Letters to Santa can be dropped off at the Coffeyville Community College Bookstore.

A Letters to Santa mailbox can be found inside. The bookstore will collect the letters and contact their North Pole Carrier to deliver the letters. Those who send letters with their name and address on the envelope will receive a personalized response. Bookstore Manager Aaron Phillips says they have worked hard to become an official letter drop-off point for Santa Claus. He says they take this honor seriously and will make sure all letters are personally given to St. Nick.

Letter writing supplies are also available at the CCC Bookstore or letters may be brought in. Letters can be dropped off now until December 16^th from 8:30am to 4:40pm, Monday through Friday.

Wilson County has discovered a mistake in the collection of severed mineral tax over the past several years.  County Clerk Kayla Bush says when tax statements were sent out this year, people called concerned about the rapid increase.

Bush says the same numbers were copied over each year, there was a massive jump in the tax rate.  Wilson County is one of five remaining counties in the state of Kansas that still tax severed minerals.

Additional topics of discussion at the Wilson County Commissioner meeting were the approval to continue with the county inclement weather policy regarding closings and cancellations, the approval of funding to support the 31st Judicial District Drug Court, and the announcement of a strong county surplus sale, resulting in $827 earned.

The Independence Fire Department responds to a structure fire with assistance from Dearing and Independence Rural Fire Departments.

IFD responded to the fire at 618 S. 1st at 9:35am this morning. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire venting through exterior windows. There were also reports of animals trapped inside the home. Crews battled the fire from inside until conditions worsened with the roof and had to be pulled out.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in 45 minutes. The animals were rescued from the structure and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.  The structure is significantly damaged and will be considered a total loss. The cause of the fire in still under investigation by IFD.

The USD 445 Board of Education meets for almost two hours in executive sessions to accept the resignation of a teacher.   The board met in six executive sessions totaling one hour and forty minutes to accept the resignation of Community Elementary Music Teacher Kari Price.

The motion to accept the resignation was the second of two motions the first was for the termination of the contract, which failed after not receiving a second. The motion for resignation was made by Karen Rittenhouse and passed on a 5-2 vote with Kisha Johnson and Jason Barnett choosing to abstain, which count as no votes.

 Romans Chevrolet Buick has donated $2,500 to the Independence Police Department.

 The donation came as part of Giving Tuesday. The donation will be used to purchase rifle plates for officers.

 Rifle plates, also known as small arms protective inserts, are used to stop higher velocity rifle rounds from striking the wearer.

 Also on Tuesday, Romans Chevrolet Buick donated $5,000 to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Ron Wade says the money will be used to purchase equipment to better serve the community.

Several area communities are hosting Christmas parades and events to start the holiday season.

Tomorrow, The Parsons Christmas parade will start at 7 p.m. in downtown.  Also tomorrow, the Caney parade starts at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KQQF 98.9 FM and Facebook Live.

On Friday, Christmas on the Plaza begins in Coffeyville with cookies with Santa at 4:30 p.m. at the Coffeyville Chamber Office. Shops will open at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 6. The parade will also be broadcast live on KQQF 98.9 FM and Facebook Live.

On Saturday, the Christmas Parade in Thayer starts at 6 p.m. followed by the annual Christmas Drawing and free Dinner in the Community Building.  Also on Saturday, the Sedan Christmas in the Hollow Parade of Lights starts at 6:30 p.m., and the Bartlesville parade also begins at that time.  Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree will take place in Howard on Saturday in addition to The Duke Mason Band performing in Parsons at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Auditorium.

The Independence Community College Fine Arts Department is debuting their newest production this weekend.

The Thornton Wilder play 'Our Town' will premiere in the William Inge Theatre from December 2-4. Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says the play even features a guest director.

The production tells the story of a small town and the people who reside there, and the connections and friendships that people make throughout their lifetime.

Wilson says that there will be evening performances Friday and Saturday, as well as a matinee performance Sunday.

Additional information regarding the play can be located on the Independence Community College website.

A man's body has been found in southern Osage county.

Construction workers discovered the body on pastureland near Wildcat Hill Road. The victim has been identified as 50-year-old Corey Dell Sequichie who is not believed to be from the area. The victim’s body has been sent to the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office in Tulsa for examination.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden wants to reassure the neighboring public they are safe. The victim does not appear to have any local ties to the area or the pastureland where he was found. Anyone with information about this case should contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at (918) 287-3131.

As the weather cools off and thermostats switch over to heat it's important to remember fire safety. Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson says that starts with smoke detectors.

Whitson says the next step is to check all heating devices in a home.  Whitson says to make sure to not leave burning candles unattended and to turn Christmas lights off before bed or before leaving the home. He says live Christmas tree can be engulfed in flames in less than 20 seconds and can have the entire room on fire in less than a minute.

The Kansas High Patrol works three fatality crashes over Thanksgiving weekend after not having any in 2020 and 2021. One of the fatality crashes was related to a DUI.

This information comes from the holiday activity report that runs from 6:00pm on Wednesday until 11:59pm on Sunday. There were 29 DUI arrests over the weekend up from 15 in 2021 and 17 in 2020. Speeding citations were down this year compared to 2021, from 1430 to 1087. There were 103 combined seat belt citations for adults, teens and children. The KHP assisted 931 motorists during the holiday weekend up from 816 in 2021 and 801 in 2020.

Officers with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office made 172 traffic enforcement stops during the Thanksgiving Safe Arrival campaign.

From November 19^th to November 27^th, deputies wrote 31 seat belt warnings or citations, one child restraint citation, 64 speeding warnings or citations, along with 76 other citations, warnings and arrests.

Sheriff Ron Wade says they do their best to make sure that everyone is safe as possible on the roads and while the campaign may be over, sheriff officers are always vigilant in their enforcement of traffic safety laws.

The victims in the Baxter Springs Shooting have been identified. 

47-year-old Jeremy Murphy, of Anderson MO, and 59-year-old Craig Guinn, of Pineville MO, were found dead at the scene.  Their bodies have been turned over to the Cherokee County Coroner pending an autopsy later this week.  27-year-old Seth Guinn, of Pineville MO, was transported to Freeman hospital where he is still in critical condition.

Baxter Springs Police Chief Brian Henderson says the call came into dispatch just after 2:00 p.m. yesterday.  The caller reported gunshots inside a residence in the 2400 block of Lincoln Avenue. 41-year-old Kyle Butts, of Independence MO, is being held in the Cherokee County Jail pending formal charges.  Baxter Springs Police, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department and the KBI are all investigating the incident.

The Coffeyville School Board has called a special meeting for tomorrow.  

The Board will meet and then move to an executive session to discuss an employee’s job performance.  Following the executive session, the Board will reconvene and may take action based on the discussion in the executive session.  There’s been no word on the employee or the job performance issue.

The Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary is resigning, and the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer is retiring.

Secretary Julie Lorenz is resigning from K-DOT after more than three years on the job. Burt Morey is retiring after a 30-year career in the field. Governor Laura Kelly says both Lorenz and Morey have been essential in helping a bipartisan 10-year infrastructure program and creating a Division of Safety, which helped decrease workplace accidents by 46%.

KDOT has over 1,000 infrastructure projects in the works across Kansas. Director of the Division of Engineering and Design, Calvin Reed, will serve as Interim Secretary of Transportation until a Secretary of Transportation is nominated and confirmed. Reed says construction projects will continue moving during the transition. Director of Project Delivery Greg Schieber will fill the role of Interim Deputy Secretary until a permanent replacement is selected.

Giving Tuesday is officially here, and local organizations are doing what they can to give back.  Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Senior Director of Strategic Development Lisa Kuehn says that today is a reminder of what the holiday season is all about.

The Parsons Area Community Foundation, as well as the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, will be matching the percentage of funds raised throughout the day. Numerous local organizations and sponsors will receive the benefits of the community's generosity. Kuehn says that all proceeds from Giving Tuesday through the CRMC Foundation will be used to continue necessary training for associates.

You can support both in-person at the location sites at 1306 Main St in Parsons or 100 S Broadway St in Pittsburg, or by donating online.

Oklahoma Senator Blake “Cowboy” Stephens has filed a bill ahead of the 2023 session, which calls for Oklahoma to remain in Daylight Saving Time year-round.

Stephens says it is beneficial for Oklahomans to remain in DST. He says having the extra hour of daylight in the evening could be used for exercise and outdoor activities, which could help the state lower its rate of childhood obesity. Stephens hopes to add seven more hours of productivity to each week in the winter months with the elimination of Central Standard Time. If passed when the legislature convenes after February 6^th, it would go into effect following the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act by Congress, which give states the option to end the time change.

Two people have died and a third person is in serious condition after a shooting in Baxter Springs.

According to Chief Brian Henderson, the call came into Baxter Springs dispatch just after 2:00 p.m. yesterday; the caller reported gunshots inside a residence in the 2400 block of Lincoln Avenue. Henderson says life-saving measures were started, but two of the three passed away at the scene. The third victim is in serious condition in a Joplin hospital. No names have been released due to pending notifications of next of kin, however, 41-year-old Kyle Butts, of Independence MO, is being held in the Cherokee County Jail pending formal charges.

Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says there is no concern about a threat to the public. More information is expected to be released today. Baxter Springs Police, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, and the KBI are all investigating the incident.

Two victims have been identified in a plane crash in western Oklahoma.

According to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, James 'Wade' Bruce of Shattuck, Oklahoma, and David Dodd Jr. of Austin, Texas died when their Cessna 170 crashed at the Gage Airport yesterday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the cause of the crash.

A portion of U.S. 400 in Wilson County is open again after being closed because of a chemical spill.

According to Southeast Kansas KDOT, acetone was spilled on the highway and the road was closed to traffic from the south junction of U.S 75 continuing north to K-47 at Fredonia.  Since yesterday evening, the spill has been cleaned up and the road reopened.

Genesis of Coffeyville will be distributing USDA Commodities food next Tuesday through Friday from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at 1312 W. 8th next to Ace Hardware. 

Please bring a piece of mail you have received in the last 30 days to verify your address.  To see if you are eligible, please call 620-251-3004 for income guidelines.  This distribution is for Coffeyville, Liberty and Dearing residents only.

Independence police responded to a house fire over the weekend.

Yesterday afternoon, Independence fire and EMS were dispatched to 710 E. Edison to a report of a structure fire. Crews found smoke showing and reported an attic fire. According to a press release from the department, interior crews were able to quickly extinguish an attic fire and clear the smoke. No word yet on any damage estimate.

A new bike path is coming to Montgomery County.

Public Works Coordinator Jim Wright says that the county will only be responsible for the maintaining of the path, and not the construction or funding. The path has been a main topic of discussion at Montgomery County commissioner meetings over the entire month of November.

A completion date for the path has not been announced at this time.

Other items of note from this week's meeting were the approval of a Neighborhood Revitalization Application at 5221 Hwy 75 in Independence, an update on statistics and views of the county website, as well as the announcement of a new engine purchase for the Tyro Fire Department.

A Lansing Correctional Facility resident passed away over the weekend while under observation inside the infirmary. When 53-year-old George Dobbs was found unresponsive, life-saving measures began and continued after emergency medical services arrived. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy, although the death was not related to COVID-19.

The death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and is currently ongoing.

Dobbs was serving an 89-month sentence on convictions of Distribution of heroin or meth.

The Lansing Correctional Facility opened in 1867 and maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds, and a 512-bed minimum security unit.

A Coffeyville, Kansas man is sentenced for second-degree murder. According to KOAM TV, Donald Collins received eighteen years in prison for the death of 50-year-old Nina Lee of Coffeyville in February 2020. Lee was found at a Parsons Kansas motel. Authorities were called for the report of a possible overdose; the autopsy, however, indicated foul play.

Patchy fog will affect parts of southeast Kansas this morning.  Visibility will vary greatly from two miles to less than a half mile.  Below freezing temperatures may lead to freezing fog on elevated surfaces.  

In Oklahoma, a dense fog advisory will be in effect through 9 a.m. for most of eastern Oklahoma and all of northwest Arkansas.  

Parsons Police are asking for help locating a domestic battery suspect who is on the run from law enforcement.

Joshua Cole Sharp fled from police yesterday after they responded to a report of a domestic fight. Officers located and followed a brown Chevy pickup truck Sharp was driving that matched a description given to them. While attempting to initiate a traffic stop at 17^th and main, the vehicle fled north at a high rate of speed, failing to stop at all intersections and eventually struck a tree. It is believed Sharp fled on foot but police have been unable to locate him so far. If you see sharp, police say not to approach him but to call Parsons Police Dispatch at 620-421-7060.

Another round of rain is on the way for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

Numerous rain showers will develop and spread north across the area by this afternoon through tonight.  Locally heavy amounts will be possible during the day before the rain tapers off late tonight.  In Kansas, the heaviest rainfall amounts are possible for areas along and east of the Kansas Turnpike.  The rainfall outlook for Oklahoma is more mixed.

 A Southeast Kansas candidate for national office is moving on to the next round. According to the Kansas Information Network, the Kansas FFA announced early this week that Elizabeth Sturgis would take part in second-round interviews, which coincide with the 95th National FFA Convention this week in Indianapolis.  Sturgis, a graduate of Riverton High School, served as Kansas FFA President during the 2020-21 school year. The six members of the new national officer team will be announced tomorrow during the convention’s final general session.  Should Sturgis be selected, she’ll be the first national officer from Kansas since 2009.

The extended drought is expected to continue during the winter months for a majority of the Central and Southwestern U.S.

For the third consecutive winter, warmer-than-average temperatures are expected along the Gulf Coast and Southern portions of the county, according to the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

Montgomery County continues to be classified as a D3 drought, which indicates low river levels, stressed trees, and poor pasture and crop conditions. Much of the surrounding area is in the most severe category, the D4 drought.

The state of Kansas continues to have the largest percent area of any state in the D4 drought tier, with 34.7% of the state suffering from exceptional drought.

The 41st annual Toy Run is taking place in Independence tomorrow.

A.B.A.T.E. District 3 is celebrating the event, which first began in 1981. Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says that the event begins with a breakfast in the morning.

Following breakfast, there will be a gathering of vehicles to deliver toy donations around town. Wilson says that Santa will lead the group, and people on bikes, trikes, cars, and street legal ATVs will follow.

Additionally, Marine Corps League B Gen. William A. Kurtis is having a toy drive for Christmas. Toy donations will be accepted at Independence VFW, Ace & Gunners Tavern, Community Access Center, Independence Chamber of Commerce, Dollar General, and MPAC Aviation.

Cash donations are also accepted and appreciated. For more information, visit the Independence Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page.

The Elk County Sheriff’s office will be conducting a drive-through car seat check lane today in the alley-way between the sheriff’s office and the courthouse in Howard, Kansas.

This check lane will be from 1 to 3 p.m. with certified technicians that will assist in checking for recalls, expiration dates of car seats and if the car seats are installed correctly.  Technicians will also check seat belts with children in car seats.

A Columbus, Kansas man wanted for federal charges is in custody.

Parsons police arrested 43 year-old Tremayne Montaque Darkis earlier this week for multiple charges including aggravated kidnapping, domestic battery, a probation warrant through the state of Missouri and a federal arrest warrant for possession of a weapon by a felon.

Darkis is being held in connection to the multiple no bond felony warrants and new charges of felony interference with law enforcement, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Black Friday shopping continues today, but charitable organizations would like to remind you of another special day coming up.

Giving Tuesday, established in 2012, is an opportunity for people to show their generosity in ways like helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill or giving to a cause. This Giving Tuesday, the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation asks for your support for their associates.

CRMC Marketing Specialist Chris Rowe says any and all money raised through the CRMC Foundation will be used to support their associates. To be a part of GivingTuesday with the CRMC Foundation, please visit  www.crmcinc.org/foundation/givingtuesday/ or contact Lisa Kuehn at foundation@crmcinc.org or call 620.252.1674.

A woman is dead after a house fire in Commerce, Oklahoma.

The fire started around 9:30 a.m. yesterday morning.  The name of the victim has not been released as the Commerce Police Department is still in the process of notifying family members.  The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire, which has not been determined at this time, although they don't suspect foul play or criminal activity.

There is a good chance that part of your Thanksgiving Day meal came from right here in Southeast Kansas. Wildcat Extension District Natural Resource Agent Adaven Scronce says that the bread in the stuffing or the dinner rolls could have come from the wheat harvested in this area.

Scronce says that Wisconsin is a leader in cranberry production. Other state leaders include Minnesota for turkeys, Illinois for pumpkins, Georgia for pecans and North Carolina for sweet potatoes.

Food can be a big part of the holidays but the food isn't for everyone. Coffeyville Friends of Animals Becky Barnhardt says to watch what is being fed to the pets.

Barnhardt says to have treats out so they can be given to the pets instead of scraps off of a plate. She says to also watch out for dogs who might get anxious around a larger group of people.

Enjoy the food and avoid food poisoning this Thanksgiving. With so many planning on cooking or preparing food this week, it is crucial to keep in mind food safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from foodborne illness.

Kansas State Research and Extension Food Safety Agent Holly Miner says cooking your stuffing outside of the turkey, in a separate dish, is the safest way to prepare it.

Preparing a large bird can be challenging, but Miner says using a food thermometer to monitor the process of cooking your turkey will be the best bet.  Using these tips can help you prepare food that not only tastes good but is also safe and prepared properly.

For additional questions or information, contact Holly Miner at 620-331-2690.

A rainy holiday weekend is on the way for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

The Wichita and Tulsa offices of the National Weather Service are predicting periodic chances for light rain throughout the long weekend.  The best chance for rain for the KGGF listening area will be tonight through Thanksgiving Day and again Friday night through Saturday evening.

One man has died and another is seriously injured after a head-on crash on U.S. 400.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 33 year-old Dakota Jones of Weir, Kansas was headed east on the highway in the westbound lanes around 7:50 p.m. Monday night near McCune, Kansas. At the same time, Kenneth Messer of McCune was heading west in the correct lanes. Jones' truck hit Messer's car in a head-on collision.

Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. Messer was taken to a hospital in Joplin with serious injuries.

U.S. 169 north of Chanute is expected to open late this afternoon.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the section of U.S. 169 between K-39 at Chanute and U.S. 54 at Iola has been closed since December 2021 for reconstruction.

For information on highway conditions and closings, you can visit the KanDrive website.

Match Day receives recognition at the Coffeyville City Commission meeting. Mayor Ann Marie Vannoster says it was a very successful day for the city as a whole.

Vannoster says this is a good representation of what the people of Coffeyville will do to help support not only the groups in the city but the city itself. In other business, the commissioners approved the purchase of equipment for the fire department and the purchase of radios and three Dodge Chargers for the police department.

Two sisters from Oklahoma are using their filmmaking skills to tell the story of seven indigenous tribes in the Reciprocity Project.  Director Britt Hensel says they've always been creative but when her sister Taylor went to film school it allowed them access to equipment.

Hensel says her sister is the producer for the project as a whole and she directed the first film on the Cherokee Tribe. Hensel's short film was one of 59 selections to the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, a first for a submission by a female citizen of the Cherokee Nation.  All seven short films can be viewed at reciprocity.org. 

A group foster home in Neodesha is a recipient of funding from the GROWKS Loan and Equity program. SoHome Kids CEO and Founder Nathan Daniel says they provide foster children ages 0-18 a place to live and their focus is on sibling groups.

Daniel says they purchased two buildings in Neodesha and the money they received from this program went into renovating them for the group home.  Daniel says he appreciates the support they have received from the community of Neodesha. SoHome should be open by early 2023.

Several area trash collection days are changing because of Thanksgiving this week.

In Coffeyville, trash scheduled to be picked up Thursday will be collected on Friday. Friday pickups will be moved to Saturday. The tree dump will also be closed Thursday and Friday.

In Independence, Thursday trash pickups have been moved to Friday.

In Neodesha, two trucks will pick up Wednesday, Thursday and Friday routes tomorrow.

Two trucks will also run tomorrow in Fredonia for trash and recycling. If your normal pickup day is Thursday, you need to get items to your normal location by 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

In Parsons, sanitation routes that run on Thursday and Friday will be picked up on Monday.

City offices and county courthouses including Montgomery County will be closed Thursday and Friday.

The second annual Christmas in the Hollow is coming to Sedan this holiday season.

The Sedan Chamber of Commerce has been working on building on the experience from the inaugural celebration last year. Chamber Board Member Sherry Miller says the community of Sedan and Chautauqua county come together for this special time.

Miller says that Christmas in the Hollow will officially kick off on Thanksgiving night with the lighting ceremony, followed by fireworks as well. Each of the four following Saturdays will also feature events, such as caroling, vendors, arts and crafts, and the brand-new Santa Rock Treasure Hunt.

Admission to the event is free of charge, although donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Guests will also be provided with complimentary hot cocoa and cider.

For more information, visit the Sedan Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page.

A Commerce, Oklahoma police officer has been released from the hospital after being admitted in critical condition following a high-speed pursuit Saturday night.

Vernon Moyer was about two miles north of Commerce in pursuit of a vehicle after initiating a traffic stop according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Moyer says the brakes on his police cruiser failed causing him to crash into a ditch.

The water emergency for the city of Caney has been lifted. Mayor Josh Elliott says there is enough water in the city's reservoir to remove the city from emergency status.

Elliott says the water issue in Caney is a problem that dates back at least sixty years.

Elliott asks residents to continue to watch their water usage, adding that if the situation continues as is, the emergency status shouldn't have to be reinstated.

City Administrator Kelley Zellner says several options are being discussed to help with the water situation, which includes adding the city of Copan as a secondary source for water. Timber Hill would then be used as a third option for water.

A Columbus man is arrested after a seven-month investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Late last week, 35-year-old Joel Cypert was taken into custody after a federal arrest warrant was issued for him on allegations of Production of Child Pornography. The investigation began in April when detectives seized potential forensic evidence for analysis. The sheriff's office coordinated its investigation with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigators. Sheriff David Groves says following the completion of the forensic examination of evidence, a federal arrest warrant was issued.

A Coffeyville man is arrested in Caney on an outstanding warrant.

Early yesterday morning at around 2:23am, a Caney Police Officer made a traffic stop at the corner of Boarding and McGee Street. The officer identified the driver as 19-year-old Kameron Smith. After checking on wants and warrants, the officer discovered Smith was wanted on a Montgomery County warrant charging him with aggravated internet trading in child pornography.

Smith was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Detention Center.

The Labette County Board of Canvassers certifies election results from this year's general election.

There were two races that ended in a tie and commissioners drew the names out of a plastic bag to decide the winner. Richard Falkenstien was selected as the clerk for Hackberry Township and Josh George was selected for Fairview Township. County Clerk Gena Landis commended the election workers saying it was one of the smoothest election days and canvasses they have had.

Labette County saw around a 40% voter turnout.

A trailer has been stolen from a local business in Coffeyville.

Yesterday evening just before 5:00pm, a flatbed trailer was stolen from Jon's Tire on South Walnut. Owner Jon Bryan says they tore up his front gate in the process of the theft.

A video of the theft can be seen below. Anyone with information about the theft should call the Coffeyville Police Department at (620)252-6160.

Montgomery County has announced the hiring of a new Financial Officer.

Human Resources Director Becky Lewis announced that Fred Gress has accepted the position with the county, and will begin working on January 3rd.

It was also approved at the meeting for Gress to receive new equipment. Jason Clubine of the Montgomery County Computer Department, requested two computer monitors, a color printer, and a battery backup unit, which was then approved by the commissioners.

Additional items of discussion at the meeting was the renewal of the county office spam filter software, App River, as well as the canvassing of the 2022 General Election.

The Montgomery County Commissioner meetings take place on Monday mornings at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center in downtown Independence. The meetings are open to the public, and are also streamed on Facebook and Zoom.

Many local and Kansas state banks are warning customers of recent texting and debit cards scams happening in the area. Banks do not text you regarding debit cards or account information. According to information from the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network, there was an 89% increase in the number of credit card fraud reports filed with the agency during the first two quarters of 2020, compared with 2019. The variety of ways credit card scammers are gaining access to consumers’ banking and credit card accounts is also increasing.

The five most common ways scammers receive your personal information is through the promise of lower interest rates, overcharged and fraudulent purchases, requests for charity assistance, skimming and E-Skimming, and card cracking. The FTC reminds everyone to never give out sensitive personal information to unexpected callers. If you’re unsure whether a phone call is legitimate, you can always call the Customer Service number on the back of your credit card to ensure you’re speaking with your financial institution and not an imposter.

Monitor your credit card activity regularly by logging into your account online, or by using a smartphone app. You may also want to sign up to receive automated text notifications – if offered by your financial institution – to quickly alert you of particular account situations, such as transactions over a certain value or whenever your account balance goes below a specified level. And, if you see charges you don’t recognize, alert the issuer immediately to place a block on your account, dispute unauthorized charges, and request a new credit card. Vet charities that contact you by performing a Google search or by using a service such as the IRS’ Tax-Exempt Organization Search or Charity Navigator. Avoid sliding your card in a reader that has any of the telltale signs of skimming. These include a card reader that looks different from others at the same location, a reader that appears loose or tampered with, or a reader with additional devices attached near the card slot. Never give your card or card information to anyone offering you quick cash, and never open an account in your name for another person to use.

If you do become a victim of a credit or debit card scam or suspect that you have, report it immediately to your local authorities, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and/or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The Kansas Department of Transportation along with the U.S. Department of Transportation raises awareness of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign this Thanksgiving weekend. Law enforcement agencies will have an increased presence on roadways to check for speeders, seat belt use, and any suspicion of impaired driving.

According to KDOT, 319 people were killed in traffic crashes in Kansas in 2021; 46.4% of those killed were not wearing their seat belts. KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman says the odds of crashing increase with more vehicles on the road, and even though many people are out on Thanksgiving weekend, you can ensure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. According to the NHTSA, seat belts have saved the lives of more than 100,000 people in the United States in the past 10 years.

This Thanksgiving’s “Click It or Ticket” surveillance period will be in effect from Wednesday, Nov. 23, to Monday, Nov. 28. Any violation of traffic safety laws can result in a fine and certain violations can result in jail time. For more information, visit www.KTSRO.org. 

The annual application period for a business or organization to be designated as part of the Certified Healthy Oklahoma program is now open. Applications will be accepted through end of business on February 10, 2023. There is no cost to apply.

The benefit of being certified as a Certified Healthy Oklahoma member is that those who are certified will be recognized by the state as a place that is committed to supporting the state's on-going public health initiatives that were introduced in 2003. To the public, that means they can be assured that the organization or business is providing improved health and wellness to its staff, which could help when recruiting new employees.

The Certified Health Oklahoma program is run by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. More than 1200 Oklahoma organizations were certified in 2021.

To learn more about the Certified Health Oklahoma program or to submit an application, visit their website here.

The holiday season is approaching rapidly, and the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce welcomes the season with exciting community events.

The annual Christmas on the Plaza begins on December 2nd, and Chamber President and CEO Candi Westbrook could not be more enthusiastic about the festivities, including the Christmas parade.

An additional unique opportunity around the holiday season is the Brown Mansion tours, which Westbrook says are beautiful and a must visit experience.

The community can keep up with all events organized by the Chamber of Commerce by visiting their website or their Facebook page.

The City of Fredonia trash and recycling schedule is changing for Thanksgiving week.

On Wednesday, two trash trucks will run. If your trash and recycling is normally picked up Thursday, you must have it at your normal pickup location by 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Fredonia Sanitation Department says there will be no return pickups if missed.

Staffing shortages could affect how the Kansas Department of Transportation keeps the highways clear. According to Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, staffing is at about 76 percent with snowplow operators; Operators normally work twelve-hour shifts, and Lorenz says that could cause delays in plowing. Lorenz says highways will be cleared as soon as possible, with pretreating happening whenever possible. Motorists can check on current road conditions by checking KanDrive.org; the app and website are updated 24/7 for highway conditions, short-term closures, and general traffic alerts. KDOT is also looking for those with and without CDLs who are looking for work. Go to jobs.ks.gov for more information.

The results of the 2022 General Election will be canvased at the Montgomery County Commissioners meeting on Monday.

County Commissioners Robert Bever, Larry McManus, and Mike Cordray will officially sign off on the election tallies in the lower level of the Judicial Center at 9:30 a.m.

The commissioners will also discuss the potential addition of new office equipment for the Computer Department, continue to discuss the search for a new Financial Officer, as well as have an executive session with the Montgomery County Action Council.

The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will be streamed live on Facebook and Zoom along with the normal meeting location in the Judicial Center.

The annual Lighted Holiday Parade drew crowds to downtown Independence last night.

The parade is organized by Independence Main Street and the Optimist Club of Independence. Fifty two entries were present in this year's parade, including local first responders, businesses, churches, fraternal organizations and KGGF. Downtown stores were open yesterday afternoon and evening to encourage local holiday shopping before the parade.

Some upcoming area parades include the Caney Parade on Thursday, December 1^st at 7 p.m. and the Coffeyville Parade the following day on the 2^nd at 6 p.m.

You can watch the video of the parade here.

Coffeyville Area Community Foundation's Match Day is officially over but donations postmarked by Thursday can still be included in the total raised.

So far there have been 420 gifts recorded totaling $188,539, beating last year's total of $124,194.29 and 364 donations. The Midland Theater Foundation has the most donations at 68 and the most money donated at $48,785. The over $188,000 donated doesn't include the matching money of the $50,000.  With the money donated so far plus the matching money that puts the 10-year impact of Match Day at $1,214,845.  

You can check the latest numbers here.

Four Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputies are named Kansas Deputy Sheriff of the Year.

Chief Deputy Nate Jones, Deputy Logan Grant, Deputy Derrek Mitchell and Sergeant Noble Dobkins received their awards at the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association Fall Conference in Mulvane earlier this week. The four were recognized during a dinner banquet alongside nearly 300 other law enforcement leaders and special guests from across the state. The award is voted on by Kansas sheriffs.

The deputies received this award for their actions during a lengthy armed standoff that involved several children in the suspect’s home earlier this year. Sheriff David Groves says the deputies exhibited patience and a tactical approach that led to the situation being safely defused. The armed suspect was arrested and the victims were rescued from the situation.

Police respond to a shooting at the Sonic in Pittsburg.

Last night at around 9:40pm, Pittsburg Police Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of West 23rd Street for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a 32-year-old male, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, who was uncooperative with officers, was transported to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. The victim remains in stable condition at this time.

During their investigation, officers were able to locate a possible person of interest, but the victim remains uncooperative with officers. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the Food Network, the top Thanksgiving recipe in Kansas is the Traditional Cranberry Salad.

The strawberry gelatin mold, packed with cranberries, pineapple, and other fruits and nuts will cost Kansans $16.68 this year compared to $15.25 in 2021. That means that although the previous Covid-Affected Thanksgivings were unique, families may have to wait another year before the holiday get-togethers return to some sense of normality.

A survey by Usko revealed that over 1 in 5 believe the higher cost of ingredients would have an impact on their Thanksgiving dishes this year. In fact, the same amount of respondents said they would be prepared to cancel the traditional Thanksgiving menu and choose a more low-cost alternative. Finally, over 1/3 of those hosting Thanksgiving this November plan to invite fewer guests, and among those actually cooking 68% expect to have fewer leftovers, with the rise in food prices.

The Montgomery County Clerk Charlotte Scott Schmidt has announced the closing of all county offices for the upcoming holiday. This Thursday, November 24^th, and Friday, November 25^th the courthouse and all Montgomery County Offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

On Monday, November 28^th all county offices will be back to normal business hours.

Reverend Nick Grim with Impact Christian Church will give the invocation for the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Weekly meeting. The meeting will be held in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence, it will begin at 9 am this Monday, November 21.

Jason Clubine will discuss the App River and Financial Office Equipment. Public Works Director Jim Wright will update the board and at 9:30 the board will canvas the 2022 general election. At about 10 am the Commissioners will go into executive session with the Montgomery County Action Council. After that, at about 10:30 Human Resources Director Becky Lewis will update the board about the Financial Officer position and will accompany Phil Hayes with the Arnold Group as he addresses the commission.

You can view the meeting online via Facebook live or Zoom or it is always open to the public.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, in 2021 there were 426 people who lost their lives in traffic crashes in Kansas and 1,767 people suffered serious injuries.

KDOT and millions of others worldwide would ask that you join them this Sunday, November 20 in paying tribute to the people killed and seriously injured on roads here in Kansas and around the world. The World Day of Remembrance is commemorated on the third Sunday in November and this year it recognizes the victims, families, and communities affected by traffic crashes and asks motorists to be mindful of safety with every trip.

WDoR supporters are committed to the goal of achieving a 50% reduction in traffic fatalities during a Decade of Action from 2021 to 2030.

For more information, you can follow the link here.

The recent rains and cooler weather have helped the dry conditions in surrounding areas.

Independence Fire and EMS Chief Shawn Wallis told the Independence City Commission that they could discontinue the citywide burn ban that has been effect since mid-October.  Recreational burning, which is normally permitted by city ordinances, such as fires in firepits, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas, is now unrestricted.

More information on what types of burning are routinely permitted can be found here.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has placed the Lesser Prairie-Chicken on the Endangered Species List. The Center for Biological Diversity sued in October, saying USFWS was moving too slowly after proposing the listing a year and a half ago.

USFWS says that the birds are near extinction in their southern range — New Mexico and the southwest Texas Panhandle — and are at risk of becoming endangered in the northern stretch of their home — Kansas, Oklahoma, and the northeast Texas Panhandle where they are now listed as such.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran says that this decision threatens to place unnecessary restrictions on farmers, ranchers, and energy producers.

Kansas Congressman Tracey Mann condemned the decision and said that in their final rule, the US Fish and Wildlife Service first commended landowners’ voluntary efforts to increase lesser prairie-chicken populations in Kansas, and then unilaterally decided that the federal government is better equipped to address these local areas. Mann went on to say that the ruling is more than another example of federal overreach - it is a proxy war on American agriculture and energy sectors that are vital to our economy. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners are the original conservationists, and the federal government should get out of their way to let them do what they do best.

The Wilson County Commissioners officially canvassed the results of the General Election.

County Commissioners Casey Lair, Andrew Miller, and Jerry Scott signed off on the final tally on Wednesday at the county commission meeting. It was announced last week that Wilson County had an outstanding turnout at the polls, with a near 59% voter turnout.

Additional items of discussion at the meeting were the finalizing of a levy sheet, as well as tubing arriving for bridge maitenance in the county.

Wilson County meetings take place Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the County Courthouse in downtown Fredonia. There will be no meeting next week, November 23, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Meetings will resume on November 30.

A senior guard from South Coffeyville has announced her decision to play college basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Eryn Dolan, a 5-foot-9 senior, is a combo guard that excels at both scoring the basketball and setting up teammates as a facilitator. Dolan looks forward to competing at the next level, and feels that she will be put into a position to succeed with the Savage Storm program. 

Southeastern head coach Darin Grover is excited for the arrival of Dolan as well.

"Eryn is a great athlete that plays with passion and effort. She is the type of player that can play multiple positions, at this level that is very valuable."

Dolan still has her senior season to look forward to at South Coffeyville, and with the COVID pandemic as well as injuries limiting her time on the court, she looks forward to making new memories and enjoying her last high school basketball ride.

Eryn averaged 22 points and 7 rebounds per game in her junior campaign, on her way to a Super 6 Conference MVP award.

A near-capacity crowd turned out for a special meeting last night to discuss a potential solar farm in Fredonia.

The City Commission is gathering public input on building the two-megawatt farm just east of the Wilson County Sheriff's office. Fredonia Mayor Bob McKenney says the city has been looking for ways to minimize paying for peak energy, which can be expensive.

The city has a contract to buy base power all the time, and when demand exceeds that base, peak power must be purchased from the open market. The idea with the solar farm is to cover some of that peak load and give the city more diverse power generation options.

The city hopes to take advantage of a federal program which may pay 50 to 60 percent of the cost. According to City Administrator Wesley Young, the city's estimated portion is $4.192 million, which will be paid through the fuel adjustment portion of customers' bills over 18 years.

Commissioner Bill Jones wrapped up the meeting saying he's glad to see some planning for the future.

The commission will vote on the farm during their next meeting on December 7^th.

With just under seven hours left to donate, Match Day numbers already exceed last year's total. There have been 365 gifts totaling $182,258.96 beating last year's total of $124,194.29 on 364 donations. Coffeyville Area Community Foundation's Janie DeVore Gillis says they are excited to see how much support they've gotten this year.

In-person giving will wrap up at 5:30pm but donations can still be made online at givematchgrow.com until midnight tonight. The Midland Theater Foundation has the most donations at 61 and the most money donated at $47,210. The over $180,000 donated doesn't include the matching money of the $50,000.

Kansas Congressman 2^nd District Jake LaTurner, who recently won his re-election bid, questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Biden administration’s lack of effort to secure America’s southern border. The questioning took place during the House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.  LaTurner says that according to the CDC, over 300 people per day in the US are dying from the synthetic drug fentanyl.

LaTurner says despite roughly 4 million illegal immigrants attempting to cross America’s southern border since President Biden took office, Secretary Mayokas still believes the southern border is secure.

With the upcoming winter weather, the Kansas Highway Patrol wants to make you aware it is Crash Responder Safety Week.

KHP first responders, such as their motorist assist technicians, as seen in the photo, are always happy to help provide safety and security to motorists. However, please help keep all first responders safe by moving over or slowing down when you see flashing lights on the side of the road.

The best advice for driving in winter weather is to slow down and give plenty of distance between you and the next car. Remember just having 4-wheel drive does not stop any vehicle.

A Main Street Christmas Concert will be held in Parsons. The Concert will feature The Duke Mason Band with special guests, the Labette Creek Crooners on Saturday, December 3^rd at 7 pm at the Parsons Municipal Auditorium.

The performance is free, but a freewill offering will be taken to raise funds for the Parsons Police Department’s Shop-With-A-Cop Program. The Shop-With-A-Cop program helps support the holiday needs of children and families to ensure that every child enjoys the spirit of Christmas.

You can also donate yourself, as a business or as a civic or social organization by dropping off or mailing donations to either the Parsons PD at 217 Central or Parsons City Hall in care of the Water Department at 112 S. 17^th.

For more info call 620-421-7032.

A new minimally invasive option for hysterectomy procedures is now available to CRMC Medical Group Women’s Health patients. Female patients who choose this advanced technique called vNotes will have a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, no visible scars, and a faster recovery time.

Dr. Perry Lin of CRMC Medical Group Women’s Health has been specially trained on this innovative approach to hysterectomy. Dr. Lin is the only surgeon in the southeast Kansas/northeast Oklahoma region who is performing the technique vNotes. Dr. Lin says some patients are able to leave the hospital the same day they were admitted for their procedure.

Dr. Lin is accepting new patients at CRMC Medical Group – Women’s Health in Coffeyville and Independence. Call 620-251-0777 for an appointment.

A Fall River man is arrested for drugs during a traffic stop in Chanute. Earlier this week officers with the Chanute Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of W. Cherry St. and Plummer Ave.

After speaking with the persons involved, CPD officers arrested 63-year-old Ronnie Shockley of Fall River for expired vehicle registration, no proof of insurance. Shockley was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and interference with a law enforcement officer.

The reports of the arrest are sent to Neosho County Attorney’s Office for review and charges to be filed.

A Ulysses man has been sentenced to life in prison.

29-year-old Agustin Arredondo is sentenced in connection with the 2019 death of a child. Grant County District Judge Clinton Peterson sentenced Arredondo to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 25 years for the first-degree murder of a 3-year-old child.

In addition, Arredondo was given 110 months in a KDOC facility for one count of child abuse. The sentences are to be served consecutively, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.

Montgomery County and the entire region of Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma remain in the extreme drought category, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map.

A majority of the region varies between the extreme drought tier and the exceptional drought tier, which are the two most severe tiers of drought recorded. The extreme level is classified as pasture conditions are poor, emergency water supplies are needed and river levels are low.

The state of Kansas has 33% of its area in the Exceptional Drought category, which is the highest percentage since February 2013 and currently the largest percent area in D4 for any U.S. state, Oklahoma is second at 21%.

Coffeyville’s The annual Match Day is taking place today.  The annual fund raiser organized by the Coffeyville Area Community Foundation IS raising funds today for 25 area non-profit organizations.

Along with the help of the Pratt Family Charitable Fund, Bernard and Effie Jo Wade Family Foundation, David and Lynn Bumgarner Family Trust and the Kansas Health Foundation will match gifts up to a total of $50,000.

All contributions are tax deductable and you can donate in person at the former Community State Bank Drive-In at 8^th and Beech Streets or on line at givematchgrow.com

Donate and see current totals here:   www.givematchgrow.com

Red Raven Holiday returns to the campus of Coffeyville Community College tomorrow night.

Senior Director of College Relations, Marketing and Recruitment Yvonne Hull says the community is welcome to attend a variety of events on campus.

The evening will begin with three performances of “A Christmas Carol” in the Spencer/Rounds Theater at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.  This year's theme is an “old-fashioned Christmas” in honor of the college's 100^th anniversary.

The Labette County District One commissioner is ready for the shoes he has to fill of former Commissioner Lonie Addis. Commissioner-Elect Vince Schibi says Commissioner Addis will be hard to replace.

Schibi was one of six candidates in the primary before facing Democrat Mel Hass in the general election. Once Schibi filed to run in May he attended every commission meeting. He says he learned a lot in that time.

Schibi will officially take office in January where he will join District Two Commissioner Terry Weidert and District Three Commissioner Cole Proehl.

The Fredonia City Commission will hold a Special Meeting to seek input from members of the community. The Special meeting will be held at City Hall on Thursday, November 17^th at 5:00 pm. The City Commission is seeking public input from members of the community in reference to the solar farm project. The commission wants input from residents and business owners before the City Commission votes on the Fredonia Solar Farm Project.

The next regular commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7^th at 5:30 pm.

Officers with the Chanute Police Department in the process of executing a search warrant in the 1200 block of S. Highland Ave. arrested 22-year-old Ian Faller of Chanute for possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia. Also arrested were 29-year-old Brianna Dodd of Chanute and 32-year-old Justin Dodd of Chanute for Possession of methamphetamines, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and aggravated endangering of a child. Reports have been forwarded to the Neosho County Attorney’s Office for consideration of final charges.

A Coffeyville woman is arrested for felony possession of Methamphetamines. Officers with the Coffeyville Police department arrested 29-year-old Lasheena Armstrong late last week for alleged interference with a law enforcement officer; felony, possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia; criminal trespass and a warrant for failure to appear from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Reports of the arrest have been sent to the prosecuting attorney’s office for review and formal charges to be filed.

With Kansas’ fluctuating winter weather conditions, water can seep into foundation cracks in your home and freeze.

The City of Independence offers some timely tips to assist homeowners in preventing winter flooding:

You will want to protect your home by draining away water from the foundations, clear the roof and gutters of debris and leaves, thwart ice dams to keep water moving, inspect the water heater and insure it is functioning properly, and to prevent burst pipes insulate them with heat wrap if necessary and/or leave your water trickling to prevent freezing of the lines.

The City of Parsons Code Enforcement Officer Tyeler Riggs notified Parsons Police Officer Russel Parsons that a local man had been frequenting red-tagged or condemned houses in Parsons and that the suspect was spotted on the property in the 1800 block of Chess Ave. After contact was made by officer Parsons on Monday, Timothy Robinson was arrested for Criminal Trespass. According to the Parsons Police Department, Robinson had been warned numerous times to stay off red-tagged property.

As Robinson was booked into the jail, officers allegedly located over 41 grams of methamphetamines as well as narcotic pills, and a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his backpack.

Parsons Police are also charging Robinson with Felony Possession with the Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of a school. Reports of the arrest are sent to the Labette County Attorney’s Office for review.

The Sedan Police Department would like to remind you that someone needs you, so buckle up.

Starting Saturday, November 19 through Monday, November 27^th the Sedan Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies across the state in the Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign.

The Kansas Department of Transportation sponsors the awareness program and wants to make sure you arrive safely this holiday season as your friends and family are counting on you.

Kansas AG Derek Schmidt announced that his office has reached a settlement with Walmart that will resolve allegations that the company contributed to the opioid crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores.

Schmidt has secured at least $15 million for Kansas, but as details are finalized, the Kansas share is likely to increase, perhaps substantially. The settlement will provide more than $3 billion nationally and will require significant improvements in how Walmart’s pharmacies handle opioids, including robust oversight to prevent fraudulent prescriptions and flag suspicious prescriptions.

Additional national settlements have been reached with CVS Pharmacy for $5 billion and Walgreens Pharmacy for $3 billion. Terms for the state shares of the CVS and Walgreens settlements have not been finalized.

Under the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, proposed by Schmidt and enacted last year by the Kansas Legislature, money recovered by the attorney general pursuant to opioid litigation will be used to address substance abuse and help ensure addiction services are provided throughout the state.

The Oklahoma State Election Board has certified the 2022 General Election results for both state and federal elections.

The Board held a public meeting at the State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City yesterday. This certification is in addition to the local and county election results that were certified on Friday. The additional certification is required by law.

Candidates had until 5 p.m. on November 11th to contest an election but no contests were filed by either a state or federal candidate. The Secretary of the State Election Board will now issue certificates of election to successful candidates.

An Elk City man is found dead after a rural accident in Montgomery County.

During the early morning hours late last week, deputies were dispatched to Highway 160 near County Road 5000 for a one-vehicle accident. When deputies arrived on scene they found a dark-colored Chevy Trail Blazer on its side in the ditch. After a search of the area, deputies discovered the driver had been ejected from the vehicle during the accident.

The driver, who was identified as 49-year-old Tracy Adam Hale, had died due to the injuries suffered during the accident. The exact cause of the wreck is unknown, but the sheriff's office says it appears Hale’s vehicle left the roadway before rolling and coming to rest in the ditch. 

The Coffeyville Area Community Foundation Match Day is less than forty-eight hours away, with $50,000 in matching money provided for contributions given to support area nonprofit organizations and charitable funds in the community.

More organizations have been added to the list of groups that can be donated to this year.  A full list of organizations can be found at givematchgrow.com.  Organizers remind everyone that every donation adds up and that Match Day has made a nearly one-million-dollar impact on the community since its inception.

During Match Day on Thursday, you can donate in person, by mail or online. 

Montgomery County is looking for a new Executive Director of Juvenile Services.  Duane Powell, currently in the role, will be retiring in June of 2023. Powell made the decision to retire a couple of weeks ago and announced it to the board this week.

The Executive Director of Juvenile Services is responsible for managing grant funding and programs that have been approved and initiated by the JCAB, as well as reviewing and reporting all juvenile offender grievances.

Other items of note from the county commissioner meeting was the approval of an Occupational License for Coffeyville Country Club, an update on the Broadband program with the county computer department, as well as the coordination with KDOT on a new bike path through the public works department.

Montgomery County Commissioner meetings are each Monday at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center in downtown Independence. The meetings are also streamed live on Facebook and Zoom.

Roof and facade repairs are being made to the Spencer/Rounds Performing Arts Theatre on the campus of Coffeyville Community College.

Senior Director of College Relations and Student Services Yvonne Hull says the project has been a long time coming.  Hull says the project has taken a little bit longer than they'd hoped but adds the facility is still open during construction.

An additional gym is needed for South Coffeyville Schools.

That's the word from members of the school board at their meeting last night. While this problem is nothing new, Superintendent Daryl Pruter says it's a combination of the gym's small size and congestion as the current gym is shared between the elementary school and the high school.

Pruter and other board members heard a presentation from Crossland Construction on their proposal to act as a construction management firm if a bond for the gym is passed. Pruter says ideally a bond issue would be passed in April, and construction could start sometime after that. One million dollars in funding is available for the auxiliary gym.

In other business, the board heard from Coach Rich Giesen who proposed his idea to improve conditions in the weight room with some minor renovations totaling $4,500 to be raised in part through donations.

USD 445 Board of Education approves the retirement of the Indian Education Director and the hiring of a new director. Current Director Kris Crane says she's had multiple different roles in the district over the years.

Erin Lee, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, has been hired as the new director. Crane says Lee has been a member of the parent committee so she understands the role of the director.

Crane's retirement is effective at the end of the year. In other business, the board approved a number of the superintendent's recommendations including purchasing new classroom furniture and a retention incentive to be paid to all returning district staff.

Labette County Commissioner is elected to office after serving one year by appointment after the former commissioner was recalled. District Two Commissioner Terry Weidert says even though he ran unopposed it was good to see the support he got at the polls.

When Commissioner-Elect Vince Schibi takes office in January, Commissioner Weidert will have one year of experience and Commissioner Cole Proehl will have just over two years of experience. Weidert says he's thankful to have had a year to work alongside Commissioner Lonie Addis, who has had 40 years of experience.  Weidert says his goals for the commission include improvements to roads and bridges, employee salaries and lowering the cost of insurance.

The Labette County Commission puts a moratorium on the construction of wind turbines in the county for 15 months. Commissioner Terry Weidert says the length of the moratorium is on recommendation from Attorney Ross Albertini.

Albertini is the city attorney in Parsons who put together the zoning plan for the city. He was asked by the Labette County Planning and Zoning board to put together an estimated timeline for a zoning plan and map and update current zoning guidelines. The commission voted 2-1 to approve the moratorium with Commissioner Cole Proehl voting no.

The Coffeyville Board of Education will discuss several ways to spend the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund money at their meeting tonight.

The fund came about during the COVID-19 pandemic and is a $190 billion nationwide program to assist schools with creating healthy learning environments, returning students to classrooms and addressing local needs.  According to Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll, the board will vote to use about $17,000 of the money on new chairs for Coffeyville Elementary School.

Correll says the current chairs have been in use since the school opened and need to be replaced.  The board will also discuss using third-round funding to pay a retention incentive to all returning district staff for the 2022-2023 school year.  Finally, the board will accept resignations and retirements, including Indian Education Director Kris Crane, who will retire at the end of the year.

Correll says Crane has been a good resource to the district, having come out of retirement once already.

Correll is recommending Erin Lee to fill Crane's position, and the board will consider that recommendation at their meeting, which starts tonight at 5 p.m. at the education center.

The first signs of winter weather are forecasted for later today into tonight in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison offers his tips and helpful information with the first snowfall of the season incoming.

Harrison says it's important to remember that slick roads increase the time needed for a vehicle to stop and that taking the foot off the gas pedal slightly can greatly limit the chances of an accident or sliding.

If your car stalls and limits safe travel in the winter conditions, Chief Harrison says the best thing to do is stay with your vehicle until the proper help arrives.

With more time needed to drive safely and prepare your vehicle for slick roads and cold temperatures, it's important to be prepared with the necessary tools and equipment. Harrison mentions three key items to keep in your car that will drastically improve your safe driving this winter.

Stay tuned to the Mighty 690 for the latest weather conditions and cancellations, should they arise.

With food pantries struggling to help their communities across the Midwest, and with the holiday season approaching, seasonal depression and budget limitations often make their way into everyday life.

The Independence Church of the Nazarene is offering an evening of hope tomorrow night at their 3167 South 10^th Street location. Independence Church of the Nazarene's Bill Knight says the event will begin at 5:00 pm, with bags of food resembling a Thanksgiving dinner given away at 5:30.

Clothing and other items will be available, including family portraits and medical screenings available for no charge.  Knight says everyone is welcome to attend Evening of Hope; for more information, call 620-331-5404.

The first snow of the season is on the way.

Periods of rain will mix with snow later this morning then transition to all snow by late afternoon and evening. The evening commute may be impacted by accumulating snow on some roadways.

The Coffeyville area will see a trace to one inch of snow. Areas north and west will see a trace to two inches.  Northeast Oklahoma will see less than an inch of accumulation.

Independence Community College hosts a ribbon cutting for their new Student Health Center.

In partnership with Labette Health, ICC will offer on-campus healthcare services to students, faculty and staff. Labette Health Foundation Executive Director Anthony Vaughan says the Student Health Center will allow students, faculty and staff to seek medical attention for minor ailments on campus. Students can consult with a certified healthcare professional. The center is located on the upper level of the student union by the ICC Cafeteria and Cyber Café.

Vice President for Student Affairs David Adams says he hopes the Student Health Center gives students a sense of ease during a potentially stressful time of being sick or hurt away from home.

Cherryvale's scholars bowl wins a tournament held in Eureka.

The high school varsity team took 1st place in the annual Babson Tournament held last night in Eureka. There were twelve teams that competed in the event. Cherryvale was first in their pool play to move on to the next level, where they beat Caney and Burlington to win the championship round.

Members of the team include Morgan Laso, Katrelle Narcisse, Revel Stiles, Allyson Tafolla and Jozie Conner.

Today is Veterans Day and there are several area events today and this weekend honoring those who served.

In Parsons, a parade will start at 9 a.m. in downtown. 

The Sedan FFA is sponsoring a Veterans Assembly & Lunch that starts today at 10 a.m. at the high school.

Also at 10 a.m., the Veterans Day parade gets underway in Cherryvale.  The parade will start at the corner of East Main and Carson streets and will end at Cherryvale Community Center.  Following the parade is the annual soup and chili feed with students from Lincoln-Central Elementary School performing a musical in honor of local veterans.

In Coffeyville, a Veterans Day Program will take place tomorrow starting at 11 a.m. with guest speaker Chaplain Captain Jason Sterling.  There is a dinner at 5 p.m. tonight with entertainment at VFW Post 1022 in Coffeyville.  

Independence already celebrated its Veterans Day of Honor last Saturday with a full day of events.

Labette County is still under a county-wide burn ban that includes the cities of Oswego, Chetopa and Edna.

Commissioner Lonie Addis says he has had a number of people ask if the county is still under the ban. He says the ban cannot be lifted without a majority vote of the county commission.

Emergency Management Director Charlie Morse polled the county fire chiefs last night, who voted unanimously to keep the county under a ban. Addis says even though it is the decision of the commission he would not go against the fire chiefs' wishes so the ban will stay in place

A Cherokee County Jury returned guilty verdicts this afternoon following a two-day trial held at the Cherokee County Courthouse.

42-year-old Joseph Shipps, of Sikeston, Missouri, was found guilty of robbery, attempting to elude law enforcement and driving while suspended. In December 2019, Shipps went to an area home and asked the homeowner to give him a ride to a nearby store. During the trip, a Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, at which point Shipps forced the man out of the vehicle and drove off.

The Deputy pursued Shipps into Oklahoma, where the Oklahoma Highway Patrol helped bring the vehicle to a stop. Shipps is being held in the Cherokee County Jail without bond pending sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.

While overall inflation did not increase by as much as anticipated, prices of goods and services are still hurting most families and especially those on fixed incomes.

To better understand how much prices have risen, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics it now takes $118.39 cents to buy the same amount of goods and services that would have cost $100 in January 2019. The same $100 of goods and services in 2010 cost you $137.53 by October 2022. So in 3 years prices have increased more than they did in the previous 9 years combined.

The largest price rise in September is the cost of fuel oil. It has increased over the last 12 months by over 65%, in comparison gasoline, in the same 12-month percentage change, is up by 17.5%, the electricity index rose 14.1% and natural gas increased by 20% over the same period. If this winter is colder or longer than anticipated then those numbers may rise significantly.

Some food costs also continued to rise in September as well, with cereals and bakery products up 15.9% followed by dairy and related products rising by 15.5%. Overall food costs over the last 12 months have risen by 10.9%.

The City of Cherryvale would like to remind fishermen about the Lake Tanko Trout Delivery. Earlier this week the yearly trout stocking happened at Lake Tanko. There is plenty of good-eating-size trout stocked every year at Cherryvale’s Lank Tanko, but there are also a few lunkers released to test your line. If you have questions call city hall at 620-336-2776.

The Parsons Public Safety Sales Tax measure was defeated as the unofficial final vote was 1,333 no votes to 881 yes votes.

The City sales tax was proposed in an attempt to raise revenue to relieve budget issues facing the city. The police and fire plan to caucus with City Hall to evaluate needs against resources and develop a strategic vision moving forward. Needs like fire truck replacement, upgrading the emergency radio system, police vehicles, and safety equipment will have to be evaluated.

In a Facebook post, the Parsons Police Department says stopping the bleeding of losing police and firefighters to better-paid agencies is of extreme concern. They say without a career workforce they are grinding up good employees who are working excessive overtime with little time off. The PPD said that is not sustainable and it’s not efficient.

The Parsons Police Department would like to hear feedback from the community. Drop them a note at clamb@parsonspd.com and let them know what’s truly important to you from the fire and police departments in Parsons.

Coffeyville Community College will host the upcoming Red Raven Fall Sports banquet. The Fall Sports Banquet will highlight the Red Raven Football, Soccer, and Volleyball teams.

The banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6^th in the Nellis East gym at 6:00 pm. Registration starts at 5:30 pm. The cost is $15 for a single and $25 for a couple. Reservations are due by Monday, November 28^th.

To place a reservation contact Jana Kastler by email (kastler.jana@coffeyville.edu) or by phone (620-252-7029).

Montgomery County Clerk Charlotte Scott Schmidt would remind everyone that the county offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

Tomorrow the county courthouse in Independence and the Tag office in Coffeyville will be closed and will be back to normal business hours on Monday.

Wilson County sees a very successful Election Day turnout, with approximately 59% voter turnout. County Clerk Kayla Busch says it's a very good number for the county.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were the plans to begin cleaning and landscaping the two lakes in the county, approving 11 total holidays for county employees for next year, as well as a new agreement with Aaxcel Overhead Doors in Caney.

Wilson County Commissioner meetings take place each Wednesday at 9:00am in Room 101 of the County Courthouse in downtown Fredonia.

Following a big win in Tuesday’s election, newly elected District 11 State Representative Ron Bryce says he’s overwhelmed with gratitude and wants to thank all those involved in his campaign.

Bryce says he’s ready to get involved when he’s sworn-in in January and has some committees he'd like to join.  Bryce, a Republican won with 74% of the vote and will assume office on January 9^th.   

The Montgomery County Department of Emergency Management has been approved to participate in the Kansas state emergency management performance grant, it was announced Monday at the county commission meeting. Assistant Emergency Manager Lee Miller says the county has participated in this program in prior years, and that all prerequisites have been met to continue this opportunity.

Miller says the program sends funds to each of the 50 states. Other topics on the meeting agenda were a presentation from Yerkes & Michels in Independence regarding tax and accounting information, as well as a Human Resources executive session with Director Becky Lewis.

The Montgomery County Commission meetings take place each Monday at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center in downtown Independence. The meetings are always open to the public, and also streamed live on Facebook and Zoom.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has been re-elected as governor beating Republican Challenger Derek Schmidt.

Kelly received 479,878 votes or 49.2% of the votes while Schmidt received 465,623 votes or 47.7 percent of the votes. The other two party candidates received 30,417 votes combined, which was 3.1% of the votes.

In a Facebook post, Kelly thanked Kansas for another four years. She says as they move forward, she will continue to be fully committed to working with Kansans of all political stripes to make this the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Schmidt congratulated Kelly on the victory and wished the best for the state over the next four years.

For the first time in 40 years, Labette County District One will have a new county commissioner. Commission Chair Lonie Addis, who announced in May he wouldn't seek re-election, says he just didn't have it in him to serve another term.

Republican Candidate Vincent Schibi was elected as the new commissioner for District One beating Democrat Candidate Mel Hass. Addis says he's been impressed with Schibi.

Addis says that come January, when he's officially retired, he's going to spend more time with family and he wants to start reading more. The commission will go from over 40 years of experience between the three commissioners to less than five between all three. Addis says he's always available for any advice or help he can offer.

The Sedan FFA is sponsoring a Veterans Assembly & Lunch to honor those who served.

All veterans and their families are welcome to attend an assembly this Friday, November 11 at 10 am in the auditorium. The assembly is to express appreciation and thank those who served this great country. At 11 lunch will be served in the FACS room by the Sedan FFA.

You are asked to RSVP if you would like to attend by calling the Sedan High School at 620-725-3186.

The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold its last public meeting of 2022. KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless will provide an agency and state fiscal status update, followed by a general discussion period. The meeting will begin at 1 pm on November 17^th.

There are several items to be discussed and voted on at a later date including big game season, bag limits, permits, and tags as well as fish creel limits, size limits, possession limits, and seasons.

The discussion will end and the staff and commissioners will recess at 5 pm and reconvene at 6:30 pm to hear public comment on items not listed on the agenda and vote on cabin rates, then legal equipment, taking method, and general provisions for furbearers and coyotes as well as updates to regulations related to the commercial harvest salvage and sale of freshwater mussels.

The meeting is open to the public in person at the Colby Event center in Colby, KS or you can participate virtually or you can watch a live stream.

To participate virtually click here to access login instructions: https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMDkuNjY0MDgxMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0tEV1BULUluZm8vQ29tbWlzc2lvbi9JbnN0cnVjdGlvbnMtdG8tUGFydGljaXBhdGUtaW4tVmlydHVhbC1NZWV0aW5nIn0.oqYynXVbXVMONoO6O00vYlRqTbv-gIEJhy1et9psGcs/s/2130229494/br/147752450906-l

To watch a live stream click here: https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMDkuNjY0MDgxMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0tEV1BULUluZm8vQ29tbWlzc2lvbi9XYXRjaC1NZWV0aW5ncy1IZXJlIn0.YWpHPpc_RjkSH1COcXPWy3W-gt3gHxIqDC6ojGQBMP0/s/2130229494/br/147752450906-l

Download an agenda and briefing book by clicking here: https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMDkuNjY0MDgxMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0tEV1AtSW5mby9Db21taXNzaW9uL01lZXRpbmctU2NoZWR1bGUvTm92ZW1iZXItMTctMjAyMiJ9.5UtnkWn0QwAHYNqeePM4FNk-VMGjkA5r6YE6EIkOV34/s/2130229494/br/147752450906-l

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702. 

The Labette Community College will honor all who served with a Military Appreciation Night.

Free admission will be given for all military, veterans, and their families at the home LCC basketball games on Monday, November 14^th. The lady Cardinals tip off at 5:30 and & at 7:30 the LCC men take the court.

Current military, Veterans and their families are welcomed for free to both games.

The Parsons Public Library will host a free program that invites Kansans to learn more about the history of American democracy, spark conversations, and generate insights.

“Voices of Japanese ‘War Brides’ in Postwar Kansas” is a presentation and discussion by Ayako Mizumura about the Japanese women who fled the devastation of a war-torn Japan after WWII by marrying US military men and moving to the US.

Mizumura is the academic director of the University of Kansas’s Center of East Asian Studies.

The program will be held in the main area of the library tonight at 6 pm. All are invited to attend. The library is located at 311 S. 17^th. For more info call the library at 620-421-5920

In an extremely close race, there’s no word yet as to whether a recount will be called for in the election for Kansas Governor.  The final, unofficial numbers from the Secretary of State’s office show Democratic incumbent Laura Kelly with 49% of the vote and Republican challenger Derek Schmidt from Montgomery County with 48%.  Only 14,255 votes separate the two candidates.

Early this morning Schmidt said the final vote count would probably not be known for a while and told supporters to go home for the night.  Governor Kelly has not yet made a comment on the close race. 

Republican Ron Bryce has been elected to the Kansas State Legislature.  Final numbers show that Bryc e defeated Democrat Greg Wilkinson 74% to 26%.

Although the final results weren’t known until early this morning, Bryce says he felt that strong voter turnout would favor his campaign.

Bryce, of Coffeyville, will fill the seat being vacated by Representative Jim Kelly of Independence who is retiring.  The final count was delayed apparently due to issues with a new vote-counting machine being used by Montgomery County. 

A railroad crossing gate will be installed near the intersection of 9^th street and Patterson in Coffeyville.

At their meeting last night, the Coffeyville City Commission adopted a resolution to approve an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation and the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad to install a gate at the crossing. The gate will include new arms and lights. Currently, that crossing is only equipped with flashing lights and does not have arms to prevent drivers from crossing the tracks.

In other business, the commission approved the purchase of a core drill and attachments that will enable the collection of core samples to see road conditions under the pavement.

Three Independence Community College Pirate staff, in three different departments, are recognized with national awards. The trio was honored at the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Region IV-WE Joint Conference in Chicago last week.

Cherie Stockton was honored with the Support Staff of the Year Award. Laura Jamison was recognized with the Community College Professional of the Year Award and Laura Allison won the Most Innovative Program category with her Financial Literacy Event the Price is Right.

ICC’s Vice President for Student Affairs, David Adams said he was continually impressed with the team’s work ethic and care for their students and that he was so happy the team, who he said could not be more deserving, was recognized for their hard efforts.

Incumbent Republican Jake LaTurner has won reelection to the U.S. House in the Kansas 2nd Congressional District.

LaTurner currently sits at 58% with 131,199 votes over challenger Democrat Patrick Schmidt's 42% and 95,804 votes.  Schmidt led early in the evening after the polls closed but his lead slowly slipped away once election-day vote counting started.

(Vote totals updated 11/9/22 6:12 a.m.)

It appears that Republican Ron Bryce will be elected to the Kansas State Legislature.  Although final numbers are not yet available Bryce has a commanding lead over Democrat Greg Wilkinson.  As of early this morning Bryce has a 74% to 26% lead of 4,505 votes to Wilkinson’s 1,548.  During a watch party last night Bryce said he’s optimistic due to strong voter turn-out.

If that lead holds Bryce, of Coffeyville will fill the seat being vacated by Representative Jim Kelly of Independence who is retiring.  The final count has been delayed apparently due to issues with a new vote counting machine being used by Montgomery County. 

Governor Laura Kelly has a slim lead to retain the Governor’s seat in the early morning hours.  Kelly, a Democrat has a 40% to 47% lead over Republican Derek Schmidt of Montgomery County.  In early returns Kelly had a commanding lead but as more and more precincts across the state reported, that margin continued to shrink to just a 17,363 vote margin with 158 prcincts across the state still uncounted.

In other statewide races Kansas Senator Jerry Moran easily retained his seat with a resounding victory over Democratic challenger Mark Holland.  U.S. Representatives Tracy Mann, Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes and Sharice Davids all retained their seats in Congress.

Republican Secretary of State, Scott Schwab defeated Democrat Jeanna Repass.  Republican Vicki Schmidt defeated Democrat Kiel Corkran for Insurance Commissioner.  And the Constitutional Amendment to give the State Legislature oversight over rules and regulations imposed by state agencies was defeated while the Amendment to elect and recall sheriffs passed.

The monster truck event scheduled for this weekend at the Caney Valley Speedway has been rescheduled.

The Monster Truck Nitro Tour event that was originally scheduled for this Saturday has been moved to April 1^st, 2023. The tickets for both shows this weekend will be valid for the April 1^st shows so make sure to hold on to those tickets.

In honor of International Education Week, Independence Community College’s International Student Organization invites the public to the Flay Day Ceremony. Admission to the event is free.

Miss Kansas 2022, Anyanna Hensley will open the ceremony on Wednesday, November 16^th from 11 am to noon. Students will raise a flag of each country represented on campus.

Vice President for Student Affairs, David Adams says that this gives ICC the opportunity to recognize and appreciate our international and diverse faculty, staff, and students. Adams went on to say that the flags would stay up for many months to remind us of this special event.

Officers with the Chanute Police Department add further charges to Centralia, MO man with whom they served a felony warrant. Late last week in the 3400 block of S Santa Fe Ave. officers while in the process of serving a felony arrest warrant also charged 32-year-old Nathan Dinwiddie of Centralia, MO with alleged possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The arrest reports were forwarded to the Neosho County attorney’s office for review and consideration of charges to be filed.

The City of Chanute will see changes in the refuse collection dates at the end of this week.

Due to the Veterans Day holiday on Friday, November 11^th the landfill will be closed and Friday trash collection routes will be collected on Thursday, November 10^th.

The landfill will be open regular hours 8 am to noon on Saturday, November 12^th. If you have questions call 620-431-5250

Area high school juniors and seniors who may be considering attending Independence Community College will want to be a part of the ICC Arts Day.

Arts and Humanities Division Head, Heather Mydosh says participants have the opportunity to see up close and for themselves what it’s like to work with professors in their area of specialty on December 2nd.

Students will need to sign up for the various workshops in art, communications, and theatre. New this year workshops will be offered for school professionals and support staff.

Director of Theatre Performance, Paul Molnar says that Arts Day is a wonderful way for potential students to get a day-in-the-life-of experience.

For more information contact Taylor Crawshaw at her email: tcrawshaw@indycc.edu

Independence Community College is hosting an open house for the Fab Lab. The Fab Lab serves the ICC campus and the surrounding community. It allows for access to fabrication tools, teaches ICC courses, supports entrepreneurs, and hosts a variety of youth summer camps.

The community and surrounding areas are invited to the open house on Tuesday, November 15^th from 1 to 6 pm. Admission is free. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Taylor Crawshaw says they are excited to provide an opportunity for the community to come and explore. There will be events throughout the day as well as demos of new tools like the laser engraver, 3D printers, and more.

Independence Community College together with Labette Health will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Student Health Center will allow ICC students, faculty, and staff to seek medical attention for minor ailments on campus. The event will take place from 9 to 9:30 am in the Student Union this Friday, November 11th. It is open to the public.

The ribbon cutting will be followed by a small gathering at the Cyber Café, breakfast will be available. Vice President for Student Affairs, David Adams says that struggling with health ailments can be a huge barrier for students; he hopes the Student Health Center will give students a sense of ease during a potentially stressful time of being sick or hurt away from home.

Voting is now underway across the country and local politicians are reminding everyone of the importance of casting your ballot.

Kansas State District 12 Representative Doug Blex says elections can be decided by only a handful of votes.

Some of the races are expected to be very close according to Kansas Second Congressional District Representative Jake LaTurner.

If you'd like to preview your ballot before you head to the polls, sample ballots are available here.

Live election coverage will start tonight at 7 p.m. on KGGF.

Early voting and mail-in voting numbers are higher in two of three counties in the area.

In Montgomery County, there were 812 early ballots and 666 of the 948 mail-in ballots sent out have been returned. In Wilson County, there were 528 early ballots and 210 of the 355 mail-in ballots have been returned. Both those numbers are higher in both of those counties compared to the 2020 election.

In Labette County, there were 253 early ballots and 426 of the 584 mail-in ballots have been returned compared to 2020 where there were 732 early ballots and 1994 mail ballots returned out of the 2154 sent out.

A Labette County inmate is found dead.

Yesterday morning around 9:50am, 31-year-old Kenneth J. Jones, Jr. was discovered unresponsive by his cellmates in the Labette County Detention Center. Jones had suffered an apparent self-inflicted injury. CPR was initiated and EMS was contacted. EMS transported Jones to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of investigating the deaths of prisoners in the custody of Kansas jails and prisons unless a physician is regularly attending to the inmate who dies, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.

A Chanute woman is arrested during a traffic stop. Officers with the Chanute Police Department conducted a traffic stop last week in the 1700 block of S. Santa Fe Ave.

30-year-old Megan Monk of Chanute was cited for driving without a valid driver's license. While conducting the stop Officers found illegal drugs. Monk was arrested for alleged possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.

The Neosho County Attorney will review the reports and determine the charges being filed.

Totah Communications is slated to receive a grant for over $3.2 million from the Kansas Capital Project Funds Broadband Grant Program. The funding resulted from the US Department of Treasury’s approval of the Kansas Program which aims to solve the “last mile” of broadband need in critical rural areas.

Kansas was one of the first eight states approved for the funds and was allocated over $83 million. Governor Laura Kelly made the announcement this week and said she is continuing to deliver on the goal of giving every Kansan a connection to the world.

The grant awarded to Totah Communications is specifically allocated to connect 500 rural premises in Montgomery and Chautauqua counties that currently receive telephone service from Totah.

This is the first of three rounds of awards and all 141 applications remain eligible for the next two rounds of funding.

A Chanute woman is arrested for possession of multiple illegal drugs. Last week Officers with the Chanute Police Department investigated a call of suspicious activity in the 1700 block of S. Santa Fe Ave.

During the course of their investigation, and after speaking with the persons involved, 23-year-old Olivia Seri of Chanute was charged with alleged possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia. The Neosho County Attorney will review the arrest reports and consider charges to be filed.

Independence Community College has picked a new board of Trustees Member. Spencer Weaver was selected for his educational background and energy according to Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Sherwood.

Weaver, who hails from Olathe, moved to SE Kansas in 2015 and taught government and history at Independence High School. Weaver graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction and K-12 Administration

Election day is tomorrow and KGGF will have election coverage for you all evening.

Coverage will start at 7 p.m. with a look at national returns from FOX News. We'll be covering the local and state races for you with live reports from the Montgomery and Chautauqua County Courthouses plus the Ron Bryce watch party. State returns will also be provided in updates from the Kansas Information Network. 

Sample ballots from Montgomery, Labette, Wilson and Chautauqua County can be found here.

The Chautauqua County Board of Commissioners meets with Joe Reed about the progress of the new animal shelter. At the regularly scheduled session, today Commissioner Rodney Shaw asked Reed about the changes that will come with the new building.

The Chautauqua County Animal shelter will host an open house this Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The new shelter location is about ¼ mile south of Sedan on Hwy 99 on the west side of the road. 

Independence Community College has announced that a new endowed scholarship aims to help neurodivergent students continue their education. Preference will be given to students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism spectrum Disorder, or Sensory Processing Disorder.

The Scholarship is made possible by the gift of Dr. Jonathan Sadhoo and India Bennett. Bennett said as parents of neurodivergent children, they know how challenging it can be for them to feel supported and successful during their academic journey.

Dr. Sadhoo is currently the Vice President for Administration and Finance at ICC, and Bennett serves as the Veteran Student Success Program Coordinator. They have been involved in the Pirate community for the last 3 ½ years. The Sadhoo & Bennett Endowed Scholarship requires that students be enrolled full-time and keep a 2.75 GPA.

Schwann’s is expanding their refrigeration distribution center at their pizza manufacturing facility in Salina; a move which will add 225 jobs and 140,000 square feet to the operation. Governor Laura Kelly toured the facility Thursday; she says Schwann’s is a crucial part of the state’s economic renaissance. The distribution center, built in 2006, will be more than twice the size of the original building, with the expansion making the distribution center more than 245,000 square feet. The state of the art expansion will include a 38,000 pallet position racking system with three automated pallet cranes. Once all growth projects are completed, the manufacturing and distribution components of the Salina operations will exceed more than one million square feet.

The College of Technology at Pittsburg State University is holding an Open House and Career Expo on Friday from 8 a.m. until noon in the Kansas Technology Center.

The event is a great opportunity for area high school and community college students to explore programs and make connections that could lead to career opportunities, says Andra Stefanoni, Director of Media Relations at Pitt State.

Demonstrations will be held in Robotics, Animation, Construction, 3D Printing, and more.

More than 700 students have already registered, with another 230 students planning on attending a virtual version of the event.

For questions or details, contact John Iley with the College of Technology at 620-235-4373 or at jiley@pittstate.edu .

A Parsons woman was sentenced Thursday in Labette County Circuit Court for one count of forgery and one count of making a false claim to the Kansas Medicaid program. 32-year old Lacinda Morris was sentenced to 18 months of supervised probation, ordered to attend an in-patient substance abuse program, and also ordered to pay over $9,400 in restitution, after the investigation determined that Morris, whose mother was incarcerated for a time, submitted time sheets for payment from the Medicaid program as if she was providing care for her mother at the time.  This case was a part of “Operation Keeping Them Honest”, a program between the Attorney General’s office and the U-S Department of Health and Human Services, to investigate fraudulent billing to Medicaid for in home services.

Montgomery County Commissioners will meet in an executive session with Human Resources Director, Becky Lewis during their regular meeting Monday morning.  In other business Commissioners will hear reports from representatives of the CPA firm of Yerkes and Michel and c Works Director Jim Wright.  Commissioners will also consider a request for approval of a  grant application from Jim Wright of Emergency Management.  Monday’s County Commission meeting gets underway Monday morning at 9 in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence.

Many Kansans own a rain gauge and check it periodically, but Leo Noland of Longton, KS in Elk County has been checking his rain gauge religiously for 40 years, and this week he got an award for his services.

Wichita Meteorologist-In-Charge Ken Cook and Observation Program Leader Scott Smith from the National Weather Service came to Longton this week to recognize Noland for his many years of service. Noland is one of more than 11,000 volunteers around the U.S. who collect weather data and send it to the National Centers for Environmental Information and to the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University.

The data provided by Observers is used for a wide variety of weather forecasts and studies plus business and media interests.

The Parsons Elks Lodge, Home Town Healthcare & Presbyterian Manor join forces on Veterans Day. The VFW Post will be the site for the Parsons Veterans Day Lunch at noon on Friday, November 11th. The meal, which features chicken and noodles, is free for Vets and $10 for all others. Free rides for Veterans all day long will be offered by PTE just call 620-423-5147. You may schedule a meal delivery for a vet as well by calling 620-288-0655.

The Independence Presbyterian Church is welcoming back the Independence Community College’s Community Choral & Orchestral concert. The ICC Fine Arts Department will feature the Community Choir, Chamber Ensemble, and Community Orchestra in what Interim Professor of Instrumental Music and Interim Director of Instrumental Music Bridget Carson says is a wonderful space to make music. Carson says it will be a pleasure to partner with the church to gather donations for the food pantry. While the admission is free and open to the public on Thursday, November 17 at 7 pm and will feature a mixture of late fall holiday favorites, you are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item, which will be accepted and delivered to the Independence Food Pantry. Carson hopes their performance at the Independence Presbyterian Church taps the season’s comfort, wonder, introspection, and promise for our audience.

Trout Season in Kansas has started. Trout season runs through April 15^th, 2023 in Kansas. Anglers can find a list of stocked locations with stocking schedules at ksoutdoors.com. While most fish stocked are rainbows, occasionally golden rainbows have been added for a genetic variation or novelty fish. Fish that are stocked will be good eating sizes, however, a few lunkers are added at each site to give enthusiasts the opportunity to catch a trophy. A Kansas trout permit must be purchased for those 16 and older, unless exempt, and is $14.50. Anglers 15 and younger can get the permit for $7. Follow the link in the online version of this story to purchase a permit, download the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app or visit a vendor near you.

Caney’s epic water crisis has encountered another proverbial pothole. Late last week we learned of the city of Caney’s rollout of the tiered billing computation method that was going to take place on this current month’s bill. Then we learned early this week that the ill-timed rollout wasn’t going to start until the next billing cycle due in December.

However, in a special session Wednesday, the city of Caney’s water woe frown lines concerning the Tier system only deepened as the new billing method created more questions than it answered and the council was made painfully aware it had garnered more local ire and mistrust as many citizens came forth with November water bills which contained errors. The City Council said corrected bills would not be mailed to customers. Many citizens, also let the City Council know that they felt their meters had not even been read.

In consideration of the issues, the council unanimously voted to rescind the new rate structure. Once it is confirmed that all water meters will be read, the council will take up the ordinance discussion in the next regular session on Monday, November 7^th.

Optimistically, Caney might get some much-needed help from mother nature this weekend as everyone should pray that most of these proverbial potholes will be smoothed over with a good heavy rain.

Candidates across the state of Kansas are trying to make their final impression on voters with less than a week to go before election day.

Current Attorney General and Gubernatorial Candidate Derek Schmidt stopped by the KGGF studios on his way to the Coffeyville Chamber's monthly Business Over Breakfast event to give an update on his campaign.

Schmidt, who is a Republican running against current incumbent Democrat Laura Kelly says he has several priorities if elected.

Schmidt says as a more long-term goal, it's essential to make a four-lane highway across southeast Kansas a priority.

Schmidt also mentioned the importance of phasing out state income tax on qualified retirement income in an attempt to keep retirees from leaving the state.

Schmidt's full interview can be heard here.

For the 27^th consecutive month, Kansas has exceeded estimates of total tax receipts. Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas’s total tax receipts were over $740 million which is about 11% or $73 million above the estimate. The total tax income was also 11% higher than last October.

Some of the increase was due to retail sales tax collections outpacing estimates by almost $22 million or over 9%. While individual income tax collections were higher than the estimate by more than 17%, corporate income tax collections were 1.6% less than predicted and they were almost 19% less than October 2021.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on November 9th to review and possibly revise the Fiscal Year 2023 estimate and make its initial forecast for 2024. 

Parsons Police Department is observing no shave November. This year the officers that are allowed to participate will use the event to contribute to the PPD’s shop with a cop program that helps underprivileged children in the community. Working with the Duke Mason Band and other organizations, last year 25 children were able to shop with cops. With partners like Walmart, it is a tremendous success for the Parsons families. If you wish to make a donation to the shop with a cop program, please contact Charlotte Lamb at 620-421-7060.

Independence man is facing multiple charges after domestic disturbance. Monday at about 6:20 officers responded to the area of S. 2^nd and E Walnut in Independence for a complaint of a domestic disturbance. After speaking with those involved and through the course of their investigation officers from the Independence Police Department arrested 27-year-old Kyler B. Duke for domestic battery, child endangerment, and disorderly conduct. Duke is awaiting his first court appearance.

A 15-year-old Independence minor is arrested for felony Criminal Damage. Monday Independence Police were dispatched to the Independence High School for a report of damaged property. After an investigation officers arrested the young male teen for Felony Criminal Damage to Property. Reports of the arrest have been sent to the prosecutor for review.

The threat of thunderstorms causes the rescheduling of the Caney Bullpups vs Council Grove 2A regional football game. With the threat of heavy thunderstorms looming on Friday, the Class 2A Regional Championship game will be moved up one day and will be played this Thursday, November 3. Kickoff will be a 6:30 at Caney vs Council Grove. Good luck Bullpups.

In a story written yesterday, it was erroneously stated that Polling places may be different for some voters in Chautauqua County. That is not correct. All polling places are the same as they were in the August primary.   As required by Kansas law, anytime a polling location is changed, affected voters will be notified by mail at least 30 days prior to any election.     What was correct in the story were the actual polling locations by precinct. But just to be clear, the voting place in Peru is God’s Lighthouse of Prayer church, and that polling place is for Peru-Belleville and Little Caney precincts. In Cedar Vale, those who reside in Caneyville, Harrison, and Jefferson precincts go to the First Baptist Annex and all other precincts will need to go to the Sedan High School Gymnasium. Call the Clerk’s office with questions at 620-725-5800.

A Traffic stop in Chanute ends with an arrest for drugs. Late last week the Chanute Police conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of N. Santa Fe Ave. 31-year-old Joel Maple of Chanute was placed under arrest for no valid drives license, no insurance, and no registration. Upon further investigation, Maple was found to allegedly possess methamphetamine and paraphernalia as well as a weapon, which Maple legally is banned from owning or carrying. Upon completion, the arrest reports are forwarded to Neosho County Attorney’s office for review and formal charges.

A Chanute woman is arrested for the mistreatment of a dependent adult. Last week Officers responded to the 900 block of S. Washington Ave. for a welfare check. In speaking with the persons involved and upon further investigation Officers with Chanute Police Department arrested 57-year-old Brenda Thomison of Chanute for mistreatment of a dependent adult, possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and a firearm by a person addicted to or using a controlled substance. Reports were sent to the Neosho county Attorney's Office for review and consideration of charges to be filed.

Join St. Andrew’s Church for their annual holiday market and chicken-noodle lunch. Take part in the raffle, and silent auction, and purchase some baked goods, crafts, or Christmas past. Then savor some homemade chicken and noodles and more on November 12 from 8 am to 1 pm in the parish center at St. Andrew’s in Independence. The Silent Auction will end at the closing of the market at 1 pm.

A Parsons man attempts to allegedly steal a safe using a bicycle and a wagon. Late last week Parsons Police were dispatched to the 2300 block of Stevens for a burglary in progress. When Sergeant Waylon Kepley arrived at the location, he was made aware a man dressed in all black was witnessed by the neighbor to have carried a safe out from the house. Sgt. Kepley noticed the back door was standing open and while waiting for backup to arrive the alleged suspect, in all black, rode past Officer Kepley on a bicycle pulling a wagon with a safe in it. The neighbor confirmed that the man was the suspect. With help from Code Enforcement Officer Tyeler Riggs, the suspect was apprehended. 37-year-old Christopher Harold Hilton of Parsons was arrested on suspicion of Burglary, Criminal Damage, Theft, and Interference with Law Enforcement. According to PPD Hilton has an extensive history of theft, burglary, and drug charges. Hilton is currently waiting to be seen by a Labette County District Court Judge.

Officers with the Independence Police Department were advised via a tip of a possible intoxicated driver. The officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle and cited the owner for improper parking on a roadway. Upon further investigation officers with the IPD arrested 66-year-old Bruce Benson for DUI, weapons charges, and several other traffic infractions. Reports of the arrest have been sent to the prosecutor’s office for review and formal charges.

The city of Caney is adjusting its citizen’s water bills back to the old computation method, temporarily. The city of Caney announced that the new Tier System is not to be a part of this month’s bill as they advised last week. The City apologizes for the inconvenience and confusion. The city was made aware that the adjustment to the Tier methodology is to take place on the upcoming bill that will be due in December. 

The Montgomery County commission has approved hiring five seasonal employees to assist in the gathering of tax statements.

County treasurer Nancy Clubine says the primary responsibility of the new employees will be to calculate the tax information for the citizens of Montgomery County in order to send out statements by the target date of November 19th, more than a month before taxes are due on December 20th.

Clubine says these employees will be a valuable resource at this time of year, with citizens always wanting to know how much they owe.

The commission also discussed an updated look of the contract agreement between the County and Webb and Roderick Funeral Home, and an invocation from Reverand Melvin Simpson.

The county commision meetings take place every Monday at 9am in the lower level of the Judicial Center in downtown Independence. All meetings are open to the public, and streamed live on Facebook and Zoom.