The Parsons Police Department is investigating a incident in which a city-owned vehicle was stolen from a cemetary.

Officers were called to the scene of a vehicle fire Monday at the 3500 block of Southern. Shortly after arriving, it was determined that the 2003 Ford F150 was owned by the city.

Officers then went to Oakwood Cemetery and found that there was an open gate between the cemetery and Marvel Park. Officers also discovered a garage door and a window had damage on it from being pried open. There was a video camera in place at the building, but the camera's storage devices had been stolen as well.

Chief of Police Robert Spinks said they would exhaust every effort to capture the criminal. This is the second vehicle that has been stolen from the cemetary, with the culprit evading arrest in the first instance. Anyone with further information on the crime is encouraged to contact the Parsons Police Department.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released the 2020 Kansas Crime Index Report. The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.

The report indicated that violent crime in Kansas increased by nearly 10% from 2019. A total of just under 14,000 violent crimes were reported in Kansas in the categories of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, and battery. The violent crime rate is currently just over 24% above the 10-year average.

The number of murders committed in Kansas hit a record at 193, surpassing any year since 1959 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation first began publishing national crime statistics.

Aggravated assaults and batteries increased by nearly 14% while reported rapes and robberies both declined from 2019. Overall, property crimes declined in 2020 by 1.2%. Kansas experienced a 9.4% increase in motor vehicle thefts, which was the only property crime offense to increase.

A graph of the Multi-Year Index Crime Comparison can be found below.

Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce will host their second annual Brewfest on Saturday, October 9 from 2-6 PM in downtown Coffeyville. You can come and sample special craft beers, wines, and spirits.

There will be live music, vendors, food trucks, and a cornhole tournament. Tickets are $25 a person or $40 for a couple. After September 24^th tickets go to $30 per person and $50 for a couple. Tickets can be purchased at the chamber or online at www.coffeyvillechamber.org.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory in Wilson County. The advisory is for Wilson County District No. 11.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the line water lines by letting the water run until it clears. Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice-maker. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces. Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled but is not to be ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

Arvest Bank and KGGF have chosen a Sedan student and aspiring mechanic shop owner as the Ag Student of the Month for August. Sedan FFA President Rory Walker says his goal is to take over his dad's shop.

Walker says FFA is for everyone, it's not just for kids interested in the farming side of things it. He says anything can be done in FFA.

An 11-month-old mountain lion, who was being kept as a pet, is on its way to a wildlife refuge in Arkansas. The Humane Society of the United States, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City Police Department and the Bronx Zoo all collaborated with the rescue of the 80-pound, female cat from a New York City home.

The cat is now on its way to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Humane Society Director of Animal Disaster Response Kelly Donithan said this mountain lion is relatively lucky that her owners recognized a wild cat is not fit to live in an apartment or any domestic environment. The owner’s tears and nervous chirps from the cougar as they drove her away painfully drives home the many victims of this horrendous trade and myth that wild animals belong anywhere but the wild.

A fatal crash in Cherokee County has left one person dead over the weekend. A 2002 Buick La Saber driven by 79-year-old Klonie Smith of Coker, Alabama was eastbound on Southeast Bagdad Road when he went off the roadway to the left.

The rear end of the Buick hit a tree which forced it to spin. The vehicle then struck another tree when it came to rest off the roadway. Coker was wearing his seat belt.  

A Riverton couple is in custody following a brief chase and struggle Sunday afternoon.

Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies went to a residence to serve felony narcotics warrants on 36-year-old Adam C. Evans, which had been previously issued by the Cherokee County District Court.

While attempting to serve the warrants, Evans and 35-year-old Shayna Nichole Wittenmyer, fled from the home into a nearby wooded area. Law enforcement, including a Sheriff's Office K9 Team, pursued Evans. Upon the K9 attempting to subdue Evans, he struck the K9 with a blunt object. A short time later, Evans and Wittenmyer were taken into custody.

Wittenmyer is being held on suspicion of interfering with law enforcement and Evans is being held without bond on allegations of Aggravated Battery Against a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstructing Justice, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and the outstanding arrest warrants.

A 54-year-old man was injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash two miles west of U.S. Highway 69 in Crawford County over the weekend.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Jimmie Scherdin was a Harley Davidson northbound on 200^th Road when he hit a deer. The motorcycle departed the roadway overturned and came to a rest in the east ditch. Scherdin was transported to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin with suspected serious injuries.

Scherdin was not wearing a helmet.

Five people were injured in a one-vehicle accident in Cherokee county yesterday. A Polaris Ranger driven by Hailee Scott of Galena was northbound on Southeast 110^th Street when the passenger side tires dropped off the edge of the roadway.

Four of the five have suspected minor injuries. Jaclyn Bennett of Galena has sustained a suspected serious injury and was taken to Mercy Springfield Hospital.  

Tuesday will mark 30 years since 18-year-old Karol Marlene Sullens was last seen alive when she disappeared from a Galena nightclub.

In exchange for his testimony, in the fall of 2001, Don Davis told the court he drove Karol and Donald Kidwell from the nightclub to a remote area. According to Davis, Kidwell later returned to the truck without Sullens. Davis has since passed away and Kidwell pled guilty in the spring of 2002 to battery and interference with law enforcement in connection to his role in Sullens' disappearance.

Numerous tips and information have been received and followed up on, leading investigators and other organizations to search multiple areas of Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma for Sullens' remains, but those searches have turned up nothing. A $30,000 reward is being offered for direct information leading to the discovery of her Sullens' remains.

If someone has specific information related to Sullens' whereabouts, they can contact the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at 620-429-3992.

The Montgomery County Commissioners met today in regular session.

Public Works Coordinator Jim Wright talked about needing new Mack Trucks because engines in other ones have gone bad. The new trucks would cost $141,000 each. The Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of the new trucks and the extended warranty that came with them. The two trucks with bad engines will be sent to a salvage yard.

The next meeting will take place next Monday morning beginning at 9:00 AM in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence.

Kansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz has revived the Executive Safety Council for the state. Representative Rich Proehl says this is a council that has been in effect for a number of years but hasn't been active in a while.

Proehl says right now the number of crashes and fatalities are up and their goal is to get those down through education. According to law enforcement, a majority of crashes are due to speed.

Temperatures and heat indices will remain in the 90s for the next few days, with the first few days of September continuing a streak of hot weather started last week.

High temperatures will slowly climb throughout the week, finallly peaking this Saturday with a predicted high of around 97. A stray shower is possible on Monday, but otherwise, no rainfall is to be expected in southeast Kansas. Early predictions indicate next week, the week of September 6th, will see temperatures continue to hit the lower 90s as well.

The Coffeyville Aquatic Center is hosting a dog swim on Labor Day. The swim is from 5:30pm to 7:00pm next Monday. Coffeyville Friends of Animals Brad Gray says this event will help benefit the shelter.

Gray says there are some rules for bringing your dog.  If you can't bring an item to donate admission is $6 per person and dog and $3 for each additional person. Owners are asked to pick up after their dog and if your dog misbehaves you make be asked to leave.

AAA Kansas, with support from the AAA Kansas Traffic Safety Fund, has donated sets of digital road flare lights to about two dozen police departments and sheriff’s offices across the state. This is to help increase visibility and safety when officers work roadside emergency incidents in dark conditions.  

AAA Kansas presented 6-light sets to 21 sheriff and police departments including three in Southeast Kansas, Parsons Police Department, Neodesha Police Department and the Baxter Springs Police Department. AAA Kansas Spokesman Shawn Steward said in their ongoing commitment in educating motorists about “Move Over” safety laws and protecting roadside workers, it is their honor to donate these highly visible flare kits to Kansas law enforcement agencies.

A local man has been arrested for suspected involvement in a string of burglaries that happened in Montgomery and Labette Counties.

On Monday, August 23^rd sheriff's detectives received an anonymous tip about a burglary suspect and where he was located. Detectives had information that the suspect could be armed with a stolen gun from a previous burglary.

The search brought law enforcement authorities to 300 S 24^th Street Lot eight in Independence later that afternoon. Upon arrival to the property detectives located stolen property and began requesting exit of the house. After several requests suspect Alex Wilson of Independence exited the house and was taken into custody.

Wilson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections for booking.

The Pittsburg Police Department is seeking the public's assistance to help find and locate 30-year-old William Theodore Patton. Patton was placed on house arrest in 2021 and is currently awaiting court hearings related to several felony offenses back in 2019.

On August 26th, Pittsburg Police received information that Patton had damaged his GPS ankle monitor. Police later located the device in the 800 block of North Grand Street in Pittsburg. Police have received information that Patton may be armed and should be considered dangerous. If you see Patton do not approach and call the police.

Anyone having information on Patton is urged to call the Pittsburg Police Department at 620—231-1700.

Senator Jerry Moran stopped in Montgomery Country today for his state-wide listening tour. Moran stops in every county and talked about why he does this.

Some of the things that were brought up were healthcare and what is going on in Afghanistan.

Moran Spoke at the Independence Country Club. After speaking at the Country Club he went over to Veterans Round up to meet and speak with veterans about what he can do to help them, and what they think needed to be changed.  

Two people were injured in a car wreck in Neosho County Thursday afternoon.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Dalton Peterson of Iola was driving a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix northbound on Chase Road about one mile west of U.S. 169 when it failed to yield at the stop sign at the intersection with 130^th Road and struck a 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year old female on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The Escape then struck an electrical pole.

Peterson sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to Neosho Memorial Hospital. The 17-year-old female had a suspected minor injury and was also taken to Neosho Memorial Hospital.

Seatbelts were in use in the Escape but were not in use in the Grand Prix.

A fairly unique food truck will be making its way through Coffeyville next week.

On The Hook Fish and Chips will stop next Wednesday, September 1st. It'll set up shop at 1318 W. 8th Street. The truck is part of a multi-vehicle business offering fish and fries travel throughout the Midwest, including stops through Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and others.

The truck will be in town from 11am through 7 pm.

US Senator Jerry Moran will make a stop in Montgomery County during his Kansas Listening Tour. Senator Moran will be at the Independence Country Club today from noon until 1:00pm. He also plans to make a stop at Memorial Hall at 1:30pm for the Veterans Round-Up going on this weekend. \

Area residents are encouraged to come and share feedback on the critical issues facing Kansas and the nation. The work Senator Moran focuses on in Washington is largely based on what he hears from Kansans during his listening tour.

The Independence City Commissioners approved an incentive agreement with Precision Railway Equipment Company to facilitate the expansion into the West Laurel Industrial Park. The agreement allows the city to transfer a 14.51-acre tract of land to Precision for the construction of a new facility where they will expand their business.

They currently operate a facility on South 19^th Street in Independence and intend to retain that facility. City Manager Kelly Passauer said the property is valued at just over $145,000 and, under the agreement, will be transferred to Precision with the purchase price forgiven over a six-year period. Precision will have to meet specific terms for employee retention and hiring. They currently have 32 employees and expect to create an additional 15 jobs over the next six years.

Saturday, August 28^th the River Side Park in Independence will play host to a movie night. Pre-show activities start at 7:30 PM and the movie will start at 8:30 PM.

On the list for activities will be Punt, pass and kick drills, baseball tricks, and a mini cheer clinic all of those activities will be hosted by ICC Athletics. Also on the list for activities is firehouse bowling and a free carousel and train rides. The movie being played is Disney Onward starting at 8:30 PM. 

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on attempted murder charges.

Parsons Police were called to a report of a domestic fight that took place in the 300 block of South 22^nd Street. A victim interview indicated that Jack Thomas Melton of Parsons got into a physical domestic fight with the victim before leaving Parsons to go to Altamont.

Officers were told that Melton attacked the victim from behind by punching her and then putting her in a chokehold from behind while making homicidal comments. This led the victim to fear for her life. She was able to break free and grab one of their two children and leave the house to call the police. During the struggle, a 1-year-old male child suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the victim, Melton left the residence with their 3-year-old child and went to a family member's house in Altamont where he was detained by Altamont Police. Melton was arrested on suspicion of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Abuse of a Child, and Aggravated Child Endangerment.

If you have been to downtown Coffeyville recently you may have noticed the new bikes available to rent. Visit Coffeyville's Sam Kudrick says this was a joint effort in getting the funding to get these bikes in town.

Kudrick says they will have a ribbon-cutting for the bikes on Friday, September 3^rd at 11:00am. One bike station will be at 8^th in Walnut in downtown and the other is on the campus of Coffeyville Community College.

As people continue to find ways to protect themselves against COVID-19, one thing some are turning to is a cattle de-worming medicine, Ivermectin. Oklahoma State Medical Association President Mary Clarke says humans shouldn't use the medication in any circumstance.

Clarke says diarrhea and vomiting are two main side effects you could also experience dizziness, blood pressure issues and cardiac rhythm changes.

A Parsons man has been arrested on a wide variety of charges including robbery and battery.

Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to the area near Clark Park for a report of a man who has gotten into a struggle with a driver of a vehicle and had attempted to force the driver’s door open. The citizen was able to keep the man from forcing his way into the vehicle and then sped away from the area.

Shortly after the call to Clark Park, officers were called to the 1300 block of Crawford for a report of a man who walked into a residence and was chased out by the homeowner. When officers arrived in the area, they were told that the man was in an unoccupied home. Officers located the man, who was identified as 50-year-old John Henry Fields Jr., in the home and tried to talk to him but to no avail. Fields barricaded himself in the house until officers attempted to force entry. Fields then fled the structure on foot before being cornered into a garden shed where he continued to resist being arrested. Fields picked up a brick when officers tried to arrest him. Fields then attempted to take one officer’s Taser and kicked another officer while they were trying to make the arrest. Parsons officers were able to get Fields handcuffed and sought medical treatment for Fields from EMS after the altercation.

While processing Fields at the Parsons Police Department, he told officers that he had been using PCP and Marijuana. Fields, a convicted felon, is facing two counts of Criminal Trespassing, Interference with Law Enforcement, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Attempted Robbery, and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

With the start of a new academic year, Pittsburg State University has resumed reporting COVID-19 testing and case data. Testing began on August 13^th and of the 817 on-campus students required to meet compliance, 635 met it prior to or at check-in. 444 provided proof they were fully vaccinated, 46 provided proof they had a history of COVID-19 and 145 provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of moving in.

The remaining students were required to complete a COVID-19 test at the Bryant Student Health Center. 179 students were tested with three positives. Since classes began on August 16^th, there were nine positive cases of the 49 symptomatic students who were tested. Currently, 17 students are in isolation.

Independence Community College is once again having its “Pirates At Work” program which is part of the Federal Work-Study program.

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Usually, these jobs had students working for the school on campus. However, according to ICC Financial Aid Director Laura Allison, things are a little different this year.

To help students find a job, ICC has set up a Student Employment Job Fair on September 8^th from 4 pm to 6 pm at the ICC Field House. Allison explains how this job fair works.

For more information on this program or if you as an employer would like to participate, you can contact Allison by e-mail at financialaid@indycc.edu or by phone at 620-332-5411.

A Dewey man was arrested in Caney after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs.

Officers with the Caney Police Department conducted the traffic stop at 6th and McGee on Tuesday. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 58-year-old Kelly Stokes from Dewey, Oklahoma. Officers determined he had been driving on a suspended license.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Stokes was transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was booked on recommended charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and driving on a suspended driver's license.

Those recommendations have been forwarded to the Montgomery County Attorney's Office.

The Independence Police Department arrested a man Tuesday who had barricaded himself inside of a building.

IPD officers were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Maple St. in regards to a potential aggravated assault. Officers arrived on scene and were unable to make contact with the suspect due to the individual barricading themselves.

Eventually arrested at the scene was 62-year-old Steven Beck of Independence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threat. He has been booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

A 29-year-old man was arrested after leading Fredonia police on a chase.

After being approached and notified that he had warrants out of Chanute, Daniel Wade Bryant fled on his bicycle from officers in the 800 block of North 6th Street. Bryant then later jumped off the bike and took off on foot. Fredonia Police called in the Wilson County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol to assist with the manhunt.

Bryant was later arrested in the 200 block of North 7th and transported to the Law Enforcement Center. Bryant will be charged locally with Obstructing the Legal Process.

According to a USDA study, nearly 90% of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program reported having a hard time affording foods for a healthy diet. Nutrition Specialist Sandy Procter says the increase in benefits will provide SNAP recipients more flexibility in purchasing healthy foods.

Proctor says for the Fiscal Year 2022, which begins October 1st, the average SNAP benefit, excluding funds provided as part of pandemic relief, will increase $36 per person per month.

As weaning time for calves gets closer cow/calf producers are starting to put together a health management plan. Kansas State University Veterinarian Bob Larson says producers should be aware of some pre-weaning vaccination programs.

Larson says being aware of when the calves are going to be at the highest risk for disease and planning their vaccinations appropriately is valuable. Planning ahead can allow cow/calf producers to be better set up for success. 

Forbes Magazine has recognized Arvest Bank as a part of its “Best-In-State Employers 2021” list in Oklahoma. The companies recognized were identified in an independent survey based on a sample of 80,000 workers at companies with more than 500 employees in the United States. A total of 329 employer brands across 25 industry sectors were ranked among the top employers.

The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees were also asked to evaluate other employers in their respective industry and state that stood out either positively or negatively. Chief People Officer Laura Andress said their goal is to have happy and highly satisfied customers, and that simply can’t happen without highly motivated, well-trained and happy associates.

VFW Post 1186 in Independence is hosting a Veterans Round-Up later this week.

The Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson explains that this event is to help veterans with benefits.

The Veterans Round-Up with be held this Thursday through Saturday at the Civic Center from 9 am – 4 pm.

For more information, call Donny Collier at 620-515-6222.

The Labette Health Foundation has received a donation from the Sunderland Foundation in the amount of $500,000.

The donation was given in support of Labette Health’s expansion and renovation project, located at its main campus in Parsons. The project includes a new orthopedic unit, renovation to the surgical unit, relocation, and expansion to the intensive care unit, and renovation of the respiratory therapy department.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in the Fall of 2022.

The need and importance for fast and reliable internet is one of the things that became apparent during the pandemic. Parsons Economic Development Director Jim Zaleski says he'd like the Labette County Commission to allow him to use ARPA funds for research on getting broadband in the county.

Zaleski says the RFQ would give them an idea of what companies can provide broadband to the county and what areas of the county would be covered. The cost of the RFQ would be $150,000 and it does qualify for ARPA funds.

An actor takes a break from filming a movie in Oklahoma to visit Coffeyville. Barry Corbin and his wife came up from Pawhuska to do some filming for “Killers of the Flower Moon” a movie set to release later this year.

Corbin stopped by to see parts of downtown Coffeyville including Death Alley and the Dalton Defenders Museum. You may recognize Corbin from “Lonesome Dove”, “One Tree Hill” and Netflix's “The Ranch”. Starring alongside him in “Killers of the Flower Moon” includes Brendan Fraser, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

*Photo courtesy of Visit Coffeyville*

The Montgomery County Commission will soon hold a special meeting for budgeting purposes.

This meeting will be held Wednesday, August 25th in the basement of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is allowed and welcomed to attend.

USD 446 in Independence has reinstated its mask mandate policy for 30 days.

Masks must be worn during normal school hours, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. This will continue until September 24th. The mandate will be reevaluated every 30 days, allowing administrators to either extend or end the requirement for masks.

Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 must complete a ten day quarantine period, which may be shortened to seven days if certain qualifications are met. Quarantine exemptions are allowed for students who are fully vaccinated and remain asymptomatic.

This plan was put in place utilizing recommendations made by the Montgomery County Health Department, the KDHE, and the CDC.

Some good news for the residents of Caney regarding the water treatment plant. City Administrator Fred Gress says parts they were waiting on to restore the water plant to 100% production came in today and have been installed.

The city is now functioning at a much higher production level and they are headed in the right direction for available water. Caney residents can return to a somewhat normal level of water use and don't need to conserve at a high level. Gress says they are still working on the required gas line replacement and will continue to do their best to make sure no more water lines are hit.   

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Longton. The advisory is not related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the line water lines by letting the water run until it clears. Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice-maker. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces. Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled but is not to be ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on August 23^rd and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

A crash in Cherokee Country sent two people to the hospital yesterday. A 2013 Jeep Wrangler driven by 42-year-old Katherine Rodgers was southbound on U-69 when it left the roadway. The Wrangler collided with a culvert and rolled multiple times landing on its wheels.

Rodgers was sent to Freeman Hospital in Joplin with a suspected series injury. The passenger in the Wrangler 16-year-old Ayden Noe was sent to Freeman Hospital in Joplin with a suspected minor injury. Both were wearing seat belts.

A Kansas man has died after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle Saturday. The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday in Bourbon County.

Authorities said the 2002 Harley Davidson that 48-year-old Ira Parnell Toshavik was driving southbound on U.S. 69 when he failed to negotiate a right-hand curve and collided with another vehicle. Toshavik of Gardner was thrown off the motorcycle because of the impact. Toshavik was taken to a hospital in Fort Scott where he died.

The 38-year-old Fort Scott woman who was driving the other vehicle reported minor injuries after the crash and was transported to a hospital in Fort Scott.

Legislative redistricting takes place every decade in accordance with the United States Census. The Kansas House and Senate Committees on Redistricting held listening tours around the state to listen to the public's comments and concerns about the process. Representative Jim Kelly says it would have been better to hold these first round of meetings after the census data was released.

Representative Kelly says the plan is to have one representative and senator per city as opposed to dividing up the cities. As of right now, Representative Kelly represents all of Coffeyville but shares Independence with Representative Doug Blex.

The hottest days of the year may not yet be behind us, as potential triple-digit temperatures come to the region.

The National Weather Service in Wichita is reporting heat indices as high as 104F through Monday. Coffeyville itself is predicted to have a heat index of up to 102F. As a reminder, make sure to take frequent breaks if you are working outside and monitor pets and other animals that may be affected by the heat.

Security footage and social media help lead to the arrest of a 15-year-old for theft and criminal damage. Last week, a citizen discovered their security camera had been stolen from their home. Independence Police Officers were able to get video of the suspect from the stolen camera.

Several neighbors reported their vehicles had also been broken into. One victim saw a post on social media regarding the crime and was able to identify the suspect and led officers to a possible residence. Police obtained a search warrant on the suspect’s home and found evidence of other crimes. Police were able to recover some stolen items.

The teenager was taken into custody and transported to the Girard Juvenile Detention Center. Chief Jerry Harrison says this case is an example of how powerful social media and willing witnesses can be in the community’s fight against crime.

The man shot by a Chanute police officer over the weekend has died.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed that 28-year-old Brandon Schlichting died shortly after 1:00 am Sunday morning. On Friday, Chanute police had received a report of a suspicious person looking into car windows. When officers attempted to make contact with the man, confirmed to be Schlichting, officials claim he pulled a weapon and pointed it at the Chanute officer. The officer fired one time, hitting Schlichting in the head. He later died at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

The officer's name has not been released, and any further information is being held pending further investigation.

It has been a rough week for the water department in the City of Caney.  After two water lines broke early this week the city is now having problems at the plant. 

According to City Administrator Fred Gress, the city is having control issues at the water treatment plant.  Gress is asking the citizens of Caney to conserve as much water as they can for the next several days.  Ways to conserve water include not running sprinklers, limiting the water for your flowers and not refilling pools.

A restaurant in downtown Coffeyville has closed. Lannings Downtown Grill on 9^th St has closed its doors. The restaurant had been sold and opened up a 21 and over section all within the last year.

According to a Facebook post on the restaurant's page, this is not a decision they came to lightly. They say several factors played into the decision, including COVID, staffing, slow business, mismanagement and poor operations. The restaurant's page commented on the closing post saying the new owners locked up and walked away, but to stay tuned for something exciting to come from the original owners.

A man was caught during an attempted burglary in Independence.

The Independence PD responded to a call of a man breaking into a home on the 100 block of S. 25th Street. Officers arrived to find the back door of the home destroyed, and 40-year-old Clayton Bond was confronted within the home. Bond threatened an officer with a hammer before throwing it down and began pushing, fighting, and kicking officers. As more officers arrived Bond continued to fight arrest, multiple officers were kicked before Bond could be subdued.

Bond caused major damage to the inside of the home and is currently being held in the Montgomery County Department of Corrections awaiting an appearance before a judge.

The High School 24 Hour Plays returns to ICC after a year off from COVID-19 on August 27^th and 28^th.

This event brings together high school drama students to collaborate on the writing and production of six original short plays in just 24 hours. Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson explains how this event works.

The public performances of these plays begin at 7 pm at the William Inge Theater. For more information, call 620-332-5419.

An accident in Crawford County sent two people to the hospital.

41-year-old Amanda Beehler was driving her 2005 Chevy Equinox North on K7 when she drove into the other lane and struck 21-year-old Tayler Gore head-on.

Gore was sent to Joplin Mercy with serious injury, and Beehler was sent to Freeman Hospital Joplin also with a serious injury. Both drivers were wearing a seatbelt.

A Kansas Representative made a stop in Coffeyville today. Jake LaTurner Hosted a Townhall at the Walnut Events Center where he talked about some of the issues in Washington D.C. And listened to what Kansans had to say. One of LaTurner's concerns was inflation.

Another concern that LaTurner had was the Border.

LaTurner also listened to area residents about their concerns and answered questions. LaTurner is in his first term as District Two Representative.

The Coffeyville Regional Medical Center has postponed the Bill Read Golf Classic to October 16th.

Reasons given included a concern for the community in the midst of the most recent COVID-19 outbreak and a desire to maintain focus on providing quality healthcare. The tournament was scheduled to be held later this month.

CRMC representatives noted the choice was a tough one, but as the lone hospital in the county, they must prioritize the health and well-being of the community first. 

The Caney Police Department is investigating a case of vandalism at the City Cemetery. 

Several headstones were destroyed. If you have any information on this case, please contact the police department at 620-879-2141. Photos of the vandalism are included with this story.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, like the majority of hospitals around the country, are seeing staff, hospital rooms and resources spread thin. Dr. Michelle McGuirk says this is related mostly to COVID-19.

Dr. McGuirk says the lack of resources is affecting patients who need long-term care, standard care or even routine surgeries.  While the vaccines are not 100% effective those who are vaccinated and caught COVID did recover more quickly with minimal symptoms.

The Independence Police Department wants to remind citizens that complaint and commendation forms are available to help citizens communicate with the department. Anyone who wants to recognize exemplary officer behavior or who believes police misconduct has occurred can obtain the forms from the IPD website. A link to those forms can be found here.

Both forms are available at the public library and from members of the Police Chief’s Advisory Committee. All members of IPD are required to furnish a complaint form upon request. Complaints are accepted over the phone or in person. IPD investigates third-party complaints and anonymous complaints if sufficient information is provided. Chief Jerry Harrison says this process is intended to strengthen community trust in IPD.

Students attending Labette Community College who provide proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and are enrolled in 12 credit hours in the fall semester are eligible for a one-time $250 scholarship in the spring. Students must provide verification of the vaccine by Oct. 15.

Students that finish school at the end of the fall semester will still be eligible for the scholarship. College staff will also receive the $250 incentive if they provide proof of vaccination. LCC is offering a vaccination clinic on campus on August 25^th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the Cardinal Event Center for staff and students who have yet to be vaccinated.

LCC currently requires masks for all students, staff, and visitors but will be reviewed on a continuous basis.

Senator Moran will make a stop in Montgomery County during his Kansas Listening Tour. Moran announced today he will be at the Independence Country Club Friday, August 27^th at 12:30 PM.

Area residents are encouraged to come and share feedback on the critical issues facing Kansas and the nation. The work Senator Moran focuses on in Washington D.C. is largely based on what he hears from Kansans during his listening tour.  

A Southeast Kansas man and his contracting company are banned from doing business in the state. They are ordered to pay more than $18,000 in restitution and $40,000 in penalties for violating the Kansas Consumer Production Act. Don Diebolt of Diebolt LLC is banned from doing business in Kansas.

Allen County District Court Judge Daniel Creitz recently approved a judgment in Allen County District Court after Diebolt failed to respond to a lawsuit filed against him by the General Attorney. Diebolt was ordered to pay two previous customers $18,384 in restitution. Diebolt was also fined $40,000 in civil penalties. More tips on staying safe from consumer fraud are available on the Attorney General consumer protection website at www.InYourCornerKansas.org.

There will be a Coffeyville Senior Citizens Activity Center Luncheon tomorrow from 11:30 AM- 1 PM. The luncheon is located at 601 Walnut St. Food will be provided by Asbury Village Assisted Living. There will be a $3 dine-in donation and a $4 take-out donation.

On the menu at the lunch is goulash, buttered corn, cornbread, and fruit crisp. Again the Coffeyville Senior Citizens Activity Luncheon is tomorrow from 11:30 AM-1 PM at 601 Walnut St. right here in Coffeyville.

Friday is the last day to register for the Coffeyville Recreation Commission's "50 in 50" Challenge.

The challenge is a virtual, "at-home" mission that tasks participants with walking, jogging or running 50 miles in 50 days. Participants may also follow a workout routine, converting time spent into miles as necessary.

The cost to register is $15, and may be done either online at the CRC website or at the CRC office.

The Coffeyville Public Library has announced they have received a Kansas Libraries ARPA Grant of just over $23,000.

Circulation Librarian Assistant Lois Hendrix says this grant will allow the library to purchase new equipment and provide more services.

The grant is part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act that was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March that allows libraries to support the needs of their communities.

Soil testing is important for a number of reasons it can optimize crop production, improve nutritional balance and can save money. Livestock Production Agent Wendi Powell says it is important to know how to take a soil sample.

Powell says when you bring your soil samples into the extension office you'll want to make sure to let them know what kind of grass you are trying to grow.  Powell says the price for a soil test is $10 a sample, which can save you in the long run from spending $500 on the wrong kind of fertilizer.

Officers with the Caney Police Department participated in a hands-on training class on the proper packaging of evidence. The class was taught by Montgomery County Deputy Chris Bishop.

Caney PD served as the first group to take this training, which will also be taught to other law enforcement agencies in the area. Chief Kevin Kitterman said this was an excellent training class and a great refresher on packaging evidence. Caney PD values the relationship they have with other law enforcement agencies and are proud to work together fighting crime in the area.

As we move into fall and winter in Coffeyville, it can be a busy time for events in town. Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook says if you are a business or organization planning an event to send those into the Chamber.

Westbrook says even with the growing concerns over COVID-19 and the new variants they do not have any plans to cancel or reschedule any events planned in the next four months. She does encourage everyone to do what they can to help stop the spread.

Gas prices in Kansas and Oklahoma have continued to fluctuate over the past month even though demand is starting to drop.

Montgomery County residents are paying $2.98/gallon which is up 10 cents at the same time last month while Labette County residents are paying $2.94/gallon which is one cent higher than the state average of $2.93. Chautauqua County is $3.00 and Neosho County is the lowest in the immediate area at $2.85.

Gas prices in Oklahoma are unchanged over the past month at $2.88/gallon. Gas in Washington County has dropped since last month by 16 cents to $2.78 which is the second cheapest price in the state. Nowata County is up to eight cents to $2.86.

The national average of $3.18/gallon is a penny less than a week ago, two cents more than a month ago and over a dollar more than a year ago. After the Labor Day weekend, pump prices will likely drop which should bring some relief to motorists.

The Katy Days Festival in Parsons has been canceled for the second straight year.

The festival board announced the cancelation in wake of the recent surge of COVID-19 that has overwhelmed area hospitals. Board members said that the festival is meant to be a large gathering, and the last thing they would want is to get more people sick.

Some outdoor activities may still be held, but as of now, the board said the current plan is to be back in full by May 2022.

Photo Credit: Katy Days Festival/Facebook

Due to rising COVID-19 infection rates in the area, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is changing its visitor policy.

Starting August 19th, CRMC will be allowing only one healthy visitor per patient during visiting hours. President and CEO Brian Lawrence said the change was not an easy one, but one that will help protect patients, visitors, associates and physicians from the spread of COVID-19.

Visiting hours are from 8am through 2pm, and 4pm through 8pm. Masks are required for all patients, visitors and staff at all times.

A United States senator from Kansas has launched an email address for Kansans seeking evacuation assistance from Afghanistan. Senator Roger Marshall says despite conditions on the ground, their top priority should be protecting any American who remains in Afghanistan.

Marshall says he understands the dangerous and unpredictable conditions occurring in Afghanistan and is ready to provide assistance.  Marshall says you can also contact his office at (785)829-9000 and staff can provide information and instructions on the process of safely evacuating.

The email for assistance is EvacHelp@Marshall.Senate.Gov.

If you like garage sales and flea markets you will love 100 miles of them as we are only a couple of weeks away from the 14^th annual Kan-Okla 100-Mile Highway Sale, being held September 10th and 11th at numerous locations between the two states. Various stores are taking part, and are located along Kansas highways 75, 169, and 166, as well as Oklahoma highways 75, 169, and 60.

Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson says if you want to sign up to sell something, it is easy to register.

There's still space available for all individuals wishing to sell. For more information about Kan-Okla, call 620-331-1890.

Reliable electricity is a must in Kansas during the summer with excessive heat warnings almost a daily fixture. As much as the heat can be worrisome, so are scammers who are calling residents on a utility scam. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt gives the details of this scam.

Schmidt says if you do get behind on a payment, the utility service will be in contact with you about the money you owe, but they will not use these urgency calls demanding payment right now. Schmidt says the best thing to do if you receive this type of call is to hang up.

Parsons has been chosen for a new regional criminal justice training site. Executives throughout Southeast Kansas met to establish a criminal justice training site. The meeting was convened by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. KLETC is in the process of dividing the state into regional training groups and then locating a site where ongoing criminal justice training would be held.

This will provide more training in centralized areas and reduce travel costs to agencies. Parsons was unanimously picked in large part because they are in the design stages for a new public safety center. KLETC is hoping to be operating locally within the next 90 days.  

The Labette County Commissioners signed a contract for improvements to Pumpkin Creek Bridge. Commissioner Cole Proehl says the Kansas Department of Transportation will cover 90% of the cost for the project.

Commissioner Proehl says this is a bridge that drastically needs improvements.  Commissioner Proehl says they can use the money they saved on this project to improve other bridges around the county. In other business, the commission approved a credit card for the county attorney's office.

UPDATE: City Administrator Fred Gress has reported that the water line has been fixed. The water is now safe to use, but full pressure will not return for a few hours yet.

Previous story:

The city of Caney is requesting that residents conserve water usage and only use what they absolutely must.

An 8-inch water line has been struck and is quickly depleting the city's available water supply. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.

The Caney City Council is continuing to look at the best way to spend the funds granted to them from the American Rescue Plan. Grant Administrator Carey Spoon says they could use the money for the cities sewer system as well as broadband.

Spoon says she will continue to work with the city council to decide the best way to spend the funds. In other business, the council approved a request for porta potties and food vendors in the park for the upcoming Kan-Okla 100 mile sale.

Even with classes starting last week, there is still time to enroll in classes at Coffeyville Community College. Senior Director of College Relations Yvonne Hull says you can still enroll time is running out though.

Hull also talked about masks on campus.

For more information on these subjects, call CCC at 620-251-7700 or visit coffeyville.edu.

State Senator Virgil Peck says he will look to introduce a bill in the next session for a tax-free weekend in the state for school supplies and clothes. Sen. Peck says that since Kansas does not have a tax-free weekend before school, it hurts local businesses.

Peck also brought up how high the grocery sales tax is in Kansas and what he would like to see happen.

Peck went on to say that he would like the legislature to look at tax cuts for Kansas citizens due to the revenue in the state being above estimates for several months.

Cherokee County Sheriffs Deputies discovered a stolen car and narcotics at a Weir home yesterday. The Deputies ordered a search warrant at 208 East Wood St. where they found a 2019 Chevy Malibu that was reported stolen, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.

Two were arrested on scene 29-year-old Brittany Jane Bowling and 19-year-old Jax David Crowe. Bowling is being charged with possession of stolen property, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Crowe was charged with possession of stolen property, possession of meth, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are being held in the Cherokee County Jail.  

The Chautauqua County Commission has given its approval toward more fire district funding.

Chautauqua Rural Fire District #1, located in Cedar Vale, notified the commission of its desire to apply for a grant opportunity provided by the SEK Economic Development District. District representative Steven Dale said a recent donation got the ball rolling toward this route.

The county would put its name on the grant, with the funds managed by the county clerk instead of the fire board. The district must come up with 25% of the grant money. Commissioners Parker Massey, Rodney Shaw, and David Deal all expressed approval toward allowing the district to move forward.

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved an increase in the budget for the Country attorney's office. County Attorney Lisa Montgomery says they are still looking to add one more attorney. 

Montgomery says current attorneys are having to work overtime and the increase in the budget should cover that. She says there could also be expenses for new laptops and copier.

The third Movies at the Midland is coming up this Friday night in Coffeyville. The movie featured will be Disney's Frozen. Coffeyville Reawakenings Peggy Steele says they encourage families to come out and enjoy the movie.

The event will start at seven with games and contests and the movie will begin at sunset around 8:30pm to 9:00pm. There will be free popcorn provided by Community State Bank.   

A new sign is hanging up in downtown Coffeyville to show off part of this city's history. The Coffeyville Visitor and Convention Bureau has hung a new “Death Alley” sign to display the location where the Dalton Gang was taken down.

The sign was made by Wayne Joplin, of Joplin Blacksmith and Ironwork, here in Coffeyville. The sign was paid for courtesy of a grant from the Coffeyville Area Community Foundation.

Donations are always welcome at the Coffeyville Friends of Animals Shelter. CFA's Becky Barnhardt says they need a variety of food donations.

Barnhardt says they can also use other donations besides food.  Barnhardt says if you can't donate items to the shelter you can always donate your time. Volunteers are always appreciated to help walk and play with the animals.

Congressman Jake LaTurner will be in Coffeyville to host a town hall on August 20^th starting at 11 AM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and meet LaTurner. 

This is a good opportunity for your voice to be heard. The town hall meeting will be located at the Walnut Events Center 818 S Walnut St right here in Coffeyville.

A crash in Cherokee County has left two injured.

42-year-old Jesse Allen was driving his 2001 Lanos Daewoo west on U69 when he crossed the middle line and struck a commercial Freightliner. The driver of the Freightliner, 40-year-old Eric Moore, sustained no injury, however his passenger, 21-year-old Eric Moore Jr was taken to Mercy Hospital Joplin with a minor injury. Allen was taken to Mercy Hospital Columbus with a suspected serious injury.

Moore Jr was the only one not wearing a seatbelt.

Grand Champion Rabbit went to Mia Merciez, while Reserved Grand Champion went to Bryson Phillips. Sr. Showmanship Grand Champion went to Mia Merciez and Reserved went to Morgan Lasco.

In the Poultry show, Grand Champion Market Broiler went to Simon Blum and Reserve Grand Champion Market Broiler went home with Maggie McVey. Best of Show was awarded to Derrick Lewis and Reserve of Show went to Daniel Lewis.

The 2021 Inter-State Fair and Rodeo lamb show results are out. Grand Champion Market Lamb went to Joel LelaCheur, Reserved Grand Champion Market Lamb was awarded to Ava George, Grand Champion Wether Dam went to Carter Nash, and Reserved Grand Champion Wether Dam was awarded to Trey Newby.

In the goat show taking how Grand Champion Market Goat was Taylor Dixon, Reserved Grand Champion Market Goat went to Laramie Bruce, Grand Champion Doe was awarded to Rian French, and Reserved Grand Champion Doe went to Riley Haver.   

Independence Emergence and Pandemic team meet Thursday to discuss and go over the number of cases in the county. Since last spring Kansas has had 344,937 cases and 2,741 new covid cases, 120 hospitalized, and 35 deaths all since Monday. Montgomery County has 3,866 an increase of 66 since Monday and 87 total deaths in the county. Medical centers across the country anticipate a bad flu season.

On Wednesday morning Wichita hospitals have no available ICU beds reaming and Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville is full and diverting patients to other facilities. Labette Health Independence ER has been extremely busy in recent days and as of Tuesday 18 patients we tested for Covid-19. Labette Health Independence ER director Becky Mitchell reported that all the Covid positive patients seen in the ER are not vaccinated and they range in age. Mitchell also expresses that the ER is getting overwhelmed with patients and to only visit the ER for emergencies only.

Congressman Jake LaTurner says there will be more than 2,000 job openings by more the 40 employers. The career fair will be held on August 17^th in the Agricultural Hall at Stormont Vail Events Center. LaTurner says the key to continuing a strong economic recovery is by getting Kansans back to work. LaTurner also states that as he travels around eastern Kansas he is constantly hearing from small businesses about how difficult it has been to get people back on their feet after a pandemic.

Congressman LaTurner is hosting the career fair to connect eager people ready to re-enter the workforce. Business and community leaders from the Topeka and Lawrence area will join LaTurner in promoting a pro-business and pro-work economic recovery. For more information or to RSVP for the event, you can visit laturner.house.gov.

The Independence Fire/EMS has upgraded its Emergency Alert Notification software, allowing residents to receive messages via text, email or voicemail.

The system is intended to be used for emergency alerts, possibly related to hazards that require some form of action such as evacuations, boil water orders, or others. The system will not be used for routine information.

Options for signing up for the new service can be found here.

New royalty has been crowned for the 114^th Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

Sierra Sutton was crowned ISFR Sweetheart, Codi Taylor is Little Miss ISFR, Liberty Cunningham, ISFR Princess, and Lakin Cunningham, Miss ISFR.

There are two nights left of the 114^th Inter-State Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville.

The Monster Truck Racing League is featured tonight as the grandstand entertainment. The gates will open at 6:00pm and the event will start at 7:30pm. There is rain in the forecast but this is a rain or shine event.

Tomorrow for the final night of grandstand entertainment the Demolition Derby will get underway at 7:00pm. The carnival opens up at 6:00pm for both nights and closes down at midnight. The Junior Market Livestock sale is this afternoon at 4:40pm in the Livestock Arena.

As the summer starts to wind down, that means it is time for the Independence Chamber of Commerce Movie Night Under the Stars on August 28^th at 8:30 pm.

Director of the Independence Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson talks about what movie will be shown and what activities will be available.

The movie is free and open to the public and spectators will be invited to bring out their lawn chairs.

For more information on this event, contact the Chamber at 620-331-1890.

As schools are starting to open up around the area, motorists need to be aware of school zones, crosswalks, and school buses. Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison says school zone speed limits stay in effect for the entire school day and if you are caught speeding, it can be expensive.

Chief Harrison also says you must be aware of school bus lights and stop signs.

To listen to the complete interview with Chief Harrison, you can listen to the interview here.

City of Independence award 1.3 million dollars in Kansas Department of Transportation grant for road and street improvements. 1.3 million has been award through the KDOT city connecting link improvement program for Kansas fiscal year 2023 which runs from July 1^st 2022-June 30th 2023. The funding applications for these projects were unsuccessfully submitted to the KDOT back in 2020. They were approved by the city commission for resubmission in the spring with a successful outcome.

One million of the grant will go towards widening U.S. Highway 75 Penn Avenue by two feet from Morningside Drive north of city limits and restore the pavement for a safer roadway. The KDOT grand will cover 90% of the project the city will cover the other 10%. The other $300,000 of the grand will be used for surface preservation and curb ramp replacement on U.S. Highway 75 Chestnut Street from Penn Avenue to 9^th Street. This grant will fund a two-inch overlay and also replace the curb ramps with new asphalt. KDOT grant will cover 90% of this project and the city will match the other 10%

Coffeyville Police Department to join other departments around the state of Kansas in the You Drink, You Drive, You Lose. This is designed to crack down on drunk driving and remove other impaired drivers from the roadways. It is illegal everywhere to drive while under the influence and in 2019 10,000 people died from drunk driving crashes in the United States.

Lieutenant Rockie Yell of the Coffeyville Police Department says the You Drink, You Drive, You Lose is to remind drives don't consume impairing substances and get behind a wheel. Impaired driving is a major cause of crashes and is not only a danger to you and the people you are with but to everyone on the roads. Always have a sober driver with you before you drink alcohol outside of your home. Always remember to have your seat belt on it's your best defense against a crash.  

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has joined Attorney Generals from 49 other states and the District of Columbia to asking the FCC to continue to help states fight off robocalls by accelerating small telephones company's to implement specialized caller ID technology. The TRACED Act became law in 2019 which requires phone company's to implement STIR/SHAKEN technology on their networks.

Large telephone companies were given until June 2021 to implement the technology while smaller telephone companies were given an extension until June 2023. The FCC is being asked the Attorney Generals to implement and require these telephone company's to get the STIR?SHAKEN technology is up and running as soon as possible and no later than June 30^th, 2022. In Kansas Attorney General's consumer production division works to enforce do not call laws to keep people from being harassed or scammed. 

Coffeyville Recreations is having a 50 for 50. The challenge is 50 miles in 50 days. This is a virtual at-home challenge that can be completed at a location of your choice. How to count your miles are as followed 15 minutes is .75 miles, 30 minutes is 1.5 miles, 45 minutes is 2.25 miles and 60 minutes is five miles.

You can walk, run, jog, or do a workout program of your choice. Millage must keep using a fitness app that you choose. You must submit your complete log before October 12^th at 5 pm. For more information and to sign up go to www.coffeyvillerec.com. The cost is $15 and the deadline to register is August 20^th. 

Three grand champions were crowned in the Inter-State Fair Open Beef Show earlier this week. Champion commercial heifer went to Brenley Grigsby and reserve champion to Josh Heuertz.

Abbie Emberson won grand champion heifer with her Simmental and Brody Grigsby was reserve champion with his Angus. Grand champion bull goes to Larahmy Blakeley with a Maine Anjou and reserve champion to the Milliman Cattle Company with their Charolais.

The grand champion market hog goes to Vinita with the reserve champion going to Labette County.

Vinita's Kayla Taylor won champion with her champion Crossbred and Altamont's Cameron Vail took reserve grand champion. Vail had the reserve breed champion Crossbred and breed champion Hampshire. Former Arvest Bank and KGGF Ag Student of the Month Delaney Pippin, of Oklahoma Union, won reserve breed champion in both Hampshire and Duroc.

Grand champion gilt went to Brynley Collier, of Deleware, and reserve champion went to Colten Hanigan, of Altamont.

Day two of the PRCA Pro Rodeo is the featured event tonight in the grandstand at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo. The event will start at 7:30pm tonight with gates opening up at 6:00pm.

Last night was night one of the PRCA Rodeo, with the PRCA slack taking place yesterday and this morning. Tomorrow is the Monster Truck Racing League at 7:30pm and then Saturday the fair and rodeo wraps up with the Demolition Derby at 7:00pm. The carnival opens up each night at 6:00pm and closes down tonight at 11:00pm and tomorrow and Saturday night at midnight.

Over 400 marijuana plants were destroyed last week following an investigation into an illegal growing operation.

Officers with the Nowata County Sheriff's Office were called to the southeast corner of the county August 6th following reports of an illegal commerical marijuana grow. The operation did not have the necessary permits needed to grow medical marijuana. Five were arrested, including 51-year-old Va Vue of Owasso, 56-year-old Pao Vue of Claremore, 55-year old Wa Vang of Michigan, 51-year old See Vue of Michigan, and 44-year-old Kha Vang of Michigan. They were later released on bond.

With assistance from the Nowata County Emergency Response Team, 456 marijuana plants were destroyed. Two firearms were also seized and held for evidence.

The Montgomery County Superintendents and the County Health Department in accordance with guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Kansas Department of Health have created the Safe Return to School guidelines.

Quarantine is for ten days or a minimum of three days if there is a negative COVID-19 test result. The has some exemption from quarantine, which includes having proof of being fully vaccinated or if you are wearing a mask at the time of the exposure. An existing order from the CDC requires that masks must be worn on buses and other district transportation. Guests at the schools will be required to wear a mask and schedule an appointment during normal business hours.

A suspect is in custody following a brief manhunt Wednesday afternoon.

Nina Senkbeil had been taken by her father from Sante Fe Park in Chanute. The father, Jacob Senkbeil, was on a supervised visitation when the two disappeared from the park. The two were then seen at a residence in Fall River, Kansas, where the father made comments to a witness that led law enforcement to believe the child is in imminent danger.

Using information provided by residents of Fall River, authorities were able to locate and place the suspect in custody, with the child being located safe as well. The Amber Alert issued yesterday has been canceled.

UPDATE: The Allen County Sheriff's Office has reported that the suspect is in custody and the child is safe.

Authorities have issued an Amber Alert for a missing child from Chanute. At around 10:30 this morning, Nina Senkbeil was taken by her father from Sante Fe Park in Chanute. The father, Jacob Senkbeil, was on a supervised visitation when the two disappeared from the park. This afternoon, the two were seen at a residence in Fall River, Kansas, where the father made comments to a witness that led law enforcement to believe the child is in imminent danger.

The suspect left with the child in an unknown direction traveling in a black 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Kansas license plate 852FGX. If anyone spots the missing child or suspect, they should call 911 immediately.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended Child Nutrition Program waivers through 2022.

The program will continue to reimburse schools and childcare centers for free meals to all students regardless of their income. Several Kansas school districts, including USD 445 Coffeyville, are currently opted-in to the program. According to Feeding America, one in four Kansas kids is food insecure.

Two bills have been introduced into Congress in the House by Rep. Ilhan Omar, which has 52 co-sponsors, and in the Senate by Sen. Bernie Sanders, which has 12 co-sponsors, to make free lunches in schools permanent across the country.

An accident in Neosho County has left two dead and one with  minor injury.

71-year-old Carol Hucke was driving her 2021 Honda Odyssey eastbound on K47, Hucke made a left turn and was struck by a Commercial Freight liner, The collision lead to the death of both Hucke and her passenger, 71-year-old Charles Greer. The driver of the Freight liner, 49-year-old Caili Wen was sent to Neosho Memorial with a suspected minor injury.

Only Wen was wearing a seatbelt.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center announced five winners for the Dr. and Mrs. Chan S. Han education scholarship. The students awarded are Amber Bird, Bryce Brown, Alice Hite, Viridiana Ornealas, and Sara Wellington.

All five scholarship winners currently work at CRMC and are pursuing degrees in their respective fields. CEO Brian Lawrence says we are thankful that the CRMC Foundation encourages our employees who are pursuing healthcare careers. Dr. and Mrs. Chan S. Han foundation was established by their three sons to honor their parents and give back to the community.

The staff of Congressman Jake LaTurner hosts mobile office hours as a new way to help their constituents receive prompt and effective assistance at their convenience. Congressman LaTurner says one of his top priorities is to make sure they get constituent services right.

LaTurner says if you need more information or can't make it to one of the mobile offices you can call the Topeka office at (785)205-5253 or the Pittsburg office (620)308-7450, and they will work to find a solution 

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting for an insurance agency opening a location in town.

Next Friday, August 20^th Schenck Insurance is hosting a grand opening from 11:00am to 1:00pm, with the Chamber there at 11:00am for the ribbon cutting. The office is located at 802 W 8^th Street. There will be door prizes and refreshments during the open house. You can catch Schenck Insurance every Friday on KGGF 690 AM at 8:10am during Ask the Expert.

The world's largest and most powerful steam locomotive is making its way through southeast Kansas today and tomorrow.

Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 is on the move, and will make stops in Paola at 11:15 am, Moran at 1:45 pm, and finally Parsons by 4 pm Wednesday. The 1.2 million pound locomotive will come to a rest at Clark Ave. and North 20th Street, where it will remain until 8 am on Thursday.

No. 4014 is the only operating Big Boy out of the 25 that were assembled from 1941 to 1944. It was originally retired in 1961, but was restored and returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad's completion.

The first night of the 2021 Inter-State Fair and Rodeo wrapped up featuring bull riding as the grandstand event for the evening. Adriano Salgado is the 2021 LJ Jenkins Bull Riding champion.

Tonight kicks off the first of two nights of PRCA Rodeo starting at 7:30pm. You can also catch the parade at 4:00pm today along with the bean and watermelon feed at 5:30pm. Monster Truck Racing League will get underway in the grandstand on Friday at 7:30pm and then the fair wraps up on Saturday with the Demolition Derby at 7:00pm. Catch US 98.1 KUSN live from the fair each night from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

USD 446 will hold their annual Indy Goes Back to School Event on Thursday at the Riverside Park Oval, Bandshell and Picnic Area start at 5:30 pm. Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson describes what activities will be happening at this event.

Wilson also said that there will be many informational booths and you will also have a chance to win a prize.

For more information about this event, contact the Independence Chamber of Commerce at (620) 331-1890.

The City of Coffeyville has a sales tax that is set to expire in September 2022. City Manager Mark Hall says the city commission will vote tonight to add it to the upcoming November 2^nd election.

Hall says that this sales tax will prevent an increase in property taxes. The city commission meets tonight at 6:30pm.

Over the next couple of weeks, students will be starting the new school year. Many will be walking or riding their bikes while others may be waiting outside for the bus to pick them up.

It's important for motorists to keep these kids in mind and be extra vigilant, particularly during times of the day before and after school and in areas near school campuses.

In addition to watching for young students who may still be getting used to crossing streets on their own, all drivers are encouraged to start allowing for some extra time to get to and from their morning and afternoon destinations.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to overturn Georgia's new voting laws, which include provisions similar to those included in Kansas laws.

The lawsuit was filed by the Biden administration in response to laws tightening voter identification and election security. Critics of the laws say they are motivated by race discrimination, owing to a lack of fraud found in the 2020 General Election and 2021 runoff.

Schmidt and 15 other attorneys general claim in their brief that states "need not wait for fraud to infect an election before taking steps to prevent it." That full brief can be found here.

Coffeyville Community College is hosting Ladies Football 101, an opportunity for women to talk football with other women.

This year's version of the event will be held August 19th at the Nellis East Gym, starting at 6 pm. The cost is $65 per person, with each person receiving two season reserved tickets, a t-shirt, a drink and raffle ticket, and dinner of soup, salad and sandwiches.

To register, email kastler.jana@coffeyville.edu with the information included in this form. Alternatively, you mail the information in to Kastler at the CCC Athletic Office, 400 W. 11th Street in Coffeyville. The deadline to register is August 13th.

A U.S. Senator from Kansas intends to oppose the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Senator Jerry Moran says he joined the infrastructure group because of the importance of it to his state and the need for improvements.

Senator Moran says his opposition is because there is too much spending, debt and inflation. He says his efforts to reach a compromise were honest and sincere, and, unfortunately, they were unable to arrive at a bill he could support.

Three Independence men are arrested for theft.

This weekend Independence Police Officers responded to the Arco Building for a report of theft. Witnesses provided a vehicle description and officers were able to locate the vehicle and arrested Joseph Martin. Montgomery County Deputies responded to the building and a subject fled into the building. Eventually, a man, later identified as Jacob Andres, turned himself in. Labette County Sheriff’s Office provided a canine search team and located Cheyenne Mero.

All subjects were taken into custody and are awaiting an appearance before a judge. All three were arrested for theft and burglary, Andres and Mero were charged with felony interference, and Andres has an added charge of criminal damage.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is investigating a body that was found in the Verdigris River. Yesterday afternoon around 3:30pm, deputies along with Coffeyville Police, Fire Department, and EMS and the Dearing Rule Fire District were dispatched to the Verdigris River bridge located on east 8th street in reference to a body in the river.

Upon arrival, emergency crews located what appeared to be a white male. Firefighters were able to successfully remove the body from the river. Sheriff Ron Wade said this incident is currently being investigated and no further information is going to be released at this time, including the identification of the subject. According to Sheriff Wade, foul play is not suspected at this time.

Since vaccines have been found to be a powerful weapon to combat the COVID-19 virus, Pittsburg State University is offering students financial incentives to get them.

Students with regular on-campus classes in Pittsburg who provide proof of vaccination by Sept. 17 will each receive a $500 scholarship and be entered to win one of two $8,500 grand prizes that are equivalent to a semester’s worth of full tuition, fees, meals, and housing.

To be eligible, students must have received both shots of either Pfizer or Moderna, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine. To meet the Sept. 17 deadline, that means starting the vaccination process by Aug. 20 for Moderna and Aug. 27 for Pfizer, which require a four-week and three-week waiting period between doses, respectively.

All scholarships and the grand prizes will be applied to the Spring 2022 semester. For those who graduate in December, it will be applied to the Fall 2021 semester and a refund issued, if applicable.

Dr. Shravan Gangula, Medical Director for the Montgomery County Health Department, talked about the COVID-19 Delta variant and says there are many factors in play that is causing it to spread as fast as it is. Dr. Gangula says one of the reasons for the rise in cases is the rate and ease of transmissibility.

Dr. Gangula said that the best way to mitigate the spread of this variant is to wear masks, social distance, and also get a vaccine.

The entire interview with Dr. Gangula including more information about the delta variant and vaccines and can be found here.

USD 445 Superintendent Dr. Correll stopped by KGGF for his monthly visit and brought up several things going on in the district before the start of school this week. Dr. Correll talked about several updates on Phase I of upgrades to Field Kindley High School.

In other news, Dr. Correll also talked about a recent meeting with area superintendents and some Montgomery County health officials regarding masks in school.

Coffeyville Public Schools begin classes on Friday for Grades Pre-K through 7^th grade and 9^th grade. All other grades will begin next Monday.

The Washington County Commissioners discussed the influx of homes being built around the county at Monday morning’s meeting. District No. 3 commissioner Mike Dunlap said he knew of several homes being built in the Jarrett Farms neighborhood, the airport addition, and off County Road’s 3700 and 3800. Dunlap talks about some concerns he has.

A utility easement was approved for one of the new home sites later in the meeting. Dunlap also made the public aware that County Road 4020 between West 4100 Road and West 4200 Road will be closed on Tuesday for maintenance. Dunlap said previous work on the road needed to be re-done.

The Coffeyville Tag Office will close early on Wednesday to make way for a parade.

The office, which currently serves as the main office in Montgomery County, will close at 2:00 pm for the Inter State Fair and Rodeo Parade in downtown Coffeyville.

Normal hours will resume on Thursday.

The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is underway and gets into full swing beginning on Tuesday at Walter Johnson Park.

The Bake sale and exhibits will be held at the Coffeyville Recreation building until 8 pm tonight. All grandstand events return this year including the LJ Jenkins Bull Riding Event on Tuesday at 7 pm, the PRCA Rodeo on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm, the Monster Truck Racing League on Friday at 7:30 pm, and the fair will conclude on Saturday with the Demolition Derby at 7 pm. All events will be at the Walter Johnson Park Rodeo Arena and KUSN will be broadcasting from the arena from 5 pm - 7 pm each night.

More information on the fair can be found here.

The body of a man was recovered Saturday evening at Elk City Lake.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with Independence EMS and Independence Rural Fire, responded to the Elk City Lake State Park swimming area Friday evening for a male subject who was reported to have gone under the water and never resurfaced. 
 

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Game Warden Division were contacted and responded to the scene to assist in the search. The search continued through the late hours of the night. The next day, at about 5:30 pm, first responders located Thomas Crittenden of Independence.

This is the second drowning at Elk City Lake in recent months. Sheriff Ron Wade would like to remind boaters and swimmers to wear life vests when away from the swimming area. 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced they have downgraded the warning levels of Parsons Lake and Big Hill Lake to a watch level for blue-green algae.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.

However, another lake in Neosho County was added to this week's watch list. Lake McKinley was put on the watch list for the first time. The Altamont City Lake – North Lake remains on the watch list while the Altamont City Lake – Main Lake continues to be on the warning list. The KDHE updates the results weekly.

People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

The dates have now been set for 14 town hall meetings that will be held to gather opinions on how political boundaries should be redrawn in 2022 after the preliminary numbers of the census were released last week. Representative Doug Blex said two of the meetings will be held in southeast Kansas.

Blex said that the final numbers will come in on August 16^th and there may be a final round of meetings in the future to get the districts as close as possible so there is equal representation across the state.

Johnson County is expected to gain seats while counties in western and southeastern Kansas will lose seats. Montgomery, Labette, and Cherokee counties were in the top 10 of population loss when the preliminary numbers were released last week.

Coffeyville's Vaude in the Ville is coming up tomorrow night. The show starts at 7:00pm at the Spencer Rounds Theater on the college campus. Reawakening's Denise York says they have a great lineup of performers this year.

Tickets can still be purchased for this event and will also be available at the door tomorrow night. Tickets are $25 and include an after-party at the Reawakening Building.

The number of Kansans applying for new concealed carry licenses increased for the 2021 fiscal year. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said they received 7,717 new applications. This was more than double the number of applications received in the previous fiscal year.

There were 19,016 renewal applications. Kansas licenses are currently recognized in 40 states. This year Kansas Legislature adopted a reduction in the application fee for concealed carry licenses for the upcoming fiscal year. The application fee for new applicants was lowered to $112 from $132.50. Currently, more than 81,000 Kansans have active concealed carry licenses.

With the University of Oklahoma and Texas both leaving the Big 12 for the SEC many wonder what will happen to the remaining members of the Big 12. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, who is a graduate of both K-State and KU, says he has sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General asking for an investigation into the role ESPN may have played.

Sen. Marshall says this could have substantial economic impact on not only the universities, but the cities and the state as a whole.  Sen. Marshall says to him college is much more than just about athletics. He says it is a great component but it shouldn't drive the entire experience of college. Eventually, something like this could hurt the college experience for many schools.

In addition to the news that Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce now offering insurance for businesses, the Chamber is encouraging more businesses to join with a special offer for the rest of the year. Chamber Director Candi Westbrook fills us in with the details.

To apply for membership or to find out more information, call 620-251-2550 or visit the Chamber online here.

The Coffeyville Friends of Animals in conjunction with the Animal Clinic of Southeast Kansas are holding an adoption event and donation drive this Friday from 10 am – 4 pm. Brad Gray of CFA says that there will be free food and lots of giveaways.

The adoption event will be held at the Animal Clinic of SEK which is located at 413 West 11^th Street right across from Coffeyville Community College. For more information, you can contact the CFA at 620-252-9046.

An Oklahoma author has won an award in a children's book contest for up-and-coming authors. Bartlesville Author Joseph Lupton took first place in the E-book category of Collection of Short Stories in the 2021 Purple Dragon Fly Awards.

Lupton's book is titled “Joseph 3-in-1 Superhero Ultimate Prequel Collection”.  Lupton said this book is just one of a series of books he's written, but it was the only one he entered. In the future, he'd like to enter all his books. There are currently 6 books in the series, which are all available in E-book format, and he is almost ready to publish the 7th book. 

Tickets are still on sale for “Hauntings: A Summer Seance at the Brown Mansion”. There are two showings each night starting tonight. Coffeyville Historical Society's Amy Dollar says one of the showings is already sold out.

Tickets can be purchased at the Brown Mansion, the Coffeyville Chamber and the Dalton Museum. The show is a fundraiser for the Brown Mansion and is for strictly entertainment purposes only.

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce is now offering health insurance for businesses. Director Candi Westbrook says this is an added benefit for members of the chamber.

Westbrook says you can contact her or go to the chamber's Facebook page for more information and to see the dates of the community meetings.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, one-third of Americans say they snack at least once a day. Some snack for an energy boost or for their diet, but boredom might be the most common reason. Nutrition Specialist Sandy Procter says eating because you're bored can lead to mindless eating.

Proctor says to make it more convenient to snack healthy use small Ziploc bags to store snacks, which can also help to prevent eating too much during snack-time. 

Cattle herds on summer pasture are currently experiencing a second peak of fly activity, which can affect their performance. K-State Veterinary Entomologist Cassandra Olds says they suggest rotating chemicals every year.

Olds says switching ear tags now might be impractical, but other treatment approaches can be helpful as long as you use chemicals from the same class.  Olds says you want to make sure you tag both ears so both sides of your cattle are exposed to the insecticide.

The Field Kindley High School football team is selling NADO cards for $10.00 each. The cards have discounts for businesses in both Coffeyville and Bartlesville. Some of those discounts include $5 off food purchase of at least $25 at the Yoke, $10.99 large pizza at Pizza Hut and free Queso with purchase of 2 meals at El Charro. 

This is a fundraiser to help support the football team.  If you would like a card you can contact Coach Deonta Wade or the FKHS Athletic Department. They can be picked up at FKHS during the day Monday through Friday until 3:30pm.

Tickets for the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce's 2^nd Annual Brewfest Hops Around are now on sale. Brewfest is scheduled for Saturday, October 9^th from 2 pm – 6 pm in downtown Coffeyville. Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook says that there will be plenty to do at Brewfest.

Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for a couple. After September 24^th, prices go up to $30 per person or $50 for a couple. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber or online at coffeyvillechamber.com.

For the third consecutive year, KGGF 690AM in Coffeyville has been named the best severe weather coverage in Kansas for medium market radio stations. The award was announced by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Station General Manager John Leonard says the award recognizes the commitment KGGF has made to bring listeners in the area the information they need in a timely manner.

In addition, KGGF News Director Matt Jordan took second place in the KAB's spot news category for coverage of the Edna Mattress Factory fire in June of this year. Both awards will be accepted during the KAB's annual convention in Wichita in October.

Two items on the ballots in Labette and Cherokee counties were soundly passed in Tuesday night's election.

In Labette County, Chetopa residents were asked if they would like to adopt a 0.5% retailers' sales tax for parks and street maintenance and improvements. The question passed with nearly 82% of the vote. The tax will go into effect on January 1^st and run for 5 years.

In Columbus, USD 493 was looking to issue bonds of just under $14.7 million. Those bonds would pay for improvements to the Central Campus Facility, as well as improvements to the 7th-grade wing at the existing high school building, and fund additional improvements as needed. That question passed with 72% of the vote.

Pittsburg State University has announced measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the current spike caused by the delta variant. Going forward, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be required to wear masks while indoors regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required if alone or in public spaces where social distancing is possible. The policy will be reviewed every two weeks.

The university has encouraged and continues to encourage faculty, staff, and students to get vaccines, which are free and available on campus. For students who will live on campus, prior to moving in the Office of University Housing has asked that they either submit proof of vaccination, show that they have had the virus since March 2020 or had a negative test within 72 hours of arrival, or they will be required to take a COVID test when they arrive for Move-In Day.

Montgomery County Sheriff Deputies and Coffeyville Police Officers stop a potential suicide. Sheriff Deputies were notified by CPD of a male subject along a riverbank southeast of town, who was armed and considered suicidal. The subject was located near Old Parker Bridge and identified as Timothy Meyer of Bartlesville.

Deputies spoke with Meyer until a sheriff’s office negotiator arrived on scene. During negations, Meyers would occasionally point the firearm at deputies before he eventually tossed it into the river. Officers were able to place Meyer into custody without further incident. After being inspected by EMS, he was transported to the department of corrections and booked for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer. Sheriff Ron Wade said he is very thankful for the combined teamwork in locating and safely taking Meyer into custody without incident.

The Independence Recreation Commission has announced that sign-ups for multiple sports are currently underway.

Independence Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Wilson explains what sports are available to sign up for and the cost for each sport.

You can register by going to the Ash Youth Center at 1501 North 10^th Street, calling 620-331-0260, or online at indyrec.com. The registration deadline is August 12^th.

Cherokee County Deputies have arrested a Riverton man. The arrest comes as a part of an investigation into a residential burglary, which occurred over the past couple of weeks. 

26-year-old Tyler Garner is currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. During the course of the investigation, Deputies recovered some of the stolen property, which included firearms and electronics.

This week the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to close a section of K-3 in Bourbon County to replace crossroad pipes.

K-3 will be closed between the Crawford - Bourbon county line and Birch Road on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 4-5. The closure will be in effect from 7:15 am until 6 pm on both days.

Traffic should use alternate routes.

A local K9 officer and his partner are recognized as the K9 team of the week. The Kansas Police Dog Association has recognized the team of Montgomery County Sheriff Sargent Jeremy Hunsucker and K9 Hector.

Sgt Hunsucker started his law enforcement career with the sheriff’s office in March 2009 and became a K9 handler in 2010. K9 Hector is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepard mix, imported from Europe. Hector is currently certified in narcotics detection through KPDA and is being trained in patrol work.

An elderly woman drives a car through the front of a salon in Coffeyville. The driver of the car meant to hit the brake but instead hit the gas driving through the front window of Studio Blue on 11^th Street. Owner Jordyn Blaes says she was the closest one to the incident.

Blaes says the car's front end hit the reception desk and took out one of the nail tables. The driver and passenger of the vehicle as well as everyone inside the salon were all fine, no injuries were reported.

The first week of August is underway which means that the beginning of classes at Coffeyville Community College is afoot. Even though classes start next week, Student Services Senior Director Yvonne Hull says there is still plenty of time to get enrolled.

Students can get IDs at no charge up until August 26^th and bookstores are currently open as well for the fall season.

Hull also said that the college has also created a Tik Tok account.

A link to the Red Raven Tik Tok page can be found here.

Montgomery County is nearing triple-digit COVID numbers once again.

Health Department Director Carolyn Muller reported that the county currently has 87 positive cases as of Monday, the majority of which are of the Delta variant. Those who test positive for the faster-spreading variant are recommended to quarantine for 14 days. However, it is sometimes not known what variant of COVID a patient has until several days into the quarantine process. Muller said she personally recommends that those who test positive use the "modified" quarantine procedure instead.

The CDC is recommending those that cannot socially distance wear a mask in indoor settings, whether vaccinated or not. However, the KDHE has not yet made the same recommendation.

Voters in Columbus and Chetopa will be heading to the polls Tuesday to vote on a bond issue and a tax question.

In Columbus, citizens will vote on if they will allow USD 493 Columbus to issue bonds for just over $14.7 million. If approved, those bonds would pay for improvements to the Central Campus Facility, as well as improvements to the 7th-grade wing at the existing high school building, and fund additional improvements as needed.

Chetopa voters will decide whether or not to approve a Retailers’ Sales Tax of ½% to be used for parks and street maintenance. If approved, the tax would run for five years beginning on January 1^st.