The Coffeyville Recreation Commission holds a ribbon cutting for their new additions to Sherwin-Williams Park.  Director David Rains says phase three adds three new amenities to the park.  

This ribbon cutting signifies the end of the three-phase project at Sherwin-Williams Park.  Rains says they couldn't have done it without the people at Sherwin-Williams.  These new features added in phase three will go alongside a soccer field and concession stand added in phase one and a skate park added in phase two.

A former Montgomery County Sheriff passes away. Retired Sheriff Art Schenk passed away on Saturday, June 24^th.

Visitation is tonight from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and a graveside service will be tomorrow at 10:00am at Mount Hope Cemetery. Sheriff Schenk joined the sheriff's department in 1962 before being elected as sheriff in 1969. He held the office for 20 years until 1989 making him the longest serving sheriff in Montgomery County history.

During this time, his department was the first in the county to use fingerprint technology and the first to have a K9 unit.    

A Baxter Springs man is sentenced to just over three years in Cherokee County.

44-year-old Brandon McCoy was sentenced to prison earlier this month after pleading guilty to aggravated criminal damage to property. Late last week, McCoy was ordered to serve 37 months for his involvement in the November 29^th crime.

McCoy is being held in the Cherokee County Jail pending transfer to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day, with numerous events taking place across area communities.

A fireworks show in Caney takes place tomorrow night at 9 p.m. by the dam.

Chanute is hosting a Downtown Block Party tomorrow from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the 100 block of East Main. There will be face painting, food vendors, a community photo, and more.

There will also be fireworks at the Old City Lake in Sedan on July 3rd at dusk.

Independence is having a Celebration in the Park on July 4th. There will be rides and mini-golf, as well as a performance from the mid-continent band at 8 p.m., and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. to conclude the evening.

Neodesha is having Fireworks at Dark on Independence Day at Riverwalk Park.

Parsons is having a fireworks show on July 4th at Marvel Park.

In Coffeyville, the Summer Celebration will be at Walter Johnson Park on July 8th. The event will feature car shows, live music, and a fireworks display.

With the Fourth of July approaching, area communities want to remind people of firework rules and procedures, so that the holiday can be enjoyed in a safe manner.

The City of Coffeyville allows fireworks to be discharged between 8 a.m. and midnight tomorrow through Independence Day. More details of safety procedures that Coffeyville is implementing can be found here.

The City of Independence has a 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. designated discharge time from tomorrow to July 3rd. The time will extend until midnight on July 4th.

Cherryvale City Council recently voted to extend legal discharge hours from 10 a.m. until midnight from tomorrow until July 4th. The hours will reduce to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 5th.

In Caney, fireworks are allowed to be discharged until 10 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday, while the time is extended until midnight for Friday and Saturday. Fireworks will be permitted until midnight on July 4th as well.

Neodesha is allowing firework discharge from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. until July 3rd, as well as on July 5th. The hours will extend until midnight on July 4th.

Additional tips to keep in mind this holiday week are to never attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks, never experiment with homemade fireworks, and to remove and dispose of all firework trash from city property.

The sale of fireworks starts tomorrow for Coffeyville and runs through the 4^th.

The City is reminding residents of a few of the rules regarding fireworks, which can be discharged between 8 a.m. and midnight tomorrow through Independence Day. Fireworks cannot be discharged in public streets, alleys, parks or public spaces. In addition, no fireworks are allowed in the downtown business district or within 100 feet of anywhere fireworks are sold or stored. In addition, bottle or skyrockets cannot be shot or sold in Coffeyville, and it's unlawful to throw fireworks in the direction of any animal, person or vehicle.

 A Dewey family grieves after a fire in their home takes the lives of two pets.

 Dewey Fire Chief Justin Miller says the call came in around 9:30 Wednesday morning in the 900 block of North Ross. Several agencies responded to the call.

 Miller says firefighters were able to get the blaze under control in about an hour, but remained on scene for a total of three hours to put out the hot spots. He says the rear part of the home was destroyed, but they were able to save the front part of the house.

 Although the residents were able to get out, Miller says there were two pets who couldn’t be saved.

 The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 A Washington County man was in court yesterday on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 27-year-old Rayden Lee Ballard was stopped after officers noticed Ballard’s vehicle had a Kansas tag that did not show a yearly expiration date. The plate check verified the vehicle was reported stolen and that the registration had expired in 2019.

 A searched conducted discovered a pink glass smoking pipe in the pocket of Ballard's jeans. He would then confess to having “dope” in his shorts pocket underneath his jeans. Officers found 0.8 grams of meth in his pocket.

 Ballard is being held on $4,000 bond; his next court date was set for July 7th.

The four states are under another heat advisory today.

The advisory for southeast Kansas including Woodson, Allen, Wilson, Neosho, Montgomery and Labette Counties and will run from noon until 7 tonight. In northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, the advisory will be in effect from noon until 9. The advisory is already in effect in southwest Missouri from now until 7 tonight. Coffeyville will see a high today around 99 with a heat index up to 103.

Today is the last day to take the Fredonia Community Survey.

City Administrator Wesley Young says he wants to hear from people who don't normally speak up.

Young says this survey will help him and the city commission to better serve the community. The survey is open to anyone who lives or works in Fredonia. Young says the goal of the survey can be easily summarized.

A link to complete the survey by the end of the day can be found here.

 Highway 75 south of Ramona has buckled due to the heat, causing one lane to be closed until repairs can be made.

 Washington County Undersheriff Jon Copeland says the inside lane of northbound Highway 75 just south of County Road 3500 is shut down because of the damage. County Road 3500 is one mile south of Ramona.

 Copeland says ODOT and OHP have already been notified and ODOT will be blocking that portion of the roadway off until they can have a crew repair the buckle.

 More information will be given as it becomes available.

Two are injured in a two-vehicle crash in Mayes County.

This morning at around 10:30am the injury collision occurred on County Road East 490 at County Road South 435, approximately half a mile North of Pryor. A 2021 Hyundai Accent was northbound on County Road South 435. A 2008 Ford Edge was Eastbound on County Road South 490, the Accent failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the Edge.

The driver of the Accent, 22-year-old Meadow Barton, and her passenger, 22-year-old Noah Riley, were both injured in the accident. Barton was transported to St. Francis Hospital by MESTA and was admitted in stable condition with internal and arm injuries. Riley was also transported by MESTA to St. Francis Hospital and admitted in stable condition with head, internal, arm and leg injuries. Sowers refused treatment at the scene.

Fourth of July weekend is just around the corner.

While most people are excited to shoot fireworks, it's not always a fun time for everyone. Coffeyville Friends of Animals Becky Barnhardt says she hopes people have made arrangements for their pets.

Barnhardt says with a dog in a new home their first experience with a fireworks show could set their behavior with them in the future. So, she says you want to make sure they feel safe and comfortable.

The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo One Day Sale starts tomorrow. Sponsorship Chairman Courtney Jackson says the Fun Pass will be $30 for this one day only.

Tickets are required for ages four and up. Fun passes for the One Day sale are available in person at the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce and online at fairandrodeo.com.

 The City of Caney reminds residents of the city's regulations surrounding fireworks during the 4^th of July holiday.

 Fireworks are allowed in the city of from Sunday through Thursday until 10:00 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. Fireworks are also permitted until midnight Tuesday, July 4^th.

 Caney officials also ask residents to please remove and dispose of firework trash from all city streets appropriately.

 For more information, please contact City Hall or go online, caneyks.com.

 The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects.

 Projects in Southeast Kansas include the replacement of two light towers located 0.2 mile north and 0.01 mile north of U.S. 54 on US-169 in Allen County, signing on local roads located east of K 7 in Cherokee County, and sidewalks and pedestrian improvements in the city of St. Paul in Neosho County.

 The latest project information and driving conditions are always available on KDOT's website and app, available at kandrive.org.

Big improvements are coming to Polk Park in Fredonia.

According to an announcment from the city, a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas has been approved as part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Program. The grant will enable the city to enhance Polk Park with new playground equipment and additional amenities and help to establish the park as a trailhead for the not too distant connection to the Sunflower Rail Trail project. As the project progresses, the city will keep residents informed about the timeline, implementation plans, and opportunities for community involvement.

 The City of Parsons has begun a routine cleaning of its water distribution system.

 The cleaning, which began on Tuesday, implements a free chlorine residual in the water system. During the cleaning, residents may notice chlorine tastes and odors in the water. The cleaning is precautionary and is part of an effort to ensure the safety of the drinking water in Parsons.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends that public water supplies using a combined chlorine residual perform an annual cleaning with a free chlorine residual. KDHE officials say the addition does not pose a health risk to human consumption.

 The cleaning will continue throughout the month of July.

 The Grand River Dam Authority Police Department encourages safe outings on the lakes and river during the July 4th holiday weekend.

 GRDA Police will be actively patrolling the waters of Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, and the Scenic Illinois River, urging individuals to boat safe, smart, and sober. Officials emphasize the importance of wearing life jackets, using common sense, and being aware of water conditions.

 They also advise boaters to check river conditions and lake levels before venturing out, and to inform someone of where you plan to go.

 GRDA Police stress that following lake rules and practicing proper boating etiquette in all areas is crucial for a safe outing.

 Multiple agencies respond to a structure fire in Dewey.

 Dewey Fire, Bartlesville Fire and Washington County Fire Departments responded to the house fire yesterday morning in the 900 block of north Ross Avenue in Dewey. Fire officials say the two-story structure had flames seen from the second floor and attic when they arrived. Ambulance support was requested, but there no word on any injuries.

 Fire officials say the fire was under control around 10:15 a.m.

Most of the four-state area will be under a heat advisory today, while some areas will be under an excessive heat warning.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to break 100 in many areas. Coffeyville will see a high of 102 and a heat index of 105.  A heat advisory starts at 1 p.m. for Woodson, Allen, Wilson, Neosho, Montgomery and Labette Counties.  Washington, Nowata and Craig counties in northeast Oklahoma including areas east and south will be under an excessive heat warning starting at noon due to higher humidity levels pushing up the heat index.

 A Washington County man with several failure to appear warrants was back in court yesterday.

 During his latest hearing, 60-year-old Michael Lynn Brown became disruptive and interrupted court proceedings, saying Judge Russell Vaclaw and the court had ruined his life, and that they were the reason behind him losing his job and having no money.

 Vaclaw informed Brown about three previous tickets that he had bonded out on, but failed to appear for any of his court dates. The charges all stem from 2018 and 2019.

 Brown has multiple bonds for several cases, with a total of $2900 bond on his traffic tickets.

 Water pressure is slowly being restored to some areas of downtown Bartlesville, after a critical water main break was reported last night near Johnstone Avenue and Hensley Boulevard.

 Washington County Emergency Management says most of the downtown area was without water, and reduced pressure continues as repairs are made. Work was temporarily halted for a short time after a chunk of loose concrete caused damage to a gas service line in the area. Oklahoma Natural Gas was notified, and repairs were made.

 Officials ask residents to continue to conserve water by restricting use to only absolutely necessary reasons until further notice.

 City crews completed the repairs around 4:00 this morning, and city officials say the system needs to refill. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.

Hay harvest is now underway across the region, and K-State Research and Extension Livestock Production Agent Wendie Powell says there are a few things producers should keep in mind.

Powell says pricing hay can be challenging, but figuring out the best storage practice shouldn't be. Given the value of hay in recent years, Powell says a little extra effort when it comes to hay storage can make a big difference.

Powell says rain and snow can quickly degrade the nutritional value of hay. In addition, she says the number of cuttings you can get depends on grass type and where you live.

Powell says the Kansas Direct Hay Report is a good place to start if you have questions on how to price your hay, and she is always happy to answer questions through the extension office.

A panel discussion will be held at the Independence Civic Center to discuss the history of a murderous Southeast Kansas family.

Unearthing the Bloody Bender Mystery discussion panel is scheduled for Friday, July 14^th, at 6:30pm. The event is free and open to the public. Speakers will include event host Bob Miller, the new owner of the Bender property; Dr. Blair Schneider, a principal forensic investigator with the Kansas Geological Survey; and Max McCoy, author and executive director of Western Writers of America.

More information on the community event and the Bender property research project can be found by following Kansas Bloody Benders on Facebook.

There is major highway construction taking place on U.S. 400 just outside of Fredonia for the next month.

An approximate three-mile stretch of the highway, which is 4.5 miles east of the junction with K-47 and downtown Fredonia, is receiving re-layering of asphalt on both sides of the road over the next four weeks. The traffic is cut down to one lane, and delays of 10-15 minutes should be anticipated.

The projected date of completion for the project is July 31st.

Additionally, items of business at this week's County Commission meeting was an update regarding the status of the Ness Bridge, which is awaiting bids for an inspection. County Clerk Kayla Busch also announced that Early Voting Day in Neodesha will be on July 21st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be no meeting next week due to the Fourth of July holiday. The commission will meet next on July 12th at 9 a.m. at the Wilson County Courthouse.

 The Kansas Medicaid program may have overpaid more than $1.3 million to managed care organizations from 2019 to 2021, according to a performance audit of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment conducted by Medicaid Inspector General Steven Anderson.
 The performance audit reviewed eligibility determinations for Medicaid recipients that had moved out the state of Kansas but were still enrolled in the Kansas Medicaid program. The number and types of findings identified that the federal information source state Medicaid programs rely on to identify members that have moved to other states does not provide the information as quickly as states need it to avoid paying for members who have moved. The audit also identified some control weaknesses, policy issues, and gaps in guidance or protocols for coordinating the assessment and collection of any over payments related to out-of-state residency that Kansas needs to improve.
 The report concluded that KDHE, the agency responsible for administering the Medicaid program, has external factors and internal deficiencies that hinder KDHE’s ability to identify, verify, and terminate Medicaid eligibility on a timely basis.
 The reports are available for viewing here.

 Throughout the Independence Day holiday and weekend, law enforcement officials will focus on improving roadway safety for those traveling across the state as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s annual safety campaign.

 KDOT, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the Kansas Highway Patrol also encourage motorists to concentrate on safe driving habits and plan ahead before the festivities begin.

 Captain Candice Breshears of the Kansas Highway Patrol reminds drivers and passengers to buckle up getting in a vehicle, and don’t drive impaired or distracted.

 KDOT says the state recorded a total of 2,158 alcohol-related crashes in 2021, with 86 people losing their lives in those crashes.

Across the United States in 2021, there were 2,226 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where the driver had a BAC between .01% to .07%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 For assistance on a Kansas highway, call KHP at *47 or *582 for the Kansas Turnpike.

 A Talala man faces a charge of domestic assault for a weekend incident.

 40-year-old Steven James Trujillo is facing charges in Washington County Court for domestic assault and battery by strangulation and domestic abuse in presence of a minor.

 Court documents say Trujillo became angry with the victim. When the victim gathered four children in the home to take them to a relative’s house,  Trujillo came toward the victim with a baseball bat. The victim was not hit with the bat. They did, however, end up on a gravel driveway while Trujillo choked them, saying they would be killed.

 Officers noted a busted lip, red marks around the throat, with scraped knees and legs. The victim says Trujillo assaulted them a few weeks prior to the incident.

 Trujillo is being held on $15,000 bond; his next court date is scheduled for August 11th.

A man is seriously injured after a crash in Wilson County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2017 Ram 3500 driven by 70-year-old Nancy Luina of Rush Springs, Oklahoma, was westbound on U.S. 400 near Fredonia. The trailer Lunia was pulling became detached, crossed the center line, and struck a 1990 Peterbilt driven by 42-year-old Daniel Jessen of Joplin. The Peterbilt came to rest in the westbound ditch. Lunia had no apparent injury while Jessen was taken to a Wichita hospital with a suspected serious injury. Lunia was wearing a seatbelt. It is not known if Jessen was wearing a seat belt.

 Two Bartlesville men are facing multiple drug charges after their arrest late last week.

 Jacob Sanchez and Kyle Masters were arrested June 23^rd on charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug proceeds and paraphernalia. Bartlesville PD says the vehicle Sanchez and Masters were in was pulled over on suspicion of DUI. A vehicle search led to the discovery of 117.5 grams of Methamphetamine. Officers also found $600 in cash, a firearm, and a glass smoking pipe with burnt residue along the outside.

 Both Sanchez and Masters are being held on $100,000 bonds.

 A Dewey man charged with his eighth driving under the influence offense was back in Washington County Court yesterday.

 64-year-old Mickey Johnson was arrested Monday afternoon after a Bartlesville Police officer saw Johnson swerve onto the shoulder of the road more than five times.

 Court documents say Johnson failed to yield for two blocks after the officer began the traffic stop. After being stopped, the officer noticed Johnson had slurred speech and an alcoholic odor on his breath, along with not being able to stand up. Officers found many empty beer cans inside the bed of the vehicle. Johnson also thought a credit card was his driver's license.

 Johnson’s bond is $150,000 due to several prior offenses; his next court date was set for July 7th.

A heat advisory is in effect through tomorrow night for the four states.

According to the National Weather Service, the advisory will run from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. today and tomorrow for all of eastern Kansas, central and eastern Oklahoma, western Missouri and northern Arkansas.  Parts of Arkansas will be in an excessive heat warning.  The air temperature today in Coffeyville is expected to reach 103, while the heat index could be as high as 107.  Anyone working outside should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

Update: 1:15 a.m.:

A line of storms continues to move southeast, mainly across northeastern Oklahoma early this morning.  The storm prompted severe thunderstrom warnings in Chautauqua, Montgomery, Osage, Washington and Nowata Counties but is weakening and moving to the southeast.  Maximum wind gusts of 60 mph were possible with this storm.

*****

Some uncertainty still exists with severe storms expected tonight due to storms that came thought this morning. According to the latest information from the national weather service, the most severe risk will be south of U.S. 400 and west of I-135, but winds up to 65 mph are still possible in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.  An isolated tornado and quarter size hail is also possible, but that threat will be mainly to the west of Coffeyville. Damaging winds remain the primary threat.  Timing is now expected a little later in the evening after midnight as opposed to 11 p.m. for Coffeyville.

KGGF will provide severe weather coverage for the area if needed.

The Coffeyville City Commission approves a number of items at their most recent meeting. Commissioners approved a resolution and charter ordinance to repair, alter, extend, reconstruct enlarge or improve the Coffeyville Electric Utility System. This allows the city to issue bonds for the purpose of paying all or part of the costs to make those improvements.

An ordinance was approved to allow alcohol to be served during the Hops Around Town Beer Festival in downtown Coffeyville in October. Chamber President Candi Westbrook says they will have a one-day sale for cheaper tickets to that event on July 14^th. Commissioners also approved the submission of a Local Safety and Security Equipment grant for the Coffeyville Fire Department.

The Salvation Army's Christmas in July returns to Coffeyville. Coordinator Joe Brooks says there will be two opportunities to donate during the month.

Brooks says they are looking for volunteer bellringers.  This is the 8^th year for Christmas in July and Brooks says they are one of the few Salvation Armies in the area to put on the event. He says he's had the opportunity to help a lot of those in need and hopes to continue to be able to help more.

Multiple departments from Kansas and Oklahoma respond to a fire in rural Nowata County.

Last night at 10:52pm, Dearing Fire Department responded to rural Wann to assist the Wann Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefights found a structure and a fifth-wheel camper on fire. Dearing FD helped protect a nearby residence. South Coffeyville Fire, Tyro Rural Fire and Lenepah Fire arrived on the scene and helped bring the fire under control.

Coffeyville EMS and the Nowata County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene.

The Fourth of July is almost here and that means fireworks shows across the area.  The City of Independence is still working on gathering money for their show on the 4^th.

Organizer Jim Kelly says they are getting close to their goal.  Kelly says the show will start at around 9:30pm.

Kelly says there are a number of places where you can view the show from.  Anyone wanting to donate to the Independence 4^th of July Celebration can drop off donations at the Independence Chamber of Commerce or Community National Bank in Independence.

Highway 75 railroad crossing to close for one day.

On Thursday, July 6^th, the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad will close for repair to the crossing on HWY 75 south of HWY 160 at Independence. HWY 75 will be closed to traffic during the daylong closure. The state route detour will be signed on HWY 166, 169 and 160.

Check KDOT’s traveler information website, kandrive.org, for more highway conditions and construction details.

 The Oklahoma Cannabis industry faces a significant oversupply issue in the regulated medical cannabis market.

 In a report for the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, numbers show the supply of regulated cannabis surpassing the demand by over 32 times. The state's total demand for medical cannabis could be filled at least 4.5 times, which is the 'highest' rate of any state.

 The report states that the absence of production management tools, the low barriers to entry, and the lack of enforcement are the reasons for the oversupply issue.

 The state looks to address the issue by extending the moratorium on cultivation licenses, incorporating a tiering system, using regulatory technology for enforcement, and authorizing inspections and investigations.

 The full report is available here. 

Residents in Cherryvale can shoot off fireworks a little later this year.

The City Council has voted to extend the hours of discharge of fireworks from 10 p.m. to midnight from July 1st through July 4th. All other hours of discharge will remain the same, which are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through July 5th. This change extending normal hours was approved by the City Council for this year only.

 A 60-year-old Miami, Oklahoma, woman is accused of fraudulently using an elderly man's disability checks.

 Roseanne Munson is facing charges of abuse, exploitation, and neglect of a vulnerable adult in Ottawa County District Court. Munson is accused of appointing herself as the victim's advocate and depositing over $18,000 of the victim's disability checks into her own bank account. She is also accused of making herself the person payable of the victim's Social Security Disability checks.

 Munson's attorney says she is battling Stage 4 lung cancer, and has not provided Adult Protective Services receipts and bank statements.

 Court documents state Munson hindered the victim's ability to function normally, even though he is capable to do many things on his own.

Miami Police acknowledge that Munson is known in the community as an advocate for children, the elderly, and the homeless. She is out on $10,000 bail.

Sixty percent of winter wheat has been harvested in southeast Kansas.

That's according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service's latest crop progress report. Southeast Kansas leads the state in this year's harvest, and K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District Crop Agent James Coover says that's not unusual. The total harvested for Kansas is now at 21 percent, which is well behind 54% last year, and behind 38% average.

Corn and soybeans emerged across the state are near average, while sorghum planted is behind average. Cotton planted is near average while sunflowers are ahead of last year.

 A man facing a sexual battery charge was in Washington County Court yesterday afternoon.

 19-year-old Correll Record was looking at safes in a Bartlesville business, when he walked behind the victim on a ladder and started poking them inappropriately.

 Record was asked to leave; he became upset but left. He then came back to the store and was asked once again to leave. He became upset again, but left. An arriving officer stopped Record and asked if he had been to the store in where the incident took place. Record acknowledged being there but denied touching anyone inappropriately. The officer noted that Record seemed confused while giving hom family contact information.

 Record is being held on $75,000 bond; his next court date is scheduled for June 30^th.

Montgomery County is taking advantage of the summer months by exploring new ways to improve the culture within the organization.

Human Resources Director Ben Brubaker gave a full presentation on the importance of a strong and engaging workplace environment. He says the next step for the county is to emphasize purpose behind their work.

Brubaker revealed three key recommendations he has for the county moving forward. He says one of those recommendations is to create a culture task force.

Additional items of business at this week's County Commission meeting was a discussion with Stan Jones of the Kansas Down Payment Association regarding a financial porgram, and an update on bids for piping around the county from Public Works Director Jim Wright.

The commissioners ended the meeting with a work session along with County Attorney Melissa Johnson regarding budgets.

A Tulsa woman dies after a two-vehicle crash west of Bartlesville in Osage County.

The fatality collision happened last night around 8:45pm at Bartlesville Road and County Road 2145 five miles west of Bartlesville. The cause of the accident is under investigation. The driver of the 2009 Cadillac CTS, 39-year-old Erica A. Spigell, of Pryor, was transported by Bartlesville EMS to Ascension ST John Medical Center. She was treated and released.

The driver of the 2018 Toyota Corolla, 36-year-old Yeng Vue, of Tulsa, was transported by Bartlesville EMS to Ascension ST John Medical Center. He was transferred to St John’s Hospital in Tulsa and admitted in serious condition with a head injury. The passenger of the Corolla, 29-year-old Be Vang was pronounced dead at the scene from a head injury.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinds a boil water advisory for Montgomery County Rural Water District 2C B.

The advisory was issued due to low pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure in the distribution system may result in low chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Laboratory testing samples collected from Montgomery County RWD 2C B indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

 The Coffeyville Police Department is looking to identify a person of interest in an ongoing theft investigation from Coffeyville Walmart.

 If you have any information on the identity of this person, please message Coffeyville PD on Facebook or call dispatch at (620)252-6160 and reference case #23-8032.

 You can remain anonymous.

 The Parsons Police Department reminds residents to take precautions to ensure safety during the upcoming 4^th of July holiday.

 Independence Chief of Police Robert Spinks says fireworks can only be discharged in the city limits from June 30 to July 4th from 9 am to 11 pm each day.

 Spinks also reminds residents to make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse, and move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles, and never point/throw fireworks at anyone. And after fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

 For more information on firework safety, please visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 Malfunctioning railroad crossings in Independence caused minor delays over the weekend.

 Independence PD says crossing malfunctions took place at the intersections of 10^th and Railroad and 13^th and Railroad over the weekend, but those intersections and crossings are now working normally.

 Malfunctions also occurred at railroad crossings on West Maple and West Laurel Streets, on the furthest west tracks. Officials say those intersections are shut down for maintenance.

 Officials ask drivers to please be cautious when approaching these crossings or try to avoid them if possible.

 A Goodman, Missouri woman is arrested Saturday on multiple charges.

 Goodman PD responded just before noon Saturday to South School Street for an armed woman trespassing into a home. 63-year-old Amanda Knapp was found naked. When attempting to arresr Knapp, she became aggressive with officers and attacked them with a knife. Officers were able to get the knife away from her without injury to her or officers.

 Knapp was arrested and charged with two counts of assault on law enforcement, two counts of resisting arrest, two counts of trespassing, and because she was unclothed, she faces a charge of sexual misconduct.

 Goodman PD also says Knapp will be held for mental evaluation.

 An El Dorado Correctional Facility resident dies over the weekend.

 31-year-old Nicholas Reimonenq was found in his cell unresponsive and died Saturday morning at the facility. The cause of death is pending further investigation as well as results of an independent autopsy.

 Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

 Reimonenq was serving a sentence for one count of burglary and one count of attempted aggravated burglary from Saline County and was admitted to KDOC on May 10^th.

 The investigation is currently on-going. The El Dorado Correctional Facility is an all-male facility housing all custody levels with a current population of 1,736 residents.

Feedlot inventories in Kansas are fairly stable when compared with last year.

That's according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, which reports Kansas feedlots with capacities of 1,000 or more head contained 2.47 million cattle on feed on June 1. This inventory was down 1% from last year. Placements during May totaled 495,000 head, up 3% from 2022.

Meanwhile, red meat production is up slightly across the U.S. Commercial red meat production is up two percent, with Oklahoma reporting production up 108% when compared with May of last year.

A mill and overlay project on K-39 and U.S. 59 in Neosho County is expected to begin this week.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the adjoining projects start on K-39 east of Chanute and continue east and north for 15 miles, ending at the Neosho-Allen county line. The contractor plans to begin at the county line and work westward. Flaggers and a pilot car operation will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The road work should be finished by August, weather permitting. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $4.6 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka.

Members of the Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club are recovering after a 24-hour radio marathon.

Over the weekend, Oakcrest Lodge in Coffeyville was turned into a communications headquarters for ARRL Field Day – an event sponsored by the National Association for Amateur Radio, but organized by local clubs across the country. Radios and antennas were set up at Pfister Park using emergency power, allowing local hams to talk with others around the country and even the globe. While members say field day serves as a relaxed way to introduce the public to the world of amateur radio, Club President John Vest, says this identical setup could be used in a communications emergency.

Edna resident Sabra Wilborn recently earned her amateur radio license after a club-sponsored study session. Wilborn says she got into ham radio to be able to stay in touch with family members who are also licensed.

This was Wilborn’s first Field Day and her first experience with “high frequency” ham bands as opposed to the handheld radio she’s used to using.

During this weekend’s event, club members contacted 43 states and 6 different countries including England, France, Slovenia, Spain and Australia with radios using between 5 and 100 watts. Many members of the public attended as well, including State Senator Virgil Peck and Coffeyville City Commissioner Bob York.

Two kittens are dumped in front of the Coffeyville Friends of Animals Shelter. CFA's Becky Barnhardt says animals can't just be dropped off at the shelter, especially in the heat, but they do have a process to properly rehome pets.

Barnhardt says the shelter has signs posted saying it is illegal to dump pets.  Barnhardt says it's important to get pets spayed or neutered so there are no accidental pregnancies leading to kittens and puppies that can't be taken care of.

The FBI is now investigating letters sent to a number of Tennessee Republicans containing a suspicious white powder.

This comes just days after several Kansas Republicans were sent similar letters. State Senator Virgil Peck, one of the Republicans in Kansas to receive a letter, says he opened his in his car.

Peck says he took his letter to the Caney Police Department.  Over 100 letters were received in Kansas, with Representatives Ron Bryce and Doug Blex also receiving them. Once the investigation expanded beyond Kansas the FBI took over. The number of letters received in Tennessee is unknown at this time.

The Director of Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power is wrapping up a nearly 40-year-career with the city.

Mike Shook's career started at the bottom of the totem pole at the power plant in 1985 and ended at the top as director. Shook trained under now retired Superintendent Dave Hannah, who had a 42-year-career at the power plant and speaks highly of Shook.

Shook also served as acting city manger between Kendal Francis and current city manager Mark Hall. While Shook is retiring from the city, he'll be taking on a position at Grand River Dam Authority, which Coffeyville has a partnership with for electric generation. Shook's last day is today.

A train has toppled over onto its side in Coffeyville.

The train derailment happened this morning in the area around 14^th Street and Atlantic Street and in blocking 14^th street at the tracks. Crews have arrived on scene for cleanup.

 The Bartlesville City Council approves repairs to Civitan Park and a new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police during a special meeting yesterday afternoon.

 Bartlesville City Engineer Micah Siemers says the shade structure over the playground at Civitan Park was not installed property.

 A wind storm damaged the structure last month, revealing the faulty installation. The council approved a $7,600 contract with Lee Construction to remove and reinstall the shade structure, and reopen the park.

 Siemers says the playground will reopen once the structure is removed.

 Additionally, the city council approved a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Bartlesville Fraternal Order of Police. The new agreement updates the pay scale for police officers, including a 3% Cost-Of-Living- Adjustment in year two of the agreement, or equal to what is received by other city employees — whichever amount is greater. The agreement also includes updates to per-diem provisions.

 The new agreement with the FOP goes through the end of Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

 A Wednesday evening deadly accident leads to the arrest of the driver.

 Around 8:30 p.m., Newton County 911 received a report of a one vehicle accident along River Road just east of Main Street, near Reddings Mill. A 2009 Chevy Cobalt was traveling west on River Road, left the roadway and overturned into a large concrete and brick mailbox.

 MSHP Officials say the driver, 21-year-old William Deckard, of Joplin, was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. The passenger, 20-year-old Liberty Fowler, of Joplin, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 The MSHP says Deckard has been arrested on several charges, including felony DWI - death of another, and careless and imprudent driving.

 Deckard's court date scheduled in Newton County is not known at this time.

 The Dewey Police Department announces the launch of a Local Warrant Amnesty Program.

 The Amnesty Program offers individuals with outstanding warrants a chance to come forward, resolve their legal matters, and avoid potential consequences of arrest, fines, or other legal penalties. The program is aimed at fostering community safety, enhancing trust, and promoting justice.

 Dewey Interim Police Chief Jimmy Gray goes into more detail about what the program offers.

 Gray explains why the police department decided to do create this program.

 By participating in the Warrant Amnesty Program, individuals can take proactive steps towards resolving their legal matters and clearing their records, enabling them to re-engage fully in society without the constant fear of arrest or other legal repercussions.

 Gray hopes this program is something the police department can do every year.

 The program will run from August 1 through August 11^th.Call 918-534-2223 for more information.

Parts of northeast Oklahoma will be under a heat advisory this afternoon.

The National Weather Service expects heat index values to reach the upper 90s in Tulsa and surrounding counties where power outage and cleanup efforts continue. The heat advisory will be in effect between 1 and 9 p.m. today. This weekend is set to be a hot one, with the possibility of a heat index of 104 for Coffeyville on Saturday. By next week, temperatures in southeast Kansas are expected to break 100.

 The town of Copan and surrounding areas continue to be under a water boil order.

 The order was first issued June 15th because of water line re-routing at the Copan water plant and shallow water levels in wells that caused effluent levels to exceed expectations.

 An update issued yesterday from the town of Copan says they are unsure how long the boil order will last, but hope it won’t be too much longer. Water customers are advised to boil water for at least one minute before consuming, cooking or washing dishes.

 The boil order includes the town of Copan, Rural Water Districts #7 and #20, as well as Washington Cove campground at Copan Lake.

Summertime can be dangerous for children when left alone in cars. Since last year, 41 children in the United States have died in a hot car. Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison says never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for just a second.

Harrison says cracking or rolling down a window doesn't make much of a difference.  If anyone sees a child alone in a car dial 911 immediately.  Once police have been notified Kansas law allows forced entry into a locked vehicle to remove an unattended child or pet.

Two United States Senators from Kansas speak on the importance of expanding broadband to rural communities. Senator Jerry Moran says the benefits of access to high-quality broadband are clear and well-known.

Senator Roger Marshall says the COVID-19 lockdown highlighted the need for broadband across the state.  Senator Marshall recently introduced legislation that aims to champion investments in high-speed, long-lasting internet infrastructure in rural communities across the United States.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are conducting an active shooter drill in July.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office will conduct the active shooter training drill on Thursday, July 6^th from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Independence High School. The training will focus on emergency response to an active shooter incident on campus and is being staged by the sheriff’s office and local and state emergency responders.

There will be a significant law enforcement presence during the exercise. The exercise is closed to the general public. There will be no road closures during the event. Agencies participating in the exercise include the Coffeyville Police Department, Independence Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Independence Fire/EMS, Labette Health, Caney Police Department, Cherryvale Police Department and USD 446.

The boil water advisory for the City of Dearing's public water supply system has been rescinded.

The advisory was issued due to low pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in low chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Laboratory testing samples collected from Dearing indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by Kansas Department of Health officials to be resolved.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or the KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.  

 A one car accident in northern Newton County takes the life of the passenger.

 The call came into Newton County dispatch around 8:30 p.m. last night about a crash at 7165 River Road, just east of Main Street in South Joplin.

 Missouri State Highway Patrol officials say the accident took place when a 2009 Chevy Cobalt ran off the road on a curve and struck a concrete and brick mailbox.

 The driver, 21-year-old William Deckard, of Joplin, suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The passenger, 20-year-old Liberty Fowler, also of Joplin, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 The Redings Mill Fire Department responded to the scene, as well as Newton County Sheriff Deputies and Ambulance, MSHP, METS ambulance and Joplin Fire.

 PSO crews have made significant progress in restoring electric service to customers impacted by this past weekend’s severe storms throughout Oklahoma.

 As of this morning, PSO has restored electric service to more than 140,000 customers in the PSO service areas.

 A total of just under 66,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 204,000 customers earlier in the week.

 PSO says they expect to have the vast majority of all customers impacted by the storm to be restored between now and Saturday. Customers can view real-time outage and restoration information by visiting psoklahoma.com.

Grain trucks are rolling into co-ops around the region as this year's winter wheat harvest is underway.

K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District Crop Agent James Coover says he's happy with what he's seen so far for southeast Kansas.

Coover says conditions in southeast Kansas are better than most of the region, including much of Kansas and Oklahoma. He says harvest is slightly ahead of schedule, and recent rains have delayed fieldwork in other parts of the state.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service's most recent report, Winter wheat coloring for Kansas is 80%, behind 92% last year and 90% for the five-year average. Mature was 40%, well behind 64% last year, and behind 52% average. Harvested was 8%, behind 23% last year and 16% average.

 The Osage County Commissioners approve a bid to fix 14 of the sheriff’s 2023 Ford Explorers, after a storm with hail in Oklahoma City.

 During the commissioner's meeting earlier this week, sheriff's officials say the vehicles were getting upfitted April 19th, when a storm involving hail damaged them. Dents from the damage will be removed; no new paint jobs are needed.

 No date has been set for the repair of the Ford Explorers, but officials project it will happen soon.

 The Osage County Commission meets every Monday at the OSU Extension Building in Pawhuska at 10 a.m.

 A Bartlesville man was arrested Tuesday for an outstanding warrant from 2020.

 When 35-year-old Daryan Green was searched by Washington County deputies, two small baggies containing a white crystal-like substance were found in his sock.

 The substance, weighing .5 grams, would test positive for meth. Green was charged bringing drugs into a jail, which is a felony. He is being held on $5,000 bond. Green's next court appearance will be July 21st.

 The outstanding warrant from 2020 included charges of eluding a police officer, reckless driving, failure to maintain insurance, driving without a valid license, and possession of a controlled substance.

 Green plead guilty to those charges, and a bench warrant was put out for his arrest after not appearing for his court date in October of last year.

The water quality report for the City of Fredonia is now available.

This report is a snapshot of the quality of water available in the city for 2022. Water in Fredonia comes from Public Wholesale Water Supply District #23. Included in the report are the details about what the water provided contains and how it compares to the Environmental Protection Agency and state standards. During the 2022 calendar year, Fredonia had no drinking water standards violations. A copy of the report has been mailed to Fredonia residents and is available here.

A group of riders are driving their motorcycles 11,000 miles in 11 days. The Iron Butt Rally is a biannual rally that started in 1991 by the Iron Butt Association. Staff Member Dennis Bitner says the group is dedicated to safe, long-distance, endurance motorcycle riding.

The rally started on Monday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it consists of three legs with the first checkpoint in Tulsa and will end on June 30^th back in Pittsburgh. Bitner says the stop in Coffeyville is one of the bonus stops.

There are a total of 200 bonus destinations and riders can drive any route they chose. All participants are running spot-tracking devices to ensure no one is speeding or driving recklessly.

A pair of groups in Wilson County will be receiving budget increases in 2024.

The Conservation District, led by Rod Vorhees and Pam Walker, was approved for a budget $25,000 from the County Commissioners, which the state will match. Also, Rural Fire was awarded $92,500 following a presentation from Jason Booth.

The commissioners were also asked for council on a permit application from the Kansas Deparment of Health and Environment, which the commission determined was favorable.

Additional items of business at this week's County Commission meeting was a presentation from Cheri Nelson regarding National Pollinators Week, and the work being done to educate youth participants. The meeting concluded with the commissioners going into executive session regarding non-elected personnel.

Independence Community College is awarded a grant as part of a new Kansas Department of Commerce program.

The $740,000 grant comes from the Delivering Residents and Workforce program. The DRAW program, launched earlier this year by the KDOC, aims to strengthen talent in Kansas by providing resources and funding for skill development.

ICC President Dr. Vincent Bowhay says they are committed to training Kansans for high-demand, high-wage jobs. He says this investment from the KDOC will help them as they work towards enhancing training facilities that provide a high-quality education right here in Independence.

One is injured in a three-vehicle incident in Delaware County. The injury collision happened yesterday evening at 7:17pm on Highway 59, two and a half miles south of Grove.

A 1994 F150, driven by 26-year-old Trea Riggs, of Jay, and a 2022 Toyota 4Runner driven by a 15-year-old, of Grove, were southbound on US-59 and a 2021 Freightliner Semi, driven by 24-year-old Cameron Gordon, Chelsea, was northbound. The 4Runner was yielding to oncoming traffic to turn left. The F150 swerved into the northbound lane to avoid the 4Runner and struck the Semi.

Riggs was transported by Life Flight to Freeman Hospital in Joplin and was admitted with internal injuries. The 15-year-old, his passenger 43-year-old Miketa Mastin, and Gordon were all not injured.

 Governor Laura Kelly announces her appointment for Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

 Calvin Reed has been serving as acting secretary since the departure of Julie Lorenz in December, 2022. Reed, a 15 year veteran of KDOT, began his most recent tenure with the agency in 2019. He is a graduate of Kansas State University with both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

 Greg Schieber, the State Transportation Engineer, will serve as acting secretary starting June 25 until Reed is approved by the Kansas Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee. Once approved by the committee, Reed will begin duties as Secretary of Transportation and will be up for confirmation from the Kansas Senate during the 2024 legislative session.

 In a special meeting, the Pawhuska City Council approves a partial sales tax rebate for a new Harps store.

 The new store will replace the current location at Highway 60 and 15th Street. It will also be larger than the current 20,000 square foot location. Store owners have pledged $7.2 million into the new construction.

 J. Max Van Hoose says he hopes the new location makes it convenient for citizens in Pawhuska and the surrounding areas. 

 The measure passed on a 4-1 vote.

 Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt calls on Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat to sign an executive order declaring a State of Emergency for several counties in eastern Oklahoma following severe storms over the weekend.

 The governor's request came yesterday while he is out of the country. Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell is also out of state, leaving the signing requirement to Senator Treat.

 The emergency declaration includes Delaware, Mayes, Pawnee, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner and Choctaw counties. It allows for local jurisdictions to be eligible for possible reimbursement for disaster services and recover supplies.

 The declaration is in effect for 30 days.

 Governor Stitt says his heart goes out to Oklahomans impacted by last weekend’s severe weather, and the many people still overcoming the aftermath of those storms. He says state agencies remain committed to get Oklahomans the resources they need during these trying times.

 A Bartlesville woman is facing charges in Washington County Court after a welfare check incident Monday in her Bartlesville home.

 24-year-old Jessica Morales is facing a felony charge of arson in the first degree and child endangerment. Court documents say officers went to her apartment for a welfare check. They found a living room full of broken glass, thrown foods and drinks.

 Morales became angry during the check and started throwing items. She later would get angry with the officers and ask them to leave. After leaving, officers heard yelling and glass being broken. Looking through a window, officers observed glass objects being thrown near a victim. Three additional victims were asleep in different rooms during the incident.

 After officers found smoke coming from the kitchen, they entered again and found a wooden picture frame on fire on a gas burner and extinguished it.

 Morales is being held on $15,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for July 7^th.

A roadwork project is underway on part of K-99.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, a scrub seal project has started on the 16½-mile section of K-99 between U.S. 400 and U.S. 54. Scrub sealing is similar to chip sealing. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours until August. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $680,000 to Circle C Paving and Construction LLC of Goddard.

New signs are coming to highways in southeast Kansas.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, a highway sign replacement project on U.S. 400, U.S. 75, U.S. 75B, K-47 and K-39 in Wilson, Greenwood, Montgomery, Neosho and Woodson counties is expected to start next week. KDOT awarded the $723,000 construction contract to Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc. of Pittsburg. Work will continue into the fall months.

The investigation of the suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has expanded beyond Kansas.

The FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation. The KBI will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring these incidents to a resolution. KBI Director Tony Mattivi says their focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable. Since the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to collecting or screening evidence or managing and tracking responses to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.

It remains important to be vigilant when handling mail. Report any letters containing an unknown white powder to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. 

One is dead after a fatality accident in Northeastern Oklahoma.

The accident happened late yesterday evening just after 7:00pm. The incident occurred two miles south of Pryor on Oklahoma Highway 412B. The collision involved a 2021 Chevy Trax driven by 34-year-old Clifford Allison and a 2007 Honda Motorcycle driven by 32-year-old Jake Newell, both of Pryor.

Allison was treated at the scene and released. Newell died at the scene of the accident. The cause of the accident is under investigation.  

The Coffeyville Recreation Commission is holding a ribbon cutting for new public fitness equipment.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Kansas Recreation and Park Association, National Fitness Campaign and CRC announce a partnership bringing an outdoor Fitness Court to Sherwin Williams Park. The court is located at 103 South Cline Street and opens with the ribbon cutting on June 30^th at 10:00am.

The park currently has sports fields, a skate park and a playground across the street from Community Elementary School. This Fitness Court was developed by BCBSKS, KRPA, CRC and NFC to expand free access to workouts. CRC Director David Rains says they are excited to open phase III of Sherwin Williams Park and to offer the patrons access to a Fitness Court to help lead a healthy lifestyle.

The Fresh Start Garden in Coffeyville is trying to set a world record. Organizer Peggy Steele says they are trying to build the longest garden snake.

Steele says a few stones have already been added.  The name of the snake will be debuted on the air during the Coffeyville Reawakening segment on KGGF 690AM at 8:40am. Potential names include Snake-Nado, Rocky, Conor the Coffeyville Snake, Monty the Python, Rocky Balboa, Viper of the Ville, Dalton, Pfister, Vegetable Viper and Rocky Reptile. 

A peaceful protest takes place in front of the Judicial Center in Independence.

The purpose of the demonstration is to promote awareness and discussion of people's Constitutional Rights, particularly the right to privacy in the absence of a search warrant. Protestor Dana Hart says she had this right violated last year.

Hart says she hopes people will be informed and educated about the candidates when voting.  Participating protesters are holding up signs and asking for help and participation from interested community members.

 Washington County Commissioners unanimously vote to repair a portion the foundation at the main County Fairgrounds building in Dewey.

 District 1 Commissioner Mitch Antle says the southeast corner of the building needs to be examined, especially around the bottom of the garage door area.

 Antle uses the example of similar damage found at several Dewey Public Schools buildings. He says they used hydraulic piers to fix their foundations.

 The cost for the remediation for 15 hydraulic piers at the fairgrounds came in at $14,700. The work should be completed within the next several weeks.

 Public Service Company of Oklahoma crews continue to work to restore power safely across the state.

 Power has been restored in the McAlester district, with power expected to be restored by 5:00 tomorrow afternoon for Mayes, Delaware, Craig, Osage and portions of Rogers County. Tulsa, Wagoner, Creek and portions of Rogers County should see their power restored by 5:00 p.m. Saturday.

 Officials remind residents that crews are unable to connect service if the weatherhead on your house is broken or damaged. Please assume any downed utility line is energized, stay away from the line and do not touch it with anything. Call 1-833-776-6884 to report an outage or safety hazard like downed wires, downed poles or trees that have fallen on power lines.

 Severe weather, including wind gusts up to 90 mph, caused outages across Oklahoma. PSO sustained substantial damage to the grid, including transmission structures, more than 700 broken poles, cross-arms, and downed wires. At the height of the storm, over 204,000 customers were without power. That number is down to approximately 135,000 customers without power.

Outages:

 PSO has commitments from more than 2,700 off-system workers – line workers, forestry and support personnel -- some coming from as far away as New Jersey and Delaware. Most of them will arrive today. This in addition to the 700 PSO and local business partners who have been working since the storm subsided.

Online Resources

• Outage FAQs

• Storm preparedness before the storm, during the storm, and after the storm.

• PSO process for how we restore power

Safety Messages

• For safety’s sake, assume that any downed utility line is energized with deadly electric current. Stay away from the line and do not touch it with anything. Report it to PSO at 1-833-776-6884 (1-833-PSO-OUTG).

• Please do not approach crews and utility vehicles you see in your neighborhood to ask when power will be restored. Doing so could jeopardize your safety. Outward vision from the large utility vehicles can be limited. A crew may not see someone who has walked up to their work truck.

• Please note, all restoration estimates are for customers whose property is in condition to receive power. If the electric service entrance (meter loop) to your home or business has been damaged or pulled away from the structure, you will need to have it repaired by a licensed electrician before PSO can re-connect service.

Generator Safety

• If you use a generator, please follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Do not operate the unit indoors. Connect appliances directly to the generator’s electric outlets…not to the main electrical panel of your home or business unless you have had an electric load transfer switch installed to isolate your home’s wiring from PSO’s electric system. Otherwise, you jeopardize the safety of utility workers.

• Before you evacuate your house please disconnect (open) your home’s main electrical breaker after you turn off the generator. This will eliminate any possibility of the generator feeding power back into PSO’s electric system.

Report and Track Outages

• Visit psoklahoma.com/outages/report/ or call 1-833-776-6884 (1-833-PSO-OUTG) to report an outage, safety hazard like a downed wires, downed poles or trees that have fallen on power lines.

• Use the mobile app, available for download via the App Store or Google Play, to report an outage, check outage status, view and pay your bill, manage your account, and more.

• Visit PSOklahoma.com/OutageMap to find detailed information without logging into your account.

• Sign up for text and email updates, including estimated time of restoration, at psoklahoma.com/alerts. Follow @PSOklahoma on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor for additional updates.

• Call PSO Customer Service Center at 1-833-776-7697 (1-833-PSO-POWR) for any other customer service issues.

PSO is coordinating with local emergency management authorities and will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds. If you have questions related to your PSO power, call 1-833-776-7697 (1-833-PSO-POWR) or visit our website at psoklahoma.com/outages.

A local club is participating in a national amateur radio event this weekend. An event called Field Day takes place the fourth weekend in June every year. According to the ARRL, which is the National Association for Amateur Radio, the event is part picnic, campout, practice for emergencies and informal contest. Members of the Coffeyville club will be among more than 35,000 amateurs who are expected to participate.

Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club president John Vest says the flexible technology that will be on display this weekend is independent of traditional communications infrastructure and can be a lifeline when other forms of communication fail.

While Field Day serves as a practice drill for a communications emergency, Vest says the atmosphere is relaxed and is a good chance for the public to learn about amateur radio.

Field Day will start at 1 p.m this Saturday and run for 24 hours until 1 p.m. on Sunday. The public is welcome to stop by Oakcrest Lodge at Pfister Park in Coffeyville located across the street from the Aviation Heritage Museum. A link to more information is available here.

Rural fire stations within Montgomery County will soon be receiving new pagers.

The commissioners, along with Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson, came to an agreement during this week's meeting on a deal with a bidding company.

Whitson says this is a company from Bartlesville that the county has worked with in the past.

Additional items of business at this week's County Commission meeting was an update from Public Works Director Jim Wright, as well as a work session to conclude the meeting regarding budgets.

The 69^th annual Verdigris Valley Art Exhibit opens Friday.

The exhibit will start with a 7:00 pm artists’ reception and critique. Judge James Oliver, Jr., will explain his selections for the Best of Show award and the 1^st place winners in various art categories. The public is invited to this event at the Independence Historical Museum and Arts Center. Over 100 pieces of original art created by regional artists are on display in the gallery during the show. Many pieces are for sale.

Admission to the exhibit is free. Art can be viewed at the opening on Friday and from Saturday to July 6^th. IHMAC is open 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays.  

Kansas Works is holding a state-wide job fair this week.

The virtual job fair is from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Wednesday. The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal also features helpful information including a training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Those attending are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may ask for a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

The Caney City Council Meeting for tonight has been canceled.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 6:30pm on July 3rd.

A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Montgomery County.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Dearing and Montgomery County Rural Water District 2C public water supply systems. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice.

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker. If tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears  Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water. Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. People with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

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

The water leak in Coffeyville has been located and water pressure should be returning to normal.

The city was experiencing low water pressure or no water in various locations across town early this morning. Water crews were out at 4:30am trying to identify the origin of the issue and to get it repaired.

At 10:30am this morning, the water leak was located and crews began the repair and at 11:45am the leak had been isolated with water pressure expected to return to normal.

 An intentionally set fire continues to burn east of the Ginger Blue area in McDonald County.

 According to Captain Z. Payton of the Pineville Fire Protection District, the call came in from the Elk Springs Road area along Elk River on Saturday. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set by someone on foot on the river. Payton says no access is available by any fire vehicles due to the distance through the heavily wooded area.

 The Missouri Conservation Department has taken control of the scene, to make sure the fire does not spread into nearby farm land.

 Officials urge residents not to attempt to put it out, and to not get close to any active flame.

 Governor Laura Kelly announces nearly $43 million to develop infrastructure key to expanding affordable high-speed internet to remote and underserved communities.

 The funds, awarded to the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, will connect local internet networks, primarily in rural areas, to major, high-capacity national and regional networks.

 The grant will fund a 682-mile fiber optic network to connect Liberal to Garden City, Pratt to Wichita, Kismet to Minneola, Wichita to Pittsburg, and Pittsburg to Overland Park.

 The grant will bring numerous benefits, including next-generation communications for public safety and transportation, dedicated fiber network for higher education institutions, public safety organizations, hospitals, and accelerated expansion to rural households and businesses.

 More information about the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program is available here.

 The city of Coffeyville is experiencing low water pressure to no water in various locations across town this morning. 

 City officials say crews have been woking on identifying and repairing the issue since 4:30 a.m.  

 KGGF will bring you updates on air and on-line as they become available.

Area residents pack Cedar Bluff Camp to celebrate its 100^th anniversary.

On Saturday, Cedar Bluff Camp was the place to be as residents stopped by for many events. The Coffeyville Municipal Band performed a concert in the camp's chapel, antique cars were lined up along the road in camp for the car show, several organizations were having bake sales and fundraisers and camp buildings were open for the public to enjoy. In addition, there was a magic show, face painting, a bounce house and a cornhole tournament.

Cedar Bluff Camp continues its tradition of hosting community events and gatherings. You can learn more about the camp by visiting their website.

 The girlfriend of a stabbing victim Thursday morning has officially been charged in Jasper County Court.

 35-year-old Shawanda Clark, of Joplin, has been charged with felony first degree domestic assault and felony armed criminal action, after an incident Thursday morning at the Northpark Apartments at 3510 East Newman Road in Joplin. Court documents say Clark and her longtime fiancé were fighting about dishes and rent, when the victim received a stab wound to the thigh.

 JPD Captain Will Davis says the victim remains in serious but stable condition. Clark remains in custody at the Joplin City Jail.

 Pawhuska City offices will be closed today because of the Juneteenth Holiday. The Osage County Commissioner meeting will be tomorrow. City offices will be open as normal tomorrow.

 Offices will be closed today in Wilson and Labette Counties, and in the city of Parsons, and will reopen tomorrow, however, the Montgomery County Commission meeting will meet as scheduled today.

 Across the nation, all non-essential federal offices will be closed. The stock market, as well as the New York Stock Exchange will be closed, as well as the U.S. Postal Service.

 Washington County Commissioners are set to discuss a possible construction project at the County Fairgrounds during their meeting this morning.

 On the agenda, a discussion of a proposal from RAMJACK and Edens Structural Solutions to install 15 hydraulic-driven steel piers at the fairgrounds in Dewey.

 The commissioners will also receive a report from Washington County Adult Drug Court for May 2023.

 The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. on the second floor of the Washington County Administration Building, located at 400 S. Johnstone in downtown Bartlesville. The meeting is open to the public.

Patchy fog is in the area this morning.

The National Weather Service says an area from Coffeyville north to Chanute could see some patchy fog this morning between now and 8 a.m.  Visibility could be as low a a half-mile in some spots.  As always, drivers should use low-beams when in fog.

Investigators are providing an update on letters mailed to Kansas lawmakers containing a suspicious white powder.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and other partners say now approximately 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been received across the state of Kansas as of last night. Locally, State Senator Virgil Peck and State Representative Ron Bryce received one of these letters.

A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.

Residents in northeast Oklahoma are cleaning up after storms moved through the area early Sunday morning.

Wind gusts were measured at 90 miles per hour as a strong line of storms moved through Tulsa and the surrounding area. A spotter-confirmed tornado prompted a warning near Oologah and another tornado warning was issued near Adair. Many communities also sounded sirens due to high winds.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma says this is the most significant restoration event since the 2007 ice storm. During this weekend's storm, power equipment sustained substantial damage including transmission structures, broken poles, cross-arms and downed wires. Crews continue to work to safely restore power. PSO says this is going to be a multiple-day effort. This morning, outages are concentrated in the Tulsa and McAlester areas, and approximately 166,000 customers remain without power.

Letters containing a suspicious white powder are being investigated by multiple agencies across Kansas.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Highway Patrol and several local police departments and fire departments have responded after mail was received by legislators and other public officials containing a suspicious white powder.

Over 30 letters containing a suspicious white powder have been reported across the state. Law enforcement is working to safely collect the letters and investigate the incidents.  Locally, State Senator Virgil Peck and State Representative Ron Bryce received one of these letters. Currently, no injuries have been reported, but they are asking everyone to remain vigilant in handling mail. Any similar incidents should be reported to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME. The investigation is ongoing.

A Pittsburg man is arrested on burglary charges. Earlier this week, Pittsburg Police Officers were called to U.S. Cellular for an alarm that had gone off at the business. Officers found the electric meter removed from the rear of the business and a broken window.

No one was found inside of the store. Management arrived and informed officers that items had been stolen. Evidence was collected from the business and a suspect was soon identified.

Yesterday, the suspect in the burglary, 37-year-old Dwayne Munger, was located at a residence. Items reported stolen in the burglary were located at the residence. Munger was arrested for felony burglary, felony theft, and misdemeanor criminal damage.

A public health advisory update has been issued in Kansas for blue-green algae. Wildcat Extension District Natural Resource Agent Adaven Scronce says she's gotten a lot of questions about the difference between blue-green algae and green algae.

Scronce says ponds and other bodies of water are more susceptible to algae growth this time of the year.  A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have a list of watches and warnings for public bodies of water affected by blue-green algae. Lake Parsons was recently added to the watch list.

 Governor Laura Kelly joins other governors in calling on Congress to protect and increase federal investment in child care in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

 Alongside governors from nine other states, Kelly sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to provide the resources child care centers need to stay open and retain workers.

 Congress supplied one-time funding to aid child care during the pandemic, and Kelly says the need for child care funding remains as important as ever. Nationally, there is a 9.7% decrease in the number of people in the childcare industry in the last three years, with 60% of rural Americans living in an area with an insufficient supply of licensed child care. Six percent of Kansans who don’t work say it is because they cannot find affordable child care. According to a recent report, the average cost for a toddler in center-based child care in Kansas costs the median two-parent household 8% of its income and the median one-parent household 26% of its income.

 The full letter to congress can be read in here.

The Cherokee Nation celebrates acquiring the historic Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch from the Oklahoma Historical Society.  The ranch was signed over during an event earlier this week.

Native American Fellowship's Kris Crane says it was a very moving event.  The Cherokee Nation plans to make renovations to the ranch soon. The ranch is located at 9501 E 380 Road in Oologah and is open seven days a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free.

Severe weather is once again possible late tomorrow evening. The National Weather Service says hail up to golf ball size, winds up to 65 mph and heavy rainfall are all possible between 4 and 11 p.m. tomorrow. The immediate four-state area is in the “slight” category for severe weather which extends to includes all of southern Kansas and Northern Oklahoma. A margin risk exists outside the slight category. KGGF will provide severe weather coverage if needed, and you can always sign up for text alerts to stay informed of severe weather when it hits your area. A sign-up link is available here.

 A Joplin woman is being charged with assault after a stabbing incident.

 Yesterday around 08:40 am., Joplin 9-1-1 received a call for a report of a stabbing at 3510 East Newman Road. The caller reported that an adult male suffered a stab wound to his thigh. Officers say the man is in serious but stable condition. JPD says the investigation found that the man was stabbed by his fiance during an argument.

 35-year-old Shawanda Clark, of Joplin, was arrested on charges of domestic assault in the 1st Degree and armed criminal action. She remains in custody at the Joplin City Jail.

 JPD believes this was an isolated incident. If anyone has any further information, contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131.

Three people are dead after a tornado tears through the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton, leaving dozens more injured and widespread damage.

The National Weather Service in Amarillo is confirming that a tornado hit the area shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday. Local officials said last night that two people were missing. Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher said at least one person was killed in a mobile home park that took a "direct hit." First responders from surrounding areas and from Oklahoma descended on the town, which is home to more than 8,000 people and about 115 miles northeast of Amarillo, just south of the Oklahoma line.

Storms moved through overnight in northeast Oklahoma, and the city of Hominy was without power for around 45 minutes after reports of damage to the main power line feeding the city.

The City of Parsons is celebrating Juneteenth this weekend. Organizer Fontana Johnson says they have events planned all weekend leading up to the holiday on Monday.

After their march to the park, there will be speakers lined up, including Labette County Commissioner Cole Proehl, who fought to make Juneteenth an official holiday in the county. Johnson says they have been celebrating this holiday for a number of years but it hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves.

Johnson says she just wants to educate those who don't understand what Juneteenth is, what it is about and how meaningful it is to her. She says this event isn't just for Parsons but all surrounding communities as well.

A Kansas Highway Patrol pursuit ends in a deadly crash in Coffey County.

Yesterday morning at 11:17am, a KHP Trooper initiated a traffic stop on northbound Highway 75. The vehicle, a red Ford F-150, was stolen as a result of an aggravated robbery carjacking in Texas. The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated. At 11:24am, the Ford drove onto the right shoulder and attempted to pass a commercial vehicle. While passing, the Ford truck was involved in a crash with two commercial vehicles.

As a result of the collision, the driver and passenger of the Ford F-150 were pronounced dead. There were no injuries reported to either commercial vehicle driver. The KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team was called to the scene, and this crash remains under investigation at this time.

Pittsburg State University will see a small increase in tuition after no tuition increases in three of the past four years.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved an increase for the upcoming academic year by five percent or $146 per semester. Fees will also increase by $45 per semester, for a total increase of $191 for undergraduate students per semester. Graduate students will also see a five percent increase.

Governor Laura Kelly’s budget included $1.8 million for need-based financial aid for Pitt State students, which will help offset the tuition and fee increase.

 A Wyandotte man accused of harming 10-year-old twin girls sexually has his bond more than doubled after a hearing yesterday.

 50-year-old George Christensen is being held in the in the Delaware County jail on $455,000 bail on five counts of rape and two counts of forcible sodomy. He is accused of committing these crimes while on a suspended sentence for raping a 9-year-old girl in 2012. Court records show he also has previous convictions involving girls in the Joplin and Webb City area.

 Christensen is also accused of sexually abusing other girls in a Grand Lake mobile home park near Cowskin Bridge.

 Court documents say Christensen told the victims not to tell their parents or his wife because he knew he was going to get sent away. A witness saw one of the acts take place and contacted authorities. The alleged sexual abuse took place between December 1st, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2017, while Christensen was on probation.

 Christensen faces up to a life sentence if convicted. His preliminary hearing was set for July 12.

 A man wanted by Seneca and Newton County authorities is in custody in Jasper County.

 38-year-old James Hebert III was found hiding in a shed and arrested around 8:00 p.m. Tuesday near I-44 and Prigmore Avenue, east of Fidelity.

 The incident began last Friday, when Hebert ran from a Seneca police officer. The officer wasn't looking for Hebert; the officer states that he turned on his lights when he saw a dog on the side of the road and pulled over to get the animal. Hebert was in the area, saw the lights, and left at a high rate of speed. The chase ended in a field, but Hebert was able to escape on foot.

 Hebert's extensive arrest record will now have charges of fleeing and resisting arrest added to it. More recent charges, including resisting arrest and tampering with a motor vehicle, were filed in April in Newton County.

 Oklahoma’s Second District Congressman Josh Brecheen introduces the Healthy SNAP Act of 2023, companion legislation to S.1485, introduced by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.

 The Healthy Snap Act would exclude soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts from being purchased with SNAP benefits. The bill also requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that eligible food promotes the health of SNAP recipients and reflects nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns.

 Breechen says taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for unhealthy choices of others.

 Breechen says taxpayer dollars should not to be spent on junk foods providing no nutritional value that contribute to America’s obesity epidemic. He says this bill, if passed, would protect taxpayer dollars, improve diet quality, and reduce medical costs.

 According to the CDC, obesity costs taxpayers $150 billion per year in the U.S.

Severe weather is possible tonight, with the best chances being in central Oklahoma.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a rare “moderate” risk assessment for this time of year which includes parts of central Oklahoma into western Kansas. The Coffeyville area will only see a marginal risk of severe weather, while parts of Osage and Washington counties in Oklahoma have a slightly better chance of storms. Damaging winds of 70 to 80 mph will be the primary threat, with large hail as a secondary threat. A limited tornado chance is also possible mainly over parts of southeast Oklahoma. Timing will be after 7 p.m. The immediate four-state area may not see any severe weather at all, but there's still a chance of non-severe thunderstorms.

Two suffer injuries in a motorcycle and tractor accident in Mayes County. The injury collision happened just after 2:00pm yesterday on North 435 Road at West 430 Road, two miles north of Adair.

A 2012 Polaris Victory driven by 35-year-old Jesse Propst and passenger 38-year-old Kristy Mathis, both of Pryor, was northbound following a 2012 New Holland Tractor. The tractor, driven by 66-year-old Curt Stutzman, was attempting to make a left-hand turn into a driveway as the Polaris was attempting to pass. The motorcycle had to be laid down on the road.

Propst was transported by Tulsa Life Flight to Saint Francis Hospital and admitted in critical condition with head, external, internal, arm and leg injuries. Mathis was transported by Air Evac to Saint Francis Hospital and admitted in fair condition with head and internal injuries. Stutzman was not injured.

Two items will be voted on when the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners meet on Thursday, June 22^nd.  Whether Kansas should initiate a lottery draw for non-resident turkey hunters and whether baiting wildlife should be prohibited on department lands and waters, including private lands leased by the KDWP.

Members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission have been examining several staff recommendations related to natural resource challenges. From increased hunting pressure during waterfowl seasons to declining numbers of wild turkeys nationwide, KDWP staff are working to present the commissioners with the best available science so that informed decisions can be made.   

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Highway Patrol announces a newly formed task force.

The Joint Fentanyl Impact Team made its first major seizure of fentanyl pills. On Monday, a JFIT investigation into suspicious activity led to the seizure of an estimated 25,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, commonly referred to as dirty 30s. The pills are suspected to contain fentanyl, and in total weighed approximately 11 ½ pounds.

The seizure occurred in Wichita. A 27-year-old male was detained and questioned. He was later arrested on outstanding warrants and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Charges related to the fentanyl seizure are pending. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Laura Kelly, with the support of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, proclaims June as Great Outdoors Month in Kansas.

Governor Kelly says outdoor recreation is a great way to improve physical and mental health, fitness and environmental awareness. She says she encourages everyone to get outdoors this month to appreciate the state’s natural resources and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends.

Not only are there physical, mental and environmental benefits of engaging in outdoor recreation but economic benefits as well. Outdoor recreation has a significant economic impact in Kansas, generating an estimated $3.6 billion in consumer spending and supporting 37,107 jobs annually.

Harvesting, soybean planting and hay season is upon us in Kansas and Oklahoma. Wildcat Extension District Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Adaven Scronce says during this time of the year there are a lot of tractors and other heavy equipment on the roads.

Scronce says it is important to slow down and have some patience with tractors and combines.  Scronce says this time of the year corn crops have grown high and can obstruct what would otherwise be a clear view at an intersection. She says to slow down in those areas and be extra cautious looking for oncoming traffic.

 The Caney School Board renews the contract with their food service provider.

 In the latest school board meeting, a five year agreement was made between Caney schools and OPAA Food Management, continuing an agreement that began six years ago. Superintendent Blake Vargas says they are happy with the services OPAA provides.

 OPAA serves schools in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska, Illinois and Iowa.

 In other business, the district approved an RFQ to seek a construction management company for the remodeling of the Black Saddle Saloon.

Emergency Personnel are on scene of a non-injury crash just west of 20th Street on Northwest Highway 160 (two miles west of Columbus). The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says traffic flow will be restricted for a short period of time while the wrecker service removes the vehicle.

 The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved the construction of a new 780-mile electric transmission line through Kansas.

 Invenergy Transmission, the owners of the Grain Belt Express Clean Line Project, says construction on the 370 miles of the line running through Kansas could begin in late 2024.

 The transmission line will run through Kansas and a converter station in Ford County, then continue through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana carrying wind generated energy to eastern states.

 The approval notes that Phase 1 is expected to be economically viable absent Phase 2. Even if Phase 2 never materializes, Phase 1 will be operational and capable of moving wind from Western Kansas east, on a merchant line paid for by subscribers, not Kansas ratepayers.

 You can view the approval order here.

 A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 Major delays continue today on I-44 in Fidelity after an oversized load trailer strikes the girders of an I-44 bridge.

 The Missouri Department of Transportation says the accident happened yesterday afternoon around 2:00 p.m., when a trailer hauling a crane traveling on Highway 59 struck the girders of the overpass at Exit 18, causing major structural damage.

 Drivers should expect closed ramps and reduced lanes on I-44 at Exit 18 until repairs to the bridges are completed.

Fidelity is a community just east of Joplin.

A severe thunderstorm is making its way through Oklahoma this morning.  

Current Severe Thunderstorm Warnings:

* No active warnings

For updates, tune to KGGF 690 AM

 A Bartlesville man back in Washington County court earlier this week on multiple charges.

 35-year-old Mario Galvan is facing charges of aggravated DUI, driving with license canceled, and transporting an open bottle or container. Galvan was arrested on his second DUI charge in as many months.

 Court documents say police saw Galvan leave the West Side Pub Bar and turn onto Frank Phillips Blvd and almost hit a curb. Galvan was swerving in and out of his lane and was not maintaining a consistent speed.

 During the stop, police noticed Galvan's eyes were red and watery; he had slurred speech, slow and lethargic movements, and had alcohol on his breath.

 Galvan performed poorly on a field sobriety test, which led to his arrest. A search of Galvan’s car led to the discovery of a bottle of alcohol that was approximately 75% full.

 Galvan is being held on a $50,000 bond; his next court date is set for June 23rd.

The second mosquito fogging of the season will take place this week in Fredonia.

According to the city, an elevated mosquito population is prompting another spraying tomorrow. The application typically begins between 6 and 7 p.m., but timing adjustments may be necessary. The plan is to spray alleys on Thursdays and roadways on Tuesdays. The mosquito fogging kills adult mosquitoes in addition to gnats, bag worms and flies. Applied correctly, the treatment will not cause harm to humans or pets and serves as protection against mosquito-borne diseases. Residents can help manage mosquito populations in Fredonia by regularly inspecting their properties and eliminating standing water sources where mosquitoes may breed, such as in bird baths, flowerpots, wading pools, kid's toys and other receptacles. The city also asks residents to remain indoors during fogging and to not let children play behind fogging trucks. Fogging will continue through September.

A slight rate adjustment for electric utility is coming for citizens of Coffeyville. Utilities Director Mike Shook says the plan is to slowly adjust electric rates to meet the cost of service.

Shook provided the Coffeyville City Commissioners with a couple of examples of what this rate adjustment might look like for customers. The commissioners unanimously approved the rate adjustment, which will go into effect in October. In other business, the commissioners approved the purchase of patrol and tactical body armor and the submission of two grants for safety and security equipment and tablets for the Coffeyville Police Department.

It’s no secret that small communities across the state, as well as the nation, struggle to grow. 

Kansas, however, is making an effort to help small communities.  Two years ago, the Office of Rural Prosperity was established as a Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.  Director Trisha Purdon says investing in communities and people and collaboration are key elements to success.                 

Purdon, who previously served as the head of the Montgomery County Action Council was in Coffeyville speaking to the Rotary Club on what the office does and the resources they offer. 

Visit Coffeyville awards three tourism grants to local organizations. Tourism Director Amy Dollar says these grants help events in Coffeyville grow.

Dollar says organizations that want to apply for this grant in the future can get them from her at the Chamber of Commerce.  Dollar says events like the Coffeyville Summer Celebration and the Kan-Okla 100 Mile Sale bring a lot of visitors into the city.

Longtime Coffeyville businessman K.O. Dixon passes away.  Dixon was the founder and president of Dixon Industries.  Dixon passed away in Olathe on June 7^th after suffering a stroke.

Dixon founded Dixon Industries in 1973 after Olin Dixon Inc., which was owned by his father and where he served as plant manager was sold.  Dixon Industries manufactured the Dizon ZTR riding lawnmower line.  He built the company into a multi-million dollar business with 200 employees.  Dixon sold the company in 1986 to the Coleman Company but remained as the founder and President for nearly 25 years.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Outdoor Power Institute, the Bank of America Kansas, President of the Coffeyville Country Club and the Country Club of the Rockies in Edwards, Colorado.  He also served as President of the Oklahoma Hereford Association.  In 2002 he was inducted into the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame at Oklahoma State University where he graduated from in 1960.

Dixon was 84.

The City of Coffeyville releases their annual water quality report.

This report is a snapshot of the quality of water that the City provided for 2022. Included in the report are the details about where the water comes from, what it contains and how it compares to the Environmental Protection Agency and state standards. During the 2022 calendar year, the City had no drinking water standards violations.

A link to the full report.

A candlelight vigil is being held later this week for a Coffeyville teen who passed away last week in a single-vehicle accident.

The vigil is being held for 18-year-old MacKenzie Kendall who just graduated this spring from Field Kindle High School. This will take place on Thursday at 8:30pm at the track behind the high school.

A benefit dinner will be held before the candlelight vigil from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.  The dinner is at the Boy's and Girl's Club at 502 Walnut Street.  They will be serving a pulled pork sandwich, chips and a drink for $10.  A Go Fund Me has also been set up to help with funeral expenses for the family. So far, it has received 88 donations raising $5,242 of the $15,000 goal.   

A couple is arrested after leading a chase through multiple counties and stealing two vehicles.

Thursday evening, Montgomery County Sheriff Deputies assisted the Elk County Sheriff’s Office in pursuing a stolen van out of Sedgwick County. Montgomery County deputies joined the pursuit in the area of County Road 1100 & County Road 5400 at the Montgomery and Chautauqua County line. The driver, traveling at a high rate of speed, eluded law enforcement for several miles using gravel roads. Deputies lost sight of the vehicle in the area of County Road 2300 and County Road 3400. Despite setting up a perimeter and using a drone with infrared they were unable to locate the suspect.

On Friday at 9:05am, dispatch received a call that a Honda ATV was stolen in the same area. A deputy on patrol had seen the ATV occupied by a male and female, later identified as Devon and Jewels Simmons. Later on Friday, a deputy located the couple on the east side of Braums in Independence and they were taken into custody. Deputies were given the location of the ATV and the keys to the van, which was found abandoned in a field. The couple is facing charges of burglary, criminal damage to property, possession of stolen property and interference with a law enforcement officer.

 Governor Laura Kelly announces new grant funding for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

 Kelly says KDADS is receiving more than $3.6 million as part of a five-year federal grant to implement youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies for children and young adults ages 10-24.

 The award will focus on strategies and initiatives for youth and young adults residing in the 12-county southeast region, including Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, and Neosho.

 KDADS aims to strengthen communication efforts about the factors of suicide, evaluating, developing, and implementing evidence-based suicide screenings at behavioral health care and educational sites, and implementing and enhancing safety net support, including the creation of safety plans and referrals for treatment.

 If you or someone you know are having thoughts of self harm, please call or text 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Kiwanis Buck-Out is returning for the fifteenth year at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville. Board Member Griff Walker says this event started as an idea by Jana Kastler and Rick Shaffer.

Walker says not only does this event help raise money for Kiwanis but it is also great for community outreach.

The Buck-Out will be Thursday evening August 17^th. Registration starts at 5:30pm with the bull riding starting at 6:00pm. Sponsorship is $50 a rider. Top 10 times are picked from the first round of rides and they receive a meal coupon. The top 10 ride again with the top four from the second ride winning a belt buckle.

Congressman Josh Brecheen announces another slate of town hall meetings.  At these meetings, constituents are invited to attend and share their thoughts and ask questions on policy issues impacting Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma.

Brecheen will host a town hall in Ramona on Thursday, June 29th from 8:00am until 9:00am at the American Legion Post 334, located at 400 Veterans Boulevard.  Congressman Brecheen has held 36 in-person town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District, with more to be announced soon.

 Soil remediation was the main concern during last night's Caney Board of Education meeting.

 Test results were given concerning the lead levels on all school properties and the remediation of soil to ensure the safety of students and the community.

 On the Lincoln Elementary campus, EPA officials are focusing on a small strip of land near the intersection of Taylor Avenue and Hooker Street. It was also determined that all areas near the football stadium are clear, and no remediation is needed. However, the majority of the meeting was a discussion on the high school campus, where twenty six parcels of land were found with lead over the 400 part per million threshold, including the parking lot north of the school.

 Superintendent Blake Vargas says the parking lot is at the end of its life and must be replaced, but EPA officials say the lot is a barrier, and the soil can not be disturbed below the lot. Vargas says the parking lot is necessary.

 The biggest concern on the high school campus was to the north and the east of the parking lot on the north side of the high school, where soil samples taken resulted in anywhere from 845 ppm to 6,776 ppm. Samples were taken from two to four feet in depth.

 Vargas says the district trusts the EPA and their process to remediate the soil, and they will continue to make sure students, staff, and the public are safe on all school properties.

 The full interview with Caney Superintendent Blake Vargas is available here.

USD 446 is adding additonal staff to launch the new summer lunch program.

The district announced the employment of seven individuals to the program, which will provide opportunities for free lunch and next day breakfast throughout the summer.

Monday through Thursday until June 29th, meals will be available for free to children and teens ages 1-18 at ICC West, Eisenhower School, Elk City Post Office, the Public Library, and at the Independence Community College.

Students in credit recovery or summer school are also eligible for the program.

Additional items of business at the USD 446 June School Board meeting was a recognition of spring sports champions within the district for the 2023 spring season, as well as a gift from Scooter's Coffee for the 2023 Day of Giving.

School Board meetings take place on the second Monday each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Independence High School.

Staff at South Coffeyville Schools are cleaning up after extensive water damage. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says the water came in after recent rains.

At their meeting last night, members of the school board discussed how this water problem stems from a design problem with the roof and a long-term solution is needed. In other business, the board hired David Perkins as the new high school football coach for the coming school year. Pruter says there are still a few positions that need to be filled at the school.

In other business, the board changed the nepotism policy to allow the hiring of relatives of board members due to the small size of the district. Pruter also announced that Nowata County will be paving some of the gravel parking lots around the school soon at no cost to the district.

The 2023 Montgomery County Action Council Meeting and Awards Ceremony will take place later this week.

On Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. the MCAC will meet at the Coffeyville Country Club at 1322 North Inglewood Avenue. There will be new board members elected, award winners congratulated, and updates regard the Action Council's work.

Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says this is a great opportunity to stay informed with the latest work in the county, and to celebrate worthy individuals.

For more information and to register, visit the County Action Council website at actioncouncil.com.

The Coffeyville Fire Department is first on the scene of a tanker truck fire in South Coffeyville.

Around 5:15 this morning, a tanker truck was reported on fire along U.S. 169 just south of the Dollar General in South Coffeyville. Coffeyville FD responded to the call and was first on the scene followed by the South Coffeyville Fire Department. The fire was contained by 5:30. The cause of the fire or the liquid being carried is not currently known. Traffic was slow moving on 169 but both lanes are open since the tanker is on the side of the road.

 A Dewey man was back in Washington County Court yesterday, this time on a felony charge of damage to a public building.

 Alex Kordel Boston appeared because of an incident that took place Thursday while he was in Washington County Court. While being read his charges Thursday, Boston became upset after learning he could be extradited back to Missouri. Jail camera footage shows Boston kicking a chair across the room, picking it up and throwing it toward the viewing area. The chair bounced off a wall, then Boston threw the chair toward the counter. That caused a detention officer to draw his weapon and verbally remove Boston from the courtroom.

 Boston is being held on $5,000 bond. H is next court date is scheduled for June 23.

The USD 445 Board of Education approves a number of items at their most recent meeting.

The board adopted the amended budget for the 2022-2023 school year as well as approved the updated school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The board approved the bid for door replacement at FKHS for $56,865 and the bid of $24,440 for concrete and fencing. The board approved salary increases for directors, support staff, classified staff and administration.

There were six resignations, ten recommendations for employment and one termination of employment approved by the board.   

The Independence Police Department is investigating suspicious behavior around a group of men targeting women.

Early last week, IPD received a report of a man following a store employee for about three weeks. A co-worker witnessed the activity. Another woman reported that three nights before she believed a group of men in a large white van with Texas plates was taking pictures of her and her car. These women are sisters and their mother reported she had a similar experience. Another woman called independently of these three and reported similar behavior. The mother provided a license plate and officers contacted the business the tags registered to.

IPD has located several vans at local hotels that match the suspect vehicle descriptions. While there has not been any confirmed criminal misconduct police acknowledge the behavior is abnormal and concerning. IPD continues to seek the men involved. Witnesses described them as Hispanic and riding in a commercial-sized white van with Texas license plate PVD0048. If you see this vehicle or witness concerning behavior call IPD at (620)332-1700 or 911 if it is an emergency.

A department in Montgomery County will soon be changing how it reports to the commissioners.

Human Resources Director Ben Brubaker says that Environmental and Zoning within the county will now report to Public Works.

Additional items of business at the County Commission meeting were the issuance of an Occupational License to Sassy's Bar and Grill in Sycamore, as well as a presentation from County Appraiser Melody Kikkert regarding a new mail machine and tablet and software to assist with labor during tax statement season.

Montgomery County Commission meetings take place each Monday morning at 9 a.m. in the basement of the Judicial Center. All meetings are open to the public, as well as streamed live on the county's Facebook page.

The State Library of Kansas is announcing a non-competitive grant opportunity for libraries in Kansas to purchase books from the 2023 Kansas Notable Books list.

The State Library of Kansas is committed to promoting literacy, lifelong learning and access to library materials throughout the state. Each participating Kansas library will be reimbursed for the purchase of one copy, in any format, of any or all books on the 2023 Kansas Notable Books list. Grant information for 2023, including the application and checklist, is available here.   

Governor Laura Kelly visited Wesley Medical Center to sign Senate Bill 174. This bipartisan bill increases the criminal penalties for people convicted of battery of a health care provider.

Governor Kelly says the number of stories they've heard over the last few years of healthcare workers being harassed and abused while doing their jobs is appalling and unacceptable. She says this bill is a win for the state, showing that both sides of the aisle can come together to save lives and protect healthcare workers.

Battery against a health care provider is now a Class A misdemeanor. SB 174 also decriminalizes fentanyl test strips, which is a step toward reducing overdose deaths resulting from the presence of fentanyl in drugs.

Governor Laura Kelly ceremoniously signs House Bill 2024, a child welfare bill that outlines the rights of foster youth, foster parents and family caregivers. The bill is named in honor of Representative Gail Finney, who represented the 84^th state house district from 2009 until her death in August 2022.

Governor Kelly says Representative Finney was a warrior for children, and she can't think of a better way to pay tribute to her than with this bill, which she worked to bring to the governor's desk.

As of February, there are more than 6,000 children in the foster care system across Kansas. Under HB 2024, the Department of Children and Families is required to give written and verbal notification of rights outlined in the bill of rights to foster youth, foster parents and kinship caregivers.

 A Seneca woman charged in a fatal crash for DWI by drugs is behind bars again.

 31-year-old Jessica Oliver was arrested Saturday after a search warrant was served at a home in Seneca. Oliver was charged with DWI involving the death of another earlier this year. The Missouri Highway Patrol says Oliver tested positive for meth and THC when she crossed the center line on Highway 43 just north of Seneca, in August of 2021 , killing 55-year-old Ilyas Qawishabazz. Charges were not filed until March.

 Also arrested by Newton County deputies and Seneca PD were Matthew Beamer, Roy Beamer, and Robert Pennington. They were charged with 1st-degree drug trafficking and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Oliver is on probation for felony charges out of Jasper County. Her probation violation hearing is scheduled for July.

 Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach reminds Kansans to be smart and protect themselves from overdoses.
 Kobach reminds residents to not take any pill that you didn't receive from a doctor or pharmacist.
 More than 1,200 Kansans have already died from suspected fentanyl overdoses, and those numbers are increasing.

 Kobach says combatting fentanyl is a top priority for his office and for the legislation. Lawmakers are enhancing penalties for individuals who sell fentanyl. The KBI is redirecting resources to combat the drug, and Kobach is launching a public awareness campaign to warn Kansans of the potential dangers of taking pills that weren't prescribed to them by a doctor or provided to them by a pharmacist.

 Kobach says he's told by law enforcement officers that Kansas is in the midst of a fentanyl poisoning wave that hasn't yet crested, adding that we must do everything we can to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths.

Cedar Bluff Camp is celebrating their 100^th anniversary this weekend. Coffeyville Reawakening's Denise York says they have activities planned for all ages.

The Camp's Chuck McFate says they are encouraging people to come out and see how the camp is changing.  The celebration is this Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the campgrounds.

 A Fort Worth, Texas man dies after an incident yesterday involving a dog.

 Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies say the accident happened near Southwest 20th and Greenlawn Road, south of Columbus, around 12:21 yesterday afternoon.

 Preliminary reports say 57-year-old Dan Hartzell's 2023 KTM Enduro motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Southwest Greenlawn Road, when he struck a dog, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle. Hartzell was transported to Mercy Maude Norton Hospital in Columbus, where he was pronounced deceased.

 Hartzell was wearing a helmet.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is naming a high-ranking U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official to head the state highway patrol.

Erik Smith will replace a retiring superintendent who is facing federal lawsuits over the agency’s policing and allegations that he sexually harassed female employees. Kelly’s appointment Friday of Smith as superintendent came on the last day on the job for retiring Superintendent Herman Jones. Smith is set to take over as superintendent on July 7th. Smith is a native of Ellsworth, Kansas, and served nine years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s office in Wichita before joining the DEA.

The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching, and Independence is needing donations for the annual fireworks show.

Fireworks have been an Independence Day staple in its namesake for many years, and is a community favorite among children and adults alike. Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says that it takes a community effort to raise enough money for the event to be a success.

The Rotary Fireworks Campaign has given citizens multiple methods of being able to donate. Wilson says you can donate both online or in person.

Additional information can be found both at the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, or on the Community Foundation for Independence website.

Residents in Sedan will soon have another way to cool off once again this summer.

The pool was the main topic of conversation at a special city council meeting held earlier this month. City General Superintendent John Miller says the pool should be ready to open by this Friday. There are enough lifeguards available and payment for a manager, assistant manager and lifeguards were all approved at the special meeting. Another special meeting of the Sedan City Council will be held today at noon to discuss repairs on North Montgomery St.

It's about time for winter wheat harvest, and this year's forecast is out. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Kansas's 2023 winter wheat crop is forecast at 191 million bushels, down 22% from last year's crop based on June 1^st conditions. Average yield is forecast at 29 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from last year. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 6.6 million acres, unchanged from last year.

Wheat production for Oklahoma is forecast at 53.8 million bushels, down 22 percent from last year. Yield per acre is expected to average 25 bushels, down 3 bushels from last year. Acres expected to be harvested for grain, at 2.15 million acres, are down 12 percent from 2022.

A woman is dead after a crash in Cherokee County. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a Chevy Silverado driven by 18-year-old Skylar Cauble of Joplin was traveling westbound on U.S. 160 west of Columbus late last week. Cauble failed to negotiate a gradual curve by 63^rd road, overcorrected, and crashed into a Grand Marquis driven by 67-year-old Violet Knowles of Joplin. Knowles was pronounced dead at the scene. KHP says she was wearing a seatbelt but it was inadequately utilized. Cauble received a suspected minor injury while 17-year-old Macy Pinnegar of Columbus who was riding with Cauble was taken to the hospital with a suspected serious injury. The two were not wearing seat belts.

An open chess tournament is being held in Cherryvale tomorrow.

Registration for the tournament is from 8:30am to 9:15am, with the first round starting at 9:30pm. The tournament should end around 3:00pm. The tournament will be held in the Activity Building of the Cherryvale Christian Church at 319 East Main. The cost to enter is one to three canned food items, which will be donated to the local food bank in Cherryvale. The tournament will consist of five rounds of game 30 no time delay, Swiss style and each player will play five games.

There will be guaranteed prizes for the top three players with other prizes possible. This is open to the public and for all ages. For more information,  contact Tournament Director Ryan Hizey at rhizeychess@gmail.com.

A Go Fund Me has been set up to help with funeral expenses for the 18-year-old who passed away after a car accident earlier this week.

The Go Fund Me was set up by MacKenzie Kendal's father, William Kendal. The goal is set at $15,000 and has so far seen 60 donations totaling $3,762. Kendal says this tragedy is so unexpected and leaves the family with unexpected significant financial costs as well as broken hearts and immense grief. He says his daughter had just graduated from Field Kindley High School and was planning to go to Coffeyville Community College in the fall.

MacKenzie was involved in a single-vehicle car accident on Sunday near the Coffeyville Country Club. A link to donate to the Go Fund Me can be found here.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Crawford County Health Department identify a rare tickborne illness.

A Crawford County resident was found to have the Heartland Virus Disease. Healthcare providers diagnosed the resident late last month after further testing was coordinated through the CDC. This is the first case of Heartland in Crawford County and only the third case identified in Kansas since the virus’s discovery in northwest Missouri in 2009. The previous two cases were identified in Miami County in 2015 and Anderson County in 2018. To date, there have been over 50 cases of Heartland diagnosed across areas of the Midwest and Southern United States.

KDHE Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Erin Petro says people must take the risk of tickborne disease seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce the chance of acquiring a tickborne illness.

The e-waste recycling collection is tomorrow in Parsons. The drop-off center is at the Public Works Facility at 1000 North 1^st Street and will be open from 7:00am to noon. The ending collection time could change based on the amount of e-waste received.

Acceptable items include computer systems, monitors, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, stereo systems, cell phones, digital cameras, video cameras, and other audio/visual and electronic equipment types. Government entities and businesses with large quantities, need to call in advance. Collection officials reserve the right to refuse non-recyclable items. Microwaves and TVs cannot be recycled. For more information call (620)421-7030. 

 The Coffeyville Police Department is reminding residents of the dangers of warm vehicles, after dogs were found inside a locked vehicle with the car off and windows rolled up.

 Officers were dispatched to Walmart yesterday, after a shopper left his animals in his vehicle while he went shopping inside. CPD reminds residents to never leave children or pets inside a hot car, because the interior of a vehicle can heat up significantly in just a few minutes, leading to heat stroke and or death.

 CPD says if you children or pets unattended in a locked vehicle, please call 911.

K-47 is closed right now due to a road hazard. 

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the road between U.S. 169 and U.S. 59 is closed to through traffic while a wind tower component is being removed from the roadway.

Drivers must use alternate routes from now until 4 p.m.

 An 18-year-old from Seneca was killed, and two other teens injured, in a one-vehicle accident.

 The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident happened yesterday afternoon when a Nissan Altima, driven by the 17-year-old, crossed the center line of Old 60 Drive, overcorrected, went off the road, and hit a tree.

 Steven Keith, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 The 17-year-old driver and an 18-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries.

 This is MSHP Troop D's 53^rd fatality of the year.

 A Dewey man could face more charges from Washington County after he loses his temper during a hearing.

 Alex Kordell Boston appeared via videocall yesterday from the Washington County Jail for being a fugitive from the state of Missouri. After the judge pronounced bond and the extradition back to Missouri, Boston became visibly upset, saying he didn't want to go back to Missouri. Boston kicked a chair and slammed another chair before being detained.

 Boston is being held on $5,000 bond, with his next court date scheduled for today. Washington County District Attorney Will Drake says more charges are possible after yesterday's outburst.

Scattered storms are once again possible for the four states today and through the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, scattered storms may pop up between 2 and 9 p.m. today, with dime to nickel-size hail possible along with 40 to 50 mph winds and pockets of heavy rain and localized flooding. Widespread severe weather is not expected. Storms are also possible early tomorrow morning for southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri, while parts of southern Oklahoma will see a better chance for severe weather tomorrow into the evening hours.

The Independence Police Department is attempting to locate a missing elderly woman.

70-year-old Jane Connolly was last seen on foot and may be headed to Pittsburg. She was last seen in the 300 block of North Penn yesterday afternoon with two red suitcases. Connolly is a white female, 5'9" and weighing 195 pounds. She might be suffering from some dementia-type symptoms.

Anyone who sees her should call their local law enforcement or IPD at (620)331-1700.

A FedEx semi-truck is involved in a two-vehicle accident on 11^th Street in Coffeyville.

The accident happened around 2:00pm this afternoon on 11^th Street near Spring Street. The Coffeyville Police Department, Fire Department and EMS all arrived on scene. The accident involves a FedEx semi-truck and trailer that was hit on the passenger side near the front wheels of the trailer. The front of the small white car was under the trailer of the semi.

The condition of either driver of the vehicles is unknown at this time.

A dump truck has a rollover accident near Tulsa.

This morning at around 8:45am, a 2000 International Dump Truck driven by 51-year-old Vyacheslav Davydov, of Broken Arrow, was eastbound on OK-266 east of 103^rd Avenue a mile north of Catoosa. Traffic was stopped on OK-266 so traffic could turn, the dump truck was unable to stop and swerved off the roadway to avoid the stopped cars. The dump truck rolled over and came to rest on its side.

Davydov was transported by Pafford EMS to St John Hospital in Tulsa and was admitted in good condition with head injuries. He was wearing his seatbelt.

 The Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, is seeking input on how Community Development Block Grant funding will be distributed.

 CDBG funds, received each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are used to address community needs in cities and counties across Kansas. CDBG projects include assistance for business start-ups and expansions, downtown commercial rehabilitation, housing rehabilitation, and water and sewer line extensions.

 The Department of Commerce wants to ensure CDBG investments advance the goals established in the state’s economic development strategic plan and are utilized more strategically to help communities across the state.

 The Department of Commerce are seeking input from residents, local elected officials, and others via an online survey. Responses are needed by Thursday, June 15.

 The survey is available here.

 The Caney City Council approved new uniforms for their police force during Monday's regular session meeting.

 Police Chief Ike Dye says the new uniforms will replace current Class A uniforms, which can be expensive.

 Dye says current uniforms are designed for more formal use, including trials, funerals, or any formal events. He says the new uniform and vests will allow for more equal weight distribution of gear.

 Dye also says the new vests will be easier to take on and off when officers are working on the paperwork side of cases at the station.

 The complete interview with Caney Police Chief Ike Dye can be heard here. 

The Department of Commerce is awarding $2 million through the Community Development Block Grant – COVID Resiliency program.

This grant will enable cities and counties to address issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when no other funds are available. This is a competitive CDBG grant with an application window that closes July 31^st. Funding for the program was made available through the CARES Act. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland says small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and they were hit hard by the pandemic.

Eligible activities for the CDBG program include upgrades to remain open and prevent future closures due to community illnesses and public health emergencies, technology, hardware, and software upgrades, e-commerce updates, professional development and training and other updates that can be directly related to resiliency improvements. A link to the application can be found here. 

The 28th Annual Camp of Champions concludes today, and the campers have been enjoying the four days of non-stop basketball.

Led by Coffeyville Community College head men's basketball coach Jay Herkelman, campers ages 5-15 are able to improve their basketball skills and learn from experienced coaches. The camp has been an annual tradition since Herkelman's first season coaching in Coffeyville.

Seven year old Daxon Mills says the campers are both learning and having fun in the process.

Along with working on improving their skills, Herkelman and the coaches also have skill competitions. Carson Voss, who's been attending the camp since he was six, says his favorite is champion shooting.

The camp is also preparing some for the competition of high school tryouts. Kane Nash, a 14-year-old, says he's improved his game all week.

No matter what age or skill level you are, Krim Herring says it's all about having a great time.

Photos from the full week of Camp of Champions can be found on the Coffeyville Community College Facebook page.

A Kansas resident has set a new state record for the largest smallmouth buffalo fish caught in Kansas.

Thayne Miller, of Topeka, caught the giant fish from the Clinton Reservoir, five miles west of Lawrence, using bowfishing equipment. The fish weighed 64.75 pounds, measured 45.25 inches long and had a total circumference of 35 inches. The previous Kansas state record for a smallmouth buffalo was set in 1979 by Scott Butler of Lawrence when he reeled in a 51-pound, 41-inch-long smallmouth buffalo from a private farm pond in Douglas County.

Trophy catches, like Miller's smallmouth buffalo, end up as a Kansas State Record if the fish is caught by a licensed angler using legal means, is identified by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor, is weighed on a certified scale prior to being frozen, is photographed, in color, and a state record application is filled out and the mandatory 30-day waiting period has passed.

 Residents in Miami participated in an interactive survey yesterday concerning broadband internet in the town and state.

 The "Let's Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour' in Miami at the Coleman Theatre brought in residents, business owners, City of Miami Admin and staff, and Mayor Bless Parker, to give state officials input on local internet needs.

 The presentation and survey was presented by the Oklahoma Broadband Office. The feedback will be used to develop a five-year plan for Oklahoma to better connect the entire state.

During the Click It or Ticket Campaign, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted saturation patrols to enforce Kansas seatbelt, texting, impaired driving and other traffic laws.

Officers wrote 93 seatbelt citations or warnings, 8 child seatbelt citations or warnings, 57 speeding citations or warnings and 107 other citations and arrests, including 3 DUI arrests. 265 vehicle stops were made during the campaign.

Sheriff Ron Wade says they are here to enforce Kansas Traffic Laws and ultimately, decrease unsafe driving behavior. He says if a driver was stopped, he hopes they learn from the experience and if so, they have made the roads a little safer.

The city of Independence is sending out a survey to be filled out to members of the community.

The survey is courtesy of City Manager Kelly Passauer and the three City Commissioners. An envelope will be sent with the survey, a letter from Mayor Louis Ysusi, and a request for urgent response.

It is comprised of approximately 40 questions that is meant to address the quality of life in Independence, and the opinions of citizens on businesses, restaurants, schools, issues, and more.

Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says it's important to give feedback so the city can address the needs of the people.

Independence is looking for responses as soon as possible, preferably within the next week.

Boxer and son of former Professional Boxer Tommy Morrison is injured in a single-vehicle crash North of Adair, Oklahoma.

Last night just before 10:00pm, a 2006 Ford F-150 driven, by 33-year-old Trey D. Lippe, was about two miles North of Adair driving westbound on Highway 28. Lippe was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a curve to the left, the truck left the road to the right, and Lippe then overcorrected to get back on the highway. The truck left the road again to the right and overturned two times.

Lippe was transported by M.E.S.T.A. to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was admitted in guarded condition with head and trunk internal injuries. Lippe was not wearing his seat belt. 

 The Pittsburg Police Department has released the name of the man who drowned in the Pittsburg YMCA pool.

 19-year-old Caiden Barber, of Pittsburg, was found Tuesday, when first responders were dispatched to the 1100 North Miles Avenue YMCA, in response to an unresponsive adult male found in the pool.

 Barber was transported to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, but was later pronounced deceased.

 An autopsy has been scheduled in Kansas City. No foul play is suspected. The investigation is ongoing.

 The state of Kansas will pursue the death penalty against a Leavenworth man charged with the death of his two sons.

 43-year-old Donald Ray Jackson Jr., is charged with one count of capital murder after his 14 year old son Logan and 12-year-old son Austin were found dead October 24^th, 2020. He then fled the state with his two young daughters Aven and Nora, which started an Amber Alert.

 Jackson was taken into custody in Beckham County, Oklahoma, several hours later after being spotted by a truck driver.

 Jackson plead not guilty, according to the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office. Jury time for the defense will not be available until 2025 at the earliest. His next court appearance was set for October 30^th.

 Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach joins a coalition of 19 states challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to allow California to ban trucks, forcing truckers to buy electric trucks and mandates net-zero emissions standards.
 The coalition says California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation is a violation of the Clean Air Act and other federal laws. The Biden administration gave California the authority to force most buses, vans, trucks, and tractor-trailers be electric by 2035. Currently, just 2% of heavy trucks sold in the United States are electric.
 The ban on traditional trucks is part of the Biden administration’s climate change policy, which raises prices for businesses and consumers. Eight other states have adopted California’s truck ban. The coalition says California’s truck ban will increase costs and demand for liquid fuels, such as biodiesel.

 The trucking industry currently provides almost 70,000 jobs in Kansas.

 Kansas joins other states like Iowa, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, in the challenge.
 The full petition can be read here.

Scattered hit-or-miss thunderstorms are possible today for the four states. According to the National Weather Service, isolated storms are possible between 2 and 9 p.m. today. Potential hazards include dime to quarter-size hail, 50-60 mph winds, pockets of heavy rain and localized flooding. Widespread severe weather is not expected. If any storms do become severe, count on KGGF for severe weather coverage.

Air quality alerts continue today for parts of northeast Oklahoma including Osage county down to Tulsa. People with respiratory conditions should reduce outdoor activity if possible through late today. You can always sign up for severe weather text alerts to stay informed on weather conditions here.

 The Parsons Police Department is preparing for one of the busiest times of the year by asking for residents to be cautious to ensure the safety of the community.

 Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks reminds residents to be aware of their surroundings when hiking, swimming, or BBQ'ing. He also reminds everyone to follow traffic laws and to drive sober this summer. And Sparks reminds everyone of the Centers for Disease Control tips for beating the heat. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, pay attention to heat advisories, and take frequent water breaks.

 Spinks says crime numbers have not increased dramatically this year in Parsons. 208 people have been arrested and processed since January 1^st.

 For more information, go on-line: parsonspd.com.

It is down to the last few weeks to submit your application for the Leadership Coffeyville Class. Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook says it's a great class with an opportunity to grow as an individual.

Westbrook says the first round of applications are due at the end of the month.  An evening reception is on August 15^th, the retreat is on August 22^nd and the first class is on September 5^th.  A link to the applications can be found here.

 A Carthage man is found guilty in a 2021 car accident that killed a former Missouri Southern professor.

 38-year-old Kenton Cowgill III, of Carthage, was found guilty of 2^nd degree murder, DWI — resulting in death, felony resisting arrest by fleeing, and drug trafficking.

 Cowgill led Joplin police on a pursuit on East 7^th in Joplin July 3, 2021. He collided with a Toyota Prius at the intersection of 7th and Duquesne in Duquesne. The driver of the Prius, 66-year-old Robert McDermid, died later at a Joplin hospital.

 The trial took two days; sentencing will be held at a later date.

 Two Bartlesville women face charges of unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute after former felony conviction, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, after an incident Monday afternoon in Bartlesville.

 Heather Giovinazzo and Selena Thorn were arrested after police found a small baggie of meth in their vehicle. Officers would also find an unmarked bottle of aspirin, two more large baggies of methamphetamine in the center console of the car, and a C02 bb pistol in the glove box.

 Methamphetamine and Cocaine were found in Giovinazzo’s purse as well

 Both women are being held on $30,000 bond; their next court dates are set for June 23rd.

A child is injured after an accident involving a trash truck south of Chanute. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 17-year-old Caleb Grant was driving a small Dodge trash truck north on U.S. 169 and attempted to make a sharp turn onto 130^th Road. The truck rolled and a child passenger in the truck received a suspected minor injury. No further information will be released on the child because of their age. Grant was not wearing a seat belt and had no apparent injury.

Kansas's Early Childhood Transition Task Force will be going on a statewide community engagement tour.

This tour is to discuss the challenges communities face in supporting children through their earliest years. The task force is charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood care and education system and with developing a road map for creating a cabinet-level agency dedicated to supporting our youngest Kansans. Governor Kelly says if they want to give their kids the best possible future, then they must give them the strongest possible start.

The task force will visit nine cities across the state to discuss successes and challenges affecting the early childhood sectors in each community. These meetings are open to the public. Locally the task force will make a stop in Chanute at 9:00am on Tuesday, June 27^th, at the Neosho County Community College Student Union.

It was a full house at this morning's Business over Breakfast in Coffeyville.

Coffeyville Recreation Director David Rains provided the latest updates about the Destination Park, whose grand opening will be Friday, June 30^th at 10:00am. This new park will add a zip line, ropes course, urban soccer fields and a fitness court. Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson spoke about the levees and flood plans for Coffeyville. Community State Bank's Mike Ewy gave an update on the new housing being built.

Next month's Business Over Breakfast will be Wednesday, July 5^th at 8:00am.

There is a 10% increase on the insurance rate for Wilson County upon renewal.

The county's partnership with EMC Insurance was renewed for a nearly 10% increase to last year's total. The reason for this is the increased evaluation rates across the region, leading to higher costs in insurance.

Additionally, the county renewed a Postage Meter Lease with Quadient for the price of $50,219. Maintenance Supervisor Nick Lewis says that the county has worked with Quadient in the past, and they are reliable.

Also discussed at this week's Wilson County Commission meeting was a formal request for allocation of liquor tax funds for Four County Mental Health, courtesy of Executive Director Greg Hennen.

There will be no meeting next week. The commissioners will meet next on June 21st at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the Wilson County Courthouse.

Representatives Ron Estes, Kansas, Mike Carey, Ohio, Adrian Smith, Nebraska, Carol Miller, West Virginia, Kevin Hern, Oklahoma, Darin LaHood, Illinois, and Nicole Malliotakis, New York, introduce the Pay Less at the Pump Act. This act will lower gas prices, foster domestic energy production and reduce America’s reliance on foreign energy sources.

Representative Estes says Kansas families and businesses have been suffering for too long under President Joe Biden’s elevated energy prices. He says the Pay Less at the Pump Act is another way that House Republicans are working to bring down energy costs for Americans and encourage energy production in the U.S.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announces a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program. This program allows all Kansas households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 15^th. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last.

All Kansas households can order free COVID-19 tests through AccessCovidTests.org. Each household can place an order for 5 at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to the house. Kansans who need more support to order tests can call 866-534-3463. KDHE has already distributed 308,615 tests to Kansas families through Project ACT.

For the third straight year, Kansas has won the Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel Award.

The back-to-back-to-back achievement has no precedent in state history and reflects three consecutive years of record-setting private-sector investment. Governor Laura Kelly says every day, her administration works to grow the economy so there are better opportunities for Kansans. She says this award shows that their work is paying off, and as a result, more Kansans have good-paying jobs with which they can support their families and contribute to their communities.

Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto was the largest capital expenditure in 2022. There were 272 projects across the state totaling almost $7.4 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 13,400 jobs created or retained. 

Kansas is ranked in the High-Performance Tier in Trust for America’s Health Ready or Not Report.

The Ready or Not 2023: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism measures states’ readiness to respond to a spectrum of health emergencies and to provide ongoing public health services. The report takes an annual snapshot of states’ public health and emergency readiness.

Authored by TFAH since 2003, it documents that all states have made progress in preparedness since 9/11. However, it also highlights the pressing need for additional action, particularly as weather-related and other public health emergencies become more frequent. Governor Laura Kelly says this high ranking emphasizes the important role the public health departments play in keeping Kansans safe, healthy, and prepared for disasters and other emergencies.

 A Joplin chiropractor is indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving and distributing child pornography.

 39-year-old Eric Hedman was charged in a single-count indictment that was unsealed yesterday.

 Hedman, who operated a chiropractic business close to downtown Joplin, is charged with one count of receiving and distributing child pornography between January 1^st and December 12th, 2022.

 The case was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force. They work across 22 counties in Southwest Missouri specifically investigating technology crimes against children.

Galena Police Officers stop a burglary in progress.

Yesterday evening, officers were dispatched to 512 Bellevue for an open door. When officers arrived, they located an unidentified female in the residence. During their investigation, officers identified 25-year-old Penelope Akard and contacted the homeowner. The homeowner verified that Akard wasn’t supposed to be there and stated several items were missing from the residence.

A search warrant was requested for Akard’s residence and several stolen items were recovered. Akard was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Jail. Charges are being requested for burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

 The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects.

 There are two projects in Cherokee County, including a milling and overlay of U.S. 69, from the U.S. 160/U.S. 400 junction north to the Crawford/Cherokee county line, for $3.3 million dollars, and on U.S. 400, from the Riverton roundabout north to the U.S. 160/U.S. 69/U.S. 400 junction, for $2,4 million.

 Another project in Coffey County replaces a bridge, located 0.6 mile north and 3.5 miles west of Waverly over the tributary to Sand Creek. The cost of that project is $586 thousand.

Update 10 a.m.: The road is back open.

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

Highway 169 or South Walnut is closed at the railroad crossing due to an engine derailment. According to the City of Coffevyille, traffic is detoured to Willow, south to Eldridge then back East to HWY 169. The city is asking drivers use caution in the area.

 More information is known on the standoff yesterday in Independence.

 Independence PD say a domestic disturbance involving a firearm took place in the 700 block of West Maple yesterday morning. The victim was able to escape and call police from another location. Officers attempted to get the suspect to surrender, but were unable to convince him to exit the residence.

 Montgomery County and Coffeyville PD Special Response Teams were called in, along with assistance from the KBI. After a search warrant was obtained, firearms believed to be connected to the incident were recovered.

 32-year-old Zebulon Zacharia Williams, of Independence, was arrested and is currently in the Montgomery County Jail. Charges of attempted murder and interference are being sought.

Parts of Oklahoma including Osage County and the Tulsa metro are under an ozone alert today. According to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, an ozone alert means that conditions are favorable for the buildup of ozone near the ground to an unhealthy level. When winds are light, the vapors from fuels such as gasoline, exhaust from engines and air pollutants from industrial activities remain trapped near the ground. If sunshine is abundant when these air pollutants build up, a chemical process is triggered that results in the development of ozone near the ground during the afternoon and evening hours. The department says while ozone in the upper levels of the atmosphere is beneficial in screening the suns radiation, it is harmful near the ground. Ozone can bother those with respiratory problems and can damage vegetation. Those in the Tulsa metro are asked to limit or postpone the running of gas engines and the department says industrial facilities should reduce pollution emissions as much as possible.

 A Bartlesville man was in Washington County Court yesterday on multiple charges, including eluding police, driving under suspension, possession of controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug proceeds and no license plate.

 When Bartlesville PD tried to pull Jessie White over for a missing tag Monday afternoon, White led police on a pursuit. It started in a parking lot, then into a field, where the chase ended. White fled on foot, but was quickly detained by police.

 In a search of the vehicle, police found a large clear baggie with a smaller baggie inside of it containing a white crystal-like substance that was recognized as meth.

 Over $3700 was found on White, which, according to court documents, was consistent with that of narcotic sales.

 White is being held on $75,000 bond; his next court date is today.

A group of aviators who stopped in Coffeyville are now Guinness world record holders. The group from Bowling Green State University in Ohio was successful in landing in all 48 states in 48 hours. According to an update on the group's website, the mission was completed in 44 hours and 7 minutes, which is just slightly over their goal of 43 hours and 31 minutes, still well under 48 hours. The group came through Coffeyville Monday night just after 11 p.m. and landed in Portland, Maine, last night at 6:42 Eastern time.

A Coffeyville woman who was injured in a single-vehicle crash on Sunday has died. Staff at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa have confirmed 18-year-old Mackenzie Kendall passed away late Monday afternoon. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kendall was seriously injured Sunday on County Road 4300 when she crossed the center line, overcorrected and her Chevy Impala went off the roadway to the west. The car struck a metal fence and came to rest in a field. The other occupants in the vehicle were 18-year-old Iacob Palmer and 21-year-old Christian Rodrigue-Rodriguez of Coffeyville who had no apparent injury. All occupants were wearing their seat belts.

 Bartlesville Police Department Deputy Chief Kevin Ickleberry has been selected as police chief, the city announced yesterday.

 The move comes following the promotion of former chief Tracy Roles, who was promoted to assistant city manager last month.

 Chief Ickleberry began his law enforcement career with the city of Bartlesville as a reserve officer in October 1989. He moved to the Washington County Sheriff's Office in January 1995, where he served as a deputy sheriff until December 1995.

He was hired as a BPD patrol officer Dec. 4, 1995, and moved to the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective in May 2001. He earned the rank of sergeant in May 2006 and served in that capacity in CID until 2009, when he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

 He was assigned to the Services Division in 2011 until October 2018, when he was appointed as captain of the Special Operations Division. He was named deputy chief in January of this year.

 Ickleberry holds several accreditations in police work and leadership, including his attendance at the FBI LEEDA leadership institutes in 2019 and 2020, the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute-Louisville, Ky., in 2021, and the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police training in 2017.

The Childrens Summer Theater returns to Coffeyville Community College this month.  Performances for NEMO are set for June 23rd through 25th at the Spencer Rounds Theater.  Vocal Music Director at CCC Markel Porter says about 30 kids have been working hard to make the performance a success.

Porter says the sets will be larger and more elaborate this year.  Performances are scheduled for Thursday, June 23^rd at 7:00pm. Friday the 24^th at 5:00pm and a matinee performance at 2:00pm on Sunday, June 25th. 

The Coffeyville Recreation Center is offering two activities during the month of June for students from pre-k to sixth grade.

The first event is on Tuesday, June 20^th, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the CRC meeting room. Students will be tie-dying a towel to use this summer at the pool. The second event is Messy Science. This event is on Friday, June 23^rd, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the CRC meeting room.

Both events are $8 for in district and $10 for out of district and registration is due by June 16^th. Register at the CRC office Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

 The Joplin Police Department arrests the thief of a statue. 

 JPD received the call from the Joplin Public Library, reporting the theft of their bronze statue in front of their main entrance, May 29th, around 4:00 a.m. The statue is valued at $5,300.  

 A Joplin Police Detective was able to positively identify the man through surveillance video, and 56-year-old Larry Hart, of Joplin, was arrested late last week. 

 He is being charged with Class D Felony theft, with a bond of $25,000 surety plus $10,000 cash.

 The investigation is still active, with detectives asking for your help in locating the stolen statue. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Joplin Police Detective John Watkins at 417-623-3131 x1603.

The Kansas Department of Transportation provides road closing, no thru traffic and detour information for the construction on Highway 166 near Baxter Springs.

KDOT has closed Highway 166 east of Baxter Springs until the fall. As a result there has been a significant increase in traffic on secondary roads near the construction zone. KDOT has designated Southeast 5-Mile Avenue, Commons Road and 90^th, north and south of Highway 166, as No Thru Traffic zones.

As a result of this designation, motorists who do not live in that area will need to utilize the approved detour north from Baxter Springs on Highway 69/400 to Riverton, then east on 166 to Galena and South on K26, or in reverse order, to navigate around the KDOT construction zone.

The Coffeyville Boys and Girls Club, who already offers travel basketball, plans to offer a new travel sport in the fall. Director Griff Walker says they want to build a place where kids can play sports.

Walker says he wants the sports offered by the Boys and Girls Club to focus on traveling to compete.  Walker says anyone interested in signing up for anything the Boys and Girls Club offers can contact him via email at griffin.walker@cvilleschools.com.

 A major water line in Caney is being replaced, after a vote by the city council during yesterday's regular session meeting.

 City officials say replacing the twelve inch line from the tower, which sends water to the industrial park and east side of town, will eliminate the poor condition the current line is in, and should help the town reduce water loss significantly. City Administrator Kelley Zellner uses the example of a break during Christmas 2022 as an example on why the line needs replaced.

 Zellner says the situation has gotten to where repairs to city water lines need to be done soon, because the amount of water loss keeps growing.

 Zellner says engineers and water officials with the KDHE continue to examine all options to see what would be the biggest help to the town. The cost of just over $257,000 is being covered by grant funding.

Four Ponca City teenagers are injured in a single-vehicle crash in Kay County, Oklahoma.

The accident happened just before 4:30pm yesterday afternoon, four miles west and one mile north of Kildare, Oklahoma. A 2003 Ford Escape, driven by a 17-year-old male, was southbound on N W Street approaching W Adobe Road, traveling at an unsafe speed. The driver lost control and rolled the Escape coming to rest on the driver's side. The driver was partially ejected and pinned under the vehicle for 3 minutes.

The driver was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and admitted in fair condition with injuries to his head. There were three passengers in the vehicle, a 17-year-old male, a 15-year-old male and a 14-year-old female. All three were transported to Alliance Health in Ponca City for minor injuries and all three were treated and released. No one in the vehicle was wearing their seat belt.

 A child was injured after being struck by a car in Bartlesville yesterday evening.

 Bartlesville Police Captain Andrew Ward says the incident happened around 8:00 at the intersection of Frank Phillips Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue.

 Officers discovered a juvenile on a small motorized bike had been hit by a west-bound vehicle on Frank Phillips Boulevard. Officials determined the juvenile pulled out in front of the vehicle causing the accident.

 The juvenile was transported to Jane Phillips Medical Center and then to a Tulsa hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Numerous counties across the state, including Montgomery County, received limited responses to a student survey.

The annual Kansas Communities that Care survey, which provides valuable information regarding health risk behaviors and opinions of students on drug misuse, was released in March.

Wellness Coalition Community Mobilizer Molly Rains says the county received a very low response rate compared to previous years.

A primary reason for the limited data from the survey is the changes in legislature. Rains says that Montgomery County was not the only county that experienced low numbers.

Additional items of business at this week's commission meeting was a work session with Human Resources Director Ben Brubaker, and Commissioner Bever approving the Victim Services Grant with Emergency Management.

 The Independence Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff's Department are asking residents to avoid the area of 13^th and 14th and Maple in Independence. Both departments are currently working a dangerous situation involving an armed and barricaded subject.

 Authorities are asking everyone to avoid the area for your safety and to allow law enforcement to focus on the situation.

 More information will be given as it becomes available. 

 A bill filed in the Oklahoma Legislature would change how long a criminal would serve their sentence.

 House Bill 2946 or the “Lauria and Ashley’s Law”, would change the number of crimes where the “85% Law” would be enforced. Oklahoma’s “85% Law” focuses on sexual and violent crimes, like first and second degree murder, manslaughter in the first degree, and poisoning with intent to kill. Those convicted would be required to serve at least 85% of their sentences.

 The bill is a response to the early release of 71-year-old Ronnie Busick, who plead guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2020 for accessory to felony murder in the killings of Danny and Kathy Freeman, and the kidnapping and presumed deaths of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible. Because of Oklahoma Department of Corrections rules, Busick only served half of his sentence.

 Representative Steve Bashore, the author of the bill, says House Bill 2946 would not allow that to happen in the future, as it would expand what’s included in the list of crimes handled under the 85% Law.

 If approved, Lauria and Ashley’s Law would take effect on November 1st, 2024.

The Kansas Water Office is currently accepting applications for their 14 Regional Advisory Committees established by the Kansas Water Authority. These committees help advise the water office on the use of resources and help identify emerging water issues and concerns. The regions in southeast Kansas include the Verdigris and Neosho regions. Interested individuals can apply on the Kansas Water Office webpage.

 Representatives Jake LaTurner of Kansas and Mark Alford of Missouri introduce a resolution to express the House's support for the continued inclusion of AM radios in cars and recognize the safety and value that AM radio brings to millions of listeners across the country.

 This bipartisan resolution comes as car manufacturers are considering removing AM radio in new cars and electric vehicles.

 LaTurner says millions of Americans rely on AM radio for crucial information, such as weather updates, crop reports, and emergency alerts to rural communities across America that can't access cellular or broadband networks.

 Alford calls AM radio the lifeblood of information for farmers and ranchers, adding that AM radio isn't a dying medium; it's a vibrant network that connects diverse communities across the nation.

 LaTurner and Alford are joined by nineteen other representatives in support of this legislation.

 The Carl Junction, Missouri, police chief is being called a hero, after saving the life of an elderly woman.

 CJPD Chief Mark McCall was having dinner with his wife in Springfield over Memorial Day weekend, when he saw an elderly lady slumped over at a nearby table. Hall started life saving maneuvers when he realized the woman was choking. He was able to dislodge the food item, and the woman started breathing and was able to communicate.

 The woman was taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures.

 Hall says the situation is a good reminder for all people to know first aid and how to perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. He says the training you receive could come in handy in a time when you least expect it to.

 A new portable broadband system is on its way to Washington County Emergency Management to assist with communication during emergency response calls.

 The Washington County Commissioners approved a $15,000 grant yesterday from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for the broadband system. Emergency Management Director Kary Cox says there have been times when they have needed to use internet services during emergencies. The new equipment will help with that need.
 The commissioners will meet again at 9:30 a.m. next Monday at the Washington County Administration building in downtown Bartlesville. The meeting is open to the public.

 The Bartlesville City Council approves their next fiscal year budget during their regular session meeting last night.

 The city expects to receive approximately $31.3 million in revenue to the general fund for Fiscal Year 2023-24, which begins July 1. The city also receives revenue from enterprise funds and capitol improvements to be used in the budget.

 Mayor Dale Copeland says city staff does a great job making sure the budget is balanced every year.

 The City Council also approved a listing of potential bond projects that will be presented to voters, most likely in October. The proposed general obligation bond, $17.6 million over four years, would include $12 million for streets, $3 million for buildings and facilities — including just over $2.3 million to replace Fire Station #2 at Hensley and Virginia, and $2.17 milion for parks and recreation.

 City staff says if voters approve the bond issue, property taxes will not go up since the millage rate would remain the same.

Coffeyville may be part of a new Guinness World Record. A group of aviators from Bowling Green State University is currently attempting to land in all 48 contiguous states in less than 48 hours. They landed their Piper Saratoga in Coffeyville last night just after 11 p.m. The team consists of Primary Pilot Barry Behnfeldt, Secondary Pilot Aaron Wilson and Technician Thomas Twiddly. The crew launched from Indiana on Sunday and is currently heading north from their last stop in the Florida panhandle towards their next stop in Atlanta Georgia around 7 this morning.  A link to track their flight can be found here.

An Amber Alert is issued for four children taken by their mom.

Today at 10:34am, Au'Vae Riley, Da'avien Riley Jr, Ty'rell Riley, and Aunila Riley were taken by their mother, Dontresha Shabree Thomas. The mother's statements to the father indicate the children are in immediate danger. The four kids were taken in Topeka and traveling in an unknown direction in a Silver 2009 GMC Acadia with temporary Kansas tag C953627.

Thomas is a 30-year-old black female, 5 ft. 1 in. tall and weighs 110lbs. She has black hair and brown eyes. Thomas was last wearing a white T-shirt and gray shorts.  Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or the suspect's vehicle.

 May was National Mental Health Month, but anxiety is an issue that affects three in ten U.S.adults year round.

 Dr. Tony Sun, Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare of Kansas, says anxiety often goes hand and hand with depression, which affects about 16 million American adults a year. However, almost 40% of U.S. adults who needed mental health treatment in the last 12 months did not seek help. Dr. Sun believes that while the cost, stigma, and access to healthcare resources are serious issues, those who need help in dealing with mental health may have success in the cloud.

 According to the FAIR Health monthly telehealth tracker, telehealth accounted for 5.5% of medical claims in the U.S. in December 2022, and mental health conditions accounted for 62.5% of diagnoses, which is the top overall diagnosis.

 Virtual resources in mental health have expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic. The full interview between Dr. Tony Sun and Chris Freund is available here.

 Unofficial results are in for the Cherokee Nation general election, with the incumbents retaining.

 Incumbent Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. was re-elected, receiving nearly 63%, or 10,556 votes. Challengers Cara Cowan Watts receved 4008 votes and Wes Nofire received 1,673 votes.

 District 12 Tribal Councilwoman Dora Patzkowski defeated her challenger, Chrystal St. John. Almost 81% of the votes went to Patzkowski, unofficially 570 to St. John’s 124 votes.

 Election results are unofficial until certified by the Cherokee Nation Election Commission.

 A Missouri man is injured in a dirt bike – truck accident Saturday morning.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the accident took place around 9:15 a.m., on South 560 road about three miles northeast of Jay. 34-year-old Kenneth Clark, of Southwest City, was operating a 2020 Hawk dirt bike northbound on South 560 road. When he came around a curve, his bike struck a pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Shad McMaster, of Jay. The patrol said McMaster’s pickup truck did not keep to the right to allow the dirt bike to pass by.

 Clark was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Joplin in serious condition. McMaster was not injured.

 Governor Laura Kelly announces 14 communities, including Cedar Vale and Fort Scott, will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program.

 The $76,000 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since its inception two years ago, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.

 Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The city of Cedar Vale is receiving $1,500, while the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation is receiving $5,250.

 Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon says her office can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize communities and increase tourism and community engagement.

 The Osage County Commissioners discuss a possible bid for ambulance services in their latest meeting.

 Commissioner Charlie Cartwright says the issue can not be solved overnight.

 No bid was awarded during the last commissioners meeting.

 Miller EMS's contract for ambulance services ends at the end of this month.

A crack repair project will start soon on U.S. 400. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the work will begin in Wilson County on Monday, June 12^th. The 12½ mile project area runs from K-47 at Fredonia southeast to the Montgomery County line. Flaggers and a pilot car operation will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone on the two-lane section. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less. A lane width restriction of 11 feet will also be in effect. In addition, there will be alternating lane closures on the four-lane section. The road work should be completed by the end of July, weather permitting. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $344,000 to Pavement Pros LLC, Wichita, and reminds drivers to obey the signs and flaggers and to slow down in the work zone.

 Montgomery County Clerk and Election Officer Charlotte Scott Schmidt discusses the status of the city, school, and primary election August 1^st.

 In a release sent Friday afternoon, Smith informed the registered voters of Montgomery County that there will not be a city, school, or primary election August 1, due to not enough candidates filing for each of the positions to create a Primary.

 The city, school, and General Election will be held November 7^th.

 For more information, contact the County Clerk's office. They are available 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, phone 620-330-1200.

A Coffeyville woman is seriously injured after a single-vehicle crash near the Coffeyville Country Club. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Mackenzie Kendall was southbound on County Road 4300 when she crossed the center line, overcorrected and her Chevy Impala went off the roadway to the west. The car struck a metal fence and came to rest in a field. Kendall was taken to a Tulsa hospital with a suspected serious injury. The other occupants in the vehicle were 18-year-old Iacob Palmer and 21-year-old Christian Rodrigue-Rodriguez of Coffeyville who had no apparent injury. All occupants were wearing their seat belts.

 A resident in the El Dorado Correctional Facility died this morning; the cause is currently unknown.

 60-year-old Luis Diaz was serving a sentence for one count of 1st degree attempted murder and one count of criminal threat from a Sedgwick County incident in 2007.The cause of death is pending further investigation as well as results of an independent autopsy.

 Protocol dictates that when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections the death is investigated by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is currently on-going.

 The El Dorado Correctional Facility is an all-male facility housing all custody levels. Its current population is 1,734 residents.  

 A town hall meeting in Caney begins the process of a possible pocket park across from City Hall.

 Residents met with Pathways Coordinator Marci Roberts and City Administrator Kelley Zellner to begin the idea process to beautify an area that once held a building. The location has been cleared after the building burned, with the property turned over to the city.

 Zellner says he is happy with the turnout and the ideas presented in yesterday's meeting.

 The work must be done using the existing concrete pad, because removing the pad would violate EPA standards. Zellner is contacting EPA officials and pursuing other grant funding to align with $30,000 in current grant funding for the pocket park.

 A green space with restroom facilities and a small stage was high on the list of priorities listed by residents. Zellner and Roberts will update Caney residents on the progress of the proposed park in a future meeting.

 By unanimous decision, the City of Miami has selected a new fire chief.

 Chris Chenoweth was appointed to the position May 27^th, following the retirement of former Fire Chief Robert Wright, who served for 28 years with the department.

 Chenoweth is a 2004 graduate of Welch High School. He started his career with the Miami Fire Department in 2013, and was promoted to Deputy Chief in December of 2022. Before joining the Miami Fire Department, Chenoweth had served since 2008 on the Welch Volunteer Fire Department, following in his father's footsteps, who was a 30-year volunteer with the department.

 With the new chief, the Miami Fire Department is fully staffed at 24 firefighters.

 Chenoweth says he is proud of his department and is excited about his new role.

 Governor Laura Kelly announces total tax collections for May 2023.

 Kelly says tax collection this month were $857.3 million, 4.7%, above the estimate.

 Individual income tax collections were $440.1 million, 2.9% below the estimate, and down 15.1% from May 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $91.2 million, 140% higher than the estimate and up 77.4% from May 2022. The drastic increase in corporate income tax collections can be partly attributed to the continued impact of the SALT Parity Act.