Two Crawford County patrol vehicles are hit in a hit-and-run incident.

At 3:15am this morning, two deputies were at a traffic stop on K-126 and Westfield Road. The deputies had just arrested a man and woman and put them in the back of their patrol vehicles. The deputies were outside their vehicles with a third passenger when they heard and saw a truck approaching at a high rate of speed. One of the deputies pushed the third passenger toward the ditch, and both deputies jumped into the ditch. The truck sideswiped both patrol vehicles and continued west.

The first patrol vehicle sustained the most damage. The woman sustained minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi. The man did not receive any injuries. At around 3:45am, one of the deputies located the truck. The driver was identified as 25-year-old Austin Lallemand, of Walnut. Lallemand showed indications that he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the Crawford County Jail and booked in on several charges related to the hit and run.

Area Easter Egg Hunts:

Saturday, March 30 –

Coffeyville

First Baptist Church, 300 W. 9^th, 11am

Buckeye Estates, 502 Buckeye, 2pm

Independence

Riverside Park, 3pm, Age groups 0-1 year, 2-3 years, and 4-5 years will begin at the Park Oval promptly at 3:00 PM! Ages 6-7 years and 8- 9 years will begin at the Hille Bandshell at 3:15 PM

Neodesha

Riverwalk Park, 11am, Age groups 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Sunday, March 31 –

Longton

City of Longton, 9^th and Delaware, 2pm, ages 0-10. Bring your own basket

 The City of Altamont is currently taking orders for pavers to be placed at the Veterans Memorial in Lansdowne Garden.

 The program is intended to honor those who have served our country.

Pavers will be 8” x 4” and can consist of up to three lines of text containing 16 characters or spaces per line. Pavers that are preordered prior to them being ordered and laid will cost $125/each. Pavers purchased after they have been laid will cost $150/each.

Pavers can be purchased  at the City Office Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 5pm and on Fridays from 7:30am to 1:30pm.

You may also order by mail if out of town by mailing your order form with payment to

The City of Altamont 

PO Box 305

Altamont, KS 67330

To order online, go here.

 April Fools Day is Monday and there will be plenty of April Foolery as the Coffeyville Community College welcomes Magic By Pete.

 Pete Waltershied will be joined by comedy magician Keith Leff and mentalist Jerry Jackson from Kansas City. Waltershied says it will be a great show.

The Show begins at 7:30pm Monday night in the Spencer Rounds Theater at CCC. Admission is free.

 There will be a solar eclipse visible in the middle of the U.S. coming up on April 8^th.

 In the Coffeyville area, the eclipse will begin around 12:30pm. While the path of totality will cover parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri, Ron Mallory of the Kansas Astronomical Observers says it will just miss the Coffeyville area.

Mallory adds that those who plan to view the eclipse should wear proper eye protection. The next solar eclipse that will be visible in the U.S. will occur in 2044.

For eclipse safety tips, go here.

  A seven year old child suffers serious injuries after a dog attack in Monett.

 The child, who is from Aurora, MO, was a guest at the home where the dog attack occurred on Wednesday. The boy was transported by emergency personnel to a Kansas City hospital for treatment.

The mixed breed dog involved in the attack was also the subject of a bite incident last October. The animal's owner was cited for having a Vicious Animal as a result of that incident and has a court date pending in May for that case.

Monett Animal Control is holding the dog and police say there is no danger to the public.

 The Independence City Commission takes a major step in improving flood control near Whiskey Creek.

 At last night's meeting, commissioners approved a significant land purchase in the northeast part of the city. The city has agreed to purchase 125 acres of land north of Oak Street between 13^th and 21^st streets at a cost of just over $1 million. The area lies along the banks of Whiskey Creek, an area well-known for flash flooding during heavy rains. City Manager Kelly Passauer says the city has been looking for ways to mitigate flooding in the area since the 2018 floods.

The study recommended the construction of a water-retention lake in the area to help prevent downstream flooding. Passauer says the city has been in negotiations with the land owners for some time.

Passauer added that the purchase will help the community on other ways, including creating an additional area for housing and extending existing street in the area, which would help decrease traffic congestion around the city's schools. Passauer expects significant funding to become available to support any street and infrastructure improvements that would support the schools thanks to an anticipated early payoff of bonds issued after the school district’s 2009 bond issue election for school improvements.

 A Tulsa man is injured when his motorcycle collides with a lawnmower.

 58 year old Dona Maye was mowing along the roadside on West 53^rd Street North in Tulsa. She entered the roadway at the top of a hill in order to make a turn. At that moment, a motorcycle driven by 35 year old Jacob Demmitt topped the same hill. Demmitt attempted to avoid a collision with the mower and lost control of the bike.

Demmitt was taken to OSU Medical Center in Tulsa in fair condition.

 A Bartlesville woman is injured in an Osage County accident.

 32 year old Samantha Adams was riding a Honda CMX-500 motorcycle around 4:30 yesterday afternoon along County road 2701 or about 4 miles west of Bartlesville. Adams left the roadway to the right and hit the edge of the asphalt, causing her to lose control. In an attempt to regain control of the motorcycle, Adams tried to return to the roadway, causing the bike to roll and then slide to a rest in the middle of the roadway.

Adams was taken to St John Medical Center in Tulsa where she was admitted in fair condition.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is focusing on Southeast Kansas.

Yesterday, Moran visited Pittsburg, Baxter Springs and Coffeyville. Moran made a major announcement of almost $166,000 in funding for the Baxter Springs Police Department. Moran says more people are realizing that defunding the police is not the answer.

In Coffeyville, Moran visited with City and Emergency Preparedness officials and the Army Corps of Engineers to see what the needs are when it comes to flood control and how he may be able to help. Moran says he's witnessed the devastation of Coffeyville's recent floods.

Moran says he's glad to see progress happening in the area.

Moran also visited a manufacturer in Pittsburg during his day in southeast Kansas.

Moles are one of the biggest enemies to yards, pastures or any other grassy areas. K-State Wildlife Specialist Drew Ricketts says they can typically cause two types of damage. 

Ricketts says trapping provides the most success in eliminating moles.  Ricketts says toxicants can be used for removal but it isn't as effective as trapping. He says early springtime is one of the most common times for mole activity.

 The Neodesha City Commission hears from residents regarding a temporary road.

 At yesterday's meeting, a Neodesha resident asked commissioners about a temporary road near the Fall River dam. The man tells commissioners that many people would like to see the road become permanent.

City Manager Brogan Jones says the road will remain open to foot traffic but not vehicles because of the liability issues it would cause for the city. However, Mayor Devin Johnson says he's open to the suggestion.

No action was taken on the matter. The Neodesha City Commission will meet next on April 10^th.

 Crews from Coffeyville Public Service are repairing a guardrail in the 1900 block of West 11^th.

 The eastbound lane will be closed temporarily this morning until the work is complete.

  The City of Independence announces that the City Clerk/Utility Office will be closed ttoday due to software upgrades and staff training.

 The Office will resume normal hours on Monday.

 The City of Coffeyville teams up with the Kansas Children's Service League to put the spotlight on preventing child abuse.

 Jordan Limas with the K-C-S-L's Healthy Families program says the goal is to make healthy, happy families.

Limas says the Healthy Families program is a home visit program that serves Montgomery, Labette, Chautauqua, and Elk counties. For the city's part, Coffeyville Mayor Alec Hendryx officially proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Kansas Children's Service League asks that citizens get involved to help prevent child abuse by advocating for prevention measures in their communities, volunteering for programs that help prevent abuse, and helping to educate others on the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call 1-800-922-5330.

For more ways to help, go here.

 If you've noticed a lot of people clothed in green last week in Cherryvale, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.

 The City of Cherryvale spent last week “shamrocking” their way to a Fourth of July Fireworks show. Cherryvale citizens were able to pay $5 to have someone “shamrocked,” which means they were given a St. Patrick's Day costume to wear and be photographed in. Those who were covered in green had the option of wearing the costume for an hour or paying $5 to be “de-shamrocked.”

It was, of course, all in good fun since all of the proceeds went to support the Fourth of July Fireworks show. You can see pictures of those who were shamrocked on the City of Cherryvale Facebook page.

 Agents from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission serve warrants for illegal electronic gambling machines in two Cherokee County convenience stores.

 The warrants were served at Quick Stop locations in Baxter Springs and Riverton. The machines in question are similar to electronic slot machines. The Gaming Commission says these games are only legal in Kansas if they are located in a state owned casino or a tribal casino.

The store owners say the machines are leased from a third-party company and that they are legal under Kansas state law.

No arrests were made during the Tuesday raid and it remains unclear if any machines were seized. The warrants are a part of the Kansas Gaming Commission's attempt to crack down on illegal gambling operations in rural areas of the state.

 A single vehicle accident near Cherryvale leaves a Labette County man injured.

 The accident occurred around 7am yesterday morning about two miles southeast of Cherryvale on County Road Eighteen Thousand. 70 year old Ronnie Nading of Chetopa attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control of his car. The vehicle slid off the road and rolled into a culvert.

Nading was taken to a near by hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

 **UPDATE** Eye witness reports indicate that the accident involved a tractor-trailer that left the roadway, went through a fence, and came to rest in a field.

 There is an injury accident working this morning on US 169 at County Road 19, about three miles north of Nowata.

 Emergency crews on in response. Drivers in the area be on the look out for emergency vehicles and be prepared to pull over and allow them to pass. Use caution in the area or find an alternate route.

If you're waking up to some smoke and haze this morning, there's a likely explanation.

According to the Wichita office of the National Weather Service, yesterday was a near-perfect day for prescribed burning in eastern Kansas. The lack of wind that made the conditions ideal for burning may cause some of that smoke to stick around into this morning. The main concern is a drop in air quality for those sensitive to these type of conditions. The smoke is expected to clear out today.

 The new Central Sports Complex in Independence is a complete reconstruction of the rec league baseball and softball fields on Park Boulevard.

 The fields that will be refurbished are Bicentennial, Jaycee, Hugo, Sinclair, and Clark James fields. Most Independence residents probably have a fair idea of where most of those field names originated, but one might be more difficult, even for those native to the city.

Clark James Field was named for the first man from Independence who was killed in action in World War II. Here is his story.

The Parsons Police Department is warning citizens about a questionable fund-raising letter.

The letter claims to be from the National Police Association, asking for money to support the local police department. While the National Police Association is a 501C3 non-profit organization, it received a Zero-Star Rating from the Charity Navigator which ranks more than 225,000 charities nationwide. Chief Robert Spinks says it's crucial for everyone to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any solicitation, especially when it involves donations to support law enforcement.

The letter typically urges recipients to make donations to support local law enforcement efforts. However, the National Police Association has stated that they are not fraudulent with these solicitations in any way. Spinks says citizens should know that if they donate money to the National Police Association that group is not funding any program administered by PPD.

Two are arrested and several forgery items are seized in Labette County.

Yesterday, the Labette County Sheriff's Office and the Parsons Police Department executed a search warrant at 2314 Broadway. During the search, officers seized methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, computers and printers used to manufacture fake I.D.s and vehicle titles and a 2007 BMW 328 SI, which was purchased under false pretenses.

Officers arrested Jon Kurtis Smith and Kailee Smith on charges of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, criminal use of a financial card, forgery, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, theft, identity theft and child endangerment. 

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the boil water advisory fo Fall River in Greenwood County.

 Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Fall River 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.

 Renovations continue at the Osage County Courthouse

 The Osage County Courthouse is getting an annex and there will also be renovations made to the existing courthouse in Pawhuska. At this week's county commission meeting, Board members needed to sign a contract so that those renovations could be made. District One Commissioner Everett Piper says the funding comes from left-over Covid money.

Piper stressed that the money is for renovations and NOT the annex because the two are different and distinct projects. The Board went on sign that contract with Ambler Architects in the amount of just over $130,000 plus a fee of $1,500 a month for services as construction takes place.

 Nowata County Commissioners discuss finances.

 At this week's Nowata County Commission meeting, two requests for a funds transfer were discuessed. The first group that made the request was the county fair board. County Clerk Kay Spurgeon says the transfer will help pay their bills for this fiscal year.

The commissioners closed the meeting shortly after. They’ll meet again next Monday at the Nowata County Court House Annex at 9 am.

 The Kickstart Route 66 Tour begins April 4^th in Miami.

 The State of Oklahoma is celebrating the 100^th year of America's “Mother Road” Route 66. The historic highway will hit the century mark in 2026 and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission has teamed up with the Oklahoma Arts Commission and the Oklahoma Main Street Center to introduce economic resources into cities along the historic highway.

Business owners, government officials, nonprofit organizations, artists, chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are invited to take part.

The tour begins on April 4^th at 4pm at the Coleman Theater in Miami.

 The victim of a car crash late last week succumbs to her injuries.

 76 year old Patricia Crisp of Wyandotte, OK, passed away Monday at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Crisp was a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident that occurred last Thursday near Wyandotte. Crisp was riding in a Dodge Caravan that failed to negotiate a curve on Oklahoma Highway 10. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a guardrail. When the driver tried to correct, they swerved into oncoming traffic and struck a Ford F-150. 

The driver of the Caravan sustained minor injuries. The driver of the F-150 was not hurt.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

 Joplin Police chase a vehicle into Kansas then back into Missouri before making an arrest.

 Late last week, a Joplin Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop when the vehicle fled, eventually crossing the state line into Kansas. The pursuit continued as the vehicle crossed back into Missouri. Authorities say the occupants of the vehicle threw multiple items from the car during the chase. Officers eventually deployed tire deflation devices, ending the chase.

41 year old Joseph Hood and 36 year old Bobby Cooper, both of Joplin, were taken into custody on multiple charges including felony resisting arrest.

 Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. calls for the renewal of the tribal-state car tag compact.

 Hoskin made the call yesterday as the Cherokee Nation distributes record funding to more than 100 school districts in Northeast Oklahoma.

The $7.9 million distribution was part of the tribe’s annual Public School Appreciation Day event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.The tribe allocates 38% of its annual revenue collected from the sale of tribal car tags through the tribal-state car tag compact directly to education.This year’s distribution will mark the largest total annual amount provided to school districts since the Cherokee Nation began its annual contributions in 2002.

The money allocated to school districts is based on the number of Cherokee Nation citizens that have enrolled; however, the funding benefits all students in each school district.

Each school district makes the decision on how to use the funding provided by the Cherokee Nation. Washington County schools received $354,000, Nowata County schools received $103,000 and Rogers County schools received $844,000.

Federal officials say milk from dairy cows in Texas and Kansas has tested positive for bird flu.

Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission confirmed the flu virus is the Type A H5N1 strain, known for decades to cause outbreaks in birds and occasionally infect people. The virus is affecting older dairy cows, causing decreased lactation and low appetite. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the milk supply remains safe. Dairies are required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply, and milk from sick animals is being diverted or destroyed. Pasteurization also kills viruses and other bacteria, and the process is required for milk sold through interstate commerce. Experts say livestock appear to recover on their own within seven to 10 days.

Upgrades are coming to guardrails in Chautauqua County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin the guardrail updates at four locations on U.S. 166 in Chautauqua County. The projects will start on Tuesday, April 9^th two miles east of Niotaze. Temporary signals will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone with brief delays. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of September. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.7 million to B&B Bridge Company LLC of St. Paul, Kansas.

The City of Coffeyville has over 125 houses that are not up to code. The city commission approved a contract with Muller Construction to have 11 of those demolished. Code Enforcement Officer Angie Stevens says they can be brought up to code at any time.

The City has budgeted to have 20 houses demolished for the fiscal year. Interim City Manager Tim Wilson says that number needs to be around 40 to 50.

Wilson says he will bring a plan to the commission at the next meeting about how they can replace these old houses with new ones. In other business, the commission gave support to the Court of Valor project at Restlawn Cemetery.

The Labette County Sheriff's Office is investigating an attempted burglary.

Sunday at 12:45am, two suspects attempted to break into a residence in the 3400 block of Dirr Street in Parsons. The suspects were wearing dark clothing and were last seen walking Northwest from Dirr Street.

Anyone who might have seen these individuals or has any security videos during that time is asked to contact the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at (620)795-2565.

A tip from a citizen leads to a DUI arrest of a Parsons man.

Dispatch received a call from a citizen saying they saw an Oldsmobile Alero driving into traffic and almost hitting another vehicle. The witness gave a detailed description of the car and where it was heading. A responding officer saw the Alero drive off the roadway. The vehicle then pulled over into a trailer park and the officer made contact with the driver, 66-year-old Larry Buffington.

During the officer's investigation, an open container was found in the Alero. Buffington was arrested and transported to the Parsons Police Department’s Lockup Facility for further investigation.  He was found to be almost twice the legal limit, with a BAC of almost 0.16. Buffington was found to have three other convictions for driving under the influence. He faces charges of driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

A Columbus man receives a six-year prison sentence.

54-year-old Eric Wood was sentenced to a 72-month sentence in the Kansas Department of Corrections. In January, Wood pled guilty to aggravated indecent liberties with a child and attempted indecent solicitation of a child following an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Wood was ordered to be held in the Cherokee County Jail pending his transfer to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 A pair of Parsons High School students create an award-winning anti-drug video.

 PHS students Brody Wright and Syrus Clairmont submitted an entry for the Elks Club Drug Awareness Video Contest. This year's theme is “Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free.” Their video won at the local level and now moves on to the state competition. If they win there, they will move on to the national competition.

The students began working on their video last fall and plan to enter it in other competitions. They will compete with it at SkillsUSA next month.

Elks judging of the videos is based on closeness to the theme, neatness, originality, age and language appropriate, positive message, and quality of video.

 The Pittburg Arts Council is getting ready for their flagship event in April in downtown Pittsburg.

 ArtWalk is coming up on April 26^th and the Pittsburg Arts Council is looking for artists, musicians, performers, organizations, writers, and poetry and fiction readings.

All applications can be found on the Pittsburg Arts Council website: https://pittsburgartscouncil.com/artwalk-applications

 Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison's last day in his position is April 5^th.

 After that date, Harrision will leave to become chief of police in Lebanon, MO. Independence City Manager Kelly Passaeur says the city appreciates Harrison's work with the police force over the last eight years. She says there will be a reception to say good-bye to the outgoing chief before the next city commission meeting.

The city is currently looking for a new chief of police to fill the void left by Harrison's departure. Independence has hired David Hutchings to serve as interim chief. Harrison says he feels good having someone as qualified as Hutchings to take over.

Hutchings is a 33 year veteran of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The public is invited to attend Harrison's reception on Thursday afternoon.

 The Montgomery County Health Department obtains approval to secure temporary insurance for eligible residents.

 Health Department Director Brandee Kirk says the move would help those without insurance to be temporarily covered for medical procedures through Kansas Medicaid. Kirk says the move will be of no cost to the county.

Kirk adds that there are income requirements to qualify for the program. Those who think they may qualify can contact the Montgomery County Health Department.

 A second victim of the Cornerstone Apartment fire in Chanute has died.

 The Kansas Fire Marshal's Office has announced that 90 year old Jolavon Haymaker has passed away due to injuries sustained in last week's fire. Haymaker had been life-flighted to KU Medical Center in Kansas City due to severe injuries. The other victim who died at the scene has been identified as 22 year old Kalyn Jones. Seven other people received injuries in the fire and were treated and released at a local hospital.

State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm says the cause of the fire was accidental and cites the cause as smoking materials carelessly discarded on an exterior balcony.

A fund has been established to help victims of the fire. Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Chanute Area Chambegr of Commerce at 21 North Lincoln in Chanute.

 A traffic stop leads to the drug arrest of a Copan man.

 46 year old Jason Brown was arrested last week after being pulled over for having a tail light out. When asked to step out of his car, the officer noticed a clear plastic baggie in his pocket. A search revealed 91 grams of methamphetamine, hypodermic needles, and a weighing scale.

Brown appeared in Washington County Court in Bartlesville on Monday afternoon on the charge of trafficking a controlled dangerous substance. He was given a $100,000 bond and his next court date is set for April 5th.

 Congressman Jake LaTurner announces the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the Second Congressional District of Kansas.

 Each spring, a nationwide art competition for high school students is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. The winning artwork from each district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 26, 2024.

Categories include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography. 

The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in the Second Congressional District. To see the rules or to enter the contest, go here.

New lights will be coming to a highway interchange in southeast Kansas.

Starting on April 3^rd, the Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin a project to install new light towers on the U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 interchange north of Fort Scott. The highway shoulders will be closed at the work zone with minimal effects to traffic. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $396,512 to Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc. of Wichita. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by late May.

The bond vote for the new South Coffeyville Public Schools gym is next week. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says they have a rendering of what the gym will look like, which can be seen around town.

Pruter says this version of the proposed gym will include a FEMA approved storm shelter the last bond did not.  The bond vote is next Tuesday, April 2^nd. The last bond failed by just six votes, so Pruter says he encourages everyone to get out and vote.

The Cherryvale Police Department has a new program to help them investigate crimes.

They are asking homeowners to register their security cameras with the police department. This will allow Cherryvale PD to know who to contact in the area when a crime has been committed. This will not give them access to the cameras it only helps investigators get in touch with a homeowner in the event of a crime.

A link to register can be found here.

A former Coffeyville pastor pleads no contest.

The former Lewark Church of God pastor, 56-year-old William Keith Dodd, appeared in Montgomery County Court on Thursday. Dodd accepted a no contest plea to two counts of rape of a minor less than 14 years of age. Dodd could face up to 653 months in prison on each charge. According to court documents, Dodd raped a minor on at least two occasions between January 1^st, 2023 and September 11^th, 2023. The minor is believed to have been 12 or 13 during the incidents.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 1:30 on Wednesday, May 15 in Independence. The Coffeyville Police Department arrested Dodd on September 12^th, 2023.

 The Independence Historical Museum & Art Center Young Artists Exhibit opens tomorrow at the museum in Independence.

 The exhibit features art work by talented southeast Kansas artists in 3^rd through 12^th grade. The judge for this year's show is Kentucky artist Burt Bucher. Bucher currently serves as the Associate Professor and Director of the Visual Arts Program at Independence Community College. 

There will be a public reception on Thursday evening at 7pm where Bucher will share his thoughts on the show and the winners in each grade level and division.

The Independence Historical Museum & Art Center is located at 123 north 8^th street in Independence.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of an inmate at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

 39 year old John Lewis Wardrup was found dead in his cell earlier today. Staff and EMS both administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.

Wardup was serving a sentence for violating conditions of supervised release based on a conviction in Sedgwick County and in violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

 Independence is holding A Formal Affair: Tall and Small Ball – formerly known as the Daddy/Daughter Dance – on April 6^th.

 The dance is open to all children and their grown-ups and will take place in the small gym at Independence High School from 6 to 8pm. The cost is $5 per adult. Kids get in free.

 Parsons USD 503 is holding a preschool and kindergarten round-up.

 Parents and students can stop by Lincoln Elementary from 4:30 to 6pm tomorrow evening to get signed up for the enrollment information list. Attendees can also visit the preschool and kindergarten classrooms, meet the teachers, tour the Early Childhood Facility, and learn all about the programs offered by the district. Anyone with questions can call the school office at 620-421-3510

 The Bible Holiness Church in Cherryvale is offering a walk-through display of the Passion this Good Friday.

 Guests can experience the last supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus' trial and crucifixion. There are four different guided tours to choose from. The tours happen every half hour from 6:30pm to 8pm. Traditional Easter songs will also be sung. Everyone is welcome to attend and the event is wheelchair accessible.

The Bible Holiness Church is located at 628 Park Street in Cherryvale.

 The Easter Bunny will have some friendly helpers in Coffeyville this weekend.

 The Coffeyville Community College Women's Soccer Team is planning to help the Easter Bunny this year by helping the treat-bearing bunny fill your yard with plastic eggs filled with treats and small toys. The cost is $20 and proceeds will benefits the Women's soccer program at CCC. For questions or to place an order, go to coffeyville.edu/eggs

 The Parsons Police Department is completeing the beta testing phase for their new license plate recognition software.

 In Februay 2023 the Parsons City Commission heard a presentation about the Falcon Automatic License Plate Recognition or ALPR camera from Flock Safety. P-P-D has been beta testing five of the ALPR cameras in an effort to help reduce and solvve crime.

The ALPR cameras send real-time alerts to law enforcement when a stolen vehicle or a known suspect from a criminal database is detected. They also send real-time alerts in missing person cases. The cameras do not use facial recognition technology. The new system will cost the P-P-D about $14,000 per year which will be paid for with funds from the department's drug seizure account.

Parsons joins other area communities in using the Flock ALPR system including Pittsburg, Adams County, Montgomery County, Bourbon County, Jasper County, Frontenac Police, Coffeyville, Caney, and Independence.

Communities using Flock Safety LPR's have reported crime reductions of up to 70%.

Cleanup is underway after a two-vehicle crash near Nellis Hall in Coffeyville.

The crash was reported late this morning in front of the O'Reilly Auto Parts. At this hour, the two cars are in the eastbound lane of 11^th as first responders clean up debris. Traffic continues to flow around the incident. Police, fire and EMS were on scene, but there have been no reports of any injuries at this time.

 A Chanute man escaped injury last week when his truck exploded while working at an oil pump jack site in rural Allen County.

 Allen County Sheriff's Deputies say Brandon Morris was outside of his vehicle last Wednesday, working on the pump jack when a mechanical failure on the truck caused it to explode. Nearby witnesses called 9-1-1 thinking there was someone in the vehicle.

Morris was uninjured in the incident.

 The Kansas Senate continues its work on a new tax plan.

 Senator Virgil Peck says a lot of what's in the new version of the bill are things Republicans have been working on for some time.

Peck says the biggest change in the plan is that it would leave the top income tax rate of 5.7% in place while eliminating the bottom two rates.

An earlier version of the tax bill was vetoed by Governor Laura Kelly.

 The City of Miami, OK, is holding a public roll out of their Community Economic Development Action Plan.

 On Tuesday, April 2, The Miami Area Economic Development Service will present the final draft of their plan to the public. Residents are invited to the Miami Civic Center from 5:30 to 6:30pm to hear consultant Jim Fram explain the economic plan. Fram will also answer questions from the public. The plan is the result of input collected from concerned citizens in one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and a public forum held last January.

 April Fool's Day is coming up next week and with it comes Magic By Pete from Pete Waltersheid.

 Waltershied will perform on the Coffeyville Community College Campus on April 1^st along with comedy magician Keith Leff and mentalist Jerry Jackson from Kansas City. Waltersheid says it a family-friendly show that is a good time without making fun of anyone.

The show starts at 7pm next Monday evening at the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

 Crews planted 150 Native grafted Pecan trees last week at Riverview Park on the east side of Neosho River.

 The first phase of trees was purchased using the City of Miami’s portion of the paddlefish license fees collected. A phase two plan was presented to Miami City Council this week by City of Miami’s Parks Manager Zeb Mingori of a no match grant proposal for $22,500 for another 250 trees applied for through the USDA’s Urban and Community Forest Grant Program. The cost share grant helps reforest areas in smaller communities. Mingori says the tree thrive in that area and, if the new funds are granted, there will 400 new trees in the park.

The bulk of the next phase will be planted on the west side of the river.

The Inter-State Farm and Home Show was a huge success with a great turn out at Nellis Hall on the campus of Coffeyville Community College. KGGF 690 AM and KRIG 104.9 FM and Bartlett Co-op Association partnered with more than 100 participating vendors from Northeast Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas bringing together both the residential and agricultural world.

There were many door prizes given out throughout the weekend from the stations along with vendors.

      Door Prize Winners from Saturday’s Drawing Include:

Scentsy Warmer and Scented Wax Gift Set from Melissa Kastler Scentsy won by Cecilia Asarado

Heart Pendant from Jems and Jewels won by Gracie Faubion

Set of Stainless Steel Tumblers from Lewis Cattle Oilers won by Leah O’Donnell

Mary Kay Gift set from Mary Kay Kathy Langley won by Jessica Dolisom

Cutting Board from Schenck Insurance won Robert Kriebel

Hat and Cattle Sorting Stick from Bartlet Coop won by Phillip Czapansky

Kettle Corn from Crazy Penny’s Kettle Corn and Smashed Lemonade won by Charles Crane and Mary Lou DeVera

Tote Bag from H&R Block of Coffeyville won by Ronda Fischer

Charcuterie Lazy Susan won by Mary Schaplowski

Pet Gift Set including bed, toys and snacks from American Heritage Beef Company won by Julie Voelker

Branson Prize Package won by Charles Black

And the $500 Cash from KGGF 690 was won by Becky Barnhart

  Door Prize Winners from Friday’s Drawing Include:

Stainless Steel Tumbler from Lewis Cattle Oilers won by Mary Reese

4 Passes to Stafford Air & Space Museum won by Megan Dickson and Jim Falkner

Family four pack to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge & Great Passion Play in Eurekas Springs, AR won by Peggy Wienake

Passes to Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis, Oklahoma won by Brad Bryant

Tickets to Grand Country Music Hall Ozark Gospel and Comedy Jamboree in Branson won by Terry Gregory

Drawstring Backpack and passes to Crayola Experience in Plano, TX won by Deloris Pomeroy

Branson Vacation Package including hotel stays from Myer Hotel Properties won by Ed Baker

And the Grand Prize of $500 from KRIG won Bonnie Vannoster

KGGF and KRIG would like to thank the Coffeyville Community College for their hospitality along with everyone who made the show possible from security, vendors, and the many people who came out to visit the exhibits.

Day one of the Inter-State Farm and Home Show was a big hit with a great turnout at Nellis Hall on the campus of Coffeyville Community College. KGGF 690 AM and KRIG 104.9 FM and Bartlett Co-op Association partnered with 100 participating vendors from Northeast Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas bringing together both the residential and agricultural world.

     Door Prize Winners from Friday’s Drawing Include:

Stainless Steel Tumbler from Lewis Cattle Oilers won by Mary Reese

4 Passes to Stafford Air & Space Museum won by Megan Dickson and Jim Falkner

Family four pack to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge & Great Passion Play in Eurekas Springs, AR won by Peggy Wienake

Passes to Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis, Oklahoma won by Brad Bryant

Tickets to Grand Country Music Hall Ozark Gospel and Comedy Jamboree in Branson won by Terry Gregory

Drawstring Backpack and passes to Crayola Experience in Plano, TX won by Deloris Pomeroy

Branson Vacation Package including hotel stays from Myer Hotel Properties won by Ed Baker

And the Grand Prize of $500 from KRIG won Bonnie Vannoster

Day two will begin Saturday Morning at 8:30 am at Nellis Hall on the Coffeyville Community College and end at 4pm. Whether you are looking for the latest agricultural products and equipment, landscaping and general remodeling, or home décor, lifestyle services, or tasty treats this a must visit show. Many vendors will have cash and carry items which can be purchased during the show.

KGGF 690, KGGF 104.1, KUSN 98.1, KWON 1400/93.3/95.1, KYFM 100.1 and KRIG 104.9 will be broadcasting live from the Inter-State Farm & Home Show. Meet local radio personalities, plus Charles Moll and Charles Miller from Tech Talk, and Larry Glass from Green Country Gardener.

There will be many more door prizes and giveaways from local vendors including one more $500 cash prize, tickets to Branson shows, Oklahoma City Attractions, Kansas City Zoo and more!

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fall River in Greenwood County.

 Until further notice, resdients should boil water for at least one minute before consumption or food preparation, or use bottled water instead. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from automatic ice makers. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces. If water from the faucet appears dirty, flush the line by letting the tap run until it clears. Water is safe for bathing.

 Police in Pittsburg are investigating reports of gunshots fired at a vehicle last weekend.

 Early last Saturday morning, around 1:40am, a Pittsburg Police Officer was on patrol in the 100 block of North Broadway when they heard what they believed to be gunshots. The officer drove in the direction of the shots and saw several vehicles quickly leaving a parking lot located near Jimmy B's Bar. An investigation revealed that witnesses saw an unidentified suspect fire several gunshots at a vehicle that was driving away. The suspect then fled the scene. No injuries were reported but the victim's car had been struck several times by bullets. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Pittsburg Police at 620-231-1700 or 620-231-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.

 Kansas Senator Jerry Moran says it's time for the Senate Committee on Agriculture to resume negotiations on a new Farm Bill.

 Moran spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate about the importance of agriculture and the American farmer to the country's economic security.

In November, Congress extended a version of a farm bill adopted in 2018. The current extension will expire in September. Moran says that many of the provisions in that bill need to be re-worked to keep up with current demands like inflation and the recent drought.

Moran added that he hopes senators can get back to the table and provide meaningful relief for Kansas farmers.

 Parsons USD 503 is holding a preschool and kindergarten round-up next week.

 Parents and students can stop by Lincoln Elementary from 4:30 to 6pm on Tuesday to get signed up for the enrollment information list. Attendees can also visit the preschool and kindergarten classrooms, meet the teachers, tour the Early Childhood Facility, and learn all about the programs offered by the district. Anyone with questions can call the school office at 620-421-3510

 Coffeyville's Midland Theater is hosting an open house this Sunday.

 The public is invited to drop in and see the improvements to the historic lobby, the concession stand, the new ADA accessible bathrooms, and the ballroom. The threater is now available to host public and private events including weddings and business meetings. The open house runs from 2 to 5pm Sunday at the Midland Theater at 214 west 8^th Street in Coffeyville.

 The Edna Volunteer Fire Department is set to hold a Pancake Feed Fundraiser.

 The pancake supper is set to run from 5pm to 8pm tomorrow evening at the Edna Community Building located at 114 east Main. Donations for the supper will be accepted and appreciated.

 The Independence High School Drama and Vocal Music Departments present their production of “The Little Mermaid.”

 Show times are 7:30pm tonight and tomorrow and 2:30pm on Sunday at the Performing Art Center at IHS.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students.

 Authorities in McDonald County, Missouri, announce the closing of a thirty year old cold case.

 Police have identified Talfey Reeves as a now-deceased suspect in the 1990 murder of Shauna Garber. Reeves died in 2021. Investigators believe Reeves picked up Garber in the Tanglewood/Ginger Blue area of Missouri Highway 59. Garber's remains were found in December 1990 by a couple out for a walk on a rural road. Her identity remained unknown until September 2020 when advanced DNA testing revealed her identity.

McDonald County authorities say the suspect Reeves was well-known to law enforcement and if he were alive, would have faced charges of 1^st degree murder in the case.

 A fire at a Chanute apartment complex leaves numerous injuries and one fatality.

 One person has died from injuries sustained in a large fire at the Cornerstone Apartments at 1610 West 4^th street in Chanute yesterday. The Chanute Fire Department and Chanute Police were called to the 24 unit complex around 1:15 yesterday morning. Upon arrival, fire crews found the south half of the building fully engulfed in flames. Police officers helped evacuate residents while the Fire Department battled the blaze. Fire Crews from Parsons, Iola, and Thayer were also called to help.

The Kansas Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.

The Red Cross has opened an Emergency Center at Central Park Pavilion, 101 S. Forest, Chanute, KS to help those in need of assistance. Those wanting to help residents of the Cornerstone apartments may contact the Red Cross.

 Montgomery County is set to begin the search to fill the newly established position of County Administrator.

 Montgomery County Commissioners met yesterday in a special Thursday meeting due to the Presidential Preference Primary held earlier this week. Director of Human Resources Ben Brubaker updated the commission on the search for a candidate for a newly created county position. Brubaker read the posting for commissioners.

Brubaker presented commissioners a list of other questions they might want to add to the listing to ensure the most qualified applicants. Commissioner Robert Bever had two questions he wanted to add.

In other business at this week's meeting, commissioners heard a presentation from Edmund's GovTech as well as reports from Public Works Director Jim Wright and from Matt Debo of Environmental and Zoning.

 U.S Marshals take a wanted fugitive into custody near the Missouri/Oklahoma state line.

 Around 3:45 yesterday afternoon, authorities took 30 year old Scott Burleson into custody without incident. Burleson as been on the run since a March 2^nd incident in which he is accused of stabbing and killing 36 year old Seth Langford of Carl Junction. The alleged stabbing occurred along State Line Road near Galena.

Around 2pm yesterday, Burleson was reported to be driving a stolen pick up truck near Southwest City, MO. U.S. Marshals began pursuing the vehicle and chase speeds reached 90mph. Burleson crashed the pickup through a fence and into a wooded area where he continued to flee on foot. Marshals using K9 officers eventually located Burleson and took him into custody without incident.

Burleson was taken to the Jasper County Jail where he faces charges of 2^nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and 1^st Degree Robbery.

 New changes to Oklahoma hunting and fishing licenses could be coming after a bill passes in the state Senate.

  If Gov. Kevin Stitt signs the bill into law, it would mean that Oklahomans under the age of 18 would be exempt from being required to have a hunting and fishing license starting on July 1.

 The bill also removes the five-year fishing, hunting and combination license and replaces it with a three-year combination hunting fishing license that will cost $120.

 Two people from Collinsville are facing multiple federal charges following a drug investigation.

 59-year-old Lee Scott Holt and 48-year old Jennifer Charisa Harrington are charged with possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. They both allegedly possessed methamphetamine while maintaining a residence for distribution of drugs.

Holt and Harrington have been charged with possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Holt is a member of the Cherokee Nation.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Cherokee Nation Marshals are investigating the case.

 One person is injured in a car crash in Woodson County.

 The accident occurred around 2:30 yesterday afternoon when a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by 66 year old Charles Wilson of Yates Center was traveling westbound on US 54. Wilson's vehicle crossed the center line into the eastbound lane of traffic and into the path of a semi truck driven by 38 year old Jeremy Craft of Moran. Craft attempted to avoid a collision by driving onto the gravel shoulder, but was struck head on by the Impala on the shoulder. Wilson sustained serious injuries in the collision and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Craft was uninjured.

Two arrests are made after police respond to reports of shots fired.

Just after 12:30am this moring, Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Chess Avenue. Two individuals, 19-year-old Jessie Jones and 19-year-old Cedric Webb Jr. were identified as the gunmen. The incident originated from several fights between 18-year-old Iniya Hinman and 19-year-old and Dakiah Yates over their relationship with Jessie Jones. Yates visited Hinman's residence and a fight broke out in the front yard before moving inside.

The homeowner, 38-year-old Ericka Reece grabbed a gun and ordered everyone to leave. The fight continued outside, where Yates pulled out a gun and shots were fired from the house by Webb. Following the initial fight, Yates left the scene with Jones and Hinman fleeing in different directions. Jones and Yates returned to the scene, where Jones fired several shots at the residence. Jones and Webb have both been taken into custody. There were no reported injuries.

 The Fredonia City Commission is taking action to eliminate run-down and unsafe houses in the city.

 The City began condemnation proceedings against 25 properties around town last month. At last night's meeting, affected citizens had the option of addressing the city commission on what they intended to do with their property in order to make it safe. Commissioner Brandon Tindle asked City Manager Wesley Young for clarification on the procedure for dealing with unsafe properties.

The meeting was standing-room only with residents willing to address the issues with properties they own. Many will return to the commission meeting on April 17^th to show the city that improvements have been made.

In other business, commissioners approved the creation of the Vacant House Registry that would require owners of vacant houses in the city to register those properties.

 A police officer in southwest Missouri is shot and injured in the line of duty near Branson.

 An officer from the Forsyth, Missouri, Police Department was injured in the line of duty late Tuesday evening while assisting on a call with the Taney County Sheriff's Office. The officer had been dispatched to a road rage incident near the intersection of MO 76 and US 160.

Upon contact with the subject, he opened fire on the officer, striking him twice before fleeing into the nearby brush. The suspect was later apprehended by other assisting agencies with the use of a drone and K-9 officers. The wounded officer was treated at a trauma center in Springfield and released early yesterday morning.

 A Girard man is on his way to compete in his second Olympics.

 Derek Mein has landed one of two spots on the U.S. Men's Trap Shooting Team for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Mein has been involved in shooting sports from a young age and says traveling to the Tokyo games in 2020 was a dream come true. This time around, the Girard native says he wants to bring home a medal to southeast Kansas.

The Summer Olympic Games begin in Paris on July 26^th.

 Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging Oklahoma legislators to act quickly this session to pass a measure allowing state law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants.

 Drummond’s request comes a day after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to halt a similar Texas law being challenged by the Biden Administration.

Drummond says public safety is his top concern, adding that if the federal government won't do its job, then Oklahoma must do what it can to protect its citizens. He says he wants the state to be prepared in the event that a Supreme Court decision allows states to take action on the matter.

 Parsons schools are suffering from growing pains.

 At this week's USD 503 School Board meeting, Lincoln Elementary Principal Shelley Gardner and Instructional Coach Whitney Spencer told the school board that the current district preschool classes are full and that there are many children on the waiting list to enroll. Gardner said even with no advertising or enrollment dates held as yet, there are already 20 children on a wait list who have applied to the 3-year-old Preschool for next year.

Board President Jeff Quirin said the issue now is they are at building capacity, and they would need more teachers, aides, and more money because preschool is not funded by the state like first through 12^th grade. He said an expansion would likely require a bond issue.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has arrested a 19 year old man in connection to the January 2023 death of a Lansing teen-ager.

 Torin Baughman of Lansing was taken into custody yesterday (Wednesday) on charges of first-degree murder of a 15 year old known as NCB. NCB was found dead in his home on January 18, 2023. Baughman is accused of providing NCB with the fentanyl that caused his death.

Baughman was booked into the Leavenworth County Jail and given a $500,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing and the case is expected to be prosecuted by the Leavenworth County Attorney's Office.

 The Chetopa City Hall will have new office hours beginning next week.

 Starting Monday, city offices will be open from 7:30am to 5pm Monday through Thursday. Office hours on Friday will be 8am to noon. Those needing to make utility payments after hours can leave their payment in the door slot or pay online. The utility emergency after hours number is 620-236-7311.

Click here for online payment.

 The Caney City Council approves the transfer of 70-thousand dollars from the water fund to cover a shortfall of the now Caney Grocery at the end of 2023.

 Fifty thousand of the seventy thousand dollars went back into the general fund to replace the money taken out of that account at the end of the year. City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the store, now, is on the right track.

 Zellner says the store has suffered from a lot of negative publicity.

 Zellner says the deli and the menus are made in house; in years past, they were controlled by an out-of-town corporation.

 The city council is set to examine the Caney Grocery at the end of a 90 day window, which is set to end at the end of the month. Zellner believes the Grocery is not past the point of no return. However, there is a plan B use for the building, should Caney Grocery shut its doors.

An apartment complex in Chanute is significantly damaged after a fire early this morning.

According to the Chanute Fire Department, this morning at at 1:22 a.m. the Chanute Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the Cornerstone Apartment Complex at 1610 W. 4th St. Upon arrival, the department reported the West side apartment units were fully involved with fire coming through the roof. The apartment complex sustained considerable damage throughout. The fire is under control currently and citizens are encouraged to stay away from the area. Firefighters are still on the scene.

The Chanute Fire Dept received assistance from the Parsons, Iola and Thayer Fire Departments. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is on the scene as they work to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Residents have been displaced and there are reports of injuries.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Central Park Pavilion to help those in need of shelter and assistance. Those wanting to help residents of the Cornerstone apartments may contact the Red Cross.

All are asked to stay away from this area so first responders can continue to do their job and so that the area does not become congested.

Photo: Virginia Pankow

 An interesting celestial event will happen in just a few weeks.

 Coming up on Monday, April 8, a solar eclipse will be visible in the listening area. Ron Mallory of the Kansas Astronomical Observers explains the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.

The path of totality for this eclipse will just miss our listening area as it will be visible across southeast Oklahoma, north central Arkansas, and southeast Missouri. However, we should still get a good view of the eclipse on that afternoon. Mallory says, if you plan on looking at the eclipse, you need to use appropriate eye protection.

Eclipse glasses are usually for sale at area retailers. MAKE SURE THE GLASSES ARE ISO 12312-2 CERTIFIED on the package.

For instructions on how to make a pinhole viewer, go here.

For safety tips from NASA, go here.

 Hunter Safety is always in season.

 Those in need of Hunter Safety certification can sign up for a Hunter Safety Education Course happening in Columbus on May 3^rd and 4^th. The Kansas Hunter's Education course teachers new hunters to be ethical, safe and knowledgeable. The course will cover topics such as firearm basics, conservation, outdoor emergencies, and Kansas hunting regulations. Students must attend all class sessions and be 11 years of age to be certified. Younger students may attend but will not earn certification.

The class will be held at the Cherokee County Sportsmen Club located at the corner of Northwest 70^th street and Northwest Bellview Road in Columbus. It runs from 6pm to 10pm on May 3^rd and from 8am to 5pm on May 4^th.

For more information or to enroll in the class, go here.

The City of Independence announces an interim police chief taking over for outgoing Chief Jerry Harrison.

City Manager Kelly Passauer says they have the appointed retired Associate Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation David Hutchings as the interim police chief. Hutchings will take over after Chief Harrison's last day on April 5^th. Harrison, who had served as the chief since 2016, announced his resignation last week, after accepting the chief of police position in Lebanon, Missouri. A 33-year veteran of the KBI, Hutchings retired from the bureau in August, where he had served as associate director since 2011.

Passauer says they are fortunate to bring someone with his caliber of skill and experience to the community. A farewell reception for Chief Harrison is scheduled for next Thursday, March 28, at 4:30pm. The reception will be before the city commission meeting at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

The City of Neodesha is requesting a new stop sign location.

City Administrator Brogan Jones spoke to the Wilson County Commissioners at this week's meeting. He says the city wants a stop sign installed on the north side of town.

The commissioners were in favor of the idea, and will officially vote on the motion during next week's meeting.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was an update from Wilson Medical Center on both revenue and expense trends over the past three months, as well as a presentation on paint samples for the outside of the courthouse.

The commission will have a brief meeting next Wednesday to canvass the results of the Presidential Preference Primary, as well as make a motion on the new stop sign in Neodesha.

 An overflow of stray and loose dogs has placed a burden on the city of Caney and its resources.

 Police Chief Ike Dye explains.

 Dye says pictures of the dogs are available on the Caney Police Department Facebook page. If you're interested in one of the available dogs, please call 620-879-2141.

 The City of Coffeyville is looking for volunteers to fill several vacancies on city boards.

 There are two open positions on the Public Library Board of Trustees for terms that will run into 2028. The Juvenile Corrections Board has one vacancy for an unfinished term that expires in 2026 and the Planning Commission has two vacancies for applicants that live outside of but within three miles of the Coffeyville city limits.

For more information, follow this link.

 The Interstate Farm and Home Show happens this Friday and Saturday in Coffeyville.

 The show features new products and services for the farm and ranch, hunting and fishing, home and garden, antiques and gifts, as well as household and business services. Event Organizer Tina Romine says to arrive early and get your gift bag.

The Interstate Farm and Home Show runs from 1 to 7pm on Friday and 8:30am to 4pm on Saturday in Nellis Hall on the campus of Coffeyville Community College. Admission and parking are free.

 USD 461 Neodesha is holding a Pre-K Round-up coming up on April 9^th.

 Students must be either 3 or 4 years old by August 31^st, 2024 to be eligible for the 3 and 4 year old programs. Parents should bring a state issued birth certificate and immunization records in order to enroll.

The Pre-K Round-up takes place in the Heller elementary Gym from Noon to 5:15 on April 9^th in Neodesha.

 The Parsons City Commission thanks the local Elks Club for their work on the city St. Patrick's Day celebration.

 At Monday's meeting, City Manager Debbie Lamb told the commission that she had received many thanks for the city regarding last weekend's festivities. Lamb says the real thanks goes to the Parsons Elks Club.

In other matters, Lamb reported to the commission that the city is still in the process of deciding what to do about tennis court renovation in the city. Lamb says there will be a meeting soon with the Superintendent of USD 503.

Other business before the commission included the approval of streets closures for the April 6 & 7 Fire School by the Parsons Fire Department and approval of the appointment of Trisha Myers to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.

 Yesterday's Kansas Presidential Primary shows low voter turnout.

 Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says fewer than 100,000 voters turned out for yesterday's vote. Schwab says he was not surprised by the low turnout given the unusual date of the primary. This is only the third time Kansas has held a presidential preference primary. The other times were in 1980 and 1992.

Results show Donald Trump garnering 75% of the votes cast on the Republican side while Joe Biden received 84% of the state Democrat vote.

Unofficial vote tallys show about 20,000 advanced mail-in ballots were returned out of the 35,000 that were sent out. 9,580 were from Democratic voters and 10,857 from Republicans.

Republican Results

Democrat Results

 A Tulsa man receives a 15 year prison sentence in a child pornography case.

 26 year old Mikaili Diwani Cohn was sentenced in Tulsa on Monday for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; and Failure to register as a Sex Offender.

In Cohn’s first federal case, he pleaded guilty in June 2017 to Possession of Child Pornography and was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, followed by 20 years supervised release. After being released, Cohn registered his residence following the offender registration requirements.

However, in April 2022, U.S. Probation officers observed Cohn living at a different address with his girlfriend and her child. When Cohn was arrested, officer’s recovered evidence that showed Cohn used a social media application to send and receive sexually explicit videos of minors.

Cohn was sentenced 180 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Cohn will remain in custody pending transfer to U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

 An inmate at the Winfield Correctional Facility has died.

 Authorities at the facility report that 59 year old Michael Lynn Youngblood died yesterday (Tuesday) after he collapsed while working with a crew picking up trash along a highway near Wichita. EMS was called to administer life-saving measures but they were unable to resuscitate Youngblood. The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy. Youngblood's death is currently under investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Corrections.

Youngblood was serving a four year sentence for drug possession in McPherson County.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is announcing an opportunity to help conserve natural resources while being entered to win one of several major prizes.

The newest slate of Outdoor Oklahoma Adventures raffles includes a chance at a premier private land elk hunt in southwest Oklahoma, a turkey hunt with Rio Rojo Outfitters, a fishing trip with Jimmy Houston at his southcentral Oklahoma ranch and a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license.

Outdoor Oklahoma Adventures tickets are $10 each or $30 for a bundle of five tickets. Anyone can enter, whether or not you have a hunting or fishing license, and there is no limit to the number of tickets you can buy. All proceeds go directly to the Wildlife Department to fund conservation and public hunting and fishing opportunities for everyone. The last day to buy tickets is May 20th. A link to purchase tickets is available here.

The City of Neodesha is putting up new stop signs in preparation for the early learning center being built.

The new stop signs have been put in at the 9^th Street and Grant intersection. The City has also made 9^th and Church a four-way stop to help with traffic around Heller and to make it safer for students walking on 9^th Street. The City says there will be a lot more traffic in the areas of 9^th and Grant and in the near future the school zones will also be getting changed to cover 9th Street from Iowa to Idaho.

The City asks that when in these areas drivers should watch their speeds and make sure they come to a complete stop at the stop signs.

A search warrant leads to three arrests in Cherokee County.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Baxter Springs Police Department executed the search warrant just after 11:00am yesterday. The warrant stems from an investigation into hunting equipment that was stolen outside of Baxter Springs in late February. While searching the residence, officers recovered the stolen property and located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Arrested at the scene were 62-year-old Timothy Putnam, 57-year-old Andrew Putnam and 46-year-old Dallas Kinnaird. The Putnams were both arrested for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Kinnard was arrested for theft.

 The City of Fredonia announces that they have received approval from the US Department of Energy for their solar farm project.

 The approval comes under the Internal Revenue Code Section 48(e) Low Income Communities Bonus Credit Program.

The solar farm has a capacity of 2,500 kilowatts and is a step toward the city achieving energy independence. The facility will be scheduled for commission and activation in time for the peak energy usage of the summer months. The original application was submitted to the DOE on November 16, 2023.

City Administrator Wesley Young said the solar farm will also provide a sustainable economic benefit to the community.

 The city of Caney approves three contracts to continue moving forward with the transition away from the current water system.

 During last night's meeting, the city council approved contracts with Midwest Engineering for the next step in the eight inch pipeline to Coffeyville, the in-town distribution system improvements, and a new water tower.

 City Administrator Kelley Zellner says it's all part of the process.

 Approval was also given for the purchase of 800 radio read meters, at a cost of just over $235-thousand dollars. Zellner says the purchase of the new meters helps show government agencies, lenders, and residents that the town is working on all aspects of water loss in town, and an added bonus is that the digital meters are extremely accurate.

 Zellner says he believes 20% of the 28% water loss is due to inaccurate or faulty meters.

USD 446 will be looking for teachers at Independence Middle School.

Four members of the IMS staff resigned at this month's school board meeting: English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Chelsie Bronson, Special Education teacher Shane Koranda, Math teacher Michael Main, and long-term English/Language Arts substitute Rebecca Meadows.

The district has already filled Bronson's position, hiring Zoe Near to the same position.

Additional items of business at the March school board meeting was a donation of $1,000 from Equity Bank, the hiring of Morgan Mavers as head dance coach at IHS, as well as an update on the Early Learning Center from Superintendent Jason McAfee.

USD 446 meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Independence High School.

Today is the day to voice opinions on the Presidential Preference Primary in Chautatuqua County.

There are three polling locations throughout the county: The Sedan High School Gymnasium, God's Lighthouse of Prayer Church in Peru, and First Baptist Annex in Cedar Vale.

The purpose of a preference primary is to allow the state of Kansas to conduct a primary election, in which vote totals are shared to allocate delegates at the national convention.

County residents can vote at any time today until the polls close at 7 p.m.

Additional items of business at this week's commission meeting was updates from Public Works Superintendent Mark McCall and Human Resources Administrator Crystal Wade.

 An Olathe man fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks thought there was something wrong with him when he had trouble reeling in a fish over the weekend.

 What Chad Williams didn't realize was that the fish on the end of his line was a 164 pound paddle fish. Williams said his body was aching after getting the huge fish into the boat. It was then that his friends told him the large paddlefish might be a record-breaker.

Williams and his group went to meet with representatives of the Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries and Protection to weigh the fish on a certified scale. The fish broke the old state record by more than 20 pounds and beat the world record by 13 ounces.

Williams says he's still trying to process the whole thing. He plans to have the head of the fish taxidermied for display.

 The Nowata County Commission meets to discuss donations and county improvements.

 Commissioners received two donations from residents and heard updates on the ongoing renovation of the Nowata County Courthouse. Commissioners also discussed the construction of a tower for radio responders. Commissioner Paul Crupper says he is frustrated by the lack of progress.

The Commission will meet again next Monday at 9am in the Nowata County Courthouse Annex.

 There could be a rate hike coming for Dewey residents.

 The Dewey Public Works met Monday to revisit an item from their last meeting on March 4th. City Manager Kevin Trease says there is a need for the city to raise rates in two areas.

Trease added that the city has held out as long as possible on the rate hike. However, Trease says they have run out of options.

No formal action was taken on the proposal which was tabled until the April 1^st

The pool at Field Kindley High School will be out of service for several months.

That was the word a last night's USD 445 School Board Meeting. Deputy Superintendent of Business Michael Speer says one of the sand filters at the pool burst for an unknown reason and quickly drained the pool.

Speer says the water did not appear to cause significant damage to the basement, but because of repairs that need to be made, the pool is not expected to be open until mid to late July. This will impact all groups using the pool including the girls' swim team, the Coffeyville Recreation Commission and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

In other business, the board heard a presentation on how the students' Individual Plans of Study work, which helps them to plan for their work after high school. The board also approved textbook purchases and authorized the purchase of 3,000 pairs of headphones for classrooms using leftover school relief fund money.  New wayfinding signs were also approved for the high school and gyms.

The board also accepted several resignations including Roosevelt Middle School Principal Luke Claar and approved hiring Julie Dunham to fill Claar's position in July.

 The Independence Community College is set to begin the search for an interim president.

 At Monday's ICC Board of Trustees meeting, trustees discussed hiring an interim president to replace outgoing President Vincent Bowhay. Bowhay announced his resignation at last month's meeting. ICC Vice President of Human Resources Lori Boots says it takes a long time to hire a permanent president.

Boots went on to explain that the average amount of time for a community college to find the right candidate is around 6 months and that an interim president would give trustees time to find the right person for the job. Trustee Susan Porter says, in her experience, having someone in the interim position can smooth the leadership transition.

The Board voted to begin the search for an interim president, who will take over on a temporary basis

 A pioneer in air and space exploration has passed away at the age of 93.

 Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford, who was born in Weatherford, OK, played a major role in the Space Race during the Cold War. Stafford flew four historic missions, including Gemini 6, Gemini 9 and Apollo 10. He is one of only a handful of people to orbit the moon. Following his flight to the moon, NASA selected Stafford to become Chief of the Astronaut Office. 

Stafford graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 with honors, went on to help put an end to the Cold War, by fostering cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. Stafford was awarded The Distringuished Flying Cross and the NASA Exceptional Service Award. He was also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. 

The Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford - built in 1993 - is named in Stafford's honor.

 The Parsons Police Department is set to improve its life-saving capabilities thanks to a donation from Labette Community College.

 The L-C-C College of Nursing and Respiratory Programs have donated six Automated External Defibrillator Units or AED to the Parsons Police. The AED is a portable device that can be used when a patient's heart stops beating during a cardiac arrest. The units are valued at $1,700 each. The initiative is made possible through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program, administered by the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) Schools of Nursing and Respiratory Therapy.

Parsons Police Department. Chief Spinks stated, "The safety and well-being of our community members are our top priorities. This partnership with LCC is a significant step towards enhancing our emergency response capabilities. The addition of AEDs to our police vehicles and buildings not only ensures the safety of our officers but also reinforces our commitment to the prompt and effective assistance of those in need. We are grateful for the support from LCC and look forward to furthering our collaborative efforts for the betterment of Parsons and its residents."

Some Cherryvale citizens are expressing concern about a proposed RV park in town.

At last night's meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, zoning for a private trailer park near Neosho and Whelan in Cherryvale was discussed. Some residents are against the idea of the park and the required utility upgrades that will be necessary.

Cherryvale Resident Bonnie Davis expressed her opinion at the start of the regular council meeting and says she's against the idea.

Nothing was decided at either meeting regarding the proposed trailer park.

Davis, who owns a local restaurant, also expressed her opposition to food trucks being parked in front of city hall.

In other business, the council approved a bid for cemetery mowing at $63,500, which is almost double last year's budget. Approval was also given to open bids for haying of city properties, a mower bid was approved and the council also voted to open bids to hay city properties.

 A Parsons man is arrested over the weekend for active warrants.

 Saturday, Parsons police on patrol identified a Parsons man wanted for felony warrants out of Labette County, in the 1300 block of Grand in Forest Park.

 44-year old William Earl Troester Jr., was stopped and placed in custody without incident.

 During an open-air sniff conducted on a vehicle in question, the K9 officer indicated the presence of narcotics and a search of the vehicle ensued. The search located approximately 75 grams of methamphetamines and 20 Xanax pills, plus digital scales and other paraphernalia.

 Charges requested against Troester include distributions of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotics. He is also being held on a Labette County warrant for failure to appear.

 The investigation is on-going.

 A man released on bond in Parsons is arrested less than 24 hours later.

 Saturday, Parsons police were dispatched to the lobby of the police department. The victim reported a domestic fight that had taken place the previous day in the 2900 block of Morgan.

 The victim reported that Sir Christuffer Roeder, who was bonded out of Labette County Jail March 15th, had beaten the victim after a cheating accusation. During the argument, Roeder allegedly struck and threatened to kill the victim, then took their phone and drug them around outside. After taking the phone, Roeder grabbed a knife and there was a struggle, but the victim was able to get away.

 After the interview, police were later called to the 200 block of North 14th for a verbal altercation between the victim and Roeder. Roeder fled when he heard the sirens, but was found later that evening at a residence in the 2300 block of Clark and taken into custody.

 Charges requested against Roeder for his latest arrest include aggravated assault, criminal threat, robbery, and domestic battery.

 Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks says the arrest is part of a larger problem in Labette County and Parsons, and it will take input from the community and its citizens to fix the revolving door in the criminal court system.

The investigation is on-going.

 The First Nazarene Church in Coffeyville is hosting a blood drive tomorrow and Wednesday. 

 Anyone 17 years of age and older who is in good health is eligible to donate. Those who are 16 years old can donate with parents permission. Lori Holman with the Red Cross says there is always a need for blood.

Holman says blood is needed for a variety of needs including accident and burn victims, surgery patients, and those fighting cancer. She says those who want to donate can check their eligibility at redcrossblood.org.

The blood drive happens from 11:45 to 6pm Tuesday and from 8:30am to 12:30pm Wednesday. Donors can make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. They prefer appointments, but walk-ins will be taken as they have open time slots. The First Nazarene Church is located at 2300 west 1^st in Coffeyville.

 Anyone looking for a job should plan to attend the Kansas Works Job Fair in Independence on Wednesday.

 Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there will be many area employers looking to hire

The job fair runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in the Independence High School gym at 1301 North 10^th Street. Some of the business at the fair include: 

Day and Zimmermann

Equity Bank

Penmac Independence

Acme Foundry

Montgomery Place

Parsons State Hospital

The Monarch Cement Company

John Deere Coffeyville Works

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Independence Kansas Police Department

Independence, Kansas Public Schools USD 446

Four County Mental Health Center, Inc.

Express Employment Professionals: Independence, KS

Labette Health

VT Hackney

VSE

Bartlett Grain

 The Altamont City Council approves a measure to raise prices on a season pass for the city swimming pool this summer.

 At last week's meeting, council members spent a significant amount of time discussing a proposal to raise prices. Mayor Richard Heyward says he had heard from citizens on what would make them willing to pay more. Council member Lyle Sykes say he thinks a moderate increase would be acceptable.

The Council approved a measure to increase prices for a single pass to $45 and the family/grandparent pass price to $90. The daily admission will remain at $2 per person. The council approved the measure 4 to 1 with Tyler Jalich voting no.

 A single vehicle accident in Bourbon County leaves one man seriously injured.

 23 year old Luke Price of Pryor, OK, was traveling westbound on K-7 about ten miles southwest of Fort Scott on Friday. Around 4pm, Price – who was driving a 2008 Ford F-150 – attempted to pass in a no passing zone. In order to avoid a head-on collision, Price swerved and left the roadway where he struck a tree. Price was taken to a Springfield hospital with a suspected serious injury. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

 Residents in Independence may have noticed the barricades going up in the Municipal Parking Lot at 6^th and Myrtle this weekend.

 Construction begins on the project today. City Engineer John Garris says there may be some inconvenience when it comes to parking downtown. Garris says the purpose of the renovation is to improve accessibility in the parking lot.

The project will also add ADA parking spaces to the lot. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of May.

 Every week in Independence, there are several community meals available to the public.

 Chamber President Lisa Wilson says they provide an in important service in the community.

Wilson says there are several meals provided by area churches every week.

Last week, the CUFF meal helped feed 190 people.

The First Christian Church holds a Tuesday meal – carry-out only – from 5 to 5:30pm. The First Baptist Church has a meal on Wednesdays at 5:45 – dine-in only. On Thursdays, the churches take turns hosting the CUFF meal at the Wesley Center. The CUFF meal is carry-out only and starts at 6pm

 A Tractor-Trailer crashed near Sarcoxie last week when a turkey smashed through the truck's windshield.

 The Missouri Highway Patrol responded to the accident on I-44 after receiving reports of a semi truck hitting a cable on the median. When Troopers arrived, they found the big rig with a large hole in its windshield. Upon investigation, troopers learned that a turkey had gone through the windshield, hitting the driver who was identified as 63 year old Kevin Battaglia of Dallas, TX. Battaglia received moderate injuries from the bird strike and was treated at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

The Highway Patrol reminds drivers that, with turkey season coming up in April, the big birds will be on the move. An adult turkey can weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.

 The Kansas Presidential Preference Primary is tomorrow.

 Early voting for the primary ends today at noon. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned in person by tomorrow at 7pm. This is a presidential preference priamary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.

In Kansas, it is a function of the state political parties to allocate delegates to presidential candidates at each party’s national convention to select each party’s presidential nominee. Such delegates are chosen via caucus or convention by the political parties. This year, the state legislature decided to resurrect the state-run presidential preference primary, which had only been used in Kansas in 1980 and 1992.

 An Oklahoma man is injured in a motorcycle accident near Parsons.

 57 year old Billy Johnson of Ada was injured yesterday afternoon around 3:30 when the motorcycle he was riding had a blow out in the rear wheel. Johnson was westbound on US-400 near Pratt Road when the accident happened. The blowout caused Johnson to lose control of the bike and hit the right guardrail. He was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. His passenger – 44 year old Cara Applehans of Topeka – was not injured.

 The City of Coffeyville has a program for homeowners to help them spruce up their homes.

 It's called Paint the Town and Coffeyville Area Chamber President Candi Westbrook says it will help homeowners with the cost of painting their house.

Eligible homeowners may be able to get a grant of up to $300 for paint and supplies. The program is funded by  the Housing and Community Development portion of the ½-cent sales tax and provides free paint and supplies to qualifying homeowners who live in Coffeyville.

To see eligibility requirements, go here.

 Governor Laura Kelly signs Senate bill 195, which will allow private funds to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

 The Imagination Library allows every child aged birth to 5 in the state of Kansas to receive one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday. The new law will allow the Kansas Children's Cabinet to establish a non profit to receive donations, grants, and gifts an conduct fundraising activities for the Library. 

Parton says the Imagination Library can help inspire kids across Kansas to love books and reading. Parton added that a love of reading is a gift that will last a lifetime.

As of March 1^st. more than 70,000 Kansas children were enrolled in the program.

To enroll in the program, go here.

Moving heavy pews, desks and bookshelves might be a daunting task for the average church congregation, but members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Coffeyville got some extra help this weekend from the CCC Baseball Team.

The entire Red Raven Baseball Team turned out Sunday morning to help the church prepare for tile cleaning and resealing. A task that might have taken hours was reduced to a few minutes with the help of around 40 volunteers. St. Paul's Pastor Jon Franson thanked the players several times for their generosity in helping out. Afterwards, the team was fed lunch provided by the church.

For the first time in many years, the public will be able to step inside the Midland Theater this weekend.

Coffeyville’s Midland Theater Foundation will host an open house this Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to the come-and-go event celebrating the completion of the front of house, which includes restoration of the lobby, concession stand, two new ADA-accessible restrooms on the first floor, and ballroom, mezzanine, two offices and the original restrooms on the second floor.

Midland Board Member Wyatt Starnes says this is a milestone towards hopefully opening the theater by its 100^th anniversary in 2028.

Concessions will be available for purchase during the event this Sunday. Upcoming renovations will include the back of house and stage and then the auditorium itself. The Midland Theater is located at 214 West 8^th Street in downtown Coffeyville.

;

Volunteers are needed in Labette County to help search for a missing person.

61-year-old Leroy LB Myers went missing near the Harmony Grove cemetery on 23000 Road just east of Douglas. Myers is a white male, 6'02” and weighs about 190lbs. Anyone with information should call the sheriff's office at (620)795-2565.

Volunteers should meet at the Harmony Grove cemetery at 9:00am tomorrow for a grid search.  Volunteers will be searching in heavily wooded areas.

Two more are arrested in the murder of an Independence man.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Independence Police Department secured two additional arrest warrants for murder based on an investigation into the October 2023 shooting death of Jason York. In late February, three other men were arrested in St. Louis connected to the murder, so a total of five suspects are now in custody. The U.S. Marshals Service and the St. Louis County Police Department Fugitive Task Force arrested 21-year-old Joshua Denton and 18-year-old Kayvion Williams.

Both men were arrested yesterday at around 10:35am on warrants for first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. The suspects were booked into the St. Louis County Jail. Extradition is expected. The three men previously arrested are still being held in the St. Louis County Jail. The investigation is ongoing. The Montgomery County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.

 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a St. Patrick's Day Baked Potato Bar at St. Francis Zavier Catholic Hall on Sunday.

 The event starts at 11am and runs until 1pm. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a potato. St. Francis Zavier Catholic Hall is located at 202 South Liberty street in Cherryvale.

 There will be magic in the air on the campus of Coffeyville Community College on April 1^st.

 Magician Pete Waltersheid will perform a 90 minute show on the CCC Campus. Waltersheid says he will also have a pair of talented guests appearing with him.

Waltersheid says it will be an evening of good family-friendly fun.

The show takes place on April 1^st in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus at 7:30pm. Admission is free.

 The Neosho Fire Department responds to a residential structure fire.

 Fire crews were called to the scene of a house fire in the 1700 block of South High Street in Neosho early Wednesday morning. Firefighters arrived around 7am to find visible smoke and flames coming from the house. No occupants were in the home at the time the fire occurred and no other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire has not been determined though it appears to have started in the laundry room. The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

 The City of Edna is holding a drive-thru animal clinic at City Hall on Monday evening. It's the opportunity for residents to protect their pets and make sure they are in compliance with Edna City Ordinance #400 by making sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and have their city dog tags. The clinic will be held from 5 to 6pm at City Hall. Attendees are asked to enter the parking lot from the south on Delaware street.

 The USD 508 Baxter Springs Parents As Teachers group is hosting a Fine Motor Group Connection on Tuesday evening. The group is open to parents with children ages birth through kindergarten. It meets from 6 to 7pm Tuesday at Lincoln School at 801 Lincoln Street in Baxter Springs.

 The City of Independence has plans to refurbish to major streets in the city.

At last night's city commission meeting, City Engineer John Garris asked for commission approval to submit applications for grant money for two projects. The first project would be a mill and overlay project on east Main street from 2^nd street to the city limits. The other project would be a re-paving of 10^th street from Main to Laurel. Garris says this project is likely to gain KDOT approval soon.
 

Commissioners gave the go-ahead for the application process. They also approved a contract with

T-L-C Groundskeeping for a grassing package for the new Central Park Sports Complex.

 Independence Chief of Police Jerry Harrison announced his resignation earlier this week. At last night's (Thursday's) city commission meeting Harrison was recognized for his tenure with the city by City Manager Kelly Passauer and Commissioner Dean Hayse. Harrison leaves Independence to take over as Chief of Police in Lebanon, MO. The move will allow him to live closer to his family. Harrison says he has enjoyed working in Independence.

 There will be a reception for Harrison Prior to the March 28^th City Commission Meeting. The public is invited to attend.

 Authorities in southwest Missouri barely miss a man wanted in a Jasper County murder.

 30 year old Scott Burleson of Wyandotte, OK, was spotted Wednesday evening in Pineville, MO, near the Missouri/Arkansas line.

McDonald County Deputies responded to a report of a stolen generator just outside of Pineville. When they arrived on scene, the deputies were told that Burleson had just left. Witnesses reported seeing him on foot near the junction of Route W and East State Highway 76. Burleson was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

Anyone with information about the location of Scott Burleson should contact 911

 Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sues a sham cancer charity for deceiving donors who offered financial support to women battling cancer.

 Oklahoma joins nine other states in a complaint filed Monday in federal court. The suit alleges that Cancer Recovery Foundation International, also known as Women’s Cancer Fund, and its operator, Gregory B. Anderson, collected more than $18 million from donors between 2017 and 2022. The organization claimed it would use the donations to help women undergoing treatment for cancer pay for their families’ basic needs. Instead, the complaint charges, only about one cent of every dollar went to provide support, while the overwhelming majority went to pay for-profit fundraisers and Anderson.

While Women’s Cancer Fund collected $18 million from tens of thousands of donors, it only spent $194,809 on financial support to cancer patients. At the same time, it paid Anderson $775,139 – nearly four times as much as Women’s Cancer Fund collectively gave to all the cancer patients it supported.

Consumers looking for information on how to donate safely and avoid charity scams can learn more at ftc.gov

 The City of Parsons is holding a St. Patrick's Day Celebration tomorrow.

 Festivities will kick off at 8am tomorrow morning with the St. Patrick's Church C-Y-M 5k run/walk. The Parsons Elks Lodge #527 will have biscuits and gravy served by Parsons High School Honor Flight from 7 to 10am. At 11am, activities in downtown Parsons will include a Best Dressed Lad and Lassie contest for kids under 10 years old.

The parade happens at 1pm.

Other events includes food trucks, children's activities, a beer garden, and live music featuring the band Final Warning.

 The Yates Center Police Department and the Woodson County Sheriff's Office make an arrest in the case of threats made against Yates Center High School.

 The original threats were made on March 7, prompting officials to cancel all school activities for safety reasons. Using license plate readers, police were able to identify three individuals from Missouri as suspects in the case. The three have been arrested and are currently awaiting extradition to Kansas to face charges of Terrorism and Aggravated Criminal Threat in the case.

No names have yet been released.

 The K-State Research and Extension Maker's Fair and Open House happens tomorrow in Parsons.

 K-State Extension Agent Adaven Rohling says there will be lots of activities for all ages.

The Maker's Fair will also feature area 4-Hers with their products on display plus many youth activities and a farm animal petting zoo. The K-State Maker's Fair happens from 9am to 1pm tomorrow at the K-State Southeast Research & Extension Center at 25-0-92 Ness Road in Parsons.

 A Barnsdall man appeared in Washington County Court yesterday afternoon on charges of trafficking methamphetamine after being pulled over in Bartlesville.

 Dillon Smith was arrested on multiple charges, including trafficking a controlled substance. An affidavit states that officers observed Smith's trailer had a defective tail light, which initiated the traffic stop. A K9 alert allowed officers to search Smith's vehicle.  The search revealed more than 200 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also found a digital scale with white residue, more than $2,000 in cash and a pair of brass knuckles in the vehicle. 

Smith's bond was set at $100,000 and his next court date is next Friday.

The Coffeyville Police Department has a new service to provide information to residents.

The Genasys Emergency Management software is a multi-channel emergency notification system. Users will be provided with alerts that affect their safety including weather notifications. This will replace the Nixle system which will still be operational until August. Genasys sends out text alerts, voice messages and e-mails.

Signing up is easy enter an e-mail, phone number, and address and set up a password. Users can then choose how and in what language to be notified. Additional e-mails and phone numbers can be added.  More information and the link to register.

 A $5,000 gift from the Arvest Foundation to The Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts of America will be used to help with scholarships for troop membership costs and uniforms, as well as assist with day camp costs for cub scouts.

 The Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts serves the youth of northeastern Oklahoma with the mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Arvest Wealth Management Senior Client Advisor Terri Taylor recently presented the check to Philip Wright, Executive Director of the Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts.

Photo: Arvest Wealth Management Senior Client Advisor Terri Taylor presents the $5,000 donation to Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts Executive Director Philip Wright

 An Osage County man was injured in a Wednesday evening motorcycle crash near Prue.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Joseph Berryhill was riding a 2019 Harley Davidson at about 8:30 pm. yesterday on County Road 1405 about a half-mile south of State Highway 20 and five miles north of Prue.

Troopers say Berryhill failed to negotiate a curve and departed the road, striking a row of mailboxes, a large rock and a barbed-wire fence. The motorcycle overturned. Berryhill was transported by ambulance to a Tulsa hospital and was admitted in fair condition with head and arm injuries.

According to the accident report, the cause of the collision was unsafe speed on a curve.

 An 80 acre grass fire near Great Bend is caused by a fallen tree.

 The fire broke out around 3:30 Monday afternoon just south of Ellinwood in central Kansas. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly four and a half hours before managing to extinguish it. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the source of the fire was an old tree. The tree has been struck by lightning sometime during the weekend. The tree smoldered until it finally toppled over and started the grass fire.

This isn't the first time fire crews have encountered the issue. Firefighters advise that if you think an old tree has been smoldering, you should notify authorities.

 The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is holding a t-shirt design contest for the 2024 Kansas State Fair.

 The contest is open to anyone who would like to submit an original design that captures the spirit of the fair. Submissions will be accepted through March 31.

A selection committee will choose the top 5 best designs from all submissions and online voting will take place via the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Facebook page in April. The winner will be announced on May 3^rd.

For a complete list of rules and how to submit a design, go here.

 Fire crews in Talequah respond to a late night house fire.

 The Talequah Fire Department responded to a call of a structure on fire on the eastern edge of the city around 11:45 on Tuesday night. Fire Units found flames and smoke billowing from the roof of the structure when they arrived. Responders used a piercing nozzle to break through the roof which was made up of a metal roof over a composite roof.

No injuries were reported.

 The Neodesha City Commission meets and discusses their options for new software.

 Vice-Mayor Emily Vail-Keller called yesterday's meeting to order in the place of Mayor Devin Johnson who was not present. Commissioners held a lengthy discussion about using G-Works Cloud Migration to move records to the cloud. City Administrator Brogan Jones says it's a move the city will have to make, one way or another.

Commissioner Duane Banzet says he realizes that cloud computing is safe, but he still has some reservations about it.

The commission voted in favor of using G-Works. In other business, the Neodesha Area Chamber of Commerce gave the commission a report on their upcoming Easter events.

The Easter Egg hunt in Neodesha will be held on March 30^th at Riverwalk Park starting at 11am. There will be four age groups for kids from birth to 8 years old with candy, prizes, and family fun. Shoppers in Neodesha can also visit local businesses to take part in the Customer Egg Hunt happening until Easter.

 One man is injured in a rollover crash near Seneca, MO.

 Police in Newton County along with the Missouri Highway Patrol are investigating a car crash that occurred early yesterday  morning near Iris Road and Missouri Highway 43.

A vehicle traveling northbound on Missouri 43 left the roadway and overturned. The lone occupant in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

***** Update 1:30 p.m. *****

The tornado watch has been extended to now include counties in Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.  All new warnings will be in effect through 9 p.m. tonight.

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BOURBON              CHEROKEE            CRAWFORD

.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

AUDRAIN              BARRY               BARTON
BATES                BENTON              BOLLINGER
BOONE                CALLAWAY            CAMDEN
CAPE GIRARDEAU       CARTER              CEDAR
CHRISTIAN            COLE                COOPER
CRAWFORD             DADE                DALLAS
DENT                 DOUGLAS             FRANKLIN
GASCONADE            GREENE              HENRY
HICKORY              HOWARD              HOWELL
IRON                 JASPER              JEFFERSON
JOHNSON              LACLEDE             LAWRENCE
LINCOLN              MADISON             MARIES
MARION               MCDONALD            MILLER
MONITEAU             MONROE              MONTGOMERY
MORGAN               NEWTON              OREGON
OSAGE                OZARK               PERRY
PETTIS               PHELPS              PIKE
POLK                 PULASKI             RALLS
RANDOLPH             REYNOLDS            SALINE
SHANNON              ST. CHARLES         ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS         ST. LOUIS           STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE                TANEY               TEXAS
VERNON               WARREN              WASHINGTON
WAYNE                WEBSTER             WRIGHT

.    ARKANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BAXTER               BENTON              BOONE
CARROLL              CRAWFORD            FRANKLIN
FULTON               JOHNSON             MADISON
MARION               NEWTON              SEARCY
SEBASTIAN            WASHINGTON

***** Update 1 p.m. ***** 

Ottawa and Craig counties in Oklahoma have been added to the tornado watch through 6 p.m.

***** Update 12 p.m. *****

A tornado watch has been issued through 6 p.m. for the following counties in Oklahoma:

ADAIR                ATOKA               BRYAN
CARTER               CHEROKEE            CHOCTAW
CLEVELAND            COAL                CREEK
DELAWARE             GARVIN              HASKELL
HUGHES               JEFFERSON           JOHNSTON
LATIMER              LE FLORE            LINCOLN
LOVE                 MARSHALL            MAYES
MCCLAIN              MCINTOSH            MURRAY
MUSKOGEE             OKFUSKEE            OKMULGEE
PITTSBURG            PONTOTOC            POTTAWATOMIE
PUSHMATAHA           ROGERS              SEMINOLE
SEQUOYAH             STEPHENS            TULSA
WAGONER

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

Severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening for the four states.

The main risk will be in southern Missouri, northern Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, although southeast Kansas including Coffeyville still could see some storms. The most likely onset for storms in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma is between 1 and 8 p.m. today. Hail up to golf ball size and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible. There's also the chance of an isolated tornado. The best chance of thunderstorms is along and south of the I-44 corridor. If severe weather threatens the area, KGGF will provide coverage as needed.

A new program is available to help agricultural producers and landowners conserve the habitat for Northern Bobwhite Quail.

The program is available in 18 states including Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie says the program aims to help conserve wildlife habitat without being a burden on producers.

Applications are being accepted year-round for the pilot project that provides technical and financial assistance. Anyone interested can contact their local USDA Service Center.

 The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a sever thunderstorm watch until 6am for most of southeast Kansas.

 This includes Allen, Chautauqua, Elk, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties and includes the cities of Chanute, Coffeyville, Fredonia, Howard, Independence, Iola, Moline, Neodesha, Parsons, Sedan, and Yates Center.

Radar indicates a band of thunderstorms moving through the area mostly north of Coffeyville and into southwest Missouri in the Nevada area.

A thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Otherwise for the Coffeyville area today, a chance for showers and thunderstorms remains before 7am, then mostly sunny skies and breezy with a high in the mid 70s.

A Parsons man is arrested after admitting to firing shots inside his apartment.

On Sunday, the Parsons Police Department responded to reports of shots fired at the Prairie West Condos. Several callers alerted authorities to the sound of multiple gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, A PPD officer was approached by 21-year-old Johnathan Matthew Banning-Norris, who walked toward the officer with his hands raised, admitting to having fired shots and claiming to have shot two people.

The investigation led officers to the apartment complex of the potential victims, but no one was found. Evidence of gunfire, multiple shell casings and a 9mm pistol were recovered at the scene. Banning-Norris was arrested on suspicion of criminal discharge of a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm in the city limits.

A traffic stop in Parsons leads to an arrest and seizure of illegal substances and paraphernalia.

At around 10:20pm on Monday, a Parsons Police officer saw a white Dodge Grand Caravan exiting a parking lot and committed a traffic violation. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Sir Christuffer Roeder, who had an expired driver's license and no current proof of insurance.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm. The passenger, Kirstin Monjay, was also arrested. Roeder faces multiple charges including possession of methamphetamine and marijuana and driving without insurance and with an expired registration. Monjay faces charges for possession of marijuana. Roeder is also facing charges in a separate investigation of aggravated kidnapping, robbery, battery and assault.

 The Cherryvale Fire Department is raffling off 250 pounds of Longhorn beef to benefit Landon Roberson.

 Landon was diagnosed with Leukemia in October and the funds will help his family pay for lodging and gasoline for trip to Kansas City for treatment.

Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets and can be purchased at the Cherryvale Fire Department. The raffle ends on April 10^th.

 The Grace Memorial United Methodist Church in Independence is hosting a soup lunch this Friday.

 Attendees can choose from ham & beans, broccoli cheddar, chicken & noodle and more. Soup's on from 11am to 1pm on Friday for $7 per person. The price includes up to three choices of soup, a drink and dessert. Grace Memorial is located at 13^th and Main in Independence.

 Deputies from the Allen County Sheriff's Office find a pair of young runaways from Missouri.

 A Code Red was issue yesterday in Allen County as authorities in Missouri warned that two juvenile runaways may have been headed toward Iola. However, Allen County Deputies spotted them fleeing to the southwest instead and pursued the pair. The two young men got their truck stuck in a muddy field several miles east of the Allen County airport and then fled on foot. They were then taken into custody and processed by juvenile intake before being released into their parents' custody.

 Little House on the Prairie opens for the 2024 season this Friday.

 The official Laura Ingalls Wilder homesite southwest of Independence is dedicated to preserving the Kansas home where the Ingalls family lived from 1869 to 1871. Little House Director Rhonda Steven says a trip to the site will take you back in time.

In addition to the museum, the Little House Site has a gift shop. Steven says there are many Little House-related items available for purchase.

Coming up at the end on May at the Little House site is the 50^th Anniversary Cast Celebration where members of the cast of the television show will be on hand including the actors who portrayed Nellie Olson, Almanzo Wilder, Carrie Ingalls, and more.

The Little House Museum is open 7 days a week from 10 to 5 and admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and under.

 Families in Miami can get free Easter photos taken tomorrow at the Miami Public Library.

 The Easter Bunny will be on hand from 4 to 6:30pm tomorrow for pictures. The photos are free but donations will be accepted. The Miami Public Library is located at 200 North Main Street.

 An altercation breaks out at the Washington County Courthouse in Bartlesville following a preliminary murder hearing.

 Police had to intervene with an altercation outside the Washington County Courthouse yesterday afternoon following a morning session of a preliminary murder hearing.

20-year-old Bryson Towers faces first-degree-murder in the November 13, 2023, shooting death of Markus Scott. While in recess, family and friends of the victim, and those of the accused, caused a disruption outside of the courthouse that led to a law enforcement presence being needed. As a result, Judge Jared Sigler closed off court from the public and family for the rest of the preliminary hearing yesterday afternoon.

The hearing included testimony from three Bartlesville Police officers regarding shell casings and a wallet with Towers' name in it that were found at the scene.

Towers’ preliminary hearing will resume on next Tuesday at 9am., and it will be re-opened to the public.

Photo: Bryson Towers. The 20 year old man faces first degree murder charges in the November 2023 death of Markus Scott

 The Interstate Farm and Home Show is coming up on March 22nd and 23rd at Nellis Hall on the campus of Coffeyville Community College.

 There will be vendors from across the area displaying ag products, farm equipment, home or ranch products as well as landscaping and home decor services.

 Admission and parking are free.

 Authorities in Johnson County say a minimum-custody inmate has escaped.

 Convicted burglar 49 year old John Evans Johnson Jr. did not return to an Adult Residential Center after conducting two job interviews. Johnson was convicted in Wyandotte County and had been serving a one year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August.

Johnson is described as a white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.

Anyone with information on Johnson's location should call 9-1-1.

A special election is on the way in June for the Cherokee Nation.

Earlier this week, the Council of the Cherokee Nation approved a special election to allow Cherokee citizens to decide on whether to call for a constitutional convention. The Cherokee Nation Constitution states that a question of whether to call a constitutional convention must be submitted to the citizens of the Cherokee Nation at least once every 20 years during a general or special election.

The Council passed the resolution during its committee meeting in February and passed it out of full Council on March 11. The question for Cherokee citizens will appear on a ballot during a special election on June 15^th.

The Coffeyville City Commission approves two grant applications for road improvement. Interim City Manager Tim Wilson says they are working on going after as many grants as they can.

One of those applications includes a mill and overlay project on 8^th Street from Highway 166 to Elm Street. Wilson says this would be a big project for the city.

In other business, the Commission approved the resolution to implement personal memorandums of understanding with the police and fire departments.

A joint investigation leads to multiple arrests in a kidnapping and robbery case in Parsons.

On February 18^th, a victim from Independence reported the incident. He said he was invited to a residence in Parsons, where four armed men confronted him. The victim was assaulted, stripped down, blindfolded and placed in the backseat of a vehicle. He was driven to a remote location in Labette County before being driven back into Parsons. The Parsons Police Department, Woodson County Sheriff's Office, Labette County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol all worked the case.

Four arrests have been made charges have been filed for two more and one suspect remains at large. Christopher Hilton was arrested on March 4^th, Daquan Edwards was arrested on March 5^th, Alex Stevens was arrested on March 9^th, Jacqulynn Jenkins, Stevens' girlfriend, was arrested on March 8^th, and Christuffer Roeder is currently being held at the Parsons Police Lockup on other charges. The suspects face a range of charges, including aggravated kidnapping, robbery, battery and assault, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, theft, criminal threat and felony interference. Nathaniel Steel remains at large with an outstanding Labette County Felony Warrant for his arrest. Robyn Bennett is also facing charges for aggravated kidnapping and robbery.

South Coffeyville Public Schools receives a rendering for their potential new gym. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says you can see the drawing at three locations around town.

The rendering and the tax increase information can be seen below. Pruter says the new gym would include a FEMA approved storm shelter.

The bond for the new gym at South Coffeyville Public Schools will be up for vote on April 2^nd and Pruter says he encourages everyone to get out and vote.

 The suspect in a police standoff in Coffeyville is identified.

 The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has identified David Foster of Coffeyville as the man who was arrested last Friday after a standoff in Coffeyville.

Last Friday afternoon, a Montgomery County Patrol Sergeant was on duty in Coffeyville when he noticed a man he recognized as David Foster, a suspect in a recent commercial burglary case, entering a house. Deputies attempted to contact Foster in the residence, the suspect barricaded himself in the attic of the house and refused to come out. The Emergency Response Team was called to the scene along with the Coffeyville Police Department Special Operations Team and their Armored Rescue Vehicle.

After continued verbal announcements, Foster surrendered without incident. The case is currently under review by the Montgomery County Attorney's Office for proper charging.

 Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison announces his resignation, effective April 5^th.

 Harrison is leaving to take over as Chief of Police in Lebanon, MO. Harrison joined the I-P-D in 2016, relocating from Monett, MO, where he had served as a sergeant.

Harrison called his decision a difficult one, but ultimately it was a move that would advance his career while moving him closer to his family.

Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer says an interim chief will be named in the coming days and that the city will begin the search for a new chief soon. There will be a farewell reception on March 28^th at 4:30pm, just prior to the Independence City Commission meeting. The public is invited to attend.

 The Bartlesville Public Schools Board of Education approve a new policy that highlights the district's commitment to parent participation in schools. 

 At yesterday's meeting, Bartlesville schools formalized the policy known as a "Parent Bill of Rights by adopting guidelines to promote and encourage the involvement of parents and guardians within the school district.  

Superintendent Chuck McCauley says Bartlesville has always encouraged parental involvement and was in compliance with the expectations. 

Recent state legislation requires it to be formally adopted as a board policy.The policy outlines eight areas of expectations between the district and parents or guardians.

 Construction on the Municipal Parking Lot in Independence is slated to begin next Monday.

 The lot is located directly north of City Hall at 6^th and Myrtle. City Engineer John Garris says the rebuild will make the parking lot more accessible.

Garris says the project should be finished quickly. The lot will be closed to the public until construction is complete.

The Nowata County Commissioners meets to discuss courthouse updates and inspections.

At Monday's meeting court house updates were front and center. Chairman Timmie Benson shared an update on the tiling that is going to be put in at the Nowata County Courthouse.

Commissioner Paul Crupper also said that the water in the boiler room is going to be drained and that the project has a current time frame of at least 7-8 weeks. There was an agreement approved for District 2 to work on Commissioner Troy Friddle’s land to cut plank wood with a saw mill as well.

Finally, Nowata County Clerk Kay Spurgeon announced that they passed the elevator inspection. Spurgeon says the inspector did find a few problems that need to be addressed.

The Commissioners will meet again in the Nowata County Courthouse Annex next Monday morning at 9 am.

 The Montgomery County Commission hears citizen concerns about a new county position.

 At last week's meeting, Commissioner Robert Bever introduced a resolution to establish the position of County Administrator. The position would serve as executive in the county and was approved by the commission. At yesterday's (Monday's) meeting, a concerned citizen address the commissioners about her concerns regarding the new position. She says the commission should proceed with caution.

Commissioner Mike Cordray told the woman that she made a good point and thanked her for her input. In other business, County GIS Mapping Director Anne Miller tells commissioners that the county website has good traffic and is secure.

The Montgomery County commission meets every Monday at 9am in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence.

 Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond becomes the first AG to receive the Sunshine Award from Freedom of Information Oklahoma.

 The award is given each year to a public official for showing a commitment to open meetings and open records. Since March of 2023, the attorney general's office has received 174 complaints about open records and meetings violations. Of those complaints, 133 have been resolved.

The award comes during Sunshine Week, which runs from March 10 to 16 this year and promotes open government and access to public information.

Drummond will be recognized later this fall at FOI Oklahoma’s First Amendment Congress.

 Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner introduces The Rural Emergency Hospital Adjustment Act in the U.S. House.

 The legislation would allow previously closed rural hospitals to re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements. Senator Jerry Moran has introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate. The R-E-H designation enables certain hospitals to convert to the new Medicare provider designation, which helps rural hospitals to continue operating with limited services rather than closing. Currently, hospitals are only eligible for the designation if they met the requirements when the legislation was signed into law in December 2020.

The R-E-H would extend the eligibility date back to January 1, 2015, for hospitals that were either critical access hospitals or rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds.

 Fire Crews respond to a weekend call of a structure fire in Webb City on Sunday.

 First responders from Webb City Fire, Webb City Police and METS ambulance responded to a structure fire at a Webb City home around 7:45am on Sunday morning. Fire fighters observed heavy smoke and flames when they arrived on scene. They were able to extinguish the blaze but there was substantial damage an east side addition to the home. All occupants were safely evacuated from the building and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

 A 71 year old Washington County, OK, man faces charges of Domestic Abuse.

 Phillip Cramer made an appearance in Washington County Court yesterday to face allegations stemming from a March 8^th incident in which Cramer allegedly used a firearm to attack a family member. The victim told police that Cramer attacked her after she made a comment about a TV show.

Cramer also faces charges of possessing a firearm after a felony conviction. He is being held on a $20,000 bond.

You can now legally drive 80 miles per hour on the Cimarron Turnpike.

Yesterday, crews finished installing new signage to increase the speed limit from 75 to 80 mph on the turnpike between Tulsa and I-35. The increase was approved in April of 2023 by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. The US-412/Cimarron Turnpike is nearly 68 miles long between I-35/US-64 east of Enid and Tulsa with a spur that connects to Stillwater and sees an average daily traffic count of just under 10,000 vehicles per day. Future projects include pavement reconstruction, shoulder and guardrail reconstruction and additional bridge rehabilitation projects totaling an estimated $42.5 million through 2028.

A Coffeyville man is arrested in the middle of a home burglary outside of Caney.

Late last week, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office received a 911 call from a concerned citizen northeast of Caney. The caller reported a burglary after discovering their home's door had been forcibly opened. Deputies, alongside the Kansas Highway Patrol, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they observed a man inside the home attempting to evade detection by closing the blinds.

Despite commands to surrender, the suspect, identified as Andrew Cook refused to comply. Following an hour-long negotiation, Cook eventually exited the residence but refused to comply with law enforcement's orders. Deputies utilized less-lethal methods to secure Cook, who was taken into custody without further incident. He faces charges of burglary, attempted theft, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage. 

The Parsons Police Department make two felony arrests to start the month.

On March 2^nd, An officer spotted Stephen Dunn walking near the Parsons Municipal Building. When Dunn saw the officer, he fled on foot. A woman, identified as Illyana Oneal, was with him and she fled in a different direction. After a short foot pursuit, Dunn was arrested. He had active warrants through Labette County, Montgomery County, the Kansas Department of Corrections and Parsons Municipal Court.

On March 6^th, officers arrested Timothy Robinson for non-residential burglary after a homeowner reported a generator missing from a residence that was being remodeled. Officers responded to the house and cleared the residence. When they checked the detached garage, they found Robinson inside with items he was preparing to steal. Robinson was arrested on charges of burglary, criminal damage and theft. Robinson is a long-time felon with multiple arrests for controlled substances and burglary.

 A Columbus man receives a prison sentence of over 26 years for sex crimes against a minor.

 38 year old Brian Curtis Stewart of Columbus, was sentenced to 313 months imprisonment on Friday in Cherokee County District Court.

Following his two-day criminal trial in January, a Cherokee County Jury found Stewart guilty of one count of rape and five counts of aggravated incident liberties of a child, crimes which Stewart committed between March and late August 2016.

Following the trial, Stewart was remanded to the custody of the Cherokee County Jail, where he remains pending transfer to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 The Independence Community Chest is holding a fundraising raffle. They are raffling off a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck Crew Cab 4X4.   Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says Community Chest is a charitable organization that does a lot of good in the community.

Wilson adds that there are several ways to purchase a raffle ticket.

The drawing for the Dodge Ram Truck will be held on Friday, May 10^th.

 Home Sweet Home Homeless Ministry is holding a fundraiser this weekend in Independence.

 HSH will host a pulled pork or ribs dinner on Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Independence. Guests can choose between a pulled pork sandwich or ribs, plus Mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, dessert, and a drink. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Food is available for dine-in or carry-out.

Guests can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a week-long Branson vacation for 4 to 8 people. Raffle tickets are $10 for 1 or $25 for 3.

The dinner takes place from 5:30 to 7pm on Saturday.

 The Kansas Food Bank will bring their Mobile Food Pantry to Sedan on Wednesday.

 The Food Bank will be at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds at 610 Park E Avenue from 10 to 11am on Wednesday. Anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to attend. Guests will be asked to provide some basic information about their household when they check in.

For more information, call Ken at the Kansas Food Bank at 316-265-3663

 Coffeyville Police responded to a call at 111 Jefferson Street late Friday afternoon,

 Initial reports indicated that an individual had barricaded themselves inside the residence. C-P-D set up a perimeter around the residence.

The individual surrendered to police around 3:45pm on Friday and was booked into the Montgomery County Jail. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released.

 Police in Derby were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon where they found a dead body lying beside the train tracks on the west side of the city.

 Police believe the person was struck and killed by a train. Authorities are working with the Sedgwick County coroner's office and B-N-S-F police to investigate the incident. No names have yet been released.

 A drunk driver traveling at high rates of speed forced a tractor-trailer off of the road on I-70 in central Missouri late Saturday night.

 The semi left the roadway and overturned, spilling the contents of its trailer on the highway. The driver of the semi was uninjured and the drunk driver who caused the accident was caught and booked into the county jail on charges of driving while intoxicated. It took the Missouri Highway Patrol eight hours to clean the spill – 43,000 pounds of frozen french fries – from the roadway.

 Drivers in Coffeyville are reminded that US 169 South or South Walnut Street is down to one lane of traffic due to a KDOT project.

 Drivers are asked to follow the detour signs west on 11^th, south on Willow, and east on Eldridge. Not following the detour signs can create a traffic safety hazard. In order to keep everyone safe, the City of Coffeyville asks that you follow the detour.

Road improvements totaling $70 million are coming to southeast Kansas.

State approval has been given to reconstruct and add shoulders on U.S. 160 from the junction of 169 to Altamont. State Senator Virgil Peck says this modernization near the new Bartlett plant is crucial as the plant gears up.

Passing lanes will also be added to U.S. 169 between 160 and 400. Peck says these projects will be beneficial for everyone in southeast Kansas.

These three projects were among 17 announced across the state.

A detour has been put in place with road work on South Walnut Street.

Highway 169 South is reduced to one lane traffic from 15^th Street South to Walden for the Kansas Department of Transportation Pavement Restoration Project. Southbound traffic will be detoured west on 11^th Street, south on Willow and then east on Eldridge.

Coffeyville City Clerk Melissa Carter says there have been several issues with vehicles not following the detour, which is creating a safety hazard. More signage has been ordered to help with directing traffic.

A Joplin man receives over four years for a burglary case in Cherokee County.

41-year-old Kevin Lee Hanten was sentenced to 51 months in Cherokee County District Court today. In January, Hanten pled guilty to attempted aggravated burglary, theft and interference with law enforcement.

The charges stem from a December 2020 residential burglary in Lowell, where Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies pursued Hanten on foot as he fled the crime scene. Following a roughly four-and-a-half-hour manhunt, which included assistance from the Baxter Springs Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol Air Unit, law enforcement located Hanten hiding in a briar patch and he was taken into custody.

UPDATE:  Witnesses at the scene say the suspect came out of the residence and surrendered himself to law enforcement peacefully.  More information will be made available as we receive it.

Original Story:

The Coffeyville Police Department is assisting the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department on scene at 111 West Jefferson Street. 

An individual has barricaded himself inside the residence. Officers have formed a safety perimeter around the residence and are asking citizens to please avoid the area.

Additional information will be released by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department as it becomes available.

 Radio communication for Coffeyville’s ambulance service receives a boost with a $50,000 gift from the Cherokee Nation. 

 Cherokee tribal leaders presented the $50,000 gift to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center officials and CRMC’s emergency services personnel during a visit to the hospital campus on February 26. The gift was awarded to the CRMC Foundation, which will use the money to purchase 18 radios, 11 of which will be placed in ambulance fleet and emergency-related vehicles. The remaining radios will be used in the emergency room, EMS quarters and EMS command center. 

Cherokee tribal officials noted the need to equip CRMC’s ambulance service with modern and reliable radio communication, considering that the Coffeyville EMS service’s primary coverage includes the northern one-third of Nowata County, which is within the Cherokee Nation.

Photo: Brian Lawrence, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center chief executive officer and president, is joined by Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin and Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner in accepting the $50,000 gift from the Cherokee Nation. The gift will be used to replace the existing radio communication in the CRMC emergency services vehicle fleet and ambulances. Joining Lawrence and the Cherokee officials in the photograph are other Cherokee Nation and CRMC representatives.

 Bingo night is coming to Sedan.

 The Sedan Chamber of Commerce and the Sedan Lions Club is hosting a bingo night fundraiser on March 23^rd to raise money for the Sedan Lake Fireworks Show.

The format is a little different from traditional bingo events. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door as a and then the cost $1 per game or 6 games for $5 for every round. The winner will take home half of the 'pot' each game. There will also be a silent auction for baked goods such as pies, cakes, and cream puffs. There will be concessions available- hamburgers, hot dogs, delicious desserts and more. Doors open at 4:30 and bingo starts at 5. The location is 610 Park Avenue in Sedan.

 Independence Cub Scout Pack 3136 is holding a rummage sale today and tomorrow.

 They have lots of books, kid items, kitchen wares, household items, a kids desk set, a 58 inch flat screen TV, a china set, and many more miscellaneous items.

The sale is from 9am to 4:30pm both days at the Journey Church, at 136 Catalpa Street in Indy.

All proceeds benefit Cub Scout Pack 3136

 The Parsons Community Band is looking to add musicians.

 Any area musicians ages high school and up are invited to come play with the band. Rehearsals are every Thursday evening at the Labette Community College Music Building on the north side of Forest Park in Parsons at 6pm. All instruments are needed.

 The City of Fredonia works to revitalize the city by dealing with dilapidated homes.

 The Fredonia City Commission has set a goal this year to deal with the number on vacant homes in the city that are in disrepair. As a part of this goal, the commission is considering the establishment of a Vacant Registry. City Administrator Wesley Young says the purpose of the registry would be to keep track of the vacant homes in Fredonia.

Since the beginning of the year, the city has started condemnation proceedings against more than 20 properties in Fredonia. Young says this is part of a larger goal of revitalizing the city and encouraging economic development.

The Fredonia City Commission will continue the discussion on the Vacant Registry at their next meeting on March 20^th

 Daylight savings time will take place this weekend and as we spring forward, we will have more daylight in the evening.

 With that, Bartlesville Fire Chief David Topping reminds everyone that it is a good idea to make sure your fire alarm and smoke detector batteries are in working order.

He also says replacing old detectors is a good idea, even if they are still working properly. 

Topping says it's also important to remember to reset timers, clocks and any other manual household devices.

 Parsons High School is hosting a career fair on March 26^th.

 They are currently looking for area businesses and industries who would like to have a booth at the fair. Representatives will have the opportunity to meet with Parsons High School students and explain the types of job opportunities they have and the types of employees they look for. Those interested in having a booth should contact Kylie Lucas via email at kylielucas@vikingnet.net

 One of two men wanted in connection to a recent stabbing death in southwest Missouri has been arrested.

 Authorities have taken into custody 36 year old Paul Phillips of Seneca, MO, in connection to the stabbing death of Seth Langford that occurred last Saturday. Jasper County Sheriff's Deputies apprehended Phillips after a high speed car chase that began in Cherokee County Kansas on Wednesday. Phillips has been charged with Second Degree Robbery, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Armed Criminal Action. The case is still under investigation and more charges may arise.

Police are still searching for the other man in the case, 30 year old Scott Burleson of Wyandotte, OK. Burleson is wanted on Felony Warrants of Second Degree Murder, First Degree Robbery and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on Burleson's location should contact local law enforcement.

 A two vehicle crash in Montgomery County leaves an Altoona woman dead.

 The accident occurred just after 6pm last night near the intersection of US 169 and County Road 5800 or about 4 miles north of Cherryvale. 29 year old Laura Erbe of Altoona was northbound on the highway in a 2011 Ford Ranger when she went left-of-center and side-swiped a 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by 22 year old Garrett Novotny of Thayer. Erbe was pronounced dead at the scene while Novotny sustained minor injuries.

 The Parsons Rotary Club joins with the City of Parsons on a new strategy to destroy unused prescription medicines as well as illegal drugs in the community.

 The Parsons Rotary Club has donated a state-of-the-art Project SMART Drug Destruction Kiosk to be placed in the Police Department Lobby at 217 North Central. Citizens can deposit pills, powders, liquids into the kiosk and the drugs are immediately rendered inactive. 

The SMART Program reduces the amount of unused and expired narcotics as well as illegal drugs that are often flushed down a toilet and end up in the sewage treatment plant and back into the environment.

The kiosk is just a first step in the new partnership with the Parsons Police. The Rotary Club is working with law enforcement to offer free Naloxone training and Naloxone kits not just to first responders but community members.

Plans are also in the works to supply every residence in Parsons with a drug destruction kit that can be returned via the US Postal Service.

Coffeyville Community College will be celebrating the fans during the opening round of the playoffs.

Tomorrow's games at Nellis Hall are Fan Appreciation Day, with free general admission, as well as discounts on the red reserve seats on the home side of the gym.

Men's basketball coach Jay Herkelman says this is an opportunity to give back.

The Ravens enter the postseason, as the No. 5 seed on the women's bracket, and the No. 8 seed on the men's bracket.

Women's basketball coach Tony Turner says the teams want to give the fans a show.

The Lady Ravens play the Colby Trojans at 2 p.m. tomorrow, with the men playing immediately after against the Pratt Beavers.

Two rounds of thunderstorms brought rain on the area yesterday. The first cam through during the morning and brought around an inch of rain to the Coffeyville area. The second round brought torrential rain as the storm that prompted several tornado warnings moved along the Kansas and Oklahoma state line. Here's a summary of readings for area gauges from the last 24 hours:

KGGF Studios: 2.67”

Coffeyville Airport: 2.74”

Independence Airport: Trace

Fredonia CoCoRaHs Observer: 1.15”

Sedan Mesonet Station: 0.81”

Parsons Mesonet Station: 1.26”

Erie CoCoRaHs Observer: 1.07”

Iola CoCoRaHs Observer: 1.98”

Columbus CoCoRaHs Observer: 1.02”

Pittsburg CoCoRaHs Observer: 2.60”

Nowata Mesonet Station: 0.87”

Copan Mesonet Station: 1.02”

Bartlesville CoCoRaHs Observer: 0.77”

Vinita Mesonet Station: 0.46”

Owasso CoCoRaHs Observer: 0.40”

Caney

• Christian Church – 100 E 4th
• Liberty Church – 200 E 4th
• United Methodist – 114 W High

Cherryvale

• Library – 329 E Main St

Coffeyville

• Coffeyville Regional Medical Center – 1400 W 4th (Basement walking track)
• Community Elementary School – 102 Cline Rd (Enter doors by multi-purpose room)
• Field Kindley High School – 1110 W 8th St (Enter from the north side of the gym)
• First Assembly of God Church – 1504 W 8th
• First Church of God – 5th and Cline
• Roosevelt Middle School – 1000 W 8th
• St Paul’s Lutheran Church – 506 W 9th

Independence

• Civic Center (If Advised) – 410 N Penn Ave
• Judicial Center Basement – 300 E Main St
• Police Department – 120 N 6th St

Three men and two women are arrested in Oswego on multiple drug charges.

Yesterday, the Oswego Police Department executed a search warrant at 1021 5^th Street in Oswego. During a search of the residence, K9 Officer Tupac was deployed to aid in the search. Officers seized 12.9 grams of methamphetamine along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Arrested at the residence was 54-year-old Victor Polk, 59-year-old Lisa Rowe, 63-year-old John Clifton, 40-year-old James Williams and 27-year-old Mallori Lloyd. All five are facing charges of distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana, interference with a law enforcement officer and battery of a law enforcement officer.  

The State of Kansas sues social media company Tiktok.

The Kansas Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit against TikTok for misrepresenting its age-appropriateness in app stores, deceiving parents about the effectiveness of its parental tools and creating an addictive app that erodes the mental health of Kansas children. Attorney General Kris Kobach says TikTok deceived parents by saying the app was safe and age appropriate. He says in reality, the app has promoted filth, profanity, sexual content and alcohol and drugs to Kansas kids.

The lawsuit alleges that TikTok knew its app was not safe for kids when it was released in 2017. Additionally, the company misleads parents by marketing its app as age appropriate for children 12 and older. According to the petition, TikTok offers restricted mode and family pairing tools, but they are ineffective. The suit also alleges that TikTok negatively impacts the mental health of Kansas youth. 

 Deputies from the Allen County Sheriff's Office recover stolen property from two different locations.

 Last Friday, deputies executed a search warrant near Katy Lake, just north of Moran. There, they recovered stolen property and took one suspect into custody. On Sunday, another warrant was served in the same area and deputies recovered merchandise belonging to at least 15 victims.

Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy says the case is still being investigated and the Sheriff's Office hopes to be able to return more property to the rightful owners.

 The Neodesha Rotary Club is hosting a Low Country Shrimp Boil or Shrimp and Sausage Boil tonight from 5 to 7:30pm.

 The event happens at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church Hall. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 14 and under. They are available at the State Farm office at 1018 Main Street or at the USD 461 Board Office at 522 Wisconsin. Beer and seltzers will be available for purchase.

 The Coffeyville Kiwanis Club is holding their annual Pancake Day on Saturday.

 A local Kiwanis member says it's a lot of food for just a little money. The pancake feed is a fundraiser that the club then returns to the community.

The cost includes sausage, a drink, and all you can eat pancakes Saturday morning in Coffeyville.

***** Update 8:20 p.m. *****

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northern Osage County in northeastern Oklahoma until 9:15 PM.

* At 817 PM CST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near Foraker to 4 miles southwest of Pearsonia to 6
  miles southeast of Burbank, moving east at 35 mph.

Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.
 

* Locations in or near the path include...
  Pawhuska...                       Shidler...
  Foraker...                        Bigheart...
  Osage Hills State Park...         Pearsonia...
  Hulah...                          Okesa...
  Sunset Lake...                    Wah Sha She State Park...

***** Update 8 p.m. *****

Severe thunderstorms prompted several tornado warnings in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma this evening.  A tornado warning was issued starting with the Caney area and eventually included Coffeyville.  Several residents reported seeing rotation and hearing a roaring noise in Coffeyville for several minutes.  The storm broke up before it reached Coffeyville, but dumped torrential rain in the area and briefly produced pea-sized hail.  No significant damage has been reported at this time.

***** Update 4 p.m. *****

A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for the following counties through 9 p.m.:

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEN                BUTLER              CHAUTAUQUA
COWLEY               ELK                 GREENWOOD
HARPER               LABETTE             MONTGOMERY
NEOSHO               SEDGWICK            SUMNER
WILSON               WOODSON

.    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALFALFA              CRAIG               GRANT
KAY                  NOWATA              OSAGE
WASHINGTON

The area included in the "slight" risk category for severe weather has shifted to the east and now includes the primary KGGF listening area in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.  Quarter to half-dollar size hail is possible, there's a chance of damaging winds and a tornado is possible along the Kansas/Oklahoma line.  KGGF will provide on-air severe weather coverage if needed tonight.

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

Severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening for parts of Kansas and Oklahoma.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, a slight chance of severe weather is possible centered around south central Kansas and north central Oklahoma. Coffeyville is on the edge between the slight and marginal risk categories. If storms develop, they will be possible between 4 and 11 p.m. tonight. Quarter-size hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. If severe weather threatens the area, KGGF will provide severe weather coverage as needed.

 K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District is holding a Youth Tractor Safety Training Course on Tuesday in Altamont.

 The course is open to 14 and 15 year olds. Community Vitality Extension Agent Frances Graves says it's tractor safety is an important set of skills for young farmers to have.

Students who complete the course will earn certification to legally operate farm equipment for employers. The course runs from 9am to 3:30pm on Tuesday at the Labette County Extension Office located at 524 Huston Street in Altamont. The cost is $10 and lunch is provided. To register, call 620-784-5337.

 It's spring cleaning time and the Coffeyville Salvation Army wants you to keep them in mind as you sort out the things you no longer need.

 Salvation Army Representative Joe Brooks says they are in need of gently used furniture.

Anyone with second hand furniture, especially mattresses or box springs, can call Brooks at 620-870-9261.

 The Ottawa County, Oklahoma, 4-H Horse Club is hosting the Rachel Wright Memorial Horse Show and Scholarship Auction this Sunday.

 There will be Showmanship at Halter, Western, Fun Stick Horse, and Timed Event Classes. Events are $5 but admission is free. Registration opens at 9am and events begin at 10. There will be a scholarship auction at noon. The Horse Show happens at the NEO Arena 2220 E Rockdale Road in Miami. 

The event is held in the memory of former Wyandotte 4-Her and OCHC member Rachel Wright who was passionate about horses and an excellent horse woman.

 Dodge City Police close the investigation into the death of a 17 year old boy found by a roadside in December.

 Cody Cisneros was found in his vehicle by a roadside on December 19^th after disappearing from his Dodge City home on November 24^th. An autopsy was conducted and Dodge City Police say it has revealed that Cisneros died from his injuries after crashing his vehicle and that the boy was not a victim of foul play.

Photo courtesy Dodge City Police Department

 The search for two men wanted in connection to a weekend stabbing death along the state line continues.

 Reports indicate that on Wednesday, deputies from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office chased a silver Mercedes from Kansas into Missouri. The speed of the chase reached 120 mph at times and officers lost the vehicle as it neared Galena.

Reports also indicate that the chase may have involved two men who are being sought in Missouri in connection to a weekend stabbing death. Authorities are looking for 30 year old Scott Burleson of Wyandotte, OK, and 36 year old Paul Phillips of Seneca, MO. Burleson has been charged with Second Degree Murder in the case and Phillips is listed as a Person of Interest. Both are considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on either of these two men should contact the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is called in to investigate the death of an inmate in the Neosho County Jail.

 On February 28^th, a detention officer at the Neosho County Jail found 40 year old Michael Powell of Chanute unresponsive in his cell. The officer called EMS and began CPR, but Powell was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to state law, the KBI has been called in to investigate and an autopsy has been ordered. Powell was alone in his cell when he was discovered. He was being held at the Neosho County Jail on a Chanute Police Department arrest for Burglary, Distribution of Certain Stimulants, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

 The Baxter Springs Fire Department is one of six Kansas Law Enforcement and First Responders Agencies set to receive federal funding.

 The Fiscal Year 2023 House Appropriations Package passed in the US House yesterday, awarding more than $2.6 million in federal funding for Kansas agencies. Of those funds, the Baxter Springs Fire Department will receive $1 million to build a new fire station. Congressman Jake LaTurner, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, says the funds will deliver crucial resources to help first responders keep our streets safe.

Other Kansas municipalities receiving funding include Shawnee County, Wyandotte County,Junction City, Leavenworth, and Kansas City.

 Theater goers will have something to enjoy in Fredonia this weekend.

 The Fredonia High School Theater Department presents Dastardly Deeds at Yoursin Mine, Or, Yukon Take it with You: A Melodrama of Magnificent Proportions this Friday and Saturday night. Attendees can visit the world of Lester Lawless, Lotta Pidee, Loooney Yoursin, and many others including miners who can't find stakes, trappers who can't find pelts, and Mounties who can't find anyone as they weave a story of Wild West intrigue.

The show takes place at Fredonia Junior/Senior High School. Curtain time is 7pm on both nights. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for students.

 On Monday, the Oklahoma Senate took a major step to enhance public safety by passing two significant pieces of legislation introduced by Bartlesville Republican Senator Julie Daniels aimed at strengthening protections for businesses and their employees by making it easier to prosecute repeat offenders and career criminals. 

 SB 1877 aims to take repeat offenders and career criminals off the street by extending the aggregation period for the valuation of stolen items from 90 to 180 days. This will give law enforcement and prosecutors a more accurate assessment of the patterns of repeat offenders and allow them the time needed to build the strongest case possible to hold career criminals accountable. The longer aggregation period also sends a strong signal to potential criminals, helping to deter future crime.  

Simultaneously, SB 1735 protects businesses and their employees against violence accompanying forcible entry into restricted and employee-only areas of commercial buildings. This legislation acknowledges the vulnerability that store employees often face. On the front lines of this increase in violent crimes are cashiers, especially those that work in retail, grocery stores and convenience stores where alcohol and tobacco products are often stored behind the register. 

These critical bills have garnered the support of key statewide organizations, including the Public Safety Alliance of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, and the Oklahoma Grocers Association.

 Construction on the new Central Park Sports Complex is progressing in Independence and the city has extended the deadline for purchasing a commemorative brick.

 Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says it's a great way to show support for the community and leave a lasting legacy .

The new Sports Complex will include renovated baseball fields while adding a new soccer field, pickle ball courts, walking trails, and many other features. The complex is expected to cost nearly $11 million and is paid for in large part through grant funding. The Donor Plaza Brick Campaign is a way for everyone to help in an affordable way. Wilson says purchasing a brick is very easy.

The final products will be displayed in a prominent location in the new sports complex when construction is complete.

Severe weather preparedness week continues today with a focus on hail and wind safety.

High winds and large hail are two very damaging components of thunderstorms. While tornadoes get a lot of attention, the National Weather Service says hail and straight-line winds can be just as deadly. Last year, 255 severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in central, south central and southeast Kansas, while there were only 10 confirmed tornadoes. The largest hail reported was softball-sized in Chase and Barton counties. The strongest wind gusts last year were 85 miles per hour measured in Yates Center and Great Bend. The National Weather Service says the best advice is to seek shelter inside a sturdy building when wind and hail threaten.

Coffeyville Friends of Animals has recently started a Trap-Neuter-Return program to help decrease the number of feral cats in town. Board Director Becky Barnhart says there has been some confusion regarding this program.

Barnhart says participating in the TNR program is easy but there is a cost associated with it.  Barnhart says anyone with questions about the TNR program can contact the shelter at (620)252-6060 or stop by between 1:00pm to 3:00pm on weekdays and 1:00pm to 4:00pm on weekends.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation makes an arrest in a 40 year old cold case.

KBI agents arrested 75-year-old Jerry Allen, of Phoenix, Arizona, in connection with a cold case homicide that occurred in Hutchinson nearly 42 years ago. On January 25^th, KBI agents secured an arrest warrant for Allen and the Phoenix Police Department arrested him at around 7:00pm. He was arrested for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Allen was booked into the Maricopa County Jail. Extradition was waived, and Allen was transported to Kansas, where he will face charges.

44-year-old Michael McKeown was found dead on the morning of March 24^th, 1982. The Hutchinson Police Department and the KBI investigated McKeown’s murder. Investigators believe he was shot and killed the prior night in his car, while it was parked in the lot outside of his apartment. In the last year, KBI agents conducted several key interviews in three states, which provided the additional evidence needed to proceed with charges in this cold case.

 The Crawford County Historical Museum in Pittsburg will host a beginners rug hooking class this Saturday.

 The class will be taught by Cathy Waggoner of Hooks and Loops Primitive Rug Hooking. The course is designed to help beginners get started on the basics of rug hooking, including how to pull loops, fill in patterns, and basic binding, plus a little history of the craft.

The class will be held from 10 to 3 on Saturday at the Crawford County Historical Museum, located at 651 US 69. The cost is $65. This includes pattern on linen, wool cut into strips, finishing wool or yarn, museum donation, and instruction. Prepayment is requested.

Needed are a rug hooking frame, rug hook, and small sharp scissors. If you need to purchase, Waggoner has these items available. Frames are handmade at $65. Hooks are $44, and scissors are $8. I have you place the cost of these as a deposit, cash, or check. If you want to keep them at the end of the teaching sessions, you can, if not and they are in good shape, you can return them and get your deposit back. Pay at the class for these item.

Bring your own cold drink and sack lunch if desired. Coffee will be available.

First time attending a Hooks & Loops beginner class:

https://square.link/u/U4rVkMgM

To register or for more information, call or text Cathy at 417-438-1461.

 The Sedan City Council approves a new bicycle race for area cyclists set for October.

 Nathaniel McClure of Rendezvous Adventures Outfitters spoke before the city council at yesterday's meeting to ask for their approval in hosting a gravel road bicycle race in October. McClure says his group wants to showcase Sedan and southeast Kansas.

McClure added that some of the reasons the group wants the race in Sedan is because the area roads are nicely graveled and the area has some good hills for a challenging course. The race is called the SoKan Jam and is tentatively slated to occur in October.

A Bartlesville woman faces charges of possession and trafficking methamphetamine and driving with a suspended license.

Shantel Lynn McBride was pulled over near Ramona for having a taillight out.  After checking her driver’s license, officers learned that it was suspended. According to the affidavit, officers found McBride in possession of methamphetamine, two glass pipes, a silver spoon, a scale and eight clear bags.  All of these items are consistent with the use and distribution of controlled substances.  

McBride’s bond was set at $50,000 and her next court date is set for March 22nd.

A Bartlesville teenager faces charges after making death threats over text messages.

19-year-old Mikia Stanley appeared in Washington County Court Monday afternoon on the charge of threatening an act of violence.  According to the affidavit, Stanley sent messages about the victim stating she would slit her throat and bash her face in.

Stanley told police the victim had been stealing her grandmother’s medical marijuana and clothes. She told police she was tired of it happening, and texted "the most extreme thing" to try to get them to stop.  Stanley posted a $2,500 bond and her next court date is set for April 3rd.