Registration is now open for the 30th Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation Bill Read Golf Classic.

The event is Saturday, September 28^th at the Coffeyville Country Club. All proceeds from this event benefit the CRMC Foundation. The Bill Read Classic is a four-person scramble that will conclude with the Golf Ball Drop.

The tournament will also include additional contests, a silent auction, door prizes, free lunch and prizes for the top three teams in each flight. Each golfer will receive a free 30^th Anniversary Bill Read Golf Classic t-shirt. A link to register can be found here.

Almost one year after claims of unnecessarily euthanizing animals, Coffeyville Friends of Animals Shelter receives recognition from the Best Friends Network.

CFA Board Chairman Becky Barnhart says they have been classified as a No Kill Shelter.

Barnhart says everyone at CFA feels a sense of pride in this recognition for the work they put in to find animals that come into the shelter forever homes.

 A 2021 graduate of West Elk High School in Howard has high hopes of making the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team.

 Devin Loudermilk is competing this week at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Loudermilk saw his first competition last night with a leap of 7 feet and one quarter inch. His jump was enough to qualify him to move onto the final round of competition which takes place on Sunday evening.

Loudermilk is currently a junior at the University of Kansas and a member of the Jayhawk track team.

 Like many area municipalities, the City of Independence is making the removal of dangerous vacant houses in the city a priority.

 At Thursday's Independence City Commission meeting, City Manager Kelly Passauer says the city has identified a number of vacant houses, several of which are eligible for demolition.

Passauer says there may be additional money in the city budget to pursue the removal of these unsafe structures.

Passauer also informed commissioners that the city has closed on the property on West Oak street slated for the construction of an artificial lake to help with flooding problems and that the final plat for the Jefferson Subdivision has been approved.

In other business, the commission voted to rescind the demolition order on a house on North 16^th street after the owners made required repairs to make the structure safe. They also approved a resolution to annex a property on North 13^th street at the request of the property owners. Because that property is not adjacent to the city, the resolution will now move onto the Montgomery County Commission for their approval.

 Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters issued an executive memo to all public school districts yesterday that classroom teachers must use the Bible for instruction to students during the upcoming school year.

 Walters says his order that teaching from the Bible is allowed under Oklahoma law and academic standards. He says teaching the Bible will now be mandatory in state public school classrooms.

A group called Americans United for Separation of Church and State responded to Walters' order, calling it an unconstitutional effort to indoctrinate and religiously coerce public school students.

 Authorities in Fort Smith, Arkansas, are looking for leads on an armed robbery suspect.

 The robbery occurred early Tuesday morning when a man dressed all in black and wearing a clown mask entered an EZ Mart location on Grand Avenue. The man claimed to have a firearm and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect then fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the robbery to contact police at 479-709-5100. to be eligible for a reward up to $1,000, tips must be submitted through Fort Smith Crime Stoppers at 78-CRIME.

 Arvest Bank announces Bartlesville dealer Tatton Manning has joined its board of directors for the Bartlesville region.

 Manning is the operating owner of Patriot Auto Group. He  is a graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he played baseball. After college, Manning served in the Army, completing a one-year tour as a field artillery officer in Afghanistan. He was the recipient of a Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. After being honorably discharged, Manning obtained an MBA from Oklahoma State University while working for an energy company in Tulsa before embarking on his dealership career.

Manning is active in the community and in the state, serving on the boards of the Parsons Foundation and Oklahoma Auto Dealers Association. He and his wife Jessica have four children.

 Authorities in McDonald County Missouri identify the victim in a stabbing that occurred there last weekend.

 The McDonald County Coroner’s Office say 30-year-old Christian Cummings, of Bartlesville, was stabbed six times with fatal wounds to the chest. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 22 at a vacation property near Noel, Missouri where a group of friends were staying. 32-year-old Garrett Sumter, also of Bartlesville, is accused of stabbing Cummings. Sumter is facing charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. His first court date was Monday. He remains in the McDonald County jail without bond.

A memorial gathering for Cummings will be held Saturday, June 29, at 7 pm. at Timber Oaks Event Venue in Bartlesville.

 A Bartlesville man who faces charges of domestic abuse by strangulation makes an appearance in Washington County Court.

 The case against 29-year-old Blue Mamolo dates back to an incident that occurred in early May in which Mamolo is accused of attempting to strangle the victim at her home. He is also accused of stealing $600 from the victim's CashApp before leaving the scene in the victim's car.

The defendant was booked into the Washington County Jail on Wednesday and given a $25,000 bond. His next court date is set for July 19^th.

Heat advisories are in place for Kansas and Oklahoma today.

According to the National Weather Service, heat advisories will start today at noon and an excessive heat warning will also be in place for most of northeast Oklahoma today as well. Coffeyville could see a heat index up to 107, while parts of northeast Oklahoma including Washington, Nowata and Craig Counties could see a heat index up to 114.

In addition, isolated severe storms are possible today for the four-state area. The best chance of severe weather tonight will be along a line from Wichita to Chanute and areas to the north.

Part of the Kansas Department of Transportation Pavement Restoration Project has been completed on Highway 169.

The inside Southbound lane of South Walnut has been completed for the KDOT project. Starting tomorrow Northbound traffic will transfer to the outside Southbound lane.

Southbound traffic will remain on the existing detour, west on 11th Street, south on Willow and east on Eldridge.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation concludes an almost $7 million replacement of the state’s database of fingerprints and palm prints used for identification.

In 2020, the Kansas Legislature approved funding to replace the former system with a more modern and efficient database. Prior to the project, this critical system was aging and outdated with software and technology that was unable to be supported or maintained. The new system holds more than two million fingerprint records and over 596,000 palm prints.

KBI Director Tony Mattivi says this new technology makes the process of identifying individuals and determining if they have a criminal history much easier.

 A Kansas dairy farm will soon start voluntary testing for bird flu in their dairy cattle.

 The Kansas Department of Agriculture says one dairy farm has agreed to do voluntary testing so far but that more have shown interest in the program. To qualify as a monitored herd, a dairy farm must start by testing their bulk milk weekly for H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. Bird flu was found in two Kansas dairy herds in March of this year but since that time there have been no other positive tests.

Being a part of the voluntary testing program means herds with clean milk tests do not have to do individual testing on animals before moving cattle within the state or across state lines. Farms in Nebraska, Texas, and New Mexico are also participating in the program.

 The Elk City Freedom Celebration is coming up on Saturday.

 Area residents are invited to enjoy some family fun in honor of Independence Day. There will be food trucks and various types of entertainment starting at 7pm with a fireworks show to begin at 9:30.

 There is some good news and some bad news for the city of Neodesha.

 Representatives from the accounting firm of Jarred, Gilmore, & Phillips were on hand at yesterday's Neodesha City commission meeting to share the results of the city's 2023 audit. CPA Kyle Spielbusch says there is good news from the the audit.

However, City Manager Brogan Jones says the city has some issues with utilities.  Jones added that the city will need to take a serious look at rate hikes for utilities when the city begins budget work in the fall.

 A Kansas man is arrested in Colorado on outstanding warrants.

 The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office says detectives along with U.S. Marshals arrested 40-year-old Ryan Antalek of Wichita on several felony warrants. Antalek has a known criminal history involving weapons and had reportedly made homicidal statements prior to his arrest at a Days Inn in Colorado City, just south of Colorado springs.

Antalek was arrested on a no-bond fugitive of justice warrant from Kansas that includes warrants for felony aggravated assault (with a firearm); criminal discharge into a dwelling; felony stalking; felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement; two charges of criminal threats and criminal property damage. He has been booked into the Pueblo County Jail where he awaits extradition to Kansas.

 A 19-year-old Pittsburg man faces charges of Lewd and Lascivious behavior near minors for a June 21^st incident in a Pittsburg park.

 Walter Lalimo is accused of exposing himself to a three-year-old child at Schlanger Splash Pad last Friday. Lalimo fled the scene when Pittsburg Police arrived . After he was taken into custody, Crawford County EMS treated him for minor injuries received during his arrest.

Lalimo is being held without bond due to a probation violation from a recent case in February in which he was accused of performing a lewd act near a Pittsburg day care center. He entered a guilty plea in that case in June and was sentenced to 12 month probation.

Wilson County is aiming to have a grant approved to complete major road work projects in the county.

The county is applying for the High Risk Rural Road grant, a program enforced by the Kansas Department of Transportation to help counties address safety concerns.

County Coordinator Kris Marple says they will be applying for more than 100 miles of road.

The primary projects for the county is at Bethel Road and 500 Road, as well as 2000 Road. County Commissioner Casey Lair says he's concerned about the proposal being rejected if they ask for too much.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was the scheduling of a meeting for the county budget on July 17th, as well as the approval of three new deputies in the Sheriff's Department.

There will be no meeting next week due to the Fourth of July Holiday. The next Wilson County Commission meeting will be July 10th at 9 a.m. in the County Courthouse.

Resurfacing work is underway on U.S. 75 in Wilson County.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the 24-mile chip seal project starts at the east city limits of Neodesha and continues north to the Woodson County line. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by mid-July. KDOT awarded the construction contract of just over $682,000 to Circle C Paving and Construction LLC of Goddard. In addition, concrete repairs are ongoing on U.S. 400 near the 75 interchange south of Neodesha, which has reduced the speed limit through the area.

Three are injured in a two vehicle crash outside of Independence.

Earlier this afternoon, a 2018 Ford F150, driven by Tabitha Westhoff, of Parsons, was eastbound on Highway 160 and a 2004 Toyota Highlander, driven by Nathan Bolerjack, of Branson, was westbound on Highway 160. Westhoff failed to slow down for a stopping vehicle, she swerved left and struck Bolerjack in the Westbound lane. Westhoff was transported to Freeman Hospital in Joplin with suspected serious injuries. Bolerjack was transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin with suspected serious injuries.

There were three passengers in the Highlander, Jessica Bolerjack and two juveniles. Jessica was transported to Mercy Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Don't miss the Interstate Fair and Rodeo Fun Pass One Day Sale. Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator Madison Bowman says the One Day Sale is this Friday.

After the One Day Sale, the price goes up to $40 until August 1^st, then up to $50. This year's Grand Stand entertainment includes bull riding on Tuesday night, two nights of PRCA Rodeo on Wednesday and Thursday, Motocross on Friday and the demo derby on Saturday.

Without the Fun Pass, General Admission is $15 per night.

A Cherokee County Jury returns its verdict following a three day murder trial.

50-year-old Billy Barker, of Galena, was found guilty of first degree murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm and criminal carrying of a weapon. On April 18, 2023, Barker shot and killed 27-year-old Levi Porter, of Riverton, in the 800 block of North Columbus Street in Galena. The homicide investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Galena Police Department.

A judge ordered Barker be held in the Cherokee County Jail, pending his sentencing on September 5^th.  

An accident has been reported this afternoon east of Independence on U.S. 160.

According to initial reports, multiple vehicles were involved in the accident at the intersection of 160 and County Road 4500.  Travel is reported to be blocked in both directions.  There is currently no word on the extent of any injuries.

Our KGGF Text Alerts subscribers heard this news first. Sign up for text alerts HERE.

 Install a fire alarm or be closed down. That was the choice for the Coffeyville Boys and Girls Club.

 Coffeyville Fire Chief Hal Bumgarner addressed the city commission at last night's meeting about the choice facing the Club. Bumgarner says because of a change in how the Boys and Girls Club is classified, their facility must have a new Fire Alarm System installed.

The cost to install the required system is $38,000. City Manager Ben Brubaker says this is an important issue because the Boys and Girls club plays such a valuable role in the community.

The City Commission voted unanimously to approve the fire alarm system.

 Two Bartlesville residents face charges of burglary.

 33-year-old Paul Campos and 34-year-old Kassandra Salinas were arrested Sunday and booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of third-degree burglary and petty larceny. According to multiple affidavits, Campos had been alleged to have stolen a DIRECTV box out of a vehicle before fleeing to the Fairfield Inn. While at the Fairfield Inn, Campos and Salinas were discovered shoving food items from the Inn’s kitchen into a personal bag. Salinas is also alleged to have stolen a credit card earlier the same day from a different victim and trying to rent a room with it. Salina’s was discovered to also have the victim’s ID’s on her. Campos and Salinas were each given a $10,000 bond and their next court dates are set for July 19th.

 Individual assistance grants are now available through FEMA for renters, students, and homeowners.

 This assistance is for those who were affected by the storms that occurred in April and May. The grants don't have to be prepaid, and can help with temporary housing, home repair and other storm related incidents you may run into such as help paying for books for school or money to stay in a hotel while displaced.

To apply you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or visit a disaster recovery center in person. There are centers set up at the Early Childhood Learning Center in Barnsdall and at Bartlesville High School.

 Jasper County, Missouri deputies respond to a call of a deceased man found in a river.

 Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser says the call came in just after 4:30 yesterday afternoon. A truck driver was driving over the Spring River bridge on I-49, just north of Carthage, when he spotted the individual in the water. Initial reports indicate the deceased male may have jumped off the bridge.

 An autopsy is scheduled; the name of the individual has not been released, pending further investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, the Carthage Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

 Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s final term as governor will run out in 2026due to term limits.

 Several names have been brought up to replace Stitt in 2026, including U.S. Senator James Lankford. However, Lankford put any rumors to rest that he would be running for that office earlier this week. Lankford stated that, despite the rumors, he has no plans to run for governor.

Lankford cited that running for governor is not what God called him to do. Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and State Superintendent Ryan Walters are a few other names that have been floated around as a possible replacement to run for Stitt’s seat.

 A Missouri woman stands accused of attempting to poison her husband.

 47-year-old Michelle Peters of Lebanon, MO, has been arrested for allegedly trying to poison her husband by putting Round Up in his Mountain Dew. The LaClede County Sheriff's Office stated in a probable cause warrant that in May, video footage shows Peters taking a two liter of Mountain Dew from a garage refrigerator and also picking up a container of Round Up. She then returned to soda pop to the refrigerator. The victim later stated that his drink tasted funny and complained of a sore throat, nausea, and vomiting.

Peters has denied the charges but did tell investigators that she was angry with her husband after she threw a birthday party for him and he did not appear appreciative. She has been charged with Felony Domestic Assault and Armed Criminal Action.

 The Kansas highway Patrol is looking for assistance from the public in identifying possible witnesses to a deadly crash that occurred on June 17^th in Gray County.

 Multiple accidents occurred in this area on US-56, west of Dodge City on that date, one of which caused three fatalities. One of the causes of the crash was low visibility due to blowing dust across the highway. Anyone with information should contact Technical Trooper Ashley Hirsh at 620-276-3201.

 A tragic incident is under investigation in Parsons.

 Yesterday evening (June 25, 2024) around 6pm, Parsons police were called to the 2600 block of south Grand after receiving reports of gun shots. Officers arrived to find a 17-year-old male victim who appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There were also three juvenile witnesses on the scene. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and to protect the privacy of those involved, no names are being released. P-P-D is investigating the event and also partnering with the Labette Center for Metal Health to provide counseling for those in need of assistance. Authorities are asking that anyone with information related to the event to contact Parsons Police.

UPDATE: Bartlesville Police say both girls have been found and they are both safe.

The Bartlesville Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in finding two missing female juveniles. 16-year old Karma Mosely and 17-year old Angel Gaines have went missing and their families are deeply concerned for their safety and well-being.

Mosely has black hair, hazel eyes, weighs 160 and is 5-5. Gaines has brown hair, hazel eyes, weighs 120 and is 5-1.

Local authorities are currently investigating the disappearance and are coordinating the best possible way to locate them. If you have any information as to their whereabouts, you are asked to call the Bartlesville Police Department at 918-338-4001.

Severe weather moved through Montgomery County on Tuesday night.

Large hail impacted the Independence area, with a report of baseball-sized hail five miles west of town.  

Here's a summary of current warnings:

* No current warnings

The Labette County Zoning Board votes to approve zoning regulations for the county. Zoning Board Counsel Ross Albertini says this is just a recommendation of regulations for the County Commission to consider.

This was the second of two hearings in regard to the zoning regulations. One Labette County Citizen says he hadn't heard one audience member speak in favor of it.

Despite the concerns from the majority of those in attendance at both hearings the board voted unanimously to approve the regulations. The 68 pages of regulations can be summarized into 11 items of conditional use, some of which include wind and solar farms, battery storage facilities and sexually oriented businesses.

 The Kansas State Troopers Association officially endorses Derek Schmidt for the District 2 Congressional seat.

 The K-S-T-A made the announcement yesterday, stating that as Kansas Attorney General, Schmidt worked hard to make Kansas a safer place. Schmidt says it's a privilege to gain the State Trooper's Association endorsement.

KSTA represents more than 500 Kansas State Troopers, Law Enforcement Officers, and retirees from the Kansas Highway Patrol.  This endorsement comes after the Kansas State Lodge, Fraternal Order Of Police endorsed Derek earlier this month.

Staff at USD 445 will see a pay increase this year.

At last night's Coffeyville School Board meeting, salary increases were approved for administration, directors, support staff and classified staff.  Business Manager Michael Speer says the most notable increase will be for classified staff, with a $1.50 per hour increase in pay.

Classified staff includes those who provide non-teaching services to students, teachers and the public. In addition to approving the salary increases, the board approved final budget transfers and closed out the fiscal year for the district's nearly $19 million operating budget.

In other business, approval was given to purchase Chromebooks for the CES library totaling just over $19,000.

 The City of Miami has a new city manager.

 The City held a special meeting yesterday to announce the hiring of Tyler Cline for the position. Cline is no stranger to Miami. He was first hired by the city in 2011 and has served as Director of Public utilities since 2015. He has also served as Interim City Manager twice, including this year, after former city manager Bo Reese resigned in March.

 A weekend grass fire north of Iola prompts responses from multiple fire departments.

 The fire occurred east of Carlyle on Saturday. Strong winds pushed the blaze toward an oil tank battery prompting calls to help contain it. Allen County rural Fire, Iola Fire, and from Anderson County units from Colony and Welda all responded. Despite the dry grass, the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

 Nowata County sets a date for the State of the County.

 At yesterday's commission meeting, a member of the Nowata Chamber of Commerce addressed the meeting about a date for the annual State of the County. The guest says the meeting will happen on July 31^st and will be open to the public.

In other business, commissioners also approved several items designating banks as county depositories and added a new name to a county account. They also accepted a donation for the Nowata County Jail.

 Nowata County asks for funding for run off election.

 At yesterday’s commission meeting, election board member Dave Neely gave his official update that last week’s election was certified by the state on Friday. Last week’s election for the District 2 Commission seat resulted in no candidate receiving more than 50% of the total vote, triggering a run off election to determine the winner.

District 2 Incumbent Timmie Benson and challenger Brandon Wesson now go to face wach other head-to-head. Neely says the county may need some help to pay for the election.

The run-off election date is set for August 27th.

 Firefighters in Park City, KS, just north of Wichita have been busy for the past few days battling a massive fire of wood pallets.

 The wooden pallets burn easily because they are very dry and there are massive piles of them. The fire began early Sunday evening for unknown reasons. Authorities in Sedgwick County have declared a state of disaster for the fire in hopes of getting more resources to fight it.

The extreme heat this week has made battling the blaze difficult and there are hopes of using Air National Guard helicopters to dump water on the unreachable areas of the fire. Fire crews are on a four-hour rotation and an air-conditioned cooling tent has been set up to help battle the blaze.

 A semi truck hauling cattle overturns north of Emporia.

 The accident happened just before 10am yesterday morning on US-56. The big truck overturned in a ditch and a local farmer tried to help by attempting to pull the vehicle out of the ditch. However, this only made the trailer turn onto its side. The truck was hauling 123 head of cattle at the time of the accident. As a result, 19 of the cows had to be euthanized.

 A Kansas woman succumbs to her injuries following a Saturday car crash near Wyandotte, Oklahoma.

 59-year-old Lorie Boyd of Mounds, Kansas, was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon near the junction of US-60 and Oklahoma-10 in northeast Oklahoma. A trooper from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Boyd failed to yield at a stop sign and turned in front of oncoming traffic. Her vehicle was struck on the driver's side by a Jeep Wrangler driven by 71-year-old Gary Goswick of Wichita. Goswick and his 78-year-old passenger Betty Goswick both received minor injuries. All parties were treated at Mercy Joplin hospital.

 An Independence man faces felony charges in Oklahoma for violating a protective order.

 42-year-old Kyler Dowell is charged with three new felony charges along with two previous misdemeanor charges of violating a protective order against the same victim. The charges stem from a June 4^th incident in which Dowell made contact with the victim via phone. He is also alleged to have called the victim three days later from the Montgomery County Jail. Including these new charges, Dowell has been charged with violating a protective order six times since 2022.

Dowell was given a $25,000 bond for all cases.

 Due to the hot weather, tonight's Mid-Continent Community Band concert in Independence will be held at the IHS Performing Arts Center instead of the bandshell.

 The air-conditioned concert begins at 7pm and admission is free.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Caney public water supply system.

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

 KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a water line break on Moss Street, resulting in an entire loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

 Customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

 Only the KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Wheat harvest is wrapping up in Oklahoma and well along in Kansas.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, harvest is 95% complete in Oklahoma, well ahead of 51% one year ago and the five-year average of 65%. The crop is looking good with 61% rated good to excellent.

In Kansas, winter wheat harvest is 53% complete, well ahead of 17% last year and 25% for the five-year average. Winter wheat listed as mature was 94%, well ahead of 53% last year and 65% average. Kansas winter wheat condition rated 8% very poor, 15% poor, 35% fair, 36% good and 6% excellent.

 Montgomery County finds itself buying and selling some heavy machinery.

 At this week's commission meeting, Montgomery County Commissioners heard from Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson about the need to sell several big trucks owned by the rural fire departments. Whitson says, after purchasing some new trucks, it's time to sell some old ones.

Commissioners gave Whitson approval to sell the older vehicles. Public Works Director Jim Wright also brought to the commission the need for two new road graders in his department. After examining bids, Wright reported that the choice was between two brands with a difference of $70,000 in price. Commissioner Mike Cordray says it's a matter of cost and quality.

Commissioners gave final approval to purchase one of each.

The Labette County Commission approves an agreement with Plus Power for a battery storage facility in the county.

Despite Commissioner Terry Weidert wanting to wait for county wide zoning, the commission voted 2-0 to approve the agreement with Commissioner Weidert abstaining. Commissioner Cole Proehl says he didn't want to miss out on the opportunity of that kind of money.

Through this agreement, the county will receive $24 million over the course of twenty years. The county will receive $2.4 million of that money when Plus Power becomes operational in 2027 or 2028. Proehl says Plus Power will have more of an economic impact than just the $24 million.

Plus Power and the county have been in discussions for about a year. The county also approved a letter of understanding with Plus Power that if county wide zoning is approved their agreement would not be affected by that.

 The Sedan City Council turns its attention to Public Works.

 At the council's most recent meeting, Public Works Supervisor Jim Miller says some of the roads near Sedan City Lake need some work before the upcoming holiday.

Council members also approved the purchase of a new chainsaw for Public works and discussed the Walk-In Hunting Program from the State Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 The fourth of July is quickly approaching and while the holiday means fireworks and fun for most people, it can be a scary few days for pets.

 Becky Barnhardt with Coffeyville Friends of Animals says in the run-up to the fourth, make sure your pet's ID tags have up-to-date information on them and that your backyard fence is secured. Barnhardt says a lot of pets can end up lost this time of year.

If your pet is afraid of fireworks and loud noises, you should begin talking to your vet now about providing medication to soothe your animal's anxiety. Also, remember to keep your pets cool during the hot weather by making sure they have shade and cool, clean water to drink.

 The Hominy Police Department confirm that a bus that went missing from a local church has been found.

 The church bus was found on Friday in Kansas City and there is no word on if any suspects were found in the area. Early Thursday morning, the Hominy Police Department found that the garage door of the First Baptist Church was open and a church bus had been stolen. They bus was stolen some time Wednesday evening.

 Bambino's Downtown Bistro in Bartlesville is hosting a Hot Dog Eating Contest at Freedom Fest on July 4.

 The competition will be held at Sooner Park beginning at 4:30pm. Proceeds raised will go to the Barnsdall Tornado Relief Fund. Entry fee is $30 for adults, $20 for children. All participants will receive a T-shirt, with cash prizes and trophies to be awarded to the top hot dog eaters. The contest will follow the official Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest rules.

To sign up or for more information, go by Bambino's at 101 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. in Bartlesville, or call 918-336-0222.

 A Bartlesville man is accused of a fatal stabbing in Missouri.

 According to the McDonald County Sheriff's Office 32-year-old Garrett Sumter of Bartlesville is facing second-degree murder charges for a stabbing on Saturday. The M-C-S-O said a group of friends were staying at a vacation property in the Minnow Springs area of Noel when officers were called to the scene at 12:30 am. Deputies said the stabbing occurred and Sumter fled the scene. Authorities searched for him and he was arrested without incident by a State Trooper, MCSO said.

The name of the victim has not been released.

 The Coffeyville Community College Golf Classic is coming up on August 3^rd.

 The tourney will be played at the Coffeyville Country Club. It's a 4-person team scramble and the cost is $100 per person. The entry deadline is July 19^th.

For more information or to register, go here.

 A Coffeyville couple was injured Saturday night after their motorcycle strikes a deer in the roadway.

 50-year-old Thomas Solberg and 57-year-old Jo Solberg were traveling southbound on US-169 just north of Cherryvale around 9pm Saturday, June 22, 2024, when they struck a deer. Jo Solberg sustained serious injuries in the crash while Thomas Solberg received minor injuries. Both were taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center for treatment.

 A weekend accident in Allen County leaves a Texas man dead.

 The accident occurred Sunday, June 23, 2024, just before 7pm near the intersection of US-169 and Minnesota Road, just south of Iola.

64-year-old Donald Gaylord of Magnolia, Texas, was southbound in a 2011 Chevy Colorado when his vehicle crossed the center line. He then struck a trailer of a semi driven by 39-year-old Luis Alberto Martinez San Miguel of Davenport, Florida. Gaylord was pronounced dead at the scene while Martinez was uninjured.

 Governor Laura Kelly announces the reappointment of four individuals – including a Pittsburg man – to the Kansas Water Authority.

 John Bailey, who is the Special Projects Engineer for the City of Pittsburg, has been reappointed to the Kansas Water Authority. Also reappointed were Jean Steiner of Manhattan, Allan Soetart of Gardner, and Allen Roth of Hays.

The Kansas Water Authority is a 13 member board that is part of the Kansas Water Office and was established in 1981. Its purpose is to review plans for the development, management, and use of water resources by any state or local agency.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is looking into the weekend death of an inmate at the Lansing Correctional Facility.

 47-year-old Brian Jones was admitted to a local hospital on Tuesday last week. He passed away on Friday afternoon. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy. According to protocol, the KBI along with the Kansas Department of Corrections are investigating the cause of death.

Jones was serving a three year sentence for sexual exploitation of a child in Johnson County.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Minneapolis, KS.

 46-year-old Artemis Thor Peck of Minneapolis was shot after police responded to reports of gunshots Saturday morning around 8:30am in Markley Grove Park near the Minneapolis swimming pool. Deputies from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Minneapolis Police Department heard more shots after arriving on the scene. Peck then ran out of his nearby residence and fired at law enforcement. Officer returned fire, striking Peck multiple times. Peck was taken to a Salina hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds. He was then taken to a Wichita hospital for further treatment. Peck is expected to survive his injuries.

Independence Fire crews respond to a weekend house fire.

According to Independence Fire-EMS, early Sunday morning around 3 a.m., arriving police officers reported a fully involved structure of fire at 909 W. Cottonwood on the northwest side of Independence. A second alarm was requested by the Fire-EMS Chief. Neighbors reported that the house was occupied despite the fact it appeared vacant. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. There's currently no word on any injuries. The Fire is under investigation by the Independence Police Department, the state Fire Marshall's Office and Independence Fire-EMS. Independence crews were assisted by Independence Rural Fire, Dearing Rural Fire and Cherryvale Fire-EMS.

Members of the Coffeyville and Independence Amateur Radio Clubs made hundreds of contacts around the country and the world over the weekend.

The annual Field Day took place at the Oakcrest Lodge in Coffeyville and some members even got to get on the radio for the first time.

That was club member Terry Gregory who made his first contact yesterday morning at field day. Gregory says it was a lot of fun getting on the radio and talking with amateur radio clubs and operators across the country. Operators of the local field day station made over 150 voice contacts and nearly 300 digital contacts and talked with almost all 50 states including Alaska. Contact was also made with six different countries including Switzerland and Germany. ARRL Field Day takes place the fourth weekend of June each year as an emergency communications exercise and showcase of amateur radio to the public.

A record-high temperature could be set today in Coffeyville.

A heat advisory will be in effect for the entire four-state area this afternoon and evening. The heat index in Coffeyville is expected to make it to 106 with an actual temperature of 99, which could break the current record of 98 set on this day in 2022. A heat index up to 111 is possible for parts of northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. The National Weather Service reminds anyone working outside to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. It's also a good idea to check on those without air conditioning and the elderly. This early-summer heat wave is expected to continue through tomorrow evening.

 Governor Laura Kelly signs two pieces of legislation to come out of this week's special session.

Kelly signed Senate Bill 1, the bipartisan legislation that will provide tax cuts for Kansans by reducing property and income taxes, eliminates the state tax on Social Security, and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Kelly also signed House Bill 2001, the bill aimed at using STAR bonds to possibly bring the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to Kansas.

This special session of the Kansas Legislature was only the 16^th such session called since 1930. The last special session was called in 2021.

 The Independence Children's Summer Theater puts the final touches on their 2024 season tonight at 7pm with the premiere of “Once Upon a Mattress.”

 The musical comedy is based on the famous fairy tale the Princess and the Pea. Because of her birth, the princess is unable to sleep of a bed of many mattresses when a tiny pea is placed under the bottom mattress. Theater Volunteer Jennifer Lasater says the cast and crew have put together a very funny show in a short amount of time.

Sarah, one of the show's cast members, says being a part the the Children's Summer theater is a great experience for a young actor.

Performances of Once Upon a Mattress are tonight and tomorrow at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids and will be available at the door. All performances take place in the William Inge Theater on the ICC campus.

 The Peoria Tribe Housing Authority holds a groundbreaking ceremony for their new housing development.

 The Housing Authority received a $3 million Competitive Block Grant to build rental housing for Native Peoples. There will be a total of 15 homes built on the area at Q Street Southwest in Miami.

 The Cherokee Nation offers health and wellness grants.

 The Cherokee Nation recently announced $2.15 million in grants to help Cherokee citizens with access to health and wellness gyms and walking trails. The tribe's 86 Cherokee Community Organizations located within the reservation and across the country, can apply for up to $25,000 in grants to purchase such things as exercise equipment and add-ons to walking trails.

 Authorities in Hominy, Oklahoma, are looking for leads on a stolen church bus.

 The vehicle was taken from the First Baptist Church in Hominy some time on Wednesday evening. The theft was discovered when Hominy PD found the church's garage door open early on Thursday morning.

The vehicle has the words “First Baptist Church” on the side ans the tag number E75876. If you have any information as to who may have stolen the bus, or of its whereabouts, you are asked to call the Osage County Sheriff's Office at 918-287-3131

 A Wichita swimmer comes up short in the U.S. Olympic Trials.

 University of Alabama sophomore and Wichita native Drayden Bell placed 28^th overall in yesterday's Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

Bell finished the Men's 50 meter freestyle with a time of 22.52 seconds which gave him the 28^th fastest time out of more than 100 hopefuls. It was not, however, fast enough to make the Olympic Team for the 2024 Games in Paris at the end of July. The top time in the event was 21.70 seconds and was notched by two swimmers, Michael Andrew and Ryan Held.

Bell will be able to compete for a spot on Team USA for the 2028 games in Los Angeles.

 The Fourth of July is just around the corner and that means family fun and other festivities for people. But, for our pets, it can be a frightening time.

 Becky Barnhardt with Coffeyville Friends of Animals says it's time to start thinking about preparations and precautions to make the holiday easier on our furry friends. Barnhardt says there are some simple things you can do to ease your pet's anxiety.

Other steps you can take are to make sure your pets ID tags and microchips have up-to-date information, have a current photo of your pet, and make sure your backyard is secure. Those with larger animals such as horses might consider a break-away safety halter marked with your contact information and make sure pasture fences are secure enough to keep livestock confined.

 Preliminary autopsy results on an 8-year-old girl who suffered a medical emergency on a Joplin-To-Chicago flight last week prove inconclusive.

 The plane the girl was on diverted to Peoria, Illinois, last Thursday in an attempt to get emergency medical care for the girl, who has been identified as Sydney Weston of Carl Junction. Weston was later pronounced deceased at a Peoria hospital. No signs of foul play or neglect were revealed by the autopsy. More complete tests are being conducted in order to determine the child's cause of death, but those tests usually take between four and six week to conduct. The Weston family has issued a statement requesting privacy and respect as they process their grief following the loss of their child.

 Roof repairs, land transfers, and sidewalk issues take center stage at this week's Parsons City Commission Meeting.

 Commissioner Verlyn Bolinger says the city has some repairs to make around town.

Commissioners also approved a land transfer from the Developable Land Program. The program allows the offer of City owned land to those willing to build a home on the land in a specific period of time. The recipients have 120 days to begin construction and 2 years to complete it. The commission also approved $2,800 from the D.V. Reed Fund to Safe Haven Outreach Mission to help with roof repairs.

 The Kansas Board of Regents approves a hike in tuition and fee rates at the six state universities for the 2025 fiscal year.

 The Regents made the move in order to increase need-based financial aid and to help deliver the workforce Kansas requires while keeping tuition affordable for Kansas families. Pittsburg State University will see and increase of 3.5% or $107.00 per semester. Kansas State will see an increase of 2.8% or $139.50 and KU's increase will be 3.5% or $186.00 per semester. Since Fiscal Year 2021, state funding for student financial assistance has increased from $24 million to nearly $97 million. This increase in state investment directly supports Kansas students with opportunities to secure a post-secondary education.

 Kansas Works will be hosting a state-wide Virtual Job Fair next Wednesday from 8am to 5pm.

 The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professional, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

All jobseekers and employers looking for talent are encouraged to attend.

Registration is required to participate in the virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation.

To register for the job fair, go here.

Midweek rain has shut down the wheat harvest across much of Kansas, but here in southeast Kansas where both hard and soft winter wheat thrive, harvest continues.

Richard Felt, who farms near Coffeyville and Liberty tells the Kansas Wheat Commission that his soft red winter wheat crop has been resilient and able to withstand hail and moisture this spring. He says the wheat came on fast early in the growing season but did not maintain that rapid pace as it matured like he thought it would. Felt expects average yields will fall between 75 and 106 bushels per acre with average test weights of 57 to 58 pounds per bushel.

Meanwhile, some quality issues are cropping up in Crawford County. McCune Coop General Manager Russ Smith tells the Kansas Wheat Commission that the quality doesn't seem to be as good as last year's crop when it comes to soft wheat due to the late rain. Early on, the elevator also detected traces of fusarium head blight. Test weights are averaging 58 to 60 pounds per bushel with yields above 100 bushels per acre. Smith says his location has taken in close to 500,000 bushels of soft red winter wheat, and he expects to finish up this week between 600,000 and 700,000 bushels.

Multiple law enforcement agencies assist in the arrest of an Oklahoma man after a pursuit in Montgomery County.

Sheriff deputies responded to a call to assist the Coffeyville Police Department in a burglary in progress. CPD reported that the suspect had fled on foot but quickly entered a vehicle to escape. A deputy located the fleeing vehicle and initiated a pursuit as it sped away. The chase led west on US Highway 166, continuing into Tyro and proceeding north on County Road 2700. The Kansas Highway Patrol intervened by deploying stop sticks at the intersection of County Road 2700 and County Road 3200, successfully disabling one of the vehicle’s tires.

The suspect continued to US Highway 75 before coming to a stop, at which point the suspect fled on foot. Deputies quickly chased after and apprehended the suspect, identified as Terry Reagans-Clark of Muskogee. He was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on charges of felony fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement and reckless driving.

A Tulsa man is shot and killed while breaking into a truck.

At around 2:15am yesterday morning, Tulsa Police officers responded to a shooting in a neighborhood near 91st and Mingo. When officers arrived, they found 39-year-old Blane Hambrick with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital and died a short time later.

Through their investigation, detectives learned Hambrick was stealing items from a truck when he was confronted by two of the residents of the home. During the confrontation, one of the residents shot Hambrick. The two individuals were interviewed by detectives and released. This is an ongoing investigation and TPD will provide more details as they become available.

 The Caney Grocery has been a hot topic in town for several years, with residents both for and against it.

 During Tuesday's workshop, the city council was joined by members of a citizens group designed to review the workings of the store.

 City Administrator Kelley Zellner says with as many irons he has in the fire, including grant funding on housing, the water project, and utilities and utility upgrades, the community group is a huge benefit to the city.

 The biggest problem observed by both the community group and city officials is the software used by the store, with the information given by the reports not making sense. Both parties agreed and have begun working with distributors to make reports created by the software display accurate information concerning the profits and losses of the store.

 Zellner says the change in reporting has already been a positive for the store and its employees. He says the changes have been felt already, and he's excited to see the store not only pay for itself, but be a help for Caney and the surrounding area, when money is tight.

 An update by the citizens group as well as city officials is on the agenda for the next city council meeting, set for Monday, July 1^st at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

 The Biden Administration announced a new immigration policy earlier this week.

 The policy change would allow certain U.S. citizens' spouses without legal status to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship without having to leave the country first. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford says this will only contribute to the current chaos at the border. Lankford says this policy will bring millions across the southern border.

Lankford was the author of a senate bill that would have made sweeping changes to immigration law. The measure garnered only two votes in the senate and failed both times.

Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt agreed with Lankford, calling the move by the Biden administration nothing more than an attempt to bolster his chances in November.

Schmidt is running for the U.S. House Seat in the State's Second Congressional District

 The Labette County Emergency Assistance Center is having a Emergency Food Assistance Food Distribution of income-base commodities today June 20.

 The event begins at 10am at 2301 Main Street in Parsons. It will be first-come, first-served until noon or until all boxes are gone, one proxy person, limit 2 per vehicles. Guests must bring a valid drivers license or ID or piece of mail with your current address to receive a box.

 The five suspects in the deaths of a pair of Kansas women appear together in an Oklahoma courtroom. 

 Tifany Adams, Tad Cullum, Paul Grice, Cole Twombley, and Cora Twombley were seen in a Texas County, Oklahoma, courtroom on Wednesday where they stand accused in the deaths of Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley, both of Hugoton, Kansas. Court documents allege the suspects killed Butler and Kelly over a child custody dispute. Butler and Kelly disappeared on March 30^th while traveling to Oklahoma. Their bodies were on April 14^th. The group appeared for a discovery status hearing. Judge Clark Jett made several rulings in the case and ordered both prosecutors and defense attorneys to discuss whether the five defendants' preliminary hearings would be held jointly or separately.

The next hearing is set for July 17^th.

Pictured: The victims Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley

 Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt approves four amendments to the Bartlesville City Charter.

 Voters went to the polls on April 2 and passed four of 10 proposed amendments to the City Charter. The changes include a requirement that City Council candidates must have lived in their ward for six months prior to filing for the seat; City Council members who move from their ward during their term are no longer eligible to hold the seat; a slight language change for notices of special meetings; and changing the time in which a council term begins.

Governor Stitt's approval was the final step for the new Charter to go into effect. It was last updated in 2010.

 A 19-year-old man is charged in connection to a Monday night shooting in Joplin.

 Austin D.W. Bryant of Joplin was arrested Monday night after an attempt to trade alcohol for marijuana went wrong. Two people were shot in the incident. Bryant face charges of Felony Armed Robbery, Felony 1^st Degree Assault, and Felony Criminal Action. He also faces charges in a separate incident from 2022 where he is accused of robbing a pizza delivery man at gunpoint in the same neighborhood.

 Two are injured in a Wednesday afternoon car accident in Wilson County.

 20-year-old Zachary Leiker of Pittsburg was driving a 2015 Ford F-150 southbound on US-400 about 7 miles north of Fredonia yesterday afternoon. Around 4pm, Leiker's truck crossed the center line and entered the northbound lane. A 2016 Chevy Malibu driven by 73-year-old Marian Rice of Arden, north Carolina, attempted to avoid a collision by veering onto the shoulder, but the two vehicles collided. Leiker was taken to Freeman Hospital in Joplin and Rice was transported to St. Francis in Tulsa. Both sustained serious injuries in the crash.

A new logo will soon be coming to Coffeyville Community College.

According to the CCC Marketing Department, a newly re-branded Power Raven logo will soon be unveiled in a special launch event in collaboration with the CCC Bookstore.

Over the past six months, members of the re-branding committee have worked to create a new Power Raven, along with updated C's, that complements the school's iconic 1946 Raven and Raven Swoosh. The committee says it's committed to preserving the original Red Raven likeness, which holds significant sentimental and historical value for our school.

Teasers for the new design will start in mid-July on CCC social media and after the reveal, new merchandise will be available in the Red Raven Bookstore.

A new Coffeyville bank shows its commitment to the community by donating to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. 

Solutions North Bank, which merges with Community State Bank next month, has donated $25,000 to CRMC's Build for the Future campaign.   Representatives from both banks were on hand to present the gift. The donation will help build the new CRMC Primary Care Clinic, which broke ground last week.

CRMC says they are extending an enthusiastic welcome to Solutions North Bank and look forward to partnering with them to make Coffeyville prosper. Community State Bank has been a supporter of CRMC, and they feel fortunate that Solutions North Bank has a desire to continue this tradition.

A former Montgomery County Sheriff's officer passes away.

Craig Medsker passed away on Monday at the age of 49 after a battle with cancer. Medsker served with the Coffeyville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. He served as a patrol deputy, a police service dog handler and a sergeant with the MGCSO. In 2014, Medsker joined the Sherman County Sheriff's Office as their undersheriff, where he was instrumental in implementing the K-9 Program at the sheriff’s office. Medsker worked as a teacher at Northwest Kansas Technical College in the CSI program.

A link to his obituary page can be found here.

Multiple demolition projects are beginning in Neodesha.

Wilson County is continuing to emphasize demolition projects in 2024, after working at numerous locations in the Fredonia area earlier this year. Neodesha City Manager Brogan Jones says there are multiple spots they are hoping to begin work.

Jones spoke to the county commissioners regarding the projects, and initiating the process. He says he has a few demolition goals for Neodesha this year.

Commissioners agreed to wave the landfill fees for the four locations.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was an update from County Appraiser Jessica Porter, as well an executive session with Health Department Director Amy Lell regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act.

 A Hays man is arrested in connection to the death of his infant son.

 The Hays Police Department arrested 28-year-old Abraham Duran Leon in the death of his 5-month-old son Fernando Leon III. The child was found unresponsive in April in a Hays hotel room he shared with his father. The Ellis County Coroner's Office found methamphetamine in the baby's system and determined that to be the cause of his death.

The baby's mother was previously convicted in the death of his older brother, though she is not suspected in the baby's death.

 Multiple people are hospitalized following a weekend car accident in Newton County, Missouri.

 The accident happened when a pick up truck driven by a 17-year-old male sttempted to pass on a curve. The pick up struck a minivan driven by 39-year-old Kelly Sweeney of Washburn, Missouri, when both drivers tried to avoid a collision. There were six people in the van and two in the pick up. One of the injured was flown to a Springfield hospital and another to a Joplin hospital. Four others were transported via ambulance.

 Tax relief wasn't the only measure on the minds of Kansas lawmakers as the Special Session got into full swing yesterday. 

 Legislators passed a bipartisan bill to allow the state to issue bonds to cover of to 70% of the cost to build new stadiums for both the Chiefs and the Royals in an attempt to lure the Missouri teams across the border into Kansas. According to the terms of the bill, the state would pay off the bonds over 30 years with revenue generated by sports betting, lottery sales, and a combination of new sales and alcohol taxes around the sites of the future stadiums.

The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Laura Kelly.

 Joplin Police make an arrest in a Tuesday evening double shooting.

 Around 8:30 Monday night, Joplin police responded to reports of gunfire near a residence in the city. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered a 19-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. They also found a 20-year-old victim inside the house with multiple gunshot wounds to both legs.

Another 19-year-old man – Austin D.W. Bryant – was taken into custody as a suspect in the case as well as for three Failure to Appear warrants.

The victims in the incident are reported to be in serious but stable condition.

Correction: A previous version of the story stated the shooting occurred on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. It has been corrected to reflect that it took place on Monday, June 17, 2024.

 Yesterday's Oklahoma Primary yields a re-election for the District 10 incumbent.

 Representative Judd Strom will keep his seat in the Oklahoma House following yesterday's election. Strom defeated challenger Chad McCarthy by garnering 64% of the total vote. Strom says he's ready to get back to work for the people in District 10.

Strom does not have a Democrat opponent to face in the November general election.

 The Osage Nation Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a disc golf clinic this Friday in Bartlesville.

 The clinic begins at 9:30 am at the corner of Main Street and Lynn Avenue and will teach youth the basics of disc golf . 

Hotdogs and hamburgers will be served following the two-hour long clinic and for more information you can call 918-287-5531

 Yesterday's Oklahoma Primary Election leads to a close race in Nowata County.

 The primary race for the District 2 Commission seat ended with no candidate getting more than 50% of the total vote, which means there will be a runoff election in August. The final vote tally shows challenger Bryan Wesson with 195 votes, which is only 47% of the total votes cast. Incumbent Timmie Benson cam in second with 112 votes or 27% of the total votes. Benson says there was a lot of anger on the part of voters.

Benson says he believe a large cause of anger in the electorate is the windmill farms that have caused a stir in Nowata.

Ryan Harden was another challenger in the District 2 race. He finished third with 102 votes. There will be a runoff election in August between Timmie Benson and Bryan Wesson.

 The 2025 Budget and Caney Grocery were the topics of discussion during Tuesday night's Council Workshop at City Hall.

 While it will not be possible to keep the city in the revenue neutral rate for the 2025 budget, City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the goal is to keep any increase, whether through property or sales tax, to a minimum.

 Zellner says Caney budgets will look drastically better in a few years.

 Zellner says even with quite a few projects on the table right now, especially in the upgrades of utilities and housing, the process is moving along well.

 The operation of Caney Grocery was also discussed during the meeting. Tomorrow, on our KGGF family of stations, we'll bring you ideas and discussions on how city and community leaders would like to make immediate improvement to Caney Grocery.

 The Caney Workshop can be viewed in its entirety on the KGGF Facebook page.

 The city of Chanute is one of eight projects in the state to receive a Residential Opportunities On Main Street or ROOMS grant.

 Chanute Main Street will receive $50,000 (fifty thousand dollars) in funding to create 10 new housing units in the Sturdevant Hardware building, ranging from studio apartments to two bedroom units. Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell says the ROOMS program can help with the lack of housing experienced in rural areas of the state.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland calls investment in the downtown areas of rural Kansas communities vital to quality of life and that the housing provided by the ROOMS grants will help with economic development by making rural communities appealing to businesses looking to relocate or expand.

More funds are expected to bolster the Rural Opportunity Zone fund as the Montgomery County Economic Development Authority sunsets.

According to Jim Kelly, the Authority was formed in 1994 when Cessna and American Insulated Wire were being recruited to Montgomery County. The group was responsible for paying out incentives among other tasks, and according to current Montgomery County Action Council Executive Director Melissa Johnson, the group's duties have been satisfied.

The Authority's has about $90,000 that will be transferred into the Rural Opportunity Zone fund held with the county.

Johnson says the program can qualify employees up to $15,000 in student loan forgiveness.

At this week's Cherryvale City Council meeting, City Administrator Jonathan Booe was appointed to the Authority to help transfer the funds, and then dissolve the board.

The Kansas wheat harvest is officially 28 percent complete.

That's according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, which also notes that harvest across Oklahoma is 83 percent complete.

In Montgomery County, local farmer Jesse Muller tells the Kansas Wheat Commission he's got a better crop this year. Muller reports yields are averaging 40 to 70 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 62 pounds per bushel. Muller notes his neighbors have had some loss from freeze damage and harvest delays and damage from storms earlier this month. Added moisture is also causing more problems with weeds. He says compared with last year, though, most are seeing better-than-expected yields with steady quality.

A groundbreaking ceremony is held in Coffeyville for the new ABC Christian Daycare facility. 

ABC Christian Daycare currently offers childcare and preschool services for families.  The new facility will be the first 24-hour daycare facility in the State of Kansas. 

Their current location in the 1200 block of S. Willow will relocate after the new facility, located north of Community State Bank, is completed.

 The Kansas Legislature is in special session this week with hopes of passing meaningful tax reform.

 Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed several tax bills earlier this year, but House and Senate have worked together in hopes of putting together legislation Kelly would be willing to sign. Today's bill passed on a bipartisan vote. State Senator Virgil Peck says, while he thinks the bill should have gone further, it contains the major parts he wanted.

Peck says he was hoping for more relief for taxpayers, but passing this bill is better than nothing.

The bill now moves on to the State House for their consideration.

An American Eel is found in the Kansas River for the first time in almost a decade. K-State Fisheries and Aquatics Extension Specialist Joe Gerken says historically they've known they've been there but they aren't that common.

Gerken says when the eels become adults they travel over three thousand miles out to sea to spawn.  Gerken says man-made dams have affected fish migration patterns, but it has also kept out non-native species, like Asian carp.

He encourages people to spend time outside because no one knows what might be found, like an American Eel.

 Kansas State legislators are back in Topeka this week for a special session called by Governor Laura Kelly.

 The session convened yesterday and consisted mostly of informational hearings on tax reform. More discussion is expected on that issue today.

Also expected on today's agenda is the plan to lure the Chiefs and the Royals from Missouri to Kansas. The main sticking point on that issue for many legislators is the cost to Kansas tax payers. A proposed bill would mean the state would cover 70% of the costs with a minimum capital investment of $1 billion. With a 30-year payback schedule. The money would be paid back with 100% of the sales tax through alcohol sales made in the stadium district.

Today's session begins at 9am

 Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed lawsuit against Pfizer over their claims about its Covid-19 vaccine.

 Kobach says the company made misleading and deceptive claims about its vaccine and needs to be held accountable. Issues cited in the 69-page complaint include safety relating to heart conditions, safety for pregnant women, effectiveness against variants, and transmission. The lawsuit seeks civil monetary penalties, damages, and injunctive relief.

A statement from Pfizer says the company is deeply committed to the well-being of the patients it serves and has no higher priority than ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its treatments and vaccines.

 Police in Joplin have a busy night as they respond to a shooting and an armed stand-off.

 Joplin SWAT was activated last night in response to a call from a local residence. Officers surrounded the location and demanded the occupants of the house to leave the residence. Preliminary reports indicate a white male came out of the house at around 11pm last night.

It remains unclear if the stand-off has any connection to a shooting that also occurred last night at a different location a short distance away. In that incident, authorities report that at least two people were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. They are reported in serious but stable condition. No names have yet been released.

 The Nowata County Commissioners discussed multiple items at Monday's meeting, starting with the sales tax budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

 The biggest point of discussion in that was the budget for the Nowata Public Library because they are set to hire an entirely new staff on July 1^st. The sales tax payout is divided between three entities including the library, the fair building, and the extension building. Nowata County Clerk Kay Spurgeon says commissioners have some options.

The motion was accepted by the Commissioners. Next, they also agreed to continue the county’s participation in a workman’s compensation program for another year.

The commissioners will meet again next Monday at 9 am at the Nowata County Courthouse Annex and the meeting is open to the public.

 It was a bittersweet meeting for the Board of Trustees at Independence Community College.

 The Board met Monday night and made quick work of their new business agenda items. Trustees approved the appointment of several board members as well as hearing a brief update on staff and faculty insurance premiums for the upcoming year.

Interim President Jonathan Sadhoo updated trustees on budgetary issues for the upcoming year. While there were a few increases in spending needs, Sadhoo told the Trustees that he was confident that those needs could be fit into the existing budget with little problem.

Outgoing President Vincent Bowhay was also on hand at last night's meeting. This was Bowhay's last meeting before he leaves for his new position at Highland Community College in northern Kansas. At the end of the meeting, Trustee Val DeFever read a list of Bowhay's accomplishments during his time at ICC. DeFever noted that his most important accomplishment was bringing to ICC community together to work toward a common goal. The Board then presented Bowhay with a card and a plaque. Commemorative cake was served following the adjournment of the meeting.

 Three Nowata County teenagers were injured in a single-vehicle wreck Sunday night near Lenapah.

 According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a 2006 Buick Terraza driven by a 16-year-old female from Wann lost control of the vehicle on North-South 411 Road, or about 4 miles northwest of Lenapah just after 11 p.m. Sunday. Troopers say the driver lost control and over-corrected causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. An 18-year-old male passenger from South Coffeyville was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The 16-year-old driver was transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center where she was treated and released. Another passenger, a 17-year-old male from Nowata, was also taken to the hospital, treated and released. The 18-year-old passenger was taken to CRMC and later transported to a hospital in Wichita with several injuries.

OHP says the driver was driving too fast on a gravel road, which caused the wreck.

 Some Caney residents are concerned history is repeating itself after the latest report of city finances was published.

 Rudy and Kathy Taylor spoke during the public comments portion of last night's city council meeting, saying they fear the city is headed down the same path, with numbers from quarter to quarter that aren't lining up.

 City Clerk Wendy Wickham says the numbers do match up.

 Mayor Josh Elliott says follow up is happening with auditing officials to make sure the numbers are accurate.

 In the meantime, city council members and city officials will meet tonight in a workshop concerning Caney Grocery and a preliminary budget discussion for 2025. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, with the workshop broadcast on the KGGF Facebook page.

 The Montgomery County Commissioners hear updates on insurance from Human Resources and on mowing from Public Works.

 At Monday's commission meeting, Commissioner Mike Cordray reported he'd gotten a call about mowing on the right-of-way near the country club. Public Works Director Jim Wright says his department has that area on their list.

Wright says part of the problem is that his department is under-staffed.

Wright told commissioners that all areas that need to be mowed by the county will get the attention they deserve.

In other business, commissioners heard an update from human Resources on insurance as well as an update from Building Superintendent Jeff Phelps.

Local amateur radio operators in Coffeyville and Independence are teaming up to showcase emergency communications this weekend.

Members of the Coffeyville and Independence Amateur Radio Clubs will participate in ARRL Field Day, which is the largest amateur radio event of the year in the United States. Club members will set up a station inside Oakcrest Lodge in Pfister Park in Coffeyville, just across from the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Coffeyville ARC Vice President John Vest says the event is amateur radio's open house.

The temporary station will be on the air from 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd, through 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23rd. Vest says the public is welcome to come and see the operation.

A link for more information about the event is available here.

 Today is Primary Election day in Oklahoma.

 As Oklahomans across the state head to the polls to cast their ballots, County Election Board officials would like to remind voters that there are laws that govern election day.

PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE ELECTION ENCLOSURE

It is a crime for any person other than voters and election officials to remain within 50 feet of the entrance to a polling place or an in-person absentee voting site. Additionally, it is unlawful for any person other than election officials and voters to be inside the election enclosure where voters are checked in, issued ballots, and vote. This law is not intended to include minor children who accompany voters to their voting location.

A news reporter or photographer may, while covering the election being conducted, be allowed inside the election enclosure for no more than five (5) minutes. The reporter or photographer shall not interfere with voters or election officials and shall neither observe any individual voter while the voter marks a ballot, nor photograph any voter who is marking a ballot.

ILLEGAL VOTING

It is a crime to vote more than once at any election, or vote in a precinct after having transferred your voter registration to a new precinct, or vote knowing that you are not eligible. It is also unlawful to vote and submit an absentee ballot issued to another person.

ELECTIONEERING

Electioneering is advocating directly for or against a candidate or question that is or will be on the ballot at any election or collecting signatures for a petition to place an issue or question on a future ballot or soliciting contact information or distributing information for any candidate or issue that might be on a future ballot.

Electioneering can be verbal or it can include displaying items such as signs, pamphlets, t-shirts, buttons or hats. If voters are unsure whether or not their clothing or accessories would constitute an election crime, it is recommended that those items be left at home. 

PRINTED MATERIAL

No printed material other than that provided by the election board shall be publicly placed or exposed within 300 feet of the entrance to a polling place or in-person absentee voting site while an election is in progress. Voters may, however, bring personal notes to assist them with their election choices while they are marking their ballot. Personal notes must remain concealed at all other times while inside the election enclosure.

PHOTOGRAPHS AND DISCLOSURE OF VOTE

A voter may take a digital image or photograph of their marked ballot while inside the election enclosure. However, it is unlawful for voters to post the image or photograph on social media or otherwise distribute or disclose how they voted until they have left the election enclosure.

ELECTION INTERFERENCE

It is a misdemeanor to interfere with the orderly and lawful conduct of an election.

No one, including a lawfully appointed watcher or exit pollster may interfere with a registered voter who is attempting to vote, or may attempt to influence the vote of a person by means of force or intimidation. This includes activity both before and during an election.

POLLSTERS

An “exit pollster” is a person who receives an official commission from the County Election Board Secretary to conduct “polls” or interviews of voters leaving the polling place.  A pollster shall be limited to written polling materials.  Any oral interviews of voters or recording by electronic means shall be no closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet to any ballot box.  A pollster may approach only voters who have completed their voting concerning participation in the exit poll. Participation by a voter shall be voluntary.

INTOXICATION
It is unlawful to take intoxicating liquors of any kind or quantity to within one-half mile of any polling place on an Election Day. Additionally, no person shall attend an election or be within 300 feet of a polling place in an intoxicated condition on an Election Day.

REPORTING POTENTIAL CRIMES

Voters who believe an election crime is being committed, should contact their county election board or local law enforcement while the act is in progress or as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide as much information and documentation as possible.

For more information or to report a potential violation of election law, contact the WashingtonCounty Election Board at 918-337-2850 or washingtoncounty@elections.ok.gov.

Labette County Commissioners receive a compilation report from Labette Health for ambulance operations. In addition to the report, the commission received an update on ambulances. Director of EMS Randy Grimmett says they are replacing about one a year.

During the meeting, Labette Health CEO Brian Williams and Grimmett presented the commission with a $50,000 check for a donation to the rural fire departments. In other business, the commission hired Jean Nash as interim county appraiser after DeLinda White resigned last week to take the county appraiser job in Cherokee County.

 One person is hospitalized after a home explosion in Garden City over the weekend.

 The incident occurred just after 7pm on Saturday night when Garden City Fire responded to reports of an explosion. Crews arrived on the scene to find significant damage and a large debris field. There was also some minor damage to a nearby elementary school. Black Hills Energy turned off the gas supply to the affected area and city crews responded to a downed power line.

No cause has yet been determined and the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

 The story of a missing toddler ends in tragedy.

 The 3-year-old Andover toddler was reported missing to the Butler County Sheriff's Office around 7pm on Saturday evening. The neighborhood was surrounded by various waterways. Initial reports indicated that the child was playing outside while an adult was doing yardwork. The child then wandered off and disappeared from the property. The search continued overnight and the child was found around 7:30 on Sunday morning in a waterway not far from the residence. The incident is indicated as an accidental drowning and foul play is not suspected.

 A Kansas native is competing in Olympic trials this week with hopes of making the 2024 Olympic Games.

 Drayden Bell has been swimming competitively since he was 10 years old when he began swimming with the Wichita Swim Club. The Olympics have been Bell's goal since he was a small boy. His parents and coaches say he wasn't the strongest swimmer but he did put in the most effort. That effort paid off as Bell began high school and began swimming for Wichita East High. Bell is now a college sophomore and competes for the University of Alabama.

Drayden Bell will try to make his Olympic dreams come true as he competes in his event – the 50 meter men's freestyle – this Thursday.

 The City of Altamont has some concerns about some changes to proposed Occupational Safety Health Administration rules.

 Mayor Richard Heyward says the rules may affect Altamont because their fire department is a volunteer fire department. One of the issues will be increased prices for bunker gear. Heyward says the changes could be hard on volunteer fire departments.

In other business, the city council went into executive session to discuss cybersecurity issues. No action was taken and the issue was tabled until the June 27^th meeting.

 Kansas legislators are back at work today after Governor Laura Kelly called a special session on May 29^th.

 The purpose of the special session is to pass a tax relief bill. Governor Kelly has vetoed several previous bills aimed at tax reform and legislative leaders think they have put together a news version that the governor will be willing to sign. State Senator Virgil Peck says he is not happy with the current version.

Peck says the bill must include two items to have his support: First, it must eliminate state taxes on Social Security and second, there must be property tax relief. However, Peck says there is one provision that will likely not make it into this bill.

Special sessions are fairly rare events in Kansas. There have only been 15 called in 1930, the last of which was called in 2021.

 Summer temperatures have finally arrived and that means many are looking for good ways to keep cool.

 Becky Barnhart with Coffeyville Friends of Animals reminds everyone not to forget about their four-legged friends. Barnhart says there are easy ways to keep outdoor animals cool. It's also important for outside animals to access to plenty of shade provided by trees or tarps and make sure they access to cool, clean water.

 The Fredonia Arts Council is holding a celebration of summer arts today from 10am to 2pm.

 It will be followed by an open house tonight from 5 to 7pm. The events happen at the Fredonia Arts Council at 320 North 7^th Street in Fredonia.

 A man wanted in connection to an international crime spree is arrested in Tulsa.

 The Tulsa Police Department Special Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez was in the Tulsa area and took him into custody Friday night. Hernandez was wanted in El Salvador for murder when he fled to the U.S. earlier this year. He is also accused of assaulting a girl and her mother during a home invasion in Los Angeles before killing another woman – Rachel Morin – in Maryland. Hartford County, Maryland Sheriff Jeff Gahler announces the arrest.

Hernandez initially denied his identity and knowledge of the accusations against him, but eventually relented and was taken into custody. He currently awaits extradition to Maryland.

 Legislation to provide funding for renovations of the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Leadership Camp, located near Wagoner, is signed into law.

 The one-time $9.5 million appropriation will improve housing options at the camp and allow for the purchase of maintenance equipment for the buildings and grounds.  The alumni camp, which began 52 years ago, has been held at the Wagoner location for over four decades. Six other Oklahoma CareerTech student organizations utilize the property as well, but deteriorating conditions recently forced FFA to relocate its leadership event.

Once renovated, the camp will be open to FFA members from all 366 chapters in all 77 Oklahoma counties. It is also expected to  be used by other agricultural youth organizations, church camps, corporate retreats, family reunions, and hobby or special interest groups.

 A tractor-trailer hauling cattle overturns near Baxter Springs.

 Around 4:15 yesterday afternoon Cherokee County emergency crews responded to reports of an overturned semi on K-166 just west of Baxter Springs. The highway was reduced to one lane of traffic until clean up was completed. Baxter Springs Fire was on the scene with a brush truck to keep the cows cool by spraying them with water until the truck could be righted. The driver was uninjured.

 A man in Bartlesville was arrested late last week after a security camera caught him stealing property.

 41-year-old Jay Lacy is accused of knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property after security footage showed the defendant breaking into an unoccupied garage early Thursday morning. An affidavit states that the security camera witnessed Lacy steal multiple items, including a bicycle, weed eater, and other tools. When the victim later saw Lacy on his street, and called police. The defendant was placed in custody and a search revealed the the stolen items.

Lacy's bond was set at $30,000. His next court date is Friday.

Help the City of Independence put on a big fireworks display for their Fourth of July Celebration.  The Independence Rotary Club is holding a fundraiser to raise $20,500 for the City's Fourth of July Fireworks show. There are three ways to donate to the fundraiser.

Donate online at the DonorBox Fireworks Campaign. Drop off donations at Community National Bank at 124 Penn Avenue in Independence. Mail donations to PO Box 747, Independence, KS, 67301. Checks should be made out to CFFI with Fireworks Fund in the memo.

Wheat harvest continues in the four states and K-State Research and Extension Agents are sharing some safety reminders.

Wildcat District Crop Agent James Coover says it's important to keep tabs on where everyone is during harvest, especially with all the large equipment being used.

In addition, Coover says smaller and more irregular fields in southeast Kansas can make for more road crossings and potential encounters with power lines.

Coover says if you get caught in a power line, it's best to stay in the vehicle. If that's not possible, he says it's best to jump from the vehicle to the ground and make sure you don't contact the frame and ground at the same time.

It's also important to keep combines and equipment clean to avoid potential fires. While harvest is a busy time, Coover says a little extra thought can prevent costly mistakes.

A candidate for the Kansas Second Congressional District plans to walk every county in the district.

Candidate Chad Young begins his walk today in Baxter Springs and will walk all 25 counties stretching from the south to the north of the state. Young says he is doing this so they can win the state and the country back because the patriots have to beat out the politicians.

Young should be making his way through Montgomery County and the Coffeyville area by around Friday and will join KGGF to talk more about his journey walking the district. He joins Derek Schmidt, Jeff Kahrs, Shawn Tiffany and Micheal Ogle in the Republican primary, which is August 6^th.

The City of Parsons begins cleaning water lines with free chlorine residual.

The City began this morning at around 6:00am and this will go on for about three weeks. During this period of time, residents may notice some chlorine tastes and odors in the water. There is no cause for alarm, and this is being done purely as a precautionary measure, and as part of their ongoing efforts to provide residents with the safest possible drinking water.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment routinely recommends that public water supplies that utilize a combined chlorine residual perform an annual cleaning of the water distribution system with a free chlorine residual.

The building of the new Primary Care Center at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is now underway. 

A good public turnout came out for the official groundbreaking ceremony.  CRMC CEO Brian Lawrence says the new Primary Care Center is the latest move forward from what was envisioned in the 1940s.  Lawrence says he was overwhelmed by the commitment of the community in making the new facility possible. 

US Senator Jerry Moran says the federal commitment of $4 million demonstrated their commitment to rural health care.  Moran also cited CRMC Foundation Director Amy Taylor in her work in gathering financial commitments for the project.  Lawrence says if construction goes as planned the new Primary Care Clinic will be open by this time next year.  

The Parsons Police Department announces it has earned the Silver Traffic Safety Award and the Lexipol Gold Award.

These awards recognize the department's efforts in traffic safety and police department policy management. The Silver Traffic Safety Award was presented to PPD for its initiatives in reducing traffic crashes and its participation in the Kansas Department of Transportation enforcement programs, such as "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" and "Click It or Ticket" as well as department operated programs. This is the 9th time PPD has earned recognition for their efforts.

The Lexipol Gold Award highlights the department's commitment to maintaining high standards in policy adherence, education and continuous officer training. Parsons has been awarded the Gold Award for four straight years.

A Parsons man is arrested for a failure to appear warrant after claiming his lost wallet.

The Parsons Police Department arrested 33-year-old Justin Dale Ard for the warrant and new charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and five counts of violation of the Offender Registration Act. The arrest followed an incident where Ard's wallet was found at a local business and was turned into the police department as found property.

Ard came to PPD to collect his wallet, at which point he was arrested for the active warrant. During the arrest, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in his possession. Further investigation revealed that Ard was non-compliant with his registered offender status, stemming from a conviction for conspiracy to manufacture controlled substances in Oklahoma.

 A major repaving project will begin this weekend in Neodesha.

 Tank Street between 4^th and 8^th streets will be closed starting on Sunday evening and work will begin at 6am on Monday. Residents are asked to avoid parking on Tank Street while work is underway. Those with questions should contact City Administrator Brogan Jones at 620-325-2828 ext 210 or Public Works Director Ryan Toms at 620-325-2831.

 A Thursday flight from Joplin to Chicago ends up being diverted to another airport due to a medical emergency of a passenger.

 About 45 minutes after taking off from Joplin Regional Airport, the United Airlines flight began an early descent to land in Peoria, Illinois. The diversion was due to the medical issue of an 8-year-old female passenger. After landing, the plane was met by EMS, the Air National Guard Fire and the Peoria County Sheriff's Office. Life-saving measures began immediately. The child was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

 The talented kids from the Independence Children's Summer Theater will stage performances of Junie B. Jones: the Musical this weekend.

Some of the older actors in the theater group say it's a very funny show and that their younger peers do a great job in the musical. They also say you have several chances to see the show this weekend.

The Junie B. Jones musical is based on the popular children's book series about the outspoken and lovable title character and her first day of first grade. The young actors say, it makes for an entertaining, fun show.

All proceeds go to fund the Independence Children's Summer Theater.

 Summer may be just getting into full swing, but the Independence City Commission is looking ahead to the winter months.

 City Commissioner Dean Hayse noted that the striping in the new parking lots downtown was slightly raised, making it higher than the surrounding asphalt. He was concerned about what might happen to it if it needed to be plowed in the winter.

In other business, commissioners also heard presentations for budget requests for 2025 from Independence Main Street and from the Montgomery County Action Council.

 At this week's Neodesha City Commission meeting, an attempt by a citizen to make a donation to the city hits a snag.

 A Neodesha citizen spoke during the public comment section of the meeting and told commissioners that he owned a lot with a burned structure on it that he wanted to give to the city's land bank. The man says he thinks it would make a good parking lot.

Mayor Devin Johnson says he thinks it's a good idea.

However, as the discussion progressed, negotiations hit a snag. The issue? The citizen was speaking during the public comment section and was not actually on the agenda, so the city commission could not take action on his request. A compromise was eventually reached. The man would secure the property and return to the commission on the agenda at the July 10^th meeting.

 Kansas legislators say they have reached a compromise with Governor Laura Kelly on a tax bill ahead of next week's special session.

 Republican leaders say the compromise bill is almost identical to legislation the Governor vetoed in April. They said that, while there are some minor adjustments, the bill contains two tax brackets, lower rates, exemptions from low-income taxpayers. The bill also reduces state-wide property taxes and repeals the state tax on social Security.

Governor Kelly called the June 18^th special session at the end of May specifically to deal with the tax reform bill.

 A Galena man is sentenced in federal court for shooting at police during a multi-state, high speed chase.

 36-year-old Adam Kastler was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison without parole for his role in a February 2023 car chase. Kastler pleaded guilty earlier this year to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Kastler fled after a traffic stop in Joplin. The chase eventually led into Kansas to Cherokee County. Kastler fired a gun at officers before losing control of his vehicle and crashing.

Kastler has prior felony convictions for distributing methamphetamine and aggravated domestic battery.

 Freeman Health System announces it will take over the Bourbon County Medical Facility in Fort Scott.

 The facility had been operating under Ascension Via Christi until it closed in December of last year. Ascension cited a steady decline in patient visits as the reason for the closure. That closure meant the nearest emergency room for area residents was in Pittsburg or Nevada, Missouri.

Freeman says it will reopen emergency services and a 10 bed, in-patient facility. A spokesperson for the health care company said the medical center will have six bays and will be open 24/7, 365 days a year with licensed doctors and nurses trained in emergency medical care. However, the level of care Freeman expects to provide will require going through a government licensing process that will take several months. The medical facility should be ready to re-open in early 2025.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has started resurfacing projects on U.S. 69 in Cherokee County.

The work began this week starting at U.S. 400 and 69 and continuing south on 69 for 18½ on miles to the roundabout at K-66. Flaggers and a pilot car operation are guiding one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The road work should be finished by mid-September, weather permitting. KDOT awarded the construction contracts totaling $5.8 million to Emery Sapp & Sons, Joplin, Missouri.

Harvesting, soybean planting and hay season are upon us in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Wildcat Extension District Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Adaven Scronce says during this time of the year there are a lot of tractors and other heavy equipment on the roads.

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

Celebrate Juneteenth at the Independence Science and Technology Center.

In honor of the 70^th Anniversary of Brown v The Board of Education and the Juneteenth holiday, Humanities Kansas Speaker Donna Rea Pearson is giving a presentation titled The Women of Brown. She says they will discuss why this historic case happened in Kansas.

Pearson, who spoke in Parsons back in February, says it's good to be able to come back to Southeast Kansas.  Pearson says she was excited to be invited to speak in a town named Independence in honor of a holiday about slaves receiving theirs.

The event is at 125 South Penn Avenue starting at 2:00pm on Saturday.

 The Independence Historical Museum and Art Center at 123 N. 8th Street is hosting a historical walking tour of downtown Independence on Saturday at 10:00 am.

 The subject will be the many immigrant and ethnic businesses that once existed in the city. ICC history professor and IHMAC board member, Dr. Isaias McCaffery, will conduct the tour. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for museum members, and persons 14 and younger free. Tour guests can pay at the museum prior to departure. The route will cover under a mile, but practical walking shoes are still recommended.

 Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Oklahoma and one of the races on the ballot will be for Osage County Sheriff.

 Challenger Candidate Bart Perrier is a sixth generation Osage county resident who began his law enforcement career with the County Sheriff's Office in 1997 before leaving that position in 2011. Perrier believes there are several things that could be improved on in the county.

Incumbent Sheriff Eddie Virden is wrapping up his second term in office and is looking for a third term. Virden says he has accomplished a lot in his two terms including a better use of technology and an up-to-date website.

Osage county residents are encouraged to vote on Tuesday. Early voting begins today

 The 2^nd Annual Jacob Morse Jamboree Car Show is set for this Saturday.

 Organizer DJ Morse says the purpose of the Jamboree is to raise money for a technical scholarship to Coffeyville Community College in honor of his son Jacob.

Morse says there will a lot of cool cars, good music, and plenty of fun.

The 2^nd Annual Jacob Morse Jamboree Car Show takes place at Veteran's Stadium in Coffeyville.

 The Allen County Sheriff's Office encourages southeast Kansas residents to pack their trucks responsibly this summer season.

 Whether you are moving, cleaning up brush and junk, or packing the cooler, chairs, or sporting equipment, remember it is your responsibility to make sure nothing can fly off or fall out of your vehicle.

Anything falling from your vehicle can collide with other vehicles or pedestrians, causing serious injuries or fatalities. It is essential for drivers to properly secure their load.

Nationwide, from 2016 to 2020, more than 16,000 people were injured per year when a vehicle collided with another object that was not properly secured. During this same time period, an average of 700 people per year lost their lives. Non-commercial passenger vehicles accounted for 81% of these crashes, in which cargo was not properly secured.

In their rush to get on the road, drivers may overlook the importance of properly securing a vehicle’s cargo. Before transporting a load, drivers should check that the vehicle’s load is secured on the top, sides, and back, and make sure nothing can blow or fall out.

 An accident involving a Peterbilt semi claims the life of a 5-year-old child in southwest Missouri.

 According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the semi truck was idling while parked in a private driveway yesterday morning. The driver was standing on the side steps of the vehicle when it slipped into gear and jolted forward, striking a 5-year-old child. The child was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jasper County coroner.

Here is a list of activities and events happening this weekend June 14-16, 2024:

• The Cherryvale Youth Fair is holding a Kiss the Goat Fundraiser for Deputy Justin Ward. There will be donation jars for each participant setup during the fair, which is July 8th through the July 12th. There are two divisions of participants: Youth Exhibitor Division and Adult Division. The participant with the most money in each division will kiss the goat during the livestock show on Friday, July 12th.  

• Independence Children's Summer Theater presents Junie B. Jones the Musical this Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm and on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and will be available at the door. All performances will take place in the William Inge Theater on the ICC campus

• The 2^nd Annual Jacob Morse Memorial Jamboree Car Show happens Saturday at Veteran's Stadium in Coffeyville. All makes and models are welcome for the car show that runs from 8am to 3pm. There will be a cornhole tournament at 10am and the entry fee is $25. there will be food trucks, music, prizes, and fun and proceeds and donations go to fund the Jacob Morse CCC Technical Scholarship.

• There will be a walking history tour of downtown Independence this Saturday, sponsored by the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center. ICC history professor Dr. Isaias McCaffery will lead the tour. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for museum members, and persons 14 and younger free.

 Authorities in Dallas County, Missouri, north of Springfield would like to know who might have misplaced their house.

 The Dallas County Sheriff's Office are looking for the moving crew who dumped half of a mobile home on Highway 32 just east of Buffalo. D-C-S-O describes the vehicle as a blue cab-over tandem semi with a white F-250 and a unique Chevrolet dually van that has been turned into a boom truck as support vehicles.

Anyone with information should contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.

 A Bartlesville man turns himself in on charges of domestic abuse.

 49-year-old John Alan Pannell is facing one felony charge of domestic assault and battery by strangulation. The charges stem from a June 2^nd incident in which Pannell and the victim allegedly had an argument over finances.

The District Attorney's office filed the felony assault charge against Pannell on Tuesday and an arrest warrant was issued. Pannell turned himself in to authorities yesterday and posted a $25,000 bond.

His next court date is July 19^th.

 An all female airplane race will be coming through Bartlesville next week.

 The Bartlesville Municipal Airport is one of eight stops during the 47th annual Air Race Classic, a 2,600-mile competition that starts in Illinois and ends in Colorado. The first plane is expected to arrive on next Wednesday, June 19th, and the last plane is expected to leave next Friday, June 21st. Bartlesville is the seventh stop along the route.

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is now open in Washington County to help Oklahoma residents affected by this spring's severe weather.

The center is located at Bartlesville High School, 1700 Hillcrest Drive, and is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays.

Residents and businesses in Carter, Craig, Hughes, Johnston, Kay, Lincoln, Love, McClain, Murray, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Washington and Washita counties can visit the center to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents, learn about available resources and get their questions answered in person. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other organizations will be available to meet with visitors – no appointment is needed.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and are equipped with assistive technology. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation or interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON TYPES OF ASSISTANCE FOR OKLAHOMANS

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO REPLACE LOST DOCUMENTS

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON DISPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

This year's wheat harvest is continuing in Kansas and Oklahoma and the crop forecast is out for Kansas.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Kansas's 2024 winter wheat crop is forecast at 282 million bushels, up 40% from last year's crop based on June 1st conditions.

K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District Crop Agent James Coover says he hasn't gotten yield reports yet for southeast Kansas but says positive yields in northeast Oklahoma are a good sign for the area.

Coover also says he hasn't heard any reports of DON yet, which he says is good news so far.

Across Kansas, the average yield is forecast at 40 bushels per acre, up 5 bushels from last year. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated just over 7 million acres, up 1.30 million acres from last year. This would be 92% of the planted acres, compared with last year's 71% harvested.

The potential zoning plan for Labette County has been trimmed down almost 100 pages.

The original zoning regulations by Foster Design Associates was released on April 22^nd and was 143 pages long. That plan was then reduced to 107 pages on May 13^th ahead of the Zoning Public Hearing on May 16^th. The newest regulations released on Monday is now 68 pages.

The revised draft was trimmed down after recommendations from the board and the public during the hearing on May 16^th. Additional input on the current draft was provided by the Zoning Board's Working Committee. The next public hearing will be Monday, June 24^th at 6:00pm in the Parsons Municipal Building. The newest draft and the draft summary can be found here.

 Republican candidates for the Oklahoma State House District 10 faced off Tuesday during a political forum at Bartlesville City Hall hosted by our sister stations at Bartlesville Radio. 

 Incumbent Rep. Judd Strom and challenger Chad McCarthy answered submitted questions from constituents about water conservation and sources, abortion, using taxpayer funds for economic development, the state's rainy day fund, education policy and other items. 

Strom and McCarthy both asked for support at the polls for the District 10 seat.

First is the challenger Chad McCarthy

And Incumbent Judd Strom.

The Oklahoma Primary Election will be on June 18^th. Early voting begins Thursday, June 13.

The Entire forum can be heard here.

 Changes in staffing and updates on buildings headlined the agenda at this week's USD 445 Coffeyville School Board meeting.

 Board members accepted the resignations of coaches Ray Rutherford, Jacob Williamson, and Brittany Stevenot, as well as that of Elementary teacher Rachel Hough and building secretary Holly Hayden. The board also approved the hiring of three new teachers along with new six new mentor-teachers and custodial and maintenance staff.

Deputy Superintendent Michael Speer told the board about summer repairs to district buildings. Speer says the big items are winterization and HVAC.

The board also heard an update from Tri County which asked for an increase in funding for next year.

 A Missouri Department of Transportation road striping vehicle is struck by a semi.

 Around 9:45am on Monday, the MoDot vehicle was in a caravan in the process of striping the roadway along Missouri Highway 7 when it was struck from behind by Kenworth Semi truck. The crash caused a fire which quickly engulfed both vehicles in flames. The driver of the semi, 31-year-old Chaz Cage of Garden City, MO, along with the occupants of the MoDOT vehicle – 23-year-old Madelynn Sonstegard of Concordia, MO, and 34-year-old Jacob Smith of Amoret, MO – were all able to escape before the fire erupted. All three received minor injuries in the initial crash and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

MoDot says this was a serious accident that could have been much worse, but all occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

 Fire crews in Carthage respond to an overnight house fire.

 Carthage Fire, Carthage Police, and Mercy Ambulance responded to calls of a house on fire around 11:45pm Tuesday night, June 11, When crews arrived on scene, they found flames visibly coming from the residence. Firefighters were able to evacuate the occupants of the house and extinguish the fire in about 20 minutes.

All occupants of the house and all firefighters were uninjured in the blaze.

A 31-year-old Bartlesville woman faces charges of burglary and vehicle theft in Washington County.

Presley Barkley was arrested early Tuesday morning, June 11, after she was stopped by a Washington County Sheriff's Deputy. The deputy told a Bartlesville Police Officer who arrived on the scene that Barkley had stolen a jailer's vehicle and had been driving it around the parking lot. Barkley was also seen on security camera footage attempting to get into four different vehicles in the lot before finding one that was unlocked. Barkley was given a $10,000 bond. Her next court date is set for June 21^st.

 An accident in Chanute leaves a bicyclist with serious injuries.

 The crash occurred just before noon Tuesday when 67-year-old Harvey Love of Chanute was bicycling on a sidewalk near Santa Fe Park in Chanute. A 2016 Chevy Camaro driven by 39-year-old Marcus Howard also of Chanute was traveling on Santa Fe Avenue when he made a right turn into the park. Love then collided with the side of the Camaro. He was taken to KU Medical Center for treatment for his injuries. Howard was uninjured.

 A special session of the Caney City Council leads to a heated debate, but the hiring of a licensed bookkeeper for the creation of quarterly reports and bank check reconciliations.

 After two executive sessions, Amber Dean was hired for compliance reasons. Caney Mayor Josh Elliott says the city needs the help for two purposes.

 Language in the motion calls for Dean to be contracted at a rate of twenty dollars per hour with a maximum of twenty hours a week to catch up with bank check reconciliations. Once caught up, Dean's hours would be around ten hours per week on average, if not less.

 Elliott says Dean will be able to make an immediate difference in the city.

 The vote was 6-1 in favor of the hiring of Dean; Councilperson Lori Patterson voted against the measure, and Councilman Kenith Butts was absent.

This year's wheat harvest is now in full swing across the area.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Kansas wheat harvest is now 5 percent complete, ahead of 1 percent complete last year. Harvest is even further along in Oklahoma where 48 percent of the crop has been harvested well ahead of last year's 24 percent and the five-year average of 17 percent.

In Kansas, winter wheat conditions were rated at 33 percent very poor to poor, 35 percent fair and 32 percent good to excellent. Conditions in Oklahoma appear better, with 16 percent very poor to poor, 27 percent fair, and 57 percent good to excellent.

According to the Kansas Wheat Commission's report from southcentral Kansas along the state line, proteins are variable from field to field, ranging anywhere from 9.5 percent up to 14.5 percent. Moisture is dry and test weights are well above 60 pounds per bushel with several loads above 62 pounds per bushel so far. Most of the early wheat is going straight into area elevator bins to fill up space left empty from previous lean harvests.

The City of Coffeyville is going to be looking a little brighter.

The Coffeyville City Commission approved the Kansas Corporation Commission Energy and Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Agreement for over $600,000.  Superintendent of Electric Distribution Steve Pratt says there are 381 street lights that are being changed out.  Pratt says there are five different types of lights being installed and each of them uses less energy than the older lights.

The Commission approved the purchase of a new Bulk Water Dispensing Station Package for the Water Services Department. They also tabled a Resolution to authorize a Purchase Order to Siemens Industry to provide an upgrade to the SCADA System for the Electric Utility until questions could be answered about older software being used.

The Nowata County Sheriff's Office is warning citizens of a scam going around the county.

The scam includes instructions for people to pay a certain amount of money or be arrested. This is coming by a letter in the mail or phone calls using a Nowata number. One of the numbers being used is one of the Sheriff's Department's numbers.

The NCSO warns citizens not to pay any money but instead call the Sheriff's Office at (918)273-2287 and report it.

Independence Community College announces a new Coach and Director of Esports.

Zachary Spradlin joins ICC from Roanoke, Virginia, where he served as the Esports Coach at Averett University. Spradlin says he is excited to help ICC students develop their skills, compete at the highest levels, and build a strong, supportive team. He says together, they can create an environment where everyone can thrive and experience the joy and camaraderie that Esports brings.

Outside of Esports, Spradlin enjoys wildlife biology, computer building, baseball, music and experiencing other cultures.

 Safety and program expansion have fueled talks once again concerning the extension of a current bond in the USD 436 School District.

 Superintendent Blake Vargas says the need for the extension is three-fold.

 Vargas says the strain of multiple organizations needing use of school campus buildings at the same time is felt district wide, but especially in the high school.

 He adds that the district is looking to be transparent and responsible with the funds given by district taxpayers.

 Vargas says town hall style meetings will be scheduled over the next several months, and he is willing to speak to any group or organization that has questions or concerns. Survey questions are also being compiled to present to district students, parents and taxpayers, with multiple ways to have your voice heard before the November election.

USD 446 has announced the hiring of numerous coaches for the 2024-25 athletic season.

Richard Bruce has been named the new head softball coach at IHS, with Dale Reynolds being named the head boys golf coach. Multiple assistants were introduced as well, with Brenda White a new assistant volleyball coach, Mark Andrews an assistant football coach, and Gina McLenon an assistant with the girls basketball team.

Additional items of business at the June Board meeting was a donation from Independence Community College of eight binocular microscopes to IHS, as well as information regarding non-resident enrollment from Superintendent Jason McAfee.

The USD 446 school board will meet next on July 8th at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Independence High School.

 Expect some very long wait times at Tulsa International Airport today due to delays in security screenings.

 Passengers are lined up down the hallway to get through security. The TSA says it is still working on equipment and that body scanners are down, which is what is causing these long delays. It said it is still waiting on replacement parts. Passengers should plan on arriving a minimum of two hours before their flight.

 The Kansas Food Bank will bring their mobile food pantry to Sedan tomorrow.

 The food bank will be at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds at 610 Park E avenue at 10am tomorrow and will be there until 11am or until supplies run out. Anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to attend. Guests will be asked to check-in with some basic household information. For more information, contact Ken at the Kansas Food Bank at 316-265-3663

 Montgomery County could be facing a fight with a Rural Water District.

 At this week's Montgomery County Commission meeting, Public Works Director Jim Wright told commissioners that the county is ready to begin work on Buckeye Street in Coffeyville south of the railroad tracks, but that Rural Water District #2C is dragging their feet on their part of the process.

Wright says the Water District only located their lines two weeks ago, which has pushed the start date of the project back from June 1^st to July 1^st. Since the project is funded by grant money, if it is not completed by a certain date, the county will lose the funding. Commissioner Robert Bever says there must be some course of action the county can take.

Commissioners decided that they needed to check what legal recourse they would have to convince the water district to move their lines.

In other business, commissioners also approved a solid waste plan from Matt Debo and heard about seized vehicles from Sheriff Ron Wade.

 At this week's Board of Osage County Commissioners meeting, Construction Manager for the Osage County Courthouse Annex Project, Dalton Higgins, gave an update regarding that work.

 He says despite some delays due to the wet weather that is nothing they didn't plan for and things are running smoothly.

Higgins says residents should start seeing signs of progress soon. 

Higgins said the guaranteed maximum price was signed with the contractor at 7.6 million dollars and nothing should compromise that. The project should be complete by July, 2025.

 The Nowata County Commission addresses two major items of business at this week's meeting.

 Commissioners Paul Crupper and Timmie Benson met yesterday (Monday) with Commissioner Troy Friddle absent. The first order of business was the combiners for the Radio Responders Project. Crupper says the project has been on hold for some time, but can now progress.

The Commissioners also signed a cooperative service agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service program for the upcoming fiscal year in the amount of $2400. The USDA-APHIS program aims to protect the health, welfare, and value of our nation's plants animals and natural resources. Money from the program is allocated through the eight districts evenly and is signed each year.

The commissioners will meet again next Monday at the Nowata County Courthouse Annex and the meeting is open to the public.

 Authorities identify the two men who drowned in a Wichita area lake over the weekend.

 The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office says 40-year-old Wesley Simmons was in the water at Lake Afton yelling for help early Sunday morning. Three nearby campers entered the water in an attempt to help him. 23-year-old Zachary Viramontez was the first to reach Simmons and was pulled under water by the panicked man. Neither Simmons nor Viramontez resurfaced. The bodies of both men were recovered from the lake late Sunday morning.

 The driver in a fatal crash involving a Barnsdall teen is in custody accused of DUI and first-degree manslaughter.  

 36-year-old Weston Lowe was arrested Thursday in Osage County. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said he was the driver of the vehicle that killed 15-year-old Tyson Townley in a May 4^th crash near Barnsdall. A 16-year-old and 21-year-old in the vehicle were also injured in the accident. 

Lowe, who also suffered serious injuries, faces charges of first degree manslaughter, child endangerment by driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

 A Delaware, Oklahoma, woman faces her fifth DUI charge in a Washington County Courtroom.

 36-year-old Samantha Majors was arrested Saturday evening in Bartlesville after failing several field sobriety tests. This is the third DUI this year for Majors, and her fifth in the past 10-years. Due to these factors, she was given a $50,000 (fifty thousand) bond and her next court date will be on June 21st.

 A Bartlesville man faces charges of aggravated assault.

 34-year-old Daniel Thurman was seen in Washington County Court yesterday, facing charges of assault and battery after two or more felony convictions. Thurman was arrested Sunday evening after being accused of striking and choking a woman at their home.

Thurman was given a $50,000 bond in the case and was ordered to have no contact with the victim.

 The city of Caney opens the search for a licensed bookkeeper.

 In special session last night, the bidding process was opened for anyone interested in the contracted position.

 City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the job would entail looking over the city's accounts and establishing a monthly treasurer's report.

 Zellner asks anyone interested to contact the city as soon as possible.

 The City of Caney will accept applications at City Hall, 100 West 4th Avenue, or applicants may also email a cover letter and resume to the City Clerk at cityclerk@caney.kscoxmail.com.

A big change is coming to South Coffeyville Public Schools this fall.

Students will no longer be allowed to have cell phones on the school campus. The decision was made at last night's school board meeting and Superintendent Daryl Pruter says that phones have become an increasing problem.

Pruter says disciplinary measures and policies will be worked out before school starts, but this policy falls in line with a bill working its way through the Oklahoma legislature.

Phones will still be allowed for off-campus trips. Parents needing to get a hold of their children during the day can call any of the school offices.

In other business, the board approved a release time religious education program for grades K-6th grade for the coming school year after the Oklahoma legislature passed a bill clarifying guidelines for such programs. Coaching staff were also rehired in addition to a new science teacher, and Pruter gave an update on the flooding and repairs in the elementary offices.

It's a battle of land and what can and can't be done on it in Labette County. District Two Commissioner Candidate LG Simmons says the county shouldn't be able to tell a landowner what they can or can't do with their land.

Simmons says zoning the county to limit what big corporations can enter will create more hoops for the average Labette County citizen to jump through.

Simmons says he doesn't think every company whether renewable energy or otherwise should be able to come into the county, but that it should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. He says they shouldn't open what he called Pandora's box of a one-size-fits-all with zoning.

 The Kansas Corporation Commission announces to public hearings for questions and comments on the Kansas Gas Service rate case.

 The first of two public hearings will take place this Thursday, June 13th, in Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology Main Conference Center, 5724 SW Huntoon, at 6pm. A second hearing will be held in Wichita next Monday, June 17th, Lowe Auditorium at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5014 E. 29^th St. North, also beginning at 6pm.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option through Zoom is available for both hearings to allow remote participants to comment and ask questions.  Zoom participants must register in advance on the KCC’s website  by noon the day before the hearing. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the KCC’s YouTube channel for viewing only with no registration required. Comments may be submitted on the KCC’s website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

Kansas Gas Service filed a request with the KCC in March asking for a rate increase in base rates of $58.1 million. If approved, the monthly average increase for customers would be between 8 and 11%.

The KCC will issue an order on the application by October 25.

 A proposed wind farm in the works for Delaware County, Oklahoma, draws mixed feelings from residents.

 The Rocky Hollow Wind Project from the company Steelhead Americas has plans to install around 55 wind turbines near Kansas, Oklahoma. The company says it has signed up 10 landowners already, but others aren't so sure about the proposed wind farm. Area residents attended a meeting late last week to consider questions about the project. Many had concerns about health impacts on both humans and animals and how those issues might be balanced by positive economic outcomes.

Construction is set to begin in 2028.

 Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a bill into law that will clarify religious guidelines for Oklahoma school boards regarding students leaving school for religious or moral reasons.

 This is something that parents have been allowed to do for several years, but Republican Representative for District 66 Clay Staires says getting a law on the books was important. 

Staires says this new law makes things clear and aligns with the U.S. Constitution. The new law, which will go into effect on November 1st, says students can't miss core classes for a religious course and caps the amount of time students can miss school at three classes per week, or 125 classes each year. That can also be left to the discretion of each school board, though.

 An 18-year-old Bartlesville man faces firearms charges after a May 20^th incident.

 Markell Scott is accused of waiting in an alley-way and ambushing the unnamed victim. He is also accused of punching the person in the face before pointing a pistol at them and threatening to kill them. Scott then fled the scene. Scott was given a $50,000 (fifty-thousand dollar) bond. His next court date is set for June 21^st.

 The City of Hominy wants to inform the public that a storm shelter residents have gone to in the past in the event of severe weather is closed until further notice.

 The Church of the Nazarene will not be open for severe weather emergencies until further notice. The City of Hominy reminds the public that the fire department and armory is not a shelter, as emergency personnel must have the ability to access their vehicles and equipment if a disaster does break out. 

Residents should make alternative plans.

 Residents in Independence celebrate the historic flight of a small primate.

 That's the sound of the miniature train at Riverside Park on Saturday as area residents turned out to the Miss Able Summer Blast Off. Attendees were able to ride the train and the carousel for free as part of the festivities that also included a Fun “Monkey”Run, a kids' obstacle course, and rocket launches on the oval.

The celebration was in honor of Miss Able, the rhesus monkey born in Independence, who – along with another monkey – became the first Americans to fly into space and return alive. Their historic flight blasted off on May 28, 1959. Just two years later, Astronaut Alan Shepard would become the first American human in space.

For those interested in the historic flight but missed the celebration, The NASA Exploration of Space Exhibit will be available for viewing at the Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum through Friday.

 Independence gets a chance to hear from their new Chief of Police.

 Residents in Independence got their first official introduction to new Chief of Police Dustin Stafford on Friday. Stafford spoke at First Friday in the Civic Center. Interim Police Chief David Hutchings introduced Stafford to those in attendance. Hutchings says the city's search for a new chief included many steps.

Hutchings took over after former Police Chief Jerry Harrison left in April to take a similar position in Missouri. He plans to stay on during the transition process until Stafford is ready to tale over his new duties. Stafford tells the audience that Harrison will be a tough act to follow.

Stafford will take over as Chief of Police on July 1^st.

 It was a scary few minutes for a family of six near Conway, Missouri, northeast of Springfield.

 The family was riding in their horse-drawn buggy after heavy weekend rains when they were swept into high waters and washed off the roadway on State Highway Z Z. The area has recently received nearly 3 inches of rain. The family of six, including kids and an infant, were able to safely escape the flood waters. The horse made it out safely as well.

 Two men were pulled from a Wichita area lake Sunday morning.

 Sedgwick County Deputies say a group of friends gathered at Lake Afton, west of Wichita for a birthday party on Saturday night. Members of the group say they heard someone yelling for help from the water around 1am on Sunday morning. Four members of the group entered the water in an attempt to save the man. The drowning man panicked and grabbed one of the the rescuers, forcing them both beneath the water. Neither man resurfaced. The bodies of both men were recovered around 11am yesterday.

No names have been released. The investigation into the incident continue

 A bear in the Independence zoo makes a break for it over the weekend.

 Yesterday, one of the three Siberian bear sisters at Ralph Mitchell Zoo decided zoo life had become unbearable and made an unsuccessful attempt to tunnel out of her enclosure. While the bear never made it out of the enclosure confines, she did manage to dig under the viewing platform and slip out of sight of staff for very brief period of time. Staff quickly responded to the situation, coaxed the bear back into the security of her pen.

Zoo staff have taken steps to reinforce the enclosure to eliminate any chance of a future breakout. For a brief time, staff cleared the zoo of all visitors and notified the Independence Police.

Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer stated that visitor safety is the zoo's top priority followed by the safety of the animals.

The bears will be off public exhibit for the next few days while staff make sure their enclosure is secure.

The newest vessel in the U.S. Navy's fleet pays honor to the Cherokee Nation.

Over the weekend, the U.S. Navy and members of the Cherokee Nation and christened the USNS Cherokee Nation, the Navy’s newest towing and rescue ship named in honor of all Cherokee citizens who served in the Navy and Marine Corps.

The T-ATS 7 is the second ship in its class and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The christening ceremony was held Saturday at the Bollinger shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. The USNS Cherokee Nation is about 10,000 tons and built for a crew of more than 60.

Once fully complete, the ship will play a critical role in the country’s national defense strategy, providing a wide range of missions including open ocean towing, deep dive, humanitarian assistance and wide area search and surveillance.

The Cherryvale Youth Fair is holding a Kiss the Goat Fundraiser for Deputy Justin Ward.

There will be donation jars for each participant setup during the fair, which is July 8^th through the July 12^th. There are two divisions of participants. Maggie Chandler, Alivia Kaiser-Edwards, Adyson Clubine and Trey Newby are in the Youth Exhibitor Division and Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade, Montgomery County Chronicle's Andy Taylor and CYF Treasurer Sharon Blaes are in the Adult Division.

The participant with the most money in each division will kiss the goat during the livestock show on Friday, July 12^th.  

 The Parsons Police Department has announced that one of the victims from Wednesday's house fire has died from her injuries.

 Police have confirmed that Krysten Vargas the mother of the four children who were in the house at the time the fire occurred passed away early Friday morning while in hospital care. She is the second fatality from the fire. An 18-month-old infant succumbed to her injuries on Thursday. A 7-month-old infant and a 4-year-old child remain in the hospital while a 6-year-old child has been placed in guardianship by the Department for Children and Families with a relative.

The fire occurred at a large residential structure on South 22^nd Street in Parsons on Wednesday afternoon. The family was helped from the burning house and given first aid by several good Samaritans before emergency crews arrived on scene. The four victims were transported by Med Flight to a Tulsa hospital that afternoon.

Parsons Police are working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Parsons FD and the Department for Children and Families (DCF). A search warrant was served on Thursday allowing investigators to search for and seize evidence at the fire scene. On going analysis by investigators continues.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have taken pictures or video of the fire to contact Parsons Police Lieutenant Sherri McGuire at 620-421-7060.

 Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that Baxter Springs is one of 12 communities and organizations will receive state funds for new public art projects.

 Baxter Springs will receive $7,500 from the Office of Rural Prosperity's Rural Mural Public Art Grant Program. The awards are specifically designed for communities with a population of under 15,000 people. Each project requires a one-to-one match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several projects plan to start in the next few weeks.

Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded 77 murals in 38 communities. 

 Governor Laura Kelly taps a Humboldt dentist for a state board.

 Governor Kelly announced today (Friday) that she has appointed Dr. Sean McReynolds of Humboldt to the Kansas Dental Board. Dr. McReynolds is a second generation dentist in the city of Humboldt, having joined his father Max in practice in 1990> He is a graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry.

The purpose of the state dental board is to adopt rules, issue licenses, and to conduct hearings to revoke or suspend dental licenses.

 The celebration of Miss Able's journey into space happens tomorrow at Riverside Park in Independence

 Miss Able was a 2-year-old rhesus monkey from Ralph Mitchell Zoo who, along with another monkey, became the first U.S. animals to fly to space and return alive. The celebration of the 65^th anniversary of their historic flight is tomorrow. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says things get underway at 9am with the unveiling of a new Miss Able sculpture at Monkey Island followed by a Fun Run to the oval.

The day's activities will be capped off with Movie Night in the Zoo and a 9pm showing of Space Jam.

 An agent for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Northwest Child Victims Task Force is injured while serving a search warrant on a northeast Kansas home.

 At around 6:30am Thursday, the Task force along with the KBI Cyber Crime Unit and the Rossville Police Department executed a search warrant for child sex abuse material in Rossville, just west of Topeka. One occupant of the home, 55-year-old John Ross became combative while being detained. During a scuffle, Ross bit a task force agent and broke the skin. The Task Force agent was treated and released. Ross was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries. He is currently in custody at the Shawnee County Detention Center on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction.

Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were found at the residence during the search.

 Authorities in Allen County have arrested a suspect in a string of thefts.

 The Allen County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday evening that a suspect in a a rash of thefts across several counties has been taken into custody. The crimes took place in Allen, Woodson, and Coffey counties and the Sheriff's offices in all three counties have combined their efforts along with other local and state agencies in an attempt to solve the case. No names or other details have yet been released.

 Authorities in Parsons are releasing new details about the house fire that injured four people on Wednesday afternoon.

 A woman and three of her daughters were injured in the blaze that began around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon in the 300 block of South 22^nd Street in Parsons. All four were taken to a Tulsa hospital via helicopter. The youngest of the three children – a baby – is now in the care of relatives. There is no word on the condition of the other children – ages 5 and 18 months – or the mother. A man and a young boy escaped the fire unharmed. Parsons Fire and EMS are lauding the efforts of several helpful citizens who assisted in getting the family members out of the house and administered first aid before emergency crews arrived on the scene.

The Kansas state Fire Marshal's Office continues to investigate the cause of the blaze.

There's good news for demolition derby fans this weekend.

The Brian Knisley Memorial Demolition Derby is on the way tomorrow.

The event, hosted by The Knisley Family, will include 3-Man semi-stock full Size teams and 2-man semi-stock compact teams as well as solo youth bonestock compacts.

There will also be a fireworks show and food trucks and vendors on site at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6.

To zone or not to zone that is the question circulating through Labette County.

There are at least nine different renewable energy industries interested in the county, including lithium batteries, wind and solar. Labette County Zoning Administrator Mel Haas says zoning is the best way to control these industries coming into the county.  Haas says the goal of county-wide zoning is not to control every aspect of the lives of citizens in the county.  

Zoning and the zoning board are not new for Labette County, both have been around since at least 2010 for zoning of the Great Plains Industrial Park. This current board has been in place since September 19^th, 2022 after being inactive since 2017. Commissioner Terry Weidert selected and appointed the five members of the board and the commission voted 2-1 to approve those appointments, with Commissioners Weidert and Lonie Addis voting yes and Commissioner Cole Proehl voting no. At the time, Commissioner Proehl said he voted no because he wanted public input on the members of the board.

The next public hearing of the Labette County Planning and Zoning Board is Monday, June 24^th at 6:00pm at the Parsons Municipal Building.

 The Allen County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who is a person of interest in a string of recent thefts.

 The thefts are under investigation by the Allen County Sheriff's Office, the Woodson County Sheriff's Office and the Coffey County Sheriff's Office.

The public is advised not to attempt to apprehend or detain any wanted person, as that person could be armed or be otherwise unpredictable or dangerous.

Anyone with information as to the location of this or any other wanted person, please contact the Allen County 911 Center at 620-365-1437, Allen County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or download and use the Crime Stoppers P3 Tips App at www.p3tips.com. You can remain anonymous.

 The Kansas State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police announces its endorsement of former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt in the Republican Primary for Kansas Second Congressional District.

 The organization cited Schmidt's commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement, and dedication to the well-being of the community as traits that make him an outstanding candidate. Schmidt says he greatly appreciates the support of the state's law enforcement community.

President of the Kansas FOP Amanda Wood said Schmidt's legislative initiatives and policies align with the core values of the organization, and said the Kansas FOP believes his leadership will greatly benefit the people of Kansas.

 Bartlesville has been recognized as a "Purple Heart City."

 The honor was presented Monday evening during the Bartlesville City Council meeting by Purple Heart Chapter 589 commander and state ambassador Mitch Reed in recognition of the city's dedication to supporting Purple Heart recipients.

Vice Mayor Jim Curd read a proclamation for the designation.

Commander Reed said he started this process of recognizing cities in northeast Oklahoma seven years ago. He says the designation of being a "Purple Heart City" is a true honor.

Earlier in April 2024, Washington County was designated as a "Purple Heart County" in a similar ceremony.

 A group of Bartlesville School Resource Officers (“SROs”) and Bartlesville Public Schools administrators attended the Oklahoma Association of School Resource Officers conference in Tulsa this week.

 The keynote speaker, Dr. Bernard James, noted the efforts of Bartlesville Public Schools and the Bartlesville Police Department in partnering to keep students and teachers safe.

Over the past two years, BPS has invested heavily in school safety. Each of the District’s nine school campuses now have an SRO designated to serve that site, with the high school having two. These ten SROs include Officer Michele McKinley, Officer Korie Plummer, Sergeant Ben Hollander, Officer Nick Replogle, Corporal Steven Letterman, Officer Hunter Tomlinson, Officer Levi Robertson, Officer Maggie Blevins, and Officer K.C. Jackson. The SROs are trained and employed by the Bartlesville Police Department and assigned to serve within BPS.

At the conference with the SROs was Bartlesville Police Chief of Police Kevin Ickleberry, Lieutenant Chris Mims, Director of Health and Safety Kerry Ickleberry, Executive Director of Special Services and School Programs Jason Langham, Hoover Elementary Principal Tiffany Holmes, Madison Middle School Assistant Principal Cheron Southwick, Ranch Heights Principal Chanda Myers, and Richard Kane Elementary Principal Tammie Krause.

Executive Director of Special Services and School Programs, Jason Langham, said, “Kerry and our team have done an outstanding job of growing our program and it was an honor to be recognized by Dr. James today at OKASRO.”

 The Kansas Legislature will return to Topeka on June 18^th by order of Governor Laura Kelly.

 The stated reason for the session is to address tax reform. However, another reason may just be to discuss efforts to lure the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to Kansas. Senate President Ty Masterson and house Speaker Dan Hawkins recently co-authored a letter to Chief's CEO Clark Hunt outlining a plan that could bring the NFL franchise to the Sunflower State.

State Senator Virgil Peck says he is wary of the proposition.

Peck says there are two things that concern him about the proposition.

His other concern is the proposed STAR bond that might be used to pay for the move. Peck says Kansas has used STAR bonds 16 times over the past few years and only 3 of those times were the bonds successful. Peck says it's worth looking into the possibility of bringing the Chiefs to Kansas, but he adds that they aren't going anywhere soon, so Kansas politicians and taxpayers alike should not rush into something everyone might come to regret.

 A 25-year-old woman who was in the custody of two Oklahoma county jails becomes pregnant and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections wants some answers.

 The woman was arrested in December and was being held in the Ottawa County jail in Miami on drug related charges. After a fight with another inmate, she was transferred to the Delaware County Jail in Jay. The woman claims to have had intercourse in a holding cell while in Delaware County with a trustee. A trustee is an inmate who has more access to areas in the jail than other inmates due to good behavior.

Delaware County Sheriff James Beck says the incident is under investigation. The pregnant inmate has since been transferred back to Ottawa County.

 The Fredonia City Water Department continues to chase and fix leaks in the system.

 Water Superintendent Justin Dodd says his department has been busy repairing leaks in the city water system. He told commissioners that a big part of the problem is that there is no map of the water system. Dodd says the map that was created a few years ago as a part of the city water project does not show the type of information his department needs.

Dodd urged the commission to consider the purchase of a device that would detect underground water pipes, but noted that the cost would be in excess of $10,000. Commissioners asked for cost estimates before any decision would be made.

In other business, commissioners voted to authorize street closings for the upcoming July 4^th celebration and for Sausage Fest in August.

 A Wednesday afternoon house fire in Parsons leaves four people injured.

 The fire occurred around 3:30pm yesterday afternoon when law enforcement and emergency responders responded to reports of a large house fire in the 300 block of south 22^nd Street. The house was completely engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived.

Parsons police say several citizens helped the occupants escape the blaze and rendered first aid until EMS could arrive. A woman and three children were injured in the fire and taken by helicopter to a Tulsa hospital.

One man – 35-year-old Jack Melton – was taken into police custody on an unrelated warrant for failure to appear.

The Kansas Fire Marshal's Office along with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are investigating the cause of the fire. Parsons Police are asking citizens who took pictures or video of the blaze to contact P-P-D so investigators can use those images in their investigation.

 A traffic stop in Fredonia on Tuesday evening leads to the seizure of methamphetamine.

 Fredonia Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle of 60-year-old Kevin Scott Pierce of Neodesha. During the stop, a K-9 officer alerted to the presence of drugs in the car. A search of the vehicle revealed more than 2 ½ pounds of meth, 20 grams of marijuana gummies, and 20 morphine pills along with drug paraphernalia. Pierce was taken into custody and transported to the Wilson County Jail. The incident is part of an ongoing investigation by the Fredonia Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff's Office.

More information is known ahead of Election Day in Wilson County.

County Clerk Kayla Busch revealed a full updated list of all citizens running for office that have completed the process to this point. A full list of current candidates for city and county positions can be found HERE.

The 2024 election includes two seats on the county commission, county clerk, commissioners in both Neodesha and Fredonia, and committeemen and women from both Republican and Democratic Parties.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting includes the approval of the purchase of 12 Culverts for slightly more than $17,000, to be used for road and bridge work following recent severe weather. The county courthouse is also receiving a new coat of paint, removing the previoius turquoise shade.

There will be no meeting next week. The Wilson County Commisson will meet next on June 19th at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the County Courthouse in Fredonia.

One teen is dead and another is critically injured in a single vehicle crash in Mayes County.

The fatality collision happened at around 6:30pm yesterday on North 440 Road, two-tenths of a mile south of East 422 Road, three miles west of Strang, Oklahoma. A 1999 Honda Civic driven by a 17-year-old girl was southbound on County Road North 440 when it departed the roadway to the right, traveling down an embankment, and striking several trees. The driver was pinned for about 30 minutes and was extricated by the Strang Fire Department. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were two 15-year-old female passengers in the car one was taken in critical condition by Life Light to Saint Francis in Tulsa with head, internal and arm injuries. The other was transported by MESTA EMS to Saint Francis and admitted in stable condition with head, internal and arm injuries. All three girls were from Pryor, Oklahoma. The Adair Fire Department and Mayes County Sheriff's Department assisted on the call.

 The city of Columbus has a new Chief of Police.

 Columbus has hired Kyle Clark as their new Police Chief. Clark is a lifelong resident of Cherokee County and has served as a Columbus Police Officer for more than a decade, reaching the rank of Lieutenant with the department.

Clark holds numerous law enforcement professional certifications, including credentials in crime scene investigation, verbal de-escalation, and narcotics detection. Chief Clark graduated from Pittsburg State University in December 2022 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies.

Clark takes over after the recent passing of Columbus Police Chief Jason Daniels.

 The Sedan City Council took care of several matters of city business at this week's regular meeting.

 First, the council approved the purchase of a variety of supplies for the city swimming pool. City Clerk Lana Robinson says there were several vital pieces of equipment that needed to be replaced.

The Sedan City Swimming pool opened for the season yesterday at 1pm.

In other business before the city council, there was a discussion of City Ordinance 871 which would establish a procedure for purchasing and procurement. Council members agreed to allow any expenditures for less than $250 be approved by department heads. Anything between $250 and $500 would need approval by the Mayor and all purchases above $500 would require the approval of the full city council. The city also voted to approve using the services of Jared, Gilmore & Phillips in putting together the 2025 budget.

The Independence Children's Summer Theater takes to the stage this weekend with the first of three productions slated for the month of June.

The theater group will stage a production of Haphazardly Ever After starting on Friday night. Volunteer Organizer Jennifer Lasater says it's a funny play that the kids have been working hard to bring to the stage.

This production will feature student-actors ranging from 10 to 18 years of age. Tickets for the performances are $10 for adults and $8 for students and will be available at the door. Lasater says all of the proceeds go right back into supporting children's summer theater.

All performances will take place at the William Inge Theater on the ICC campus. Show times are Friday and Saturday night at 7pm and a Sunday matinee at 2pm.

 Police in Lawrence take to the sky to catch a pair of thieves.

 Lawrence Police responded early yesterday (Tuesday) to reports of a pair of men breaking into cars and checking front doors of houses in the city's River Ridge neighborhood. When officers arrived on the scene, the two men fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. That's when officers went high-tech.

L-P-D used a heat-sensing drone to fly over the wooded area and locate the two suspects. An 18-year-old male and a 17-year-old male were taken into custody. Authorities say several items were stolen from cars, but they are not yet releasing the names of the suspect while the investigation continues.

 An 18-year-old Wichita man is sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for his role in a 2022 crash that killed two people.

 Javion Wimbley was sentenced yesterday in Sedgwick County District Court. H entered a guilty plea in March to two counts of voluntary manslaughter for his role in a February 2022 car crash. Wimbley was charged with firing shots into the car causing it to crash and killing 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery. A third person was injured after being ejected from the car.

Wimbley sentence will run consecutive to a juvenile court sentence for a total of more than 41 years.

 A Florida woman is arrested in Nebraska for election fraud in Kansas.

 47-year-old Jamie Johnson of Dade City, Florida, was arrested on May 29^th in Nebraska for allegedly forging signatures on petitions to have the “No Labels” Party officially recognized in the state of Kansas. Nebraska State Attorney General Scott Schwab has forwarded the case to Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

Johnson faces multiple counts of election fraud in Johnson County District Court. She currently awaits extradition to Kansas.

 The new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Independence has been approved by the City Commission, but residents along US-160 east of the city still have concerns about annexation.

 Over the past few weeks, the issue has made its way from social media to the Independence Planning Commission and then onto the Independence City Commission before winding up before the Montgomery County Commission at this week's meeting.

Despite assurances from city officials that Independence has no plans to annex the areas between the current city limits and the Bartlett Plant, residents once again voiced their concerns to the county. County commissioner Robert Bever told those at the meeting that Independence would need the county's approval for annexation and that the Montgomery County would not approve. Bever says he has no concerns about it.

Each of the three commissioners said they had attended at least one of the previous meetings held by the city. Commissioner Larry McManus says, once rumors begin to spread, they are difficult to stop.

Commissioners McManus, Cordray, and Bever all affirmed that they opposed any annexation.

 A Bartlesville man was arrested Monday on probable cause of violating a zone of safety.

 Christopher Sanders was arrested after being seen last Friday in Sooner Park in Bartlesville. Sanders was convicted of a sex crime in 2012 and is required to register as a sex offender. In the initial case, he was given a 25 year sentence with some suspended. The District Attorney's Office is expected to file a motion to revoke. Sanders was given a $25,000 bond.

 The Osage Nation held its election on Monday and five current members of Congress will retain their seats, while a Congresswoman who had previously held office has been re-elected.

 Unofficial election results show that Joe Tillman, Jodie Revard, Billy Keene, John Maker and Pam Shaw were re-elected. Maria Whitehorn, who had served in Congress in 2012 and 2016, picked up the sixth open seat. Tillman received the most votes out of the 16 candidates whom voters had to choose from. Just over 2,000 people voted in the election. Candidate wishing to challenge the results have until this Friday to do so.

 The City of Coffeyville announces it has opened funding request for community based programs for 2025.

 It has long been the practice of the city to allocate funds to community-based programs and activities that provide valuable services to the community of Coffeyville. Applications are due by July 5^th. Groups that would like to apply or anyone with questions can contact the City Clerk's Office during business hours at 620-252-6108 or visit the city's website at coffeyville.com

 The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board awards $11 million in grants to cities, counties, and school districts across the state. 

 The purpose of the Opioid Abatement grants is to fund treatment and recovery programs, assist with mental health issues, support opioid abuse education and prevention, among other efforts to decrease the supply of narcotics across the state.

Area groups set to receive funding include Mayes and Pontotoc counties, the city of Bartlesville, and the school districts of Bartlesville, Union, Pawhuska, and South Coffeyville. According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs In 2022, there were nearly 800 opioid-related deaths in Oklahoma,. Of those, fentanyl was responsible for 619 fatal overdoses.

Grants are to be distributed as soon as recipients return their award agreements.

 Primary elections for federal, state, and county candidates are scheduled for June 18, 2024, across the state.

 On Election Day, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting will be held Thursday, June 13, ,Friday, June 14, from 8:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday, June 15, from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

A list of early voting locations and the election list are available on the State Election Board website. You can find your polling place using the OK Voter Portal.

Voters are reminded that Oklahoma has modified, closed primaries.

CLOSED PRIMARIES

In order to participate in a party’s primary election, you must be a registered voter of that party – unless the party opens its primaries to Independent (unaffiliated or “no party”) voters. There are three recognized political parties in Oklahoma: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian.

For the 2024to 2025election years, the Democratic Party has chosen to open its primaries to Independents. The Republican and Libertarian parties have chosen to keep their primaries closed.

Independent voters who wish to vote a Democratic Primary ballot, must request a Democratic Primary ballot whether voting in person or by absentee ballot. Independent voters may not vote a Republican Primary ballot or Libertarian Primary ballot.

HOW PRIMARIES WORK

A primary election is held if more than one candidate from the same recognized political party files for a single office. Candidates who receive the majority of the votes cast for their office in their respective party’s primary election will advance to the general election. If more than two candidates file, and no candidate receives a majority of the votes, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will advance to the runoff primary election.

If candidates from only one recognized political party file for an office, the elected official will be chosen during the primary election or runoff primary election. (Primary election laws apply.) A general election will not be held. More information about primary elections can be found on the State Election Board website at https://oklahoma.gov/elections.html.   

Voters with questions should contact the WashingtonCounty Election Board at 918-337-2850or washingtoncounty@elections.ok.gov. The County Election Board is located at 401 S. Johnstone Ave., Suite 4. Regular office hours are 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., Mondaythrough Friday.

Ticks isn't just a catchy tune by Brad Paisley but also a pest everyone tries to avoid during the summer.

K-State Veterinary Entomologist Cassandra Olds says repellents, the type of clothes worn and checking for ticks after coming inside are all great preventive measures.

Olds says there is a proper way to remove ticks.  Olds says if a tick is removed, store it in the freezer for two weeks. This way if there are flu like symptoms within a couple of weeks the tick can be identified and tested.

***** Update 8:45 p.m. *****

We are actively monitoring severe weather as it moves into the area and will provide updates as needed on air.

Current watches:

IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS

ALLEN                 CHAUTAUQUA            ELK         LABETTE
MONTGOMERY            NEOSHO                WILSON      WOODSON

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF CEDAR VALE, CHANUTE, COFFEYVILLE,
FREDONIA, HUMBOLDT, INDEPENDENCE, IOLA, NEODESHA, PARSONS, SEDAN,
AND YATES CENTER.

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

Severe weather is possible later this afternoon for the KGGF listening area.

Storms are most likely after 2 p.m. into the evening hours and could include damaging winds and half-dollar-sized hail. Areas southwest of Tulsa will see the greatest chance of severe weather. If storms threaten the area, count on KGGF for complete severe weather coverage and sign up for text alerts to stay informed here.

 The next step was taken during last night's Caney City Council meeting for the water connection with Coffeyville, as the council agrees to a company for environmental study of the pipe route between the two towns.

 Caney City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the study is crucial to move the process along.

 Once the environmental tests are completed to the satisfaction of all parties involved, the process can move to design.

 Zellner says the process is always moving forward, even when it seems like it's standing still.

 Zellner says the best time to make the switch from water production to the Coffeyville water agreement is now.

 In other business, the city accepted bids for roof replacement of city buildings damaged by recent severe weather, and heard a presentation for funding from the Caney Historical Society and Museum.

 The 2^nd Annual Jacob Morse Memorial Jamboree is coming up on June 15^th.

 This year the event will take place at Veteran's Stadium in Coffeyville. There will be a car show with trophies for winners. The entry fee is $10 per car. There will also be a cornhole contest. The entry fee for that is $25. Organizer D.J. Morse says there will be many other activities as well.

There will also be live music, food trucks, and free games for the kids. A portion of or all of the proceeds will go toward a Technical Scholarship to Coffeyville Community College in honor of Jacob Morse who graduated from the welding program at CCC.

 At this week's meeting, Nowata County Commissioners awarded a bid for road oil then announced a surplus of a 2011 Sheriff’s Crown Victoria that was damaged during a tornado.

 Nowata County Clerk Kay Spurgeon announced three donations of food and electronics to the Nowata County Jail.

Commissioners also discussed a memorandum of understanding between the Sheriff’s office and Neighbors Building Neighborhoods in Muskogee. Spurgeon explains the memo.

Neighbors Building Neighborhoods of Muskogee offers services to area non profit agencies, training, and community based substance abuse prevention. The Commissioners will meet again next Monday at 9 am at the Nowata County Courthouse Annex. The meeting is open to the public.

 At yesterday's Board of Osage County Commissioners meeting, there was discussion to approve two payments for just over $62,000 that would be coming out of the bond reserve account.

 However, it commissioners soon realized that it was unclear as to where the funding would come from. County Treasurer Sally Hulse advises commissioners that the motion should be tabled until the issue is clarified. 

The Board will re-convene on the topic at next week's meeting.