500.

A Tulsa man is arrested in Caney after backing into a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Caney Police Officers were dispatched to Casey’s General Store for a report of an accident.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 2015 Ford truck driven by 50 year old Greg Phillips, of Tulsa, backed into a 1994 Dodge pickup driven by 53 year old Brian Helkenburg, of Havana. Upon further investigation officers determined that Phillips was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him for driving while under the influence and an expired registration. Phillips was transported to the Montgomery County Jail where he was held in lieu of bond.

A Cherokee County man is quickly arrested after a theft earlier this afternoon. Around 1:00pm today a citizen reported suspicious activity at a nearby property. After responding to the area, deputies contacted the property owner, who confirmed the theft of multiple items including power tools, copper wire, windows and a motor.

Using the vehicles description, deputies located it and as a result of their investigation arrested 33 year old Ricky D. Gabern Jr. Sheriff David Groves said this is once again a great example of the importance of watching out for your neighbors and taking the initiative to report suspicious activity. Gabern is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of burglary and theft.

A former Field Kindley basketball standout will return to the court as the new head coach of the Nado boy's basketball team. Coach Griffin Walker says he didn't let his lack of coaching experience deter him from this opportunity.

Walker saw success at both FKHS and Coffeyville Community College. He was named First Team All-State in 2000 and was on the National Runner-Up team at CCC in 2002. Walker finished out his playing career starting at the University of New Hampshire and if you happen to own a copy of 2005 EA Sports College Basketball you can find him in that game.

The City of Independence is seeking proposals for the installation of a projection system or video board in the Memorial Hall Auditorium Theater to project backgrounds for sets, video playback, slideshows for lectures, or other purposes.

Proposals will be received in the office of the City Clerk on or before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 22^nd. Proposals shall be plainly marked “Projector Project Proposal”. Proposals that are received after 2:00 p.m. will not be considered.

If you have any questions regarding the proposal, please contact David Cowan at 620-332-2528.

Full specifications for this project can be found here.

Coffeyville will soon have its own roastery.

The Coffeyville Coffee Company will be opening up as early as next month on 8th Street, near the post office. The company won't brew coffee at its location, but will be shipping its product worldwide. Candi Westbrook, the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce director, said each kind of coffee will promote Coffeyville history.

Westbrook said the chamber will soon share news of a ribbon cutting for the new roastery.

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a project to remove and replace the pavement markings on K-7 from U.S. 160 north to U.S. 400 starting April 26th.

Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The work should be completed in about 10 days, weather permitting.

KDOT awarded the construction contract of nearly $300,000 to Century Fence Company, Pewaukee, Wis.

The Second Annual Independence BBQ Cook-Off is coming up this Saturday at Newton's True Value. Organizer Brett Trotter says this year it will benefit five year old Avery, who is battling cancer.

The teams are competing in four different categories including chicken, pork ribs, brisket and anything but. Trotter says the teams will also compete in people's choice.

People's choice will be from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. They will also raffle off 45 different items that were donated including a guided fishing trip. Trotter says all proceeds from the raffle and 75% of the proceeds from people's choice will go to Avery and her family.

A section of K-39 in Bourbon County, shown in orange on the map below, has been closed for replacement of the bridge over Pawnee Creek. The work zone is closed to all traffic until completion of the project in late 2021. The state route detour, shown in blue, is signed on U.S. 59, K-47 and U.S. 69. For road condition updates and other information, go to www.kandrive.org.

Pittsburg State University reported no positive COVID-19 cases among students, faculty or staff. Currently, no students, faculty or staff are in isolation or quarantine. Weekly routine testing of athletes mandated by the NCAA continues, with 91 student-athletes being tested.

Bryant Student Health Center Director of Operations Rita Girth said that isolation and quarantine numbers could differ between reporting agencies due to student being tested elsewhere.

About 800 faculty, staff and students were vaccinated at clinics held at Pitt State, with more planned next week for all students.  

An altercation occurred at Sedan schools between two students.

According to the Sedan Police Department, no one besides the two parties were at risk of being in danger. The incident was handled by school staff and disciplinary actions were taken.

SPD was later alerted that other students have gotten involved in the incident on social media and various forms of action are being planned in retribution.

The police department is asking that parents step in and talk to their students to prevent them from committing crimes such as conspiracy to commit battery, assault or harrassment via a telecommunication device.

The city of Coffeyville and Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing reached a memorandum of understanding at the most recent city commission meeting.

There were some adjustments made from the previous proposal including leaving 1st Street and Cedar Street open. They had requested that those streets be closed off and vacated in the original plan. Another notable change is the entrance to the new facility will be from Sunflower Street instead of 3rd Street.

Finally, the company will seek to rezone the lots which will prevent them from using that area as lay down. They will be able to use that area as parking and they will seek a conditional use permit for that purpose.

The proposal passed 4-1.

There are ten structures that are going to be demolished in Coffeyville.

The proposal was approved at the most recent city commission meeting to have Muller Construction tear down the houses. Most of the homes are rather abandoned or broken beyond repair.

After these structures are torn down, the city plans to take down ten more in the future. The money for the project comes from the revenue from the city's trash service.

The city only tore down ten houses all of last year, but that's only because the houses they tore down had asbestos which costs more money to tear down.

Those who travel on K-3 Highway between U.S. 54 and K-39 can expect delays starting next week as the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a resurfacing project on Monday.

The project starts at the west K-3/K-39 junction and continues north to U.S. 54. Project activity includes a one-inch surface recycle, followed by a chip seal. KDOT awarded the near $870,000 construction contract to Dustrol Inc. of Towanda. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less. A 10-foot driving lane width restriction will also be in effect.

The road work should be completed in one month, weather permitting.

A man and a woman have been arrested on separate traffic and drug charges. Earlier this week, Chanute officers pulled over a vehicle in the area of 4th and Lincoln in southeast Chanute. During the stop, K9 sensed the presence of drugs. During the search, officers located items associated with illegal substances.

Arrested at the scene were 38-year-old Megan Leanne Davisson of Fredonia for driving while suspended. Also arrested was 41-year-old M.K. Vincent Hezekia also of Fredonia for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no seat belt. They were both transported to the Neosho County Jail without incident.

The Kansas Army National Guard is hosting a virtual career fair April 20^th. In addition to combat arms positions, the KSARNG has a variety of full and part time careers in fields including information and technology, logistics, culinary arts, cybersecurity, engineering, journalism and photography, motor vehicle operations and maintenance, nursing, religious support and many more.

Event participants can select from an array of virtual information booths to visit and will have opportunities to speak with local recruiters for more information. The event will run from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Registration for the event is required and the link to register can be found here.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying a suspect in an attempted robbery.

During the morning hours of April 12th, the suspect attempted to steal a mower near Valley Road and Road 31 in the northeast corner of Chautauqua county. However, the crime was thwarted by a citizen in the area.

The citizen, and the department, described the suspect as a shorter, white male wearing a gray jacket, floppy style hat and black COVID-style mask. The suspect was also accompanied by a dog, described as a white, mid-sized dog with black spots and a red collar.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect is encouraged to contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's office at 620-725-3108.

There have been 14 new COVID-19 cases over the last week in Montgomery County, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This is an increase of six cases from the previous report from March 29th to last Monday.

Statewide, there were 483 new cases, no deaths and 20 new hospitalizations in Kansas from Friday leading up to yesterday. There have been 304,719 total COVID-19 cases and 4,930 deaths since the pandemic began.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine production has been halted due to six women having blood clots. The women's ages ranged from 18-48, according to the FDA. They stated that there is uncertainty if the clotting is related to the vaccine, but they are taking extreme precautions in case of any correlation.

The City of Cherryvale will be holding its citywide clean up program next week.

Residents of the city may head to the Cherryvalle Community Center from 8am-4pm April 21st through April 23rd, and 8am-12pm on Saturday, April 24th. Those participating must indicate that they are a resident of the city by providing their current water bill, or a City Hall-provided printout proving so.

The city will not accept explosives, asbestos, refrigerants, or appliances with compressors, bricks, concrete or dirt. Appliances without refrigerant and compressors will be accepted at the City Public Works Shop.

Any questions should go to City Hall at 620-336-2776.

Some minor construction will be taking place in Parsons today.

The traffic lights at 16th and Main Street will be turned on and stop signs will be removed today. The city of Parsons is asking that you please use caution, as this is still a work zone.

The USD 446 school board meeting had several items on the agenda in their most recent meeting. The meeting started off with wrestling coach Zach Camacho talking about the accomplishments of Alexis Allen who has had a prolific wrestling career at Independence.

The meeting then moved into new business and the first item of business was the sale of a Chevy truck.

The request was unanimously accepted. Another item of business was a discussion to purchase two new vans.

The next Independence School Board meeting is scheduled for May 10^th.

The Field Kindley High School football team will be getting new uniforms for the 2021 season. FKHS Principal Travis Stalford presented the bid to the USD 445 Board of Education.

Stalford says they will also be buying new uniforms for the basketball and volleyball teams. The board unanimously approved the bid from Midwest Sporting Goods in Tulsa at just over $23,000. The new uniforms will be revealed at a later date.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has begun a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Pawnee Creek and is located approximately 7½ miles east of the east K-3/K-39 junction.

K-39 will be closed to through traffic at the bridge starting Wednesday, April 14. A new signed state detour route will be in effect around the project. Eastbound traffic, from the west K-39/U.S. 59 junction, will travel south on U.S. 59 to K-47, east on K-47 to U.S. 69, and north on U.S. 69 to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction.

KDOT awarded the $1.4 million construction contract to B&B Bridge Company, Inc., of St. Paul.

The Miami Police Department is opening an investigation regarding a Facebook video of an assault with a baseball bat.

MPD stated that the video was posted on a "local gossip site" and not reported to the police department. They ask if you have witnessed a crime, to please report it immediately.

MPD said they have identified people involved in the incident, but did not release a name of the person who committed the assault. The victim was identified as Kelli Ross. MPD is unaware of her whereabouts and asks if you know where she is to call the department at 918-542-5585.

The Chautauqua County Commission terminated its SPARK board at its weekly meeting Monday.

The commission thanked the board for its work over the past few months in distributing money and working for the good of the county. A quick vote passed, with the commission noting that the board had completed its duty and therefore would be released from its obligations.

In other business, Dorothy Shaffer of Niotaze spoke on behalf of the Caney Valley Food Pantry. The pantry is applying for tax credits from the state, and attended Monday's meeting to ask for a letter of support. The pantry serves 9 counties in southeastern Kansas, some of which are temporary.

The commission will meet once again next Monday at 8:30 am.

With an average of 22 suicides in America every day, veterans have the highest suicide rate among any profession.

This was discussed in length at the most recent Montgomery County commission meeting. There are over 3,000 veterans in Montgomery County.

Veterans are having to go to Wichita for various reasons including things like dental care, but Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022 representatives are trying to help vets who can't afford to travel to Wichita if they are in an urgent need.

VFW asked for $10,000, and the county commissioners lowered it to $2,500. A gentleman spoke up about how he had recently been affected by the impacts of their program.

Commissioner Mike Cordray then decided to up the funding to $3,000 which was passed 2-1 with Commissioner Larry McManus voting no only because he thought the amount given was too low.

Pittsburg State University will come alive with music on April 18, when the Southeast Kansas Symphony at Pittsburg State University hosts “Sunday in the Park,” an outdoor concert planned south of McCray Hall.

Performers will include the symphony, which comprises students, faculty, staff, community members, and regional artists and music students from Pittsburg and Riverton high schools. The concert will feature music from The Sound of Music, The King & I, Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and more. Director Raul Munguia said the concert is a way to provide a sense of celebration and hope as spring arrives and the community begins moving out of the darkest days of the pandemic.

In the case of inclement weather, the concert will move inside McCray Hall, with a limited audience capacity that is first-come, first-serve. The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.

A Coffeyville man was arrested on multiple charges over the weekend.

Early Saturday morning, an officer with the Caney Police Department stopped a truck for an equipment violation at the corner of Wood and Myrtle Street. After running the tag, it was determined that the license plate was stolen out of Nowata, OK.

The officer was able to identify the driver as 44-year-old James Gruver, who was on probation out of Chautauqua County. Upon further investigation, officers found a set of brass knuckles in the vehicle.

Gruver was arrested for possession of a vehicle with vehicle identification numbers removed, possession of a weapon with intent to use, possession of stolen property and driving with no insurance. He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

A Pittsburg woman is facing a laundry list of charges after police found two pounds of meth and various other drugs in a vehicle she was driving in Pittsburg.

A Pittsburg police officer stopped a vehicle driven by 51-year-old Amy Jo Fontaine for a traffic violation and during the stop, a police dog sensed the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle turned up the meth, marijuana, and nearly 100 oxycodone pills.

Fontaine has been charged with distribution of stimulants and narcotics, possession of methamphetamine and narcotics, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Fontaine was being held at the Crawford County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

Motorists who drive on U.S. Highway 400 in Greenwood County will need to give themselves extra time as the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a full-depth concrete patching project.

The project area runs from the north K-99/U.S. 400 junction east to the Greenwood-Wilson County line. Temporary traffic signals will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished by mid-May.

KDOT reminds drivers to obey the signs and signals and to slow down.

A Caney man was arrested for criminal damage and pedestrian under the influence of alcohol.

Yesterday evening, 33-year-old Jason Kelly went into the Caney Police Department intoxicated. After exchanging words with the dispatcher on duty he departed the Police Department on foot. The dispatcher on duty notified the Caney PD Officer on duty and they contacted Jason Kelly at 4th and State St.

Kelly was charged with criminal damage to property for damaging an intoxilyzer machine at the police department and pedestrian under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail.

Union Pacific informed the city of Neodesha that they are shutting down the railroad crossings at the intersections of 11th and Tank and 11th and Granby beginning today for railroad tie replacement and resurfacing. Estimated time frame for repairs is two to three days.

The Industrial Park railroad crossing at 11th and Illinois will be closed beginning tomorrow morning. Estimated time frame for repairs is two to three days as well.

An upcoming cold front could potentially bring severe storms to the southeast Kansas area as early as this afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Wichita is reporting that storms moving through the area could bring up to 60mph winds, one-inch hail, and very heavy rain. These storms should lessen in intensity through central and western Kansas, but places such as Coffeyville and Chanute should expect to see at least heavy rainfall.

As always, make sure to stay tuned to the Mighty 690, KGGF, for complete severe weather coverage.

The Sedan Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Bingo Night tomorrow at 4 p.m.

All proceeds will go directly to the Christmas in the Hollow lighting project. The event will be held at the fair building located in the park. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

There are plenty of prizes being given away.

A Carthage, Missouri man is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of felony possession of stolen property following his arrest north of Riverton yesterday afternoon.

Just before noon, officers received a call regarding suspicious activity. Residents in the area were able to alert officers of vehicle information and the direction the stolen vehicle was heading.

Officers were able to arrest 43-year-old Billy Gene Osborne and return the stolen truck to the owner.

Almost a year has passed since now 38 year old Detreck Foster went missing. The Independence Police Department is reminding people Foster is still missing and asking for help locating him. Foster was first reported missing on May 12th, but the last time investigators could confirm Foster was seen alive was April 12^th, in Independence.

At this time investigators believe Foster was murdered. Police want to remind the community that anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Foster’s disappearance will be eligible for a Governor’s Reward of up to $5,000. If you have information about the disappearance or suspected murder of Foster, contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or the Independence Police Department at 620-332-1700.

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible residents can get the vaccine at all CHC/SEK clinics by appointment.

To schedule a vaccination, you can go to chcsek.org and click the COVID Vaccination Form button. Once you complete the form and select the “first dose” button, there’s an option to select Johnson & Johnson or Moderna. You will then be contacted to schedule a date for the vaccine.

For those without web access, you can call the health center toll-free number, 866-888-8650. Those who speak Spanish may call 620-240-8940 to make vaccination appointments.

The Coffeyville Recreation Commission's 29^th Annual Youth Fishing Derby is coming up Sunday, May 2^nd at LeClere Park. The event is free and CRC is asking that everyone practice social distancing. Registration is from 1:00pm to 1:30pm with the official fishing time 1:30pm to 3:00pm and the awards at 3:15pm.

There are 5 different age divisions 4-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-16 and Buddy Bobbers, with prizes being awarded in each age division. All participants must be registered by a parent or guardian, only 2-8 year olds and Buddy Bobbers can have assistance, boats or rafts will not be permitted during the Derby, fish are to be caught and reeled in by participant, fish will be measured and recorded by an official and released, artificial or live bait can be used and only one rod and reel per fisherman.

As temperatures rise, so do burglaries of homes and cars. But there are things you can do to help yourself from becoming the victim of a crime. Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison says there are a few simple things you can do to deter a would-be burglar.

Another thing you can do to help deter burglars is to not advertise your belongings.

Harrison also says don't make your car an attractive target by leaving things in plain sight.

You can hear the entire interview with Chief Harrison that includes more crime prevention tips here.

The Parsons Farmer's Market is set to open later this month with the first date of the 2021 season being Tuesday, April 27th.

Business will be at the northeast corner of Forest Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m and on Saturday's from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The market will continue through October. There are no fees to register as a vendor, but a form must be filled out. A copy of the form can be found on the Parsons Farmer's Market Facebook page.

For any questions, the Parsons Farmer's Market phone number is (620) 820-6131.

The Montgomery County Health Department has informed USD 446 that a student at Independence High School has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there were only eight new positive COVID-19 cases last week in Montgomery County.

Per the school district's protocol, areas that the student has occupied over the past several days have been temporarily closed off to be disinfected.

The individual can return when released by the health department. Those identified as close contacts will temporarily not be allowed to return to school, however, they will have access to remote learning.

Those with questions or concerns can contact Superintendent Rusty Arnold at (620) 496-4706.

A grandmother and Coffeyville first responders saved a toddler from drowning in a pool Sunday afternoon.

Coffeyville firefighters, officers and EMS responded to a call of a possible child drowning and upon arrival, the grandmother of the toddler was performing CPR. Responding units performed additional life-saving measures and the child was transported to the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. The toddler was then flown to Tulsa and is expected to make a full recovery.

Coffeyville Fire Chief Billy Cockman said, "Early CPR is key to positive outcomes in these situations. Citizens trained in CPR help keep our community safe."

April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring the chance of severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes. Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson says there are four designated storm shelters in town.

Wilson says pets can be brought in pet carriers to three of the four locations, excluding the high school. When we do see severe weather in our area you can stay tuned to KGGF 690AM for all your severe weather coverage.

U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner has announced several services that will be offered during his mobile office visit next Wednesday.

Those visiting the mobile office can receive help with federal casework including veteran's issues, social security applications, passport processing, Internal Revenue Services, Medicare & Medicaid Assistance, U.S. Postal Services, and housing and urban development. Other services also offered we bill help obtaining a missing record, assistance with immigration matters, and receiving a form to request an American flag.

The mobile office will be at Coffeyville City Hall from 9:15am – 10:15am on April 14^th.

The Sedan Police Department has announced the upcoming graduation of Officer Trenton Ringle as he has completed the 14-week basic training program administered by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

The KLETC directly trains the overwhelming majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees, supervises, and monitors the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The graduation of the 276^th basic training class will be lived streamed this Friday on KLETC's Facebook page with the ceremony starting at 1 pm.

Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation has begun distributing relief funds to applicants of the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program to ensure families still under financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic can stay in their homes, stay warm, and stay connected.

KHRC was able to quickly build on the success of prior rental program efforts and was one of the first states to fully launch its Emergency Rental Assistance program. Applications for this program opened on March 15, and the first payments were made last week. The KERA program is still accepting applications and the link to apply can be found in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com.

Cherryvale voted to keep its 1% sewer sales tax for the next ten years.

The vote was on the city's ballot yesterday and was approved by a vote of 96-15. The tax will be up for a vote again in 2031 and is set to retire in 2035.

Money from the tax will continue to go towards bond and interest payments, sewer maintenance and repairs, and city jobs to maintain the sewer system.

Kansas drivers can now take the written portion of their driver's test online.

The Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles launched KnowTo Drive Online, which is an online-version of the same test normally taken in person. The test is powered by Intellectual Technology, Inc., which also hosts kiosks in 13 other states.

David Harper, the director of the Division of Vehicles, said the establishment of the online test will help decrease the number of visitors to the office and reduce waiting times. The test is available 24/7 at the Division of Vehicles website. Fees are $10 upon the first test and $8.50 for any re-test.

For those less inclined to take their test online, the physical version of the test is still available to be taken in the office.

Recent data shows Montgomery County residents aren't consuming enough fruits and veggies.

At least two-and-a-half cups of fruit and vegetable intake daily is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including heart attack, stroke and certain types of cancer. Most fruits and vegetables, when prepared without added fats or sugars, are also relatively low in calories and can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Despite the benefits, many people still do not eat recommended levels of fruits and vegetables.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 49.3% of adults in Montgomery County reported consuming fruit less than one time per day.

This is higher than both the state and national average. 43.7% of Kansans and 40.1% of Americans reported consuming fruit less than one time per day.

There were 42 county values reported in KDHE's study with 57.2% being the highest in Jackson County which is approximately 75 miles northwest of Kansas City. Cherokee had the third-highest rate at 54.5% and Labette was fourth with 52.2% of adults reported consuming fruit less than one time per day.

Those who have the 6-2-0 area code will have to switch to ten-digit dialing soon.

The reason behind this is the Federal Communications Commission recently announced it's making 9-8-8 the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. Some phone numbers with the 6-2-0 area code have seven-digit numbers that start with 9-8-8. According to the FCC, to ensure that all 9-8-8 calls go to the hotline, even local calls with a 6-2-0 area code will need to dial all ten digits.

This will go into effect on April 24th, however, seven-digit dialing will still be completed if using 6-2-0. Starting October 24th, those calls will not be completed. This rule is affecting 80 different area codes in the United States including two in the state of Kansas with the other being 7-8-5.

The FCC expects to be fully transitioned to the new suicide prevention number by July 16th, 2022, and calls to 9-8-8 made on or after that date will be routed to the national hotline. During the transition, Americans who need help or are experiencing suicidal thoughts should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255, or 1-800-273-TALK.

Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to information provided by the FCC.

A robber was quickly apprehended after he held up a convenience store in Parsons Monday night.

Officers responded to a reported armed robbery at 1430 Main Street and secured the business and the area surrounding it to collect evidence. After speaking with witnesses and viewing security footage, officers determined that the suspect was 24-year-old Jumani Damu Ngozi Coleman of Parsons.

Police followed a lead and made contact with Coleman at his residence in the 1300 block of Wilson. The officers received a search warrant on the house and discovered the clothes seen in the surveillance video along with an undisclosed amount of money and the weapon that was utilized in the robbery. Upon closer inspection, the weapon was identified as a pellet gun, which was made to resemble a Taurus semi-automatic pistol.

Coleman is expected to be charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and theft. Coleman has had previous run-ins with law enforcement. He was convicted in a 2015 robbery of Eisele's Jewelry in Coffeyville. He received 32 months in prison and was forced to pay just over $15,000 in restitution.

Some scattered storms and showers could hit southeastern Kansas later this evening and continue into the early morning hours on Wednesday.

Rainfall amounts will range from a trace to a tenth of an inch, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. Chances of precipitation grow more and more likely throughout the early morning hours into the late morning hours tomorrow.

This is a different storm system than the one that hit south central earlier this morning that missed most of southeastern Kansas.

We are also currently under a wind advisory that is set to expire at 8 p.m. this evening.

There were zero COVID-19 deaths over the weekend in the state of Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

In Montgomery County, there were only eight cases over the past week. As of last Monday, there were 3,394 total cases in the county and the KDHE reported 3,402 total cases as of yesterday.

Statewide, there were 354 new cases and 32 new hospitalizations from last Friday leading up to yesterday.

The first case of the 20H/501Y variant, also known as the South African variant, was spotted in Finney County, according to the KDHE. There have been 74 spotted cases of the B.1.17 variant, or the U.K. variant, in 14 different counties in Kansas.

The Independence City Commission will deal with a host of items when it meets in regular session on Thursday.

Aside from a lengthy consent agenda, which itself includes 14 items, the commission will also discuss establishing both Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month. A change order for the ongoing 1916 City Hall Project also appears on this week's list of items for commission action.

Thursday's meeting will start at 5:30 pm. The full agenda can be seen here.

Coffeyville Community College has teamed up with Coffeyville Regional Medical Center to provide students, faculty and staff COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccinations are being given out on the first floor of the student union next to the cafeteria. If you have any questions, you can call (620) 251-7700.

Cherokee County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in the rural northeast part of the county on yesterday evening, after the home owner reported being assaulted during a home invasion.

The investigation led deputies to a Pittsburg home where three suspects were taken into custody and evidence from the crime scene was recovered.

Arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Jail were 51-year-old Miles Marsh and 19-year-old Bryce Pope, both of Weir, along with 39-year-old Sahra Dawn Uber, of Pittsburg.

All three suspects are being held on a $58,000 bond on allegations of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, interference with law enforcement, and theft and criminal damage to property.

An exhibit opening this week at Pittsburg State's Bicknell Family Center tells the story of pioneering Black musician, conductor, actress, and author Eva Jessye, who spent time at Pittsburg State University as an artist in residence and whose personal collection of documents is archived. The exhibit includes photographs taken from PSU Special Collections and three works of art that capture her likeness.

Born Jan. 20^th, 1895, in Coffeyville, Jessye was inspired by an aunt who sung spirituals to her. By age 12, she had organized her first choral group, a girls’ quartet. At age 13, she attended Western University in Kansas City, to study music, followed by Langston University in Oklahoma, where she earned her certificate in teaching. She would go on to become the head of the music department at Morgan College in Baltimore in 1919. Martin Luther King chose her choir that she organized in 1927 for the March on Washington in 1963. Jessye also acted in movies in the 60s and returned to teaching in the 1970s.

The exhibit will run through May 14^th.

Cherryvale residents will head to the polls today to vote on whether or not to renew a sewer sales tax.

The renewal is a one-percent tax that wouldn't increase the current total sales tax rate, according to the city, it would only keep the sales tax rate at what it is currently.

Money from the tax will continue to go towards bond and interest payments, sewer maintenance and repairs, and city jobs to maintain the sewer system.

The sales tax requires renewal every ten years. City voters renewed the sales tax in 2011. If vote goes through, it will go into effect October 1st and runs through 2031. The debt is expected to be retired in 2035.

USD 436-Caney Valley recognized Governor Laura Kelly's Senate Bill 40 in a press release stating that masks will be encouraged, but not required.

Superintendent Blake Vargas stated that while the legal implications of the bill are unknown, they are still recommending both students and staff wear facial coverings until further notice.

Executive Order 20-59 might have expired, but Montgomery County health officials are still wanting schools to have students and staff practice social distancing and good hygiene. Although, there are hardly any COVID cases in Caney Valley schools, they will continue to disinfect their classrooms as well.

The 2021 Cooking Extravaganza is coming up in two weeks in Bartlesville. Organizer Tina Romine says there will be three area chefs putting on a demonstration of how to cook some of their recipes.

The event will take place at at the Bartlesville Community Center on April 20^th with the doors opening up at 3:00pm to accommodate social distancing. Romine says there are three different ways to get tickets.  The stage show will begin at 6:30pm. All tickets include a cookbook and gift bag with gadgets and coupons. Masks are encouraged.

The Coffeyville Police Department were able to identify a male and female persons of interest in a shoplifting investigation that took place in Coffeyville. They were last seen driving a white 4-door car missing the front grille and had a handicap decal displayed in the front windshield.

A picture of both suspects can be found below.

At the most recent Montgomery County commission meeting, County Appraiser Diana Carter gave an update on appeals. 

She said that they have half of the appeals this year than they did last year. Carter said they have 238 compared to 421 in 2020. She went on to say that they could pay under protest, but Carter hopes that they are just appealing.

The values have gone down, Carter said, but she mentioned that she has some pretty big ones coming up. They will have the final totals on June 1st and Carter says that she expects it to be less.

Carter then announced that she plans to retire on July 1st. She said she is proud of how much progress has been made over the last three years.

In other business, Carter held an executive session and so did County Treasurer Nancy Clubine. Caney Valley Speedway had their cereal malt beverage license renewed and there was the approval of the destruction by shredding of the county clerk’s records.

Four people were injured in a single-vehicle crash that knocked out the power to parts of southern Bartlesville when the vehicle stuck a PSO power pole. The accident happened just before 6:00pm yesterday on Silverlake at Dorchester Drive.

Bartlesville Police Captain Jay Hastings said there were 6 people in the vehicle at the time of the crash and four were transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Insecticidal ear tags are a fly control method of choice for many grazing cattle managers. K-State Veterinary Entomologist Cassandra Olds says producers should employ them properly this grazing season.

Olds says under-dosing can help the insect build up a resistance to the insecticide, so that means that the timing of product administration becomes highly important.  Olds says you want to make sure you tag both ears so both sides of your cattle are exposed to the insecticide.

USD 445 announced their official graduation dates with times for next month.

ELC's Kinder Bound End of the Year Celebration with be May 12th at 5:30 p.m. and will occur in each of the classrooms separately. For CES, student's kindergarten teachers will be contacting parents with information. RMS's 8th Grade Promotion will be May 20th at 7 p.m. at Benefiel Auditorium. Field Kinley High School's 12th Grade Graduation will be May 15th at 10 a.m. at FKHS Gym.

The school district spoke with local health officials who approved graduations to be in person at normal capacity with masks being required.

The Parsons Police Department released their crime statistics for 2020.

Parsons saw a drop in five of the eight core crime statistics. There were nine more assaults, three more robberies and one more homicide than 2019, but the city saw a decrease of batteries by 34, 40 fewer thefts, 11 fewer vehicle thefts, 24 fewer burglaries and one less rape.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, “Even with everything that was going on throughout the country with mass riots, looting and just general chaos, Parsons PD was still able to have a successful major case clearance rate, and lower the amount of property crime in Parsons."

The police department saw a 13% increase in 911 calls, however. This was credited to a lot of people calling regarding mask ordinance violations, business inspections and animals calls.

A structure fire occurred in the 400 block of E. 7th Street in Coffeyville early Wednesday morning.

When the Coffeyville Fire Department arrived, there was a heavy blaze and smoke coming from the roof and window openings of the structure.

A blitz attack, involving hand lines and the master stream from the deck gun were used to knock down the fire. Due to a portion of the roof collapsed when they arrived the firefighters were on the defensive.

They were eventually able to put out the blaze with no one injured.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt paid a visit to Tri County Tech in Bartlesville to meet with participants in the Skills to Rebuild program funded by the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund. Governor Stitt says Skills to Rebuild helps train underemployed or unemployed Oklahomans to be able to obtain jobs identified in the local area.

Gov. Stitt says Tri County Tech projects 450 graduates from the program by May with an average hourly wage increase of $3.04. He says some graduates have seen their salaries double in their new careers.

A Bartlesville man who downloaded and viewed more than 1200 images and 79 videos of child pornography on his electronic devices pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court. 76 year old Richard Lee Ryan Jr. admitted that from June 26, 2019, to June 6, 2020, he knowingly possessed and viewed child pornography, which involved at least one prepubescent minor and a minor that had not attained 12 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Investigators initially discovered Ryan Jr. when he uploaded an image of child pornography to a chat on an online messaging app. On June 6, 2020, a federal search warrant was executed at the defendant’s home and numerous electronic devices were seized, five of which contained child pornography. Investigators discovered 79 videos and more than 1200 images depicting child rape and bestiality on the devices.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order for all flags to be flown at half staff tomorrow from 8:00am to 5:00pm to honor the life and service of Kyle Davis. A resident of Copan, Oklahoma, Davis died March 25, while serving in the line of duty for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Stitt said Davis's exemplary service to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the state will not be forgotten. Davis leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Kristin, and children, Seth and Pearl. A celebration of Davis’s life is scheduled for tomorrow at the Copan Gymnasium with interment at the Dewey Cemetery.

With the first Red Ravens home football game 3 weeks away the college has announced attendance and ticket policies for this season.

Tickets will be sold only at the southwest gate at Veterans Memorial Stadium on game day beginning 2 hours before kick-off, no advance tickets will be available.  In addition, masks will be encouraged, social distancing will be enforced with fans only permitted in designated seating areas however fans may sit anywhere that is not blocked off by yellow tape.

All attendees will be screened and no one with a temperature over 100.4 degrees permitted to enter the stadium.  Attendance will be restricted to 25% of seating capacity at the stadium. Tickets will be priced at $5 for adults and $2 for students.

The Red Ravens first home game of the season will be Sunday, April 25^th at 1:30 versus Butler.  The Ravens travel to Dodge City this Saturday afternoon 1:00 for their second game of the season.  All Red Raven games will be broadcast on KUSN 98.1FM.

Fly resistance to common livestock insecticides has become an escalating problem for cattle producers. Kansas State University Veterinary Entomologist Cassandra Olds says using different kinds of fly insecticide products year by year has become essential.

Olds says producers need to carefully select a product in keeping with an every-year chemical rotation and there are resources to help with that.  Olds says if the fly pressure remains intense producers need to go in another direction right away.

Parsons Police have arrested a 26-year-old man that had an active warrant in Montgomery County. Parsons PD received a tip of a wanted person that was at a home in Parsons. The fugitive was identified as Tyler Dwaine Vickrey of Parsons.  Vickrey is currently on Community Corrections for Possession of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs, or designated stimulants.

Vickrey had an active arrest warrant through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for possession of a controlled substance. Cpl. Garrett Lucas went to the 100 block of South 25th Street and was able to locate Vickrey while attempting to hide behind a washing machine in the residence's backroom. Vickrey was found with approximately 13 grams of Methamphetamine and just over 2 grams of marijuana on his person.

Vickrey was transported and released to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for the active warrant. Parsons Police are also requesting charges be brought against Vickrey for unlawful distribution of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vickrey is currently on bond for two cases in Labette County. Vickrey was arrested in 2018, while on Federal Parole, by Parsons Police for Distribution of Certain Stimulants, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended, Transporting an Open Container and Interference with Law Enforcement. Vickrey was again arrested in 2020 by the Labette County Sheriff's Office for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Criminal Use of Explosives (Risk to LEO), Criminal Possession of Explosives (Felon within 5 years), Criminal Possession of Weapon by Felon (Firearm), Possession of Stolen Property, Interference with Law Enforcement (Resisting arrest), Possession of Counterfeit U.S. Currency, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, and Driving While Suspended.

The Caney Police Department arrested a man for multiple charges including trespassing and domestic battery.

Caney PD got a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the Caney Agri Service late Monday evening. Officers were able to determine the suspect in this incident had been criminally trespassed from his estranged wife’s residence and further discovered that the wife had filed a protection from abuse order on the suspect.

Officers spoke to the estranged wife at the residence in the 500 block of W 2nd Street. She confirmed that the suspect was 29-year-old Brent Howland of Caney. Howland was located hiding under a bed, covered with blankets, in a bedroom of the home.

Officers were able to determine that Howland had gained entry by cutting a screen on a window located on the back side of the home and prying the window open. Once inside the home, Howland’s estranged wife attempted to call the Police at which time Howland allegedly struck his estranged wife in the head causing an obvious injury to her face and ear. Howland was taken into custody by officers without incident.

Four months into 2021, the Parsons Police Department is attempting to identify and address three of its most significant policing challenges.

In a post to the department's website, Parsons police chief Robert Spinks identified the three most significant policing challenges his department is currently facing. Those include domestic violence, the number one felony in the town; drugs, and mental illness. Spinks wrote he believes the state has failed to provide sufficient in-patient resources and medical resources to address addiction and mental health.

Spinks also wrote about the department's new K-9 recruit, a 20-month old Belgium Malinois named Karim. The dog is trained in drug detection and tracking, and was purchased through "generous" community donations.

USD 484-Fredonia released a statement last night stating that they are not moving forward with Governor Laura Kelly's Executive Order 20-59 stating that masks must be worn in school attendance centers. The order expired yesterday as Senate Bill 40 was signed into law.

The school district is still recommending the wearing of masks in district buildings with the exception of standing in line for food where masks will still be required. Social distancing protocols will still be in place when possible and they will continue to sanitize the rooms multiple times a day.

There are currently no positives in the district and no one in quarantine as well. Fredonia is operating under the state's green level and they will continue to follow that plan for the rest of the school year.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents of an ongoing phone scam that has resurfaced over the past several days.

Scammers have been calling residents, fraudulently identifying themselves as a representative of an area utility company, telling the resident they have a past due bill. If the resident doesn't immediately go to a store and purchase a 'money pack,' the residents' utilities will be immediately shut off. Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves said if someone has a balance due with a utility company, they will receive notice by mail, but they will not receive a phone call with a demand for immediate payment through a gift card.

Residents who receive an unsolicited phone call from anyone demanding immediate payment, regardless of who they claim to be or work for, to hang up and not provide any personal information.

The South Coffeyville Police Department and the Nowata County Sheriffs Office are investigating a series of thefts that have taken place on Oklahoma Union Campus as well as other areas.

The vehicle shown below was used in a theft on campus during the early morning hours of March 26th 2021. Anyone with information should contact Officer Garretson at SCPD at 918-255-6513.