A recent burglary at a home in Gas, KS, prompts the offer of a reward for information.

There is a $500 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the burglary of a home located at 13-23 2000 Street in the City of Gas in Allen County. The incident occurred on Friday, December 6, and included vandalism and damage to the property.

Anyone with information on the case, whether or not they want to be eligible for the reward, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or send a mobile tip using the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

It's New Year's Eve and that means many people will be out celebrating the coming of 2025.

The biggest party night of the year often involves drinking, parties, going out, and staying out late. For those with big plans tonight, it's always good to know how to celebrate in a safe and responsible way.

• For those planning on drinking to ring in the New Year, don't drink and drive. Designate a sober driver, plan to sleep at the home of the party host, or arrange for some other sober ride home.

• For those hosting a party, plan to have a way for your guests to get home safely or have a place for them to stay if they don't have a ride.

• Consider the safety of pets and their reactions to revelers and loud noises, Make sure pets are properly tagged and keep them inside.

• For those with kids who are old enough to drive, make sure they understand the rise in accidents on New Year's Eve and encourage them to stay in one place for the evening.

• If you must leave your car overnight, make sure to remove all valuables and leave it locked. New Year's Eve is the second most active holiday for car theft.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your cell phone with you and don't leave your drink unattended.

Enjoying your New Year's Eve celebration in a safe way will ensure it will be a memorable holiday for the right reasons.

Commissioners in Washington County, OK, are notified by the Department of Homeland Security of a security breach on the county's computer system.

Washington County Sheriff Scott Owen says he learned of the breach on Saturday.

Washington County uses an independent contractor called Blue Team Alpha to handle cybersecurity. Commissioner Mitch Antle says the county Information technology director told the contractor to find the breach and resolve it.

Antle says it was a low-security level breach with hackers potentially accessing a county account that had limited access to the network. He says the contract with Blue Team Alpha immediately resolved the issue and no confidential information was shared.

Antle adds that the system is safe, but there was one back door that was exposed. He says the contract with the current cybersecurity firm will be updated to cover this potential risk in the future.

Governor Laura Kelly orders flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.

Carter, who served as the 39^th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts and to advance democracy and human rights around the world. He and his wife, Rosalynn, helped build, renovate, and repair more than 4,000 homes as ambassadors for Habitat for Humanity.

Kelly called the former president a truly moral man who leaves behind a legacy of humility, a devotion to his community and country, and a belief that the world could live in peace.

Flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on January 28^th.

The Parsons City Commission holds a special meeting to finish up end-of-the-year business.

Monday's meeting opened with a budget amendment hearing and ended with a discussion of the need for economic development in the Labette County city. Commissioner Tom Shaw says Parsons is lacking in entertainment venues.

City Manager Debbie Lamb told Shaw that the city had been in contact about the theater with an interested individual, but that talks were still in the preliminary stages. Shaw also says that the city's issue with entertainment isn't just limited to the theater.

Mayor Eric Strait and Commissioner Kevin Cruise agreed that this was an issue citizens were concerned about and, though no action was taken at this week's meeting, it should garner more attention from the commission in the coming year.

Kansas grocery shoppers will see the sales tax on certain items at the grocery store disappear tomorrow.

Starting on January 1, 2025, the sales tax on some food items will go to zero. This is part of an ongoing tax plan signed in 2023 by Governor Laura Kelly that has seen the tax gradually drop from 6.5% to zero.

The Kansas Department of Revenue says the reduction applies to “food and food ingredients, and certain prepared food.” This includes foods such as eggs, bread, and fresh fruit. Non-food items will still be sold with a 6.5% sales tax.

This change only applies to state sales tax. Local city and county sales tax will still be applied.

A cement truck rollover causes traffic delays near Columbus.

The accident happened around 10am yesterday on Southeast Clem Road at the B-S-N-F railroad crossing, just east of US-69 in rural Cherokee County. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, as the truck approached the railroad tracks, its tires dropped off the edge of the road, causing it to roll. The cement mixer was loaded at the time and required a large wrecker to right the vehicle.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken by private vehicle for medical treatment.

A Bartlesville man is in jail on DUI charges for the second time in less than a year.

79-year-old Everett Hayes was taken into custody on Saturday evening on an alleged misdemeanor DUI charge and being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. 

On Saturday evening, Bartlesville Police officers were called to the intersection of Adams Boulevard and Virginia Avenue after reports of an individual being slumped over at the wheel of their vehicle. Once officers arrived, they observed Hayes having difficulty walking an slurred speech. Hayes then failed field sobriety tests. Two pills believed to be fentanyl were also found in Hayes's possession.

Hayes also faces another DUI charge from January. He is being held in the Washington County Jail on a $25,000 bond and his next court date will be January 8^th.

A 21-year-old Nowata man faces charges of domestic assault in Washington County.

Deontae Hicks is being held in the Washington County Jail in Bartlesville on two misdemeanor counts of domestic assault and battery after three separate incidents with the same female victim.

An affidavit states that on December 19^th, Hicks broke the victim's nose. Two days later, it is alleged that he struck and then bit the victim. The affidavit then states that on the next day, Hicks hit the same victim in the face again. Officers observed the victim had two black eyes, a bite mark and swelling around her eyes and nose. The female did have to go to the hospital because of the injuries she sustained. 

Hicks is being held on a $25,000 bond. His next court date is set for January 8^th.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering modernized sign in options with improved security for veterans who use the V-A's online services.

For those who access their health and benefits information online, the VA will require users to log in using one of two secure methods: either Login.gov or ID.me. Use of one of those methods will be required starting on January 31, 2025. The change affects all online VA platforms, including My HealtheVet, VA.gov, and the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. The purpose of the move is to improve cybersecurity and protect the personal information of the nation's military veterans.

Those who do not set up an account by the deadline will lose access to online services such as refilling prescriptions, scheduling appointments and making disability claims online.

What Veterans Need to Do

Veterans currently using My HealtheVet or VA.gov must take action before January 31, 2025 to avoid disruptions in access to these essential services:

• Create an Account: Choose either Login.gov or ID.me as your secure sign-in method.

• Verify Your Identity: Follow the prompts to confirm your identity using the tools provided by Login.gov or ID.me.

• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security by linking your account to a phone number or email for authentication.

Visit www.va.gov/sign-in-changes for step-by-step instructions.

A change to the operation of all-terrain and utility-type vehicles is coming in Coffeyville.

Starting Wednesday, Coffeyville residents wanting to drive their ATVs and UTVs on Coffeyville streets must register them with the Coffeyville Police Department. Registration and inspections can be done any day of the week from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Emergency Services Building at 1206 West 11^th Street. New inspections are $50. Owners must provide proof of insurance.

Vehicles may be operated on the streets within the corporate limits, except on any portion of 11^th Street, Northeast Street, State Highway 166, State Highway 169 or Walnut Street from the intersection of 11^th Street and Walnut Street and south to the City limits. Drivers can only use ATVs and UTVs between Sunrise and 9:00pm. This does not include golf carts.  More information here.

Bridge replacement work continues in Southeast Kansas.

Highway 75 traffic is reduced to one lane with signals at the site of the Cheyenne Creek bridge replacement project north of Caney. The bridge is being replaced one-half at a time, with completion of the new bridge expected during the fall of 2025.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says to slow down and drive with extra care through the work zone.

For those looking to start the new year outdoors, Elk City State Park is holding a First Day Hike on Wednesday.

There are two different hikes taking place that morning. The Green Thumb Trail hike start at 9:00am and is a one mile hike. At 11:00am is the Table Mound Trail hike, which is a 2.75 mile hike. They will meet at the Timber Road Shelter House for both hikes. There will be free First Day Hike shirts on a first-come first-served basis as well as coffee, hot chocolate and granola bars, courtesy of the Friends of Elk City State Park.

Hikers can walk at their own pace and can turn around at any point during either hike. The park office will be open for anyone with questions. A non-perishable food items can be brought as a donation but is not required.

The Montgomery County Commission approves a request for additional funding for the Motor Vehicle Office.

The original request for $53,000 in additional funding came at last week's meeting from County Treasurer Nancy Clubine. The request was tabled, meaning that commissioners would need to revisit the issue at today's meeting. Incoming County Treasurer Mandy Hargis appeared before the commission for the request. Commissioner Mike Cordray asked Hargis if there has been a push for more money from the state. Hargis says the state organization for County Treasurers has made the request.

Commissioners approved the request for more funds. In other business, one county employee will see an interim position become permanent in the new year. County Administrator Jonathan Booe asks the commission for their approval of the promotion.

Beurskins will officially take over the job on January 1^st.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and consider a request by the County Treasurer for additional funding for the Motor Vehicle Office.

Treasurer Nancy Clubine appeared before the commission last week and requested $50,000 in additional funding from the county. The request was tabled, meaning that commissioners will revisit the issue at today's meeting. County Administrator Jonathan Booe will also address commissioners regarding insurance premiums while Brandon Beurskins will be on hand for an update from the Public Works Department.

Today's meeting begins at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The meeting is open to the public.

State Representative Ron Bryce expects Medicaid expansion to be up for discussion again as the Kansas Legislature begins its new session on January 13^th.

Bryce, who represents the 11^th district that includes Coffeyville, Cherryvale, and parts of Independence, was recently appointed as the Vice-Chair of the House Health Committee by House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita). Bryce says that, as a practicing physician, health issues are of great importance to him. Medicaid expansion has been a major issue for Governor Laura Kelly and it will likely remain so in the new session. Bryce says his goal is to make healthcare work for all Kansans.

Around a half million Kansans are currently on Medicaid at a cost of nearly $5 billion. Bryce says the problem with expanding the program is that rural doctors and hospitals would benefit very little.

Bryce adds that currently rural providers are reimbursed much less than those in a population center for the same patient. He endorses a site-neutral approach to eliminate the discrepancies in reimbursement. Such a move could make rural areas more likely to attract doctors.

A weekend fire destroys an auto repair shop in Ramona, OK.

Fire crews responded to emergency calls around 5pm Friday night in the city located south of Bartlesville.  Fire departments from Ramona, Ochelata, Oglesby, and Owens, along with Washington County Fire Department and Emergency Management, arrived on the scene to find the building engulfed in flames. Firefighters had the blaze under control by 8pm. The building was deemed a total loss, but no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy Washington County Emergency Management

One man is injured when a small plane crashes near Parsons.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 26-year-old Michael Ribordy of New Strawn, KS, was attempting to land at a private grass airstrip just south of Parsons around 1:30 Saturday afternoon. As Ribordy made his approach in a 1992 Cozy Cub Fixed Wing plane, he clipped a power line, causing the small aircraft to nose into the ground. The pilot was taken to Labette Health with serious injuries.

The plane had taken off several hours earlier from the Coffey County Airport near Burlington.

A church in Anderson County in eastern Kansas is destroyed by a fire.

The fire occurred Thursday night at the Colony Community Church in Colony, KS, about 20 miles north of Humboldt. Pastor Chase Reibel stated in a Facebook post that the church building was a total loss, but that no one was injured in the blaze. The community held a prayer vigil for the church on Friday evening. The congregation met Sunday morning at the Colony Christian Church to discuss future options and plans.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Newton County, MO, officially has a new sheriff.

Matt Stewart was sworn in on Friday as Sheriff of Newton County. Stewart was elected to the office after winning the Republican primary in August and running unopposed in the November general election. Stewart had previously spent 20 years at the Joplin Police Department and retired as Chief of Police in 2020.

In addition to swearing in the new sheriff, Judge Kevin Selby also administered the oath of office to all Newton County deputies for their next term.

Sheriff Stewart’s term will begin on January 1.

Photo courtesy Newton County Sheriff's Office

Who needs fireworks when Mother Nature can provide a meteor shower?

Astronomy enthusiasts will have a great show in store for them this Friday morning as the Quadrantids meteor shower will peak in the hours just before dawn. The Quadrantids is one of four major meteor showers visible throughout the year in the night sky.

Those wanting to catch a glimpse of the meteor shower can do so just before sunrise on Friday morning. The area to watch will be near the Big Dipper. Peak viewing will only be for a few hours. The reason the peak is so short is due to the shower's thin stream of particles and the fact that the Earth crosses the stream at a perpendicular angle. During its peak, as many as 200 Quadrantid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions.

Quadrantids are also known for their bright fireball meteors. Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. 

The City of Miami, OK, and the Miami Police Department report an officer-involved shooting on Friday afternoon.

According to Interim Police Chief Todd Hicks, just before 4pm Friday, officers responded to emergency calls of an armed man under the influence attempting to break into an apartment at a Miami complex on C SE Street.

Three M-P-D officers made contact with 49-year-old Jason Wilkins who was armed with a large metal spike and who appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. Wilkins failed to respond to commands from the officers to drop his weapon. When Wilkins refused to comply, shots were fired and the suspect was hit. The suspect was taken to Integris Hospital in Miami where he later died from his injuries.

The Ottawa County District Attorney was notified, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been called in for further investigation.

The Kansas Highway Patrol releases Christmas holiday crash data.

K-H-P data for the Christmas holiday suggests fewer traffic infractions compared to the previous two years. During the reporting period from 6pm on Christmas Eve through midnight Christmas Day, there was only one fatal car accident on Kansas highways compared to 4 last year and 2 in 2022. that accident occurred on Christmas morning in Doniphan County in the northeast corner of the state.

Troopers also issued 227 speeding tickets, which is 50 fewer than last year and nearly half the number of tickets issued in 2022.

K-H-P also provided assistance to 218 motorists over the holiday.

The K-H-P along with local law enforcement will continue the New Year's Taking Down DUI campaign through January 2^nd. Troopers, along with the Galena Police Department will be conducting a sobriety check-point in Cherokee County on New Year's Eve. About 10,000 persons are killed each year in alcohol-related traffic crashes, averaging one alcohol-related fatality every 50 minutes. These deaths constitute approximately 29% of the total traffic fatalities. Law enforcement reminds Kansans planning to celebrate 2025 with alcohol to plan ahead and ensure a ride home with a sober driver.

The Parsons City Commission will hold a special commission meeting today.

On the agenda will be a budget amendment hearing to be followed by a discussion of end-of-the-year business. Today's meeting will begin at 4:30 in the Commission Room on the first floor of the Parsons Municipal Building, The meeting is open to the public.

To view the meeting online, go here.

The Cherryvale Police Department invites residents of southeast Kansas to voice their concerns about the safety of area roadways.

C-P-D in conjunction with the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission seeks input via the Safe Street 4 All Plan. The purpose of the plan is to create a strategy to identify solutions for eliminating fatal and serious injury accidents on southeast Kansas streets and highways. C-P-D cites the recent high number of fatal crashes on US-169 as an example.

Both groups are asking area residents to take a short, 10-minute, online survey about their travel needs and concerns in an attempt to protect all drivers and keep local communities safe.

To take the survey, go here.

 The Cherokee Nation has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for cleanup planning across multiple sites within the reservation.

 The grant is part of EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grant Programs, which help communities assess, clean up, and revitalize potentially contaminated properties.

 The grant will enable the tribe to conduct 25 Phase I and 10 Phase II environmental site assessments and develop three cleanup plans and one reuse plan.

 Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the EPA grant will help continue the commitment to being responsible stewards of the land while creating new opportunities for economic development within communities. He says that assessing and cleaning up the sites will continue to protect the environment and lay the groundwork for future development that will benefit Cherokee families for generations to come.

 Priority sites include properties in Skiatook, a 2.4-acre developed site in Bartlesville, the historic Citizen’s Bank building and former jail in Marble City, and a 15-acre undeveloped site near a former cold storage plant in Stilwell.

The project includes community engagement activities to ensure tribal citizens have input in the assessment and planning processes.

 More information has been released by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office concerning the investigation into the death of a Wichita man.

 Sheriff's officials were called on December 22 to a report of a deceased individual near the intersection of West Fountain Road and North Upward Lane in Joplin. When arriving, deputies discovered the body of 31-year-old Jacob Urban of Wichita. Urban was pronounced dead at the scene. 

 Fountain Road was closed in both directions for several hours by Jasper County deputies. Little information has been released during the initial investigation, which remains ongoing. Officials do say that there is no apparent threat to the public and foul play is not suspected.

 Jasper County Coroner James Harrison says there were no obvious signs of trauma during his initial observation. He says an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.

 The Oklahoma State Board of Education suspends a Wyandotte, Oklahoma teacher's certification after she is charged in federal court with child abuse.

 Special education teacher Jennifer Enyart, and her husband, Keith Enyart, were indicted in federal court on December 16^th on multiple child abuse charges involving their mentally disabled 15-year-old adopted son. Charges include neglect and assault with a dangerous weapon.

 According to the affidavit, there is evidence of taser marks on the victim's genitals. The juvenile told authorities a tasing incident had happened. Medical professionals note the markings are consistent with injuries related to abuse.

 The affidavit also shows the victim having visible wounds including bruises and loop-pattern marks, at the time the Enyarts were arrested.

Jennifer Enyart's appeal against her teaching certificate being suspended will happen in January.

 An accident yesterday afternoon sends a UPS truck into the North Fork of Spring River.

 According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident took place around 2:45 pm. at the intersection of N Highway and West Dade 183. The truck was traveling south on N Highway when its wheels dropped off the edge of the road. The driver then overcorrected. The truck left the roadway to the right at the edge of the bridge, crashing into the water and ending up on its side.

 The driver was uninjured. Packages were seen floating in the water.

 The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Golden City Fire Dept, and Dade County Cox Health responded to the accident.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a suspected child abuse case in Belleville.

 The Belleville Police Department contacted the KBI yesterday morning to investigate after an unresponsive three-month-old infant was transported from the Republic County hospital to an Omaha hospital. The child’s parents brought her to the Republic County hospital on Christmas Day, and hospital staff later contacted the Belleville Police Department.

 A pediatrician at the Omaha hospital indicated the child has no brain activity due to severe injuries she had sustained. At this time, the infant remains on life support.

 Belleville is located about an hour and a half northwest of Manhattan.

 The investigation is ongoing.

This year was the smallest yearly hike in grocery prices in six years, with prices up an average of 1.2%.

USDA Economist Megan Sweitzer says several things attributed to high prices from the last few years. Sweitzer says prices for 2025 should continue to trend in the right direction for the consumer.

Sweitzer says grocery store prices weren't the only prices that saw a decrease in 2024.  The 1.2% increase in grocery prices for 2024 was lower than the twenty year average at 2.7%.

Another dense fog advisory in in effect for Kansas and Oklahoma this morning.

The advisory will be in effect until 10 a.m. for Oklahoma and 11 a.m. for Kansas. Visibility less than ¼ of a mile is possible through all of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. Drivers may need some extra time and distance this morning while traveling.

The U. S. Department of Justice is suing two eastern Oklahoma District Attorneys over tribal jurisdiction in Indian Country.

The lawsuits were filed Monday against Matthew Ballard, who serves at District Attorney in Craig, Mayes, and Rogers counties, and Carol Iski, who serves in a similar role for Okmulgee and McIntosh counties.

The lawsuit claims the two attorneys have been prosecuting tribal citizens for crimes committed in the jurisdiction of Indian Country reservations, which the DOJ says shouldn't be allowed.

The suit lists three cases prosecuted by Ballard and four by Iski.

A new scam is circulating in Cherryvale.

According to Cherryvale Police Chief Jimmy Holt, the department has received reports of a new scam where a caller will state that you have won an amount of money and a new vehicle. They will then tell you that to get the money and the vehicle, you will be required to pay shipping on the vehicle. The department reminds residents that this is a scam and not legitimate. Anyone with questions can call the police department at 620-336-2400.

Christmas has come and gone, and many households with a real Christmas tree will be looking for ways to get rid of them. Kansas State University Forester Charlie Barden says some places are using those Christmas trees underwater.

Barden says that for those unable to find a pond to toss one into, leftover trees can be used as bird feeders or turned into mulch. In Coffeyville, real Christmas trees can be taken to the tree dump. The hours are Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm, and Saturday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.

The City of Neodesha will see a rise in utility rates in the new year.

The City Commission discussed the issue at their most recent meeting. The measure had been tabled at a previous meeting because Commissioner Emily Vail-Keller was absent. Vail-Keller was back in attendance at this meeting and says she has some issues with parts of the proposal.

Mayor Devin Johnson says part of the reason for the quick jump in rates is because it's been so long since the last increase.

Commissioners voted 2-to-1 in favor of the increase with Vail-Keller being the sole no vote.

Even with the new increase, utility rates in Neodesha are still well below the state average. City Manager Brogan Jones stated that the average customer will see about a 12% increase in their monthly bill. Jones added that any Neodesha customer who wants to see what the change in their bill will be, can contact him at city hall.

Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner addresses the U.S. House of Representatives for the final time.

LaTurner was joined by his four children as he spoke before the House last week. LaTurner spoke fondly of his parents and grandparents and of the role their struggles played in encouraging him to achieve. LaTurner says he has always tried to live up to their example and to our state motto.

LaTurner spoke about the hardships faced by his great-grandparents. He says that just three short generations later, he was granted the privilege of representing the Second District of Kansas.

LaTurner also thanked his colleagues, friends and family, and the people of Kansas. He ended by saying three words for the last time: “I yield back.”

LaTurner's seat will be filled by Derek Schmidt, who won the November general election. The new Congressman will be sworn in when Congress reconvenes on January 3^rd.

VFW Post # 1186 in Independence along with the efforts of Bobby Hise serve up fellowship and food for Christmas.

Turkey, ham, potatoes and gravy, green beans, and pie were on the menu yesterday in Independence and served 857 people. More than 35 volunteers provided more than 350 hours of work and took time out of their own Christmas celebrations to help those who might have otherwise spent the holiday alone or without a home-cooked meal.

The group served up 30 turkeys and 22 hams, topping their most recent efforts on Thanksgiving.

A big thank you to all who lived the spirit of Christmas yesterday in Independence.

The Coffeyville Police and Fire Departments help local kids have a Merry Christmas.

Thanks to the generosity of Coffeyville residents and local businesses, C-P-D a Coffeyville Fire had a successful Fill-A-Cruiser event to collect gifts for local children in need. The event allowed the first responders to help Santa Claus brighten the holiday for 194 Coffeyville kids.

C-P-D and Coffeyville Fire thanks everyone who helped make this Christmas special for Coffeyville kids.

A Bartlesville woman reported missing on Christmas Day has been found deceased.

Deputy Police Chief Andrew Ward confirmed late last night that 68-year-old Clara Jean Louis had been found dead north of the Oak Park area outside of the Bartlesville city limits.

Earlier on Christmas day, a Silver alert had been issued for Louis after she was reported missing from her home.

The Washington County and the Osage County Sheriff's Offices are conducting a joint investigation into the circumstances that led to Louis' disappearance and death.

The Osage Nation Education Department will begin offering a driver's education program in the new year.

The program is for enrolled high school students within the Osage Nation. The course is set to start in January and partners with the Safer Driving School in Hominy. The course will be held in Hominy.

Those wishing to participate in the program, should call the Osage Nation Education Department at 918-287-5300 or check the Osage Nation website for more information.

A Christmas Day collision claims one life in Doniphan County.

The accident occurred on K-7 in the northeast corner of the state around 8:45 on Christmas morning. A 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by 37-year-old Maria Keys of Bendena, KS, was traveling northbound on K-7 about 8 miles north of Atchison. Keys' vehicle went left of center and struck a southbound Chevy Suburban driven by 22-year-old Kace Keller of Troy, KS. Both Keys and Keller suffered minor injuries and were taken to Mosaic Life-Care in St. Joseph, MO, for treatment. A passenger in Keller's Suburban – 22-year-old Katlyn Folsom, also of Troy – sustained fatal injuries in the head-on crash.

Fog is expected to stick around this morning for the four-state area.

The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for the region which now includes all of eastern Kansas and Oklahoma as well as portions of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Visibility could drop below a quarter mile in areas. The advisory goes until 10 a.m. for northeast Oklahoma and noon for southeast Kansas. In addition, a marginal risk of severe weather is possible today for southeast Oklahoma, with the greatest risk extending further south into Texas, Louisiana and southern Arkansas.

As families start to put away recently received gifts, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office provides some tips to help keep them secure.

Break down boxes instead of stacking them near the curb for pickup, where they serve as a display of what items could be found inside the home. Take pictures of valuable items, such as firearms, including serial numbers, tools and jewelry. This will help law enforcement recover items in case they are stolen.

Remove any valuables from cars, especially at night, and make sure the windows are up and doors are locked. Doing this decreases the likelihood of someone rummaging through a vehicle.

A bright fireball spotted in the skies over Missouri and Arkansas over the weekend has been identified as a decommissioned satellite.

Astronomers say the satellite was launched by China in 2016 and decommissioned two years ago. It re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over New Orleans just after 10pm on Saturday night.

NASA says there are several old satellites unused, but still in orbit that will eventually fall back to Earth each year. Most of it will burn up as it falls through the atmosphere, leading to little risk to those on the ground.

This particular satellite was apparently operated by a private Chinese company.

City crews in Neodesha are getting ready for 2025.

City Administrator Brogan Jones says city workers have been busy cleaning up the city and making small repairs as 2024 comes to a close.

Jones added that the city employees are doing great work in making Neodesha look good for the coming new year.

At this week's Montgomery County Commission meeting, a county citizen appeared before the commission to ask why a county administrator was needed.

The citizen was concerned about the cost of the position and asked if the workload at the county level had increased to the point that the cost was justified. Commissioner Robert Bever says the position was needed because the county is responsible for a lot of taxpayer money.

Bever noted that, due to Open Meeting Laws, commissioners are not allowed to speak to each other when not in an open session meeting. The Administrator, however, is allowed to speak to commissioners. Commissioner Mike Cordray says he has seen a lot of improvement in communication since hiring a county administrator. 

Commissioners also added that an administration team is being assembled to improve efficiency and that the team may consist of up to five people who would answer to the county administrator.

A man who kidnapped and killed a Noel, MO, banker in 1989 is among the 37 federal death row inmates who has had his sentence commuted by President Joe Biden.

Shannon Agofsky and his brother Joe were convicted of kidnapping Dan Short from his Benton, AR, home in 1989. the pair then forced him to open a safe at the State Bank of Noel from which the brothers stole $70,000. the two then dumped Short into Grand Lake while he was chained to a chair. Short was still alive when he was thrown into the water.

Joe Agofsky died in custody in 2013. Shannon Agofsky was serving a life sentence for the Short murder when he killed another inmate while incarcerated in Texas. For that crime, he was sentenced to death.

Following the clemency action of President Biden, Agofsky will now spend the rest of his life in a federal prison.

The Altamont City Council hears about possible changes that could be made to the city revitalization plan.

At the most recent city council meeting, Labette County Appraiser Melody Kikkert was on hand to explain recent changes to the county revitalization plan. Kikkert says the Labette County Commission has made a few changes to the county-wide plan.

Kikkert says the county has also expanded eligibility for the program.

The county has also changed the minimum industrial investment to $50,000 while leaving the residential minimum at $5,000. The county plan will also transfer to the new owners with the sale of a home.

Council members discussed the new county plan and opted not to change the revitalization plan for the city of Altamont.

It's Christmas Eve/Day and, if you're celebrating the holiday, you likely have a Christmas tree in your home.

And, there's a good chance it isn't a real tree. Though many people choose a real, live tree for their holiday celebration, many also choose to put up an artificial tree. If you've ever put up a fake Christmas tree, you may wonder when, where, and how people began using artificial trees for the Christmas holiday.

If you've ever had a real tree, you might have an idea as to why the artificial tree market was born. Real trees lose their pine needles, causing a bit of a mess to clean up. They can also dry out and pose a fire hazard. Another reason is that during the early 1900s, over-harvesting of evergreen trees led to a shortage.

People in Germany began making fake trees from goose feathers in the 1880s. The first US patent for an artificial tree was issued in 1882 and the following year, customers could buy one from Sears & Roebuck for 50 cents. In the 1960s, a former World War II bomber pilot named Si Spiegel developed the modern artificial tree and was soon producing nearly a million of them every year.

Real trees have seen a resurgence and there are now 15,000 Christmas tree farms in the US, that sell around 30 million trees each year.

So which type is the best type of tree to have? The answer is easy … the tree you and your family gather around to celebrate every year.

Merry Christmas!

Brush Christmas tree from 1930s

Goose feather artificial trees

An Iola woman is lucky to be alive after being struck by a car while walking along US-54 in Allen County.

40-year-old Delana Capps was walking east along US-54 just west of Gas City around 9pm last night. She was approached from behind by a 2017 Chevy Equinox driven by 28-year-old Marlana Smith, also of Iola. The side mirror on the Equinox clipped Capps as the vehicle passed.

Capps survived the accident with only minor injuries and was treated at the Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola.

A police standoff at a Joplin residence Monday afternoon leads to an arrest.

Around 2pm yesterday, Joplin police responded to a residence after reports indicated that a wanted person was inside.

Officers set up a perimeter around the home and began the process of attempting to convince the suspect to exit the house. After tear gas was used, a female exited the residence just before 6pm. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment for exposure to gas.

The suspect Timothy Adams exited the house just after 7pm and was taken into custody on felony warrants in Barton and Jasper counties.

No one was injured in the standoff

The City of Pittsburg is reeling after a senior at Pittsburg High School loses his life in a single-vehicle car crash.

The accident happened yesterday evening around 5:45pm on South Rouse Street just south of K-126. 17-year-old Nathan Brown was driving a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe when his vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason. The car then struck a tree and caught fire.

Brown was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Pittsburg Fire Department, Police Department, Crawford County EMS, and the Kansas Highway Patrol all responded to the accident.

Oklahoma Attorney General's Office awards grant money to all Sheriff's Offices in the state.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office has awarded grant funding totaling $18 million to provide support for every county sheriff’s office in Oklahoma. The funding comes through a new program created by the state Legislature this year to enhance law enforcement services.

Grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 have been distributed to all 77 counties based on their total tangible property valuation. Funds will be used for sheriff's office operations including training, technology, equipment, capital improvements, stipends and more.

Drummond said the funds will positively impact all areas of the state by strengthening public safety for all Oklahomans.

The Montgomery County Commission approves a county cemetery for unclaimed burials.

At a recent county commission meeting, Coroner Anne Hoggsett spoke to commissioners about the issue of unclaimed human remains held by the county. Those burials had been taking place in Caney, but officials in that city told the county they had no more room for those burials. At this week's meeting, County Administrator Jonathan Booe says they have reached an agreement for burials at Highland Cemetery located west of Independence.

Anyone wanting a copy of the policy on unclaimed human remains may request one from the county.

In other business, the county tabled a request by County Treasurer Nancy Clubine for more than $50,000 in additional funding for the motor vehicle office until next Monday's meeting.

Students at Parsons Middle School hear an important message about bullying.

Parsons student took a break from holiday fun last week to hear an important message about bullying in school. Last Thursday, students heard from a parent who lost a child to suicide from bullying. Kirk Smalley lost his 11-year-old son after the boy took his own life after being suspended for defending himself against someone who had been bullying him for two years. Smalley has traveled the country and visited more than six thousand schools on behalf of the group Stand for the Silent. The group was formed in 2010 and addresses the issue of school bullying and teen suicide with an engaging, factual, and emotional conversation with students. Students were able to ask questions and get answers during the presentation.

As Christmas approaches tomorrow, several municipal offices are closed before, during and after the holiday.

The Independence City Hall will be closed today and tomorrow, but the Coffeyville City Hall will just be closed tomorrow for Christmas, although the Coffeyville8 customer service desk will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Trash schedules in Coffeyville and Independence will run one day behind starting on Thursday. A list of area office closings is available here:

Montgomery County Courthouse: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Coffeyville City Offices: Closed Christmas Day

Coffeyville Customer Service Office: Closed 25^th - 27^th

Coffeyville and Independence Trash will run one day behind schedule starting on Thursday.

Independence City Hall: Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Caney City Offices: Closed 23^rd - 25^th

Cherryvale City Offices: Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

The VFW in Independence hosts a free Christmas meal for those looking for food and fellowship during the holidays.

VFW 1186 is hosting a Christmas dinner tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until food runs out. The meal is dine-in or carry-out, and it is open and free to everyone who wishes to attend. VFW 1186 says to join them for Christmas cheer and great food.

They are located at 113 East Myrtle Street in Independence.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is preparing to track Santa for the 69th year.

NORAD will begin tracking Santa on Christmas Eve, alongside its primary mission of monitoring and defending North American airspace. Interested trackers worldwide can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to find out Santa's location, while the NORAD Santa Tracker website will showcase Santa's flight.  The Mighty 690 will also be providing live updates tonight starting at 6 p.m. on Santa's arrival.

The website also features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, a web store and more. The link to the Santa Tracker website can be found here.

A Saturday morning crash just north of Frontenac leaves a Joplin man with minor injuries.

23-year-old Jacob Swan was northbound on US-69 about tow miles south of the junction with K-47 on Saturday. Swan was following a 2002 Dodge Caravan driven by 48-year-old Aaron Rieck of Pittsburg. Rieck's vehicle slowed to make a turn and was rear-ended by Swan's 2003 Honda.

Swan was taken to a Pittsburg hospital with minor injuries. Rieck was uninjured.

As people begin their holiday plans this week, it's important to remember to travel safely.

Shawn Steward with Triple-A Kansas says there are several safety tips to help make your holiday road trip go a little more smoothly.

Steward says another important safety tip is to stay focused on the road.

Holiday travel can be a stressful time, too. Steward says, remember to relax and help the rest of the family relax, too.

Finally, as you hit the roads for your holiday gathering, remember to always buckle up.

The Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Celebration is coming up on January 24.

Chamber President Candi Westbrook says it will be a fun evening with a little fund-raising.

Register by January 8^th to be eligible for early bird pricing. Tickets are available through the chamber website.

The coming new year will bring another road construction project in Independence.

The city has plans to repair 10^th Street from Main to Laurel in 2025. City Engineer John Garris says, since the repairs are a C-CLIP or City Connecting Link Improvement Program, the project will mostly be paid for by the state.

C-CLIP is a federal and state-funded program that provides funds to cities to address deficiencies or improve a City Connecting Link on the State Highway System. Garris says the city is also close to completing another ongoing project: new water meters.

The city says the new meters will decrease leaks and give customers better knowledge of their water usage. Crews have been working to install the meters since the summer.

The Parsons Ministerial Alliance is having a free Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day.

Dinner will be served from 11am to 1pm at the First Presbyterian & First Christian Churches at 29^th Street and Southern Boulevard on Wednesday. Dine-in, Carry-out, and delivery services are available. Delivery must be requested ahead of time. Anyone who needs fellowship and a good meal on Christmas Day is invited to attend.

Four people are injured in a weekend accident in Woodson County.

The accident occurred on US-75, about 4 miles north of Yates Center on Saturday morning. 31-year-old Norma Orellanade-Hernandez of Rogers, AR, was traveling northbound on 75 when she slowed to allow a vehicle in front of her to turn. She was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind her, a 2019 Ford Explorer driven by 52-year-old Glenna Graham of Yates Center. Both women received minor injuries. Two passengers in Hernandez's vehicle – 34-year-old Julion Hernandez Martinez and 55-year-old Lucio Hernandez-Lopez – also sustained minor injuries.

All four were taken to the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington for treatment.

Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office help make Christmas a little brighter for area children.

On Saturday, deputies paired up with local children in need to help them shop for Christmas presents through the Shop With A First Responder Program. Kids, deputies, and store employees alike were all smiles as they browsed the aisles at the Coffeyville Walmart.

The Shop With a Cop program allows area kids to have a positive interaction with first responders in a relaxed environment while getting to experience a joyful holiday experience they might otherwise not have. The goal is to build trust and enhance understanding between first responders and the citizens they serve. The program is supported by fundraising and donations from businesses and the community.

This weekend’s event paired more than 200 children with a deputy for a fn, holiday experience.

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Authorities in Pontotoc County, OK, are investigating a double homicide in the City of Allen about 15 miles east of Ada.

Deputies with the Allen County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a suspicious incident at a home in rural Allen County on the night of December 17. When they arrived on the scene, they discovered 84-year-old Robert

Peliti and 70-year-old Jackie Peliti. Both had been severely injured. Jackie was pronounced deceased at the scene while Robert was taken to a nearby hospital where he later passed away from his injuries.

Agents from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation along with the deputies identified 42-year-old Richard Dewayne Chambers as a person of interest. Chambers was arrested and taken to the Pontotoc County Jail in Ada. Official charges are pending as the investigation continues. Chambers is also a suspect in a homicide in Midwest City last week.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to help investigate a death in Ringwood in Major County about 50 miles southwest of Ponca City.

Deputies from the Major County Sheriff’s Office were called to a Ringwood residence just before 9 last Wednesday morning. There they found 36-year-old Beatriz Reyna deceased. She was then taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in order to determine the cause and manner of her death.

After further investigation, authorities arrested 44-year-old Jose De Jesus Navarro-Ramos in connection to the death. The investigation is ongoing and the Major County Attorney's Office has not yet announced what, if any, charges Navarro-Ramos may face.

The Neodesha City Commission will hold a special call meeting today at 4pm.

On the agenda will be a discussion of utility rate increases and a consideration of Amendments for the 2024 budget.

Today's meeting takes place at City Hall at 1407 8^th Street. It is open to the public and can be viewed online via the City of Neodesha Facebook page.

The next regular meeting of the Neodesha City Commission will be Monday, January 13.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet to day in their last regular meeting before the Christmas holiday.

On the agenda for today is County Administrator Jonathan Booe, who is expected to discuss several items including budget assistance from the accounting firm Jared, Gilmore & Phillips, a resolution for cost of living and merit raises, and year-end transfers and the 2025 holiday schedule.

Also on today's agenda is County Treasurer Nancy Clubine in regards to the motor vehicle office and Donnie Collier, who will speak about the County Administrator position.

The meeting begins at 9am and is held in the Commission Room in the lower level of the Judicial building in Independence. The meeting can also be viewed on both the county website at MGCountyKS.com or on their Facebook page.

Multiple units respond to a rural structure fire in Montgomery County.

Dearing, Tyro, Independence Rural, Coffeyville, and Liberty Fire Departments responded to a fully involved structure fire in the 4300 block of Count Road 2800. According to those at the scene, the structure was a total loss, but no one was in the residence at the time of the fire.

*Photo courtesy of Snap Wild Photography*

A Craig County man is dead after his vehicle catches on fire after a single-vehicle crash.

The crash happened just before midnight Friday in rural Rogers County. A 1997 Dodge Ram, driven by 32-year-old William Hubbard, of Big Cabin, was on South 4300 Road about six miles east of Chelsea. Hubbard departed the road for an unknown reason and struck a tree.

The Dodge Ram burst into flames. Hubbard was found dead at the scene.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory issued on December 6^th for the City of Elk City public water supply system in Montgomery County

 The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system which could lead to bacterial contamination. Drinking water samples collected from the City of Elk City indicate no evidence of bacterial contamination. KDHE has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

A Wichita man is sentenced for his role in a 2022 incident that led to the deaths of two people.

23-year-old Brandon Prouse Jr. agreed to a deal in which he would plead guilty to aggravated robbery after initially being charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of 38-year-old Bonnie Galloway and 30-year-old Connor O'Callaghan in February 2022. As a result of the plea deal, Prouse was sentenced to 24 years in prison for the robbery charge and for previous probation violations.

The two victims were living in a shed when they were killed.

Another man, Justin Macormac was also arrested and charged in the case. Macormac was sentenced in September to 71 years in prison on charges of first-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and attempted second-degree murder.

The City of Independence continues to combat dangerous and unsafe houses in the city.

At last night's city commission meeting, another 11 houses in the city were examined to determine if their owners were willing to repair them. City Manager Kelly Passauer says the purpose of abatement is to repair and save unsafe buildings while removing those that continue in disrepair.

Those who have opted to repair their properties will be asked to update the commission on their progress in June.

In other business, City Engineer John Garris updated commissioners on current and upcoming public works projects. Garris says the work on East Main Street is nearly complete.

There will be a similar project on North 10^th Street from Main to Laurel slated to begin in 2025.

The Grain Belt Express transmission corridor continues through the regulatory process in the state despite the recent announcement by the Department of Energy that the project has been canceled.

The Grain Belt Express project was one of ten National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor projects recently canceled by the U.S. Department of Energy. However, the Kansas Corporation Commission which regulates public utilities in the state, says the status as a previously approved project has not changed and it is still moving through the regulatory process. In addition, without a Federal Corridor designation, State jurisdiction and approval processes remain intact for the Grain Belt Express and the KCC will continue to review any potential future projects.

The DOE’s decision also does not reverse the previously announced $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee awarded to the Grain Belt Express project on November 25.

A Hominy woman is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Osage County, OK.

The fatal accident occurred late last night around 10:15, when a 17-year-old male driver struck a pedestrian just north of the city of Pawhuska. The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Wendy Griggs. Griggs was taken to the Pawhuska Hospital where she died from her injuries.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The U.S. Senate passes a bill that will help efforts by the city of Bartlesville to get more water rights from Copan Lake.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 includes an improved purchase rate for Bartlesville to acquire Copan Lake water acres, decreasing the cost significantly for the city and improving water access for the community.

This legislation passed the House of Representatives earlier in December and is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford released a statement praising the passage of the bill saying he has worked for months to make it easier for Oklahoma communities to buy more water and upgrade water infrastructure.

The bill also benefits Sardis Lake, Lake Texoma, a levee project in west Tulsa, and infrastructure in Midwest City, Woodward and Stillwater.

The Bartlesville Water Resources Committee met Thursday afternoon to discuss the legislation and its potential benefit to the city in securing additional water rights in Copan Lake.

The State of Oklahoma carries out the death penalty sentence of convicted child murderer Kevin Underwood.

Underwood was executed by lethal injection and pronounced dead at 10:14 Thursday morning. Underwood was sentenced to die for the April 2006 killing of his neighbor 10-year-old Jaime Rose Bolin in Purcell, OK, south of Oklahoma City.

Underwood was the fourth inmate executed this year in Oklahoma and the 25^th nationwide.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond stated that Underwood's execution meant that justice was finally served for Jamie Bolin and her family.

The Coffeyville Police Department is set to receive grant funding through a partnership program from the State of Kansas and the U.S. Department of Justice.

C-P-D has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant or JAG Program. Governor Laura Kelly announced the grant yesterday, on behalf of the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The funds are part of $1.9 million in such grants dispersed between 26 agencies across the state in order to improve public safety. The JAG awards made to local and state agencies fund programs designed to reduce and prevent crime, assist with equipment and technology needs and provide crime victim services.

Elsewhere in the area, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Crawford County received a $148,000 award.

Milk production in Kansas was up last month compared with last year.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, milk production during November totaled 351 million pounds, up 3% from November of last year. The average number of milk cows was 181,000 head, 5,000 head more than November 2023. Milk production per cow averaged 1,940 pounds.

The Coffeyville City Commission receives an update on Montgomery County's South Buckeye project.  City Manager Ben Brubaker says they're just waiting on the weather.

In other business, the Commission approved submitting a RAISE Grant application with $1 million in matching funds from the City. Break and Run Billiards, which plans to open next month at 228 West 9th Street, was also approved for a 2025 cereal malt beverage license.

It will be a special weekend at Independence High School, as the newest three members of the USD 446 Hall of Fame are inducted and recognized.

Pack St. Clair, Sam Ford, and Marguerite (Keeley) Crump will be honored tomorrow night as the second annual Hall of Fame class for the district.

IHS Principal Kurt Seiler says the process to determine the hall of famers is a difficult one.

The inductees will be recognized during the high school basketball games against Pittsburg. Seiler says it is a special opportunity for the community.

More information on the Hall of Fame inductees can be found HERE, or by listening to the full interview with Seiler HERE.

Residents and City officials alike in Fort Smith, Arkansas, are voicing their concerns about a proposed nuclear waste facility near the city.

A group called Arkansas Nuclear Voice or A-N-V hosted a community forum in Fort Smith on Monday night where citizens and city leaders came out against the facility. A-N-V is one of 12 groups selected and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to find locations to store spent nuclear fuel. The D-O-E is looking to consolidate all US nuclear waste at one location on an interim basis until a permanent disposal solution can be found.

Fort Smith has been tapped as one of 25 possible locations for such a facility in the country.

Public Relations Manager for the City of Fort Smith Josh Buchfink (Buck-fink?) told those at the forum that the overwhelming majority of the calls and emails he has received on the issue are adamantly opposed to this type of facility coming to Fort Smith.

There will be a vote at the next meeting of the City Board of Directors on a non-binding resolution stating that the people do not want a nuclear waste storage facility near Fort Smith.

The Independence City Commission will hold its last regular meeting of 2024 tonight.

The city's abatement of dangerous and unsafe structures will continue at tonight's meeting as there will be public hearings on 11 structures up for condemnation in the city. Commissioners will also consider an amendment for the scope of work and budget for the Trident Partnerships Community Development Block Grant.

The meeting convenes at 5:30pm in the Commission Room at City Hall in Independence.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issues an executive order requiring all state workers to return to the office in 2025.

During the Covid pandemic, many state workers opted to change from in-person to remote work. Stitt stated that Covid changed the way the world did business, but that that time has passed and people employed by the state of Oklahoma who are still working from home need to get back to the office.

The Governor's order requires remote workers to return to the office by February 1, 2025, but does allow for agency executives to issue limited exemptions based on non-standard work hours, limited office space, or those who have roles where in-office employment is unreasonable.

Stitt stated that Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively and that returning to a traditional work environment is a critical step in achieving that goal.

A suspect in three homicides is in custody in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says a person of interest in three murders has been located and placed under arrest. The O-S-B-I says 42-year-old Richard Dewayne Chambers is connected to a murder in Midwest City and a double murder in Pontotoc County near the City of Allen, all of which happened on Wednesday morning.

A welfare check on Wednesday morning led to the discovery of the body of 62-year-old Annie Brown in her Midwest City home yesterday morning. An investigation revealed that Chambers had been living in the backyard of the home and had taken Brown's car. Chambers was taken into custody around 8:15am near Ada yesterday morning.

The water treatment plant in Arkansas City is back to its regular operations following a cyberattack on the facility in September.

The water treatment facility was the victim of a ransomware attack earlier this year that caused a temporary disruption to the system. Thanks to back up systems and manual controls , there was no disruption of service to customer.

After city officials were notified that the issue was caused by a cyber attack, they contacted Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the FBI. An investigation by those two federal agencies determined that no sensitive information was accessed or stolen.

The attack required some repairs and upgrades for equipment in the treatment plant. Those costs combined with the cost of investigating the issue will cost Arkansas City nearly $175,000. Fortunately, insurance will cover most of that expense, save for a $10,000 deductible.

A Tahlequah man is in custody after allegedly making threats against the Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI were involved in the investigation of a social media post leading the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service to arrest Sean Nordwall. Nordwall faces charges of threatening an act of violence against Chief Hoskin Jr that was made in a Facebook post.

An attorney for the Cherokee Nation said they take all threats of violence seriously. Nordwall will face the charges in a Cherokee Nation court.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight due to their regular meeting night falling on Christmas Eve next week.

On tonight's agenda is the possible approval of a grant application for a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity or RAISE. The grant application will also require commission approval to commit matching funds for the project. Commissioners are also expcected to approve the 2025 Fee Schedule for the City of Coffeyville and the purchase of some equipment for the Electric Utility.

Tonight's Coffeyville City Commission meeting happens at 6:30pm at City Hall and is open to the public.

It's a tasty breakfast with a jolly old elf.

This Saturday it's Pancakes with Santa in Cherryvale. Families can bring the kids for a tasty breakfast and then let Santa know what they want for Christmas and have their picture taken.

Pancakes with Santa happens Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 at the Cherryvale Community Center at 712 South Liberty Street.

Wilson County may soon be merging two rural water districts together.

The county is exploring possibilities to join District No. 5 and District No. 7 together. County attorney John Chenoweth says the location of the merger would be northeast of Fredonia.

Rural water district No. 5 has been providing water for Benedict for decades. County Coordinator Kris Marple says this has become more difficult in the last decade or so.

No action was taken, as the potential merger is being analyzed by the Mapping Department.

Additional items of business were updates from County Clerk Kayla Busch and Road and Bridge Director Kary Tatum. The commission will have a final 2024 meeting on December 27th at 10:30 a.m. at the County Courthouse.

Kansas state park permits are now available for purchase online and at state offices.

Annual vehicle permits allow unlimited entry to all state parks for $25 a year for Kansas residents and non-residents, with a discount of $13.75 for senior and disabled Kansas residents. Annual state park camping permits are also available, which cover all daily camping fees minus utility fees for $202.50 if purchased before April 1^st or after September 30. In addition, campsite reservations for the prime season between April 1^st and October 31^st will open tomorrow at noon for local parks including Crawford, Cross Timbers, Elk City, Fall River, and Wilson State Lake to name a few. A full list of permits and fees plus a link to purchase is available here.

A Parsons man and two juveniles are arrested in a robbery case.

Yesterday, Parsons Police Detectives were able to identify a lead for a person of interest in a robbery case. This lead led them to three suspects, who were questioned, and evidence was located to link them to the robbery. One of the three suspects was identified as 18-year-old Warren Lane Jungles. The other two suspects were also identified but are juveniles.

Jungles was arrested and is facing charges of aggravated robbery and contributing to a child's misconduct. The two juveniles were arrested and transported to Girard Juvenile Detention Center. They are both facing charges of aggravated robbery.

The investigation into the officer-involved shooting in late August in Coffeyville comes to a conclusion.

After a review by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Montgomery County Attorney’s office, it was determined that the actions of the officers were justified and consistent with department policy and state law. The investigation, which included dash camera footage, independent business video, witness statements and forensic evidence, confirmed that the officers acted in self-defense.

Officers were assisting the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with the execution of multiple search warrants. A traffic stop was performed in an attempt to execute one of the warrants. During the stop, the suspect struggled with Coffeyville police officers and attempted several times to gain control of an officer's firearm. That struggle ended with the suspect being fatally shot by an officer. These findings were independently reviewed and validated by the KBI.

Could there soon be a tiny home community in Independence?

Possibly, if one local man can make it work. Patrick Burden recently spoke before the Independence City Commission about his plans to construct a tiny home community in the city. Burden says the community is still in the planning stages.

Commissioner Dean Hayse says he thinks Burden's plan could be good for the city.

Burden says he is hoping to create the community on five acres of land in Independence.

Authorities in northwest Arkansas are investigating the discovery of human remains.

According to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, an unidentified human body was found north of Eureka Springs near West Leatherwood Creek on December 11. The C-C-S-O has not yet been able to identify the person. The body has been sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab in hopes of making an identification through the use of DNA testing.

A Derby man missing since November is found deceased.

The family of 33-year-old Kasey Estell says the man was found over the weekend. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported he had been missing since November 30. Police say he was found in Derby and that there were no apparent signs of foul play.

Estell's cause of death remains under investigation.

Parents and teachers in USD 402 Augusta are in shock this week after a school employee is arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a student on a school bus.

A school bus aide identified as William Wetzel of Augusta was taken into custody earlier this week after school authorities discovered security video footage from a school bus that allegedly shows the incident.

USD 402 Superintendent Matt Ward said in a statement that the district is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and that a review of other security footage suggests this was an isolated incident.

Wetzel is currently being held without bond.

A Chanute man is charged with the rape of a mentally deficient person.

55-year-old William McDonald Jr. was taken into custody on Saturday after the Chanute Police Department responded to reports of an incident over the weekend.

McDonald faces charges alleging sexual intercourse with a mentally deficient person.

Authorities have not released any further information in order to protect the identity of the victim.

The City of Altamont approves an agreement to purchase electricity from a Pratt solar farm.

The decision came at the most recent meeting of the Altamont City Council. The agreement will allow the city to purchase power from the

Ninnescah Flats Solar Project through the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency. Council member Lyle Sykes says the move is in the best interests of the city.

The 30-year agreement will allow the city to purchase up to 90 megawatts of power from the Pratt facility. The measure was approved by a unanimous vote.

A Tulsa man faces a felony charge of attempting to falsely obtain credit in a Washington County court.

Authorities claim that 64-year-old Tommy Hill used a false address in an attempt to claim a pre-approved loan intended for victims of the Barnsdall and Bartlesville tornado. On May 31^st, Hill was approved for a $2,500 loan using an address in Barnsdall.

When making contact with the City of Barnsdall to request utility records for Hill, the lending agent learned Hill had never lived at the listed address. The City of Barnsdall had no record of Hill being associated with a City water account.

Hill was given a $2,500 bond. His next court date is January 10.

An Oklahoma man is injured in a single-vehicle crash in Montgomery County.

30-year-old Gregory Smith of Welch sustained minor injuries yesterday in an accident at the interchange of US-166 and US-75 north of Caney. Smith's tractor-trailer overturned as he attempted to negotiate the curve on the interchange just before 7pm. He was taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center for treatment for minor injuries.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office will join other law enforcement agencies across the state in stepping up enforcement of DUI laws through the beginning of the new year.

The New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other holidays in a number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is impaired. Starting this Saturday, law enforcement in Kansas will be taking part in the New Year's Taking Down DUI Enforcement Campaign. Officers and troopers advise those celebrating this holiday season to plan ahead. Leave your car at home and ride with a designated driver or take other transportation services. If you are hosting a party, make sure everyone has a sober ride home. If you see what appears to be an impaired driver, please call 911,

Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade reminds drivers that if you are going to be using ANY impairing substance– don’t even consider driving. Arrange for safe transportation before going out to make sure everyone gets home safely.

The Kansas Department of Transportation unveils new updates and features for their KanDrive app.

The new features include the ability to send alerts about high winds, low visibility, and icy/snowy road conditions. The app will also give enhanced detour information and improve information available about work zones. There will also be more information available regarding over-sized truck locations along US-83 in western Kansas.

KanDrive already provides real-time travel information including road conditions, closures, camera/video footage and construction and detour information. The updates will also allow KanDrive to be used on Amazon Alexa and will integrate with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

KDOT encourages motorists to use KanDrive to plan trips in advance by visiting KanDrive.gov or download the app in the App Store or Google Play.

A Parsons man is arrested after driving into a home.

Sunday at around 2:55am, Parsons Police officers were dispatched to a crash at a residence in the 300 block of North 32^nd Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 2020 Toyota Highlander that had collided with the residence. The vehicle was unoccupied, but witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspected driver. There were no injuries to the occupants of the residence reported.

A search of the area was immediately initiated. At around 3:05am, a PPD officer located an individual running from the area of the crash near 29^th and Chess Streets. The individual matched the description provided by witnesses and was identified as 22-year-old Gavin Bolte. Further investigation determined that Bolte was suspected of operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol at over twice the legal limit. Bolte was arrested and is facing charges of DUI, interference with law enforcement, failure to report an accident, leaving the scene and other driving and registration related charges.

The Parsons Police arrest a suspect after a multi-crime spree, including assault and theft.

PPD officers responded to Forest Park after receiving a report of an altercation in progress. Upon arrival, officers found a female victim who identified a male suspect walking toward the south end of the park as her attacker. Officers located the suspect, who was identified as 54-year-old Jody Don Malcolm.

During the investigation, officers learned that the victim had reported her bicycle stolen. She spotted the bike at the park and attempted to reclaim her property. An argument ensued, during which Malcolm pushed her to the ground. He then retrieved a saw from his bag and swung it at the victim, causing her to fall over a park bench. Malcolm made death threats to the victim before he was interrupted by the sound of approaching sirens. He was detained at the scene, and officers conducted a search of his belongings.

Among his possessions were tools marked with the PRC logo, belonging to the Parsons Recreation Commission. Officers followed up with the PRC and uncovered surveillance footage showing Malcolm breaking into a storage unit and stealing the tools. While the investigation was still ongoing, the Parsons Villas also reported a recent burglary. Security footage revealed Malcolm stealing clothing, ornaments from a Christmas tree and other items from a common area. His arrest has successfully resolved several cases tied to his brief but wide-ranging crime spree.

Authorities in Okmulgee County, OK, have arrested two men in connection to the theft of several horses.

The Okmulgee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stan Williamson and Michael Whitehead for larceny of domestic animals following an investigation.

All but one of the stolen horses have been recovered for sale in another county.

A family in Sumner County is crediting a neighborhood dog with saving the life of an injured farmer.

Late last week, 84-year-old Ron Prochaska was removing the hay rack from the back of his tractor when his coveralls got caught in the PTO shaft. He was then pulled to the ground, injuring his arm and becoming stuck beneath the equipment.

A dog named Leo on a neighboring property heard Prochaska's cries and barked at his owner until the neighbor came outside their home. The dog then quieted so that the neighbor could also hear the farmer's faint cries for help. The neighbor then located Ron and helped free him from the machinery.

Prochaska's arm was so badly injured that medical personnel thought it might need to be amputated. However, that procedure was then found to be unneeded. Prochaska says he plans to get Leo and the neighbor some very nice Christmas presents as he continues to recover from his injuries.

Leo the dog

A Galena man is sentenced to Life with Hard 50 for the first-degree murder of a Riverton man.

50-year-old Billy Barker was found guilty in June for the murder of 27-year-old Levi Porter. Following a three-day trial, Barker was found guilty of first-degree murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and criminal carrying of a firearm. The fatal shooting occurred on April 18, 2023, in Galena.

The homicide investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Galena Police Department.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks wants to know who killed an elk in Pawnee County.

Authorities recovered the decapitated head of an elk in a culvert southwest of the city of Rozel over the weekend. While elk hunting is allowed in Kansas, it often only occurs in the area around Fort Riley. The state receives more than 900 applications for elk permits a year, while only issuing 20 to 30.

A local game warden says the head belongs to an elk recently seen in the Rozel area. Anyone with information on what happened to the animal is asked to contact the K-D-W-P.

Independence Community College hopes to name a new college president soon.

At last night's Board of Trustees meeting, Vice-President of Human Resources for the school Lori Boots presented a timeline for the hiring of a new president. Boots says application period for the position is set to close on December 31 and the hiring committee will then begin the process of interviewing candidates.

Boots stated that 24 candidates have applied for the position so far. The school plans to narrow the field of applicants and make a final decision by April.

In other business, Trustees approved $33,000 of previously budgeted athletic funds to allow the the ICC Spirit Team to attend the Universal Cheerleaders Association College Nationals at Walt Disney World in January.

The death of a man duck hunting in Harvey County on Saturday has been ruled an accident.

Authorities say 41-year-old Aaron Snook died from a gunshot wound early Saturday morning while hunting near the City of Burrton. Reports indicate that Snook and two others were inside a duck blind around 7am when another hunter's shotgun accidentally discharged, striking Snook. Snook was pronounced dead at the scene.

No foul play is suspected and the Harvey County Sheriff's Office has ruled Snook's death as accidental.

The U.S. Department of Energy cancels plans to establish an energy transmission corridor in Kansas.

The move comes just days after the federal government canceled a similar project slated for Oklahoma. The reason for the cancellation is opposition from landowners along the proposed route and the Kansas Congressional Delegation.

Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Congressman Ron Estes stated they had heard concerns from Kansans about the possible seizure of private property along the proposed route for the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor or NIETC.

Moran called the cancellation great news for farmers and ranchers, while Estes called the original plan a flawed proposal that showed disregard for private property rights. Estes sent a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm voicing his opposition to the project in August.

Estes' letter can be viewed here.

 The city of Caney reviewed their insurance in their regular session meeting last night.

 Overall, insurance rates decreased for individual city employees, however, rates for families increased. Mayor Josh Elliott says that current employees with families will not see a decrease in their pay in 2025.

 For future employees, the city will continue to cover the employee 100%, while spouses and children will be covered 50%. Elliott says focusing on current employees is important.

 In other business, updates were given on the water project and Caney Grocery, and three council persons, Valerie Hurd, Addie Traxson, and Debbie Wood, were recognized on their final council meeting during their terms.

 The full Caney City Council meeting can be viewed on the KGGF Facebook page.

One man is dead and another seriously injured after a crash on US-169 just north of Cherryvale yesterday evening.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 30-year-old William Gregory of Altamont was killed when he struck another vehicle head-on. Gregory was traveling southbound on US-169 when he passed several vehicles, before striking a Chevy pick-up driven by 27-year-old Cody Taylor of Parsons in the northbound lane of the highway. Taylor was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin with serious injuries.

KGGF Text alert subcribers were notified about this accident first - to sign up for free, click here.

The Cherryvale city boundary is increasing slightly.

At last night's meeting, the city council approved the annexation of city-owned property just west of 169 and north of Main Street. The property will be zoned as "business – highway service district" to enable future development.

In other business, the council agreed to schedule several work sessions, including one for land bank and budget discussion on Monday, January 6^th from 4 to 6 p.m. and one for grant writing and to discuss the dog shelter on January 20^th from 4 to 6 p.m. A special meeting will also be held on December 30^th at 6 p.m. for a budget amendment hearing.

The Montgomery County Commission approves the purchase of ten new vehicles for the Sheriff's Department.

The approval for the purchase of nine Chevy Tahoes and one police transport van came at this week's Montgomery County Commission meeting. Commissioner Robert Bever questions Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade about how many current vehicles the department plans to sell.

The total cost for the new vehicles is $702,000.

In other business, Emily Franks, Accountant from the firm of Jared, Gilmore, and Phillips reported on the 2023 audit of the County's finances. With the exception of a few minor issues, the audit results were clean. One area of concern for commissioners was in expenditures from the general fund. Those payouts increased by around $1million from 2022 to 2023.

The Board of Osage County Commissioners receive an update from the architect designing the Osage County Courthouse Annex.

AIP Architects Principal Matt Graves says he recently toured the site and things are running on schedule.  Graves says the expected completion date is still June 2025.

An Oklahoma State Senator wants to ensure that state elected officials are held accountable.

Ponca City Republican Bill Coleman plans to file legislation to amend Oklahoma's Constitution and allow for recall elections of state elected officials.

Oklahoma law only allows for impeachment in limited circumstances. Such proceedings are rare because many lawmakers believe it is inappropriate to overturn the will of the voters. Coleman says allowing for recall elections gives the Legislature another option that puts Oklahoma voters in charge of saying whether an elected official stays or goes. 

Coleman hopes to get this legislation filed before mid-January. If put into law, the measure would have to pass both chambers and also be approved by Oklahoma voters.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks along with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a fatal hunting accident that occurred early Saturday morning.

The accident occurred near the City of Burrton and the victim appears to have died from a gunshot wound.

Authorities have not released the victim’s name or any other details of the incident at this time. More details will be shared as they become available.

A motorcyclist is injured in a Sunday crash just southeast of Parsons.

25-year-old Charlie Basoco of Parsons sustained serious injuries yesterday when he struck the passenger side of a Chevy truck driven by 68-year-old Bennie Byrd, also of Parsons. Bosoco was traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on County Road 23000 when he struck Byrd, who was making a left turn into a private driveway. Bosoco was taken to Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Byrd was uninjured.

Authorities in McDonald County in southwest Missouri serve a search warrant that leads to the arrest of a convicted felon and a seizure of firearms and drugs.

On December 11, the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team served a search warrant on a home in Goodman, MO. After a brief standoff at the home, a female exited the residence and told deputies that her boyfriend, who was the target of the investigation, Larry McFarland was still inside the house. Investigators continued to call out to McFarland with no response. After about two hours, the S-R-T used a robot to gain access to and clear the house. Deputies found McFarland hiding under some clothes inside a closet. He was taken into custody without further incident.

While searching the residence detectives were able to locate six weapons and 39.43 grams of suspected meth. McFarland faces charges of Unlawful possession of a firearm, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and a Felony Out-of-State warrant with a $25,000 cash bond.

Prosecutors in McDonald County, MO, announce they are dropping the charges in a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed 59-year-old Michael Pruden on November 2.

The Prosecutor’s Office says the charges are being dropped due to false statements made by a McDonald County deputy in a probable cause affidavit. The affidavit stated that a serial number on a piece of debris left at the scene linked it to the suspect’s vehicle. However, the number that appears on the piece of debris is actually a model number that fits several other model-year vehicles other than the one belonging to the suspect. Prosecutors say that further investigation and evidence will be needed to pursue charges in the case.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to hear the results of the 2023 County audit at today's commission meeting.

Emily Franks, Accountant from the firm of Jared, Gilmore, and Phillips will be on hand to present the audit findings at this week's meeting. Commissioners will also hear from Sheriff Ron Wade, Undersheriff Christopher Williams, and Patrol Lieutenant Jeremy Hunsucker regarding 2025 patrol car purchases. Director of Coffeyville Electric Services Chris Weiner will also appear before the commission regarding a letter of support for the City of Coffeyville Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment or BEAD grant application.

Commissioners will also hear updates from Brandon Buerskins with Public Works and County Administrator Jonathan Booe.

Today's meeting begins at 9am in the lower level of the judicial center in Independence. The meeting is open to the public.

Parsons Police help make Christmas a little brighter for local children in need.

P-P-D held their annual Shop-With-A-Cop event yesterday afternoon, helping bring some holiday joy and much-needed support to local kids and their families. The Shop with a Cop program pairs children with local law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel to shop for holiday gifts, providing not only material support but also fostering positive relationships between youth and first responders. The event is an example of how collaboration and generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the community's youngest members.

The program was made possible through the generous support of Walmart, community member and business donations, funds raised at the Duke Mason Concert, and the newly established Parsons Police Department Legacy Fund. Launched this year, the Legacy Fund is dedicated to creating a lasting resource for the future of youth-focused initiatives in Parsons.

Deputy Police Chief Dennis Dodd stated that the event is about more than just shopping; it's about building positive relationships between officers and the citizens they serve.

To learn more about the Parsons Legacy Fund, go here.

The U.S. Department of Energy cancels the controversial energy transmission corridor that had been planned for Oklahoma.

The cancellation came late last week, just one day after State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and incoming Speaker of the Oklahoma State House Kyle Hilbert voiced opposition to the plan.

Known as the Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor, it is one of several proposed corridors across the U.S. intended to expand the nation’s power grid. It would have stretched from the western panhandle through the Arkansas border, measuring up to 18 miles in width along the way.

To view a copy of the letter sent by Drummond to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, go here.

Authorities in Cherokee County are looking for suspects in a vandalism incident that occurred at a cemetery in West Mineral.

The incident occurred at the Star Cemetery in West Mineral last week in which many headstones were knocked over. There is a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the vandalism.

The city is also organizing a volunteer clean-up effort at the cemetery on Friday at 8am. To volunteer to help, go here.

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a recall on holiday lighting sold by Walmart and Target.

The “Fast Track Recall” was issued on December 12 after the agency received multiple complaints about the device overheating, with one fire reported. The recall involves a decorative tree light controller that operates wirelessly to turn on holiday lights on a tree. The decorative controller contains two parts: a lever or a switch that can be pulled to turn the holiday lights on or off, and a separate white receiver that plugs into an outlet and into which the tree's holiday lights are plugged. The controller sold at Walmart and Cracker Barrel is shaped like a green, red and white peppermint candy with a candy cane on/off lever, and displays the words "Christmas Light Controller". The white wireless receptacle that is plugged into an outlet contains the words "Mr. Christmas.”

To read the full recall alert, go here.

For the first time in several years, a local performance unfolded from the Midland Theater stage over the weekend.

Here the sound of an original Dalton Gang comedy that was performed during “A Coffeyville Christmas Radio Program” that aired live on KGGF. About 15 local actors and musicians came together to perform the show, which took place for the first time last year at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Midland as work gears up on the auditorium, which is the final phase of renovations to be completed.

The program will be rebroadcast Christmas Day at 8 a.m. on The Mighty 690, and can also be heard HERE.

Photo by Cindy Price

The City of Independence is continuing its efforts to condemn dangerous and unsafe structures in the city.

At the most recent city commission meeting, commissioners voted to condemn half of the structures up for public hearing. The owners of those properties either have not responded to efforts to contact them by city officials or want the city to take the property into the land bank. Commissioner Dean Hayse says removing those structures from the city is important for public health.

However, the city also wants to save those houses that the owners want to repair. The owners of five other structures on the list appeared at the meeting to present their plans for repairing their properties. Those owners were given another six months to implement changes to the homes. Hayse says he's happy to see those homes saved.

The city plans to continue the abatement process on unsafe and dangerous structures in Independence.

Pictured: Dean Hayse, Tim Emert, and Scott Smith

**BREAKING NEWS**

At around 5:15 this morning, fire crews from Coffeyville, Tyro, and Independence Rural Fire responded to reports of a semi-truck on fire on US-75 just north of the intersection with County Road 3200 or just west of the Independence Airport.

Reports indicate that the fire spread from the big truck into a nearby ditch and was approaching a fuel tank. Heavy fog in the area has made efforts more difficult for first responders.

No injuries have been reported at this time. Drivers are advised to avoid the area of US-75 just west of the Independence Airport to allow emergency crews to handle the incident.

KGGF is broadcasting this year's Caney Christmas Parade.

The parade starts at 7:00pm tomorrow night and can be heard on Sonshine 98.9 KQQF and seen on the KGGF Facebook page. The broadcast of the parade is brought to you by Skyway Honda.

View the video of the parade HERE.

The Parsons Police Department is investigating a robbery outside the Pete's Convenience Store at 1430 Main.

The robbery happened at around 6:30pm yesterday and left a store clerk battered and shaken.  According to reports, two suspects entered the store pretending to be customers. The situation escalated when the suspects attacked the clerk after he followed them outside. The suspects punched the clerk and took his phone before fleeing the scene.

The department is reviewing surveillance footage from the store and surrounding areas and has increased patrols to ensure public safety. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The State Board of Education votes to close Kansas' smallest school district.

The district - located in the western Kansas town of Healy, about 40 miles northeast of Garden City - had only two students enroll this year, down from 20 last year. The community voted in November to dissolve the district due to the low numbers. Now, with the 9 to 1 vote of the State Board of Education, students in Healy will attend classes sixteen miles away in Scott City. That district will also now receive any taxes that would previously had gone to the Healy district.

A missing Missouri man has turned up in Syria.

29-year-old Pete Travis Timmerman of Urbana, MO, had been on a Christian pilgrimage when he was reported missing from Budapest, Hungary, in June. Timmerman said he was detained and imprisoned after crossing into Syria later that month. He was freed from a Damascus prison following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashir Al-Assad. Timmerman said he had been treated well during his captivity.

Photo courtesy Missouri State Highway Patrol

The City of Independence passes a new ordinance aimed at houses that may pose a health hazard in their neighborhoods.

The new ordinance would give the city the authority to vacate houses that are not connected to city water or city sewer. Assistant City Manager David Cowan says such homes are unsanitary and pose a health concern.

The new ordinance would give the owners or residents 60 days to make repairs or connect to the city. City Attorney Jeff Chubb says the conditions of unconnected houses makes it an issue of serious concern.

The ordinance was passed unanimously by the city commission and will give the city a new tool to combat the issue of dangerous and unsafe structures in Independence.

A Kansas man is arrested for felony DWI following a fatal crash in southwest Missouri.

36-year-old Crystal Emery of Asbury, MO, died Saturday following a car accident in rural Jasper County. Emery's vehicle was eastbound on Sumac Road when another vehicle driven by 20-year-old Malachai Doyle of Topeka pulled into her path. The collision caused Emery's vehicle to overturn, rolling through a barbed-wire fence and coming to rest on its roof. Emery was taken to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin where she later died from her injuries.

Doyle has been arrested and faces charges of felony DWI resulting in the death of another and failure to yield.

Several high-ranking Oklahoma officials express opposition to a proposed electric transmission corridor that would span the state.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Oklahoma House-Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert have both expressed their opposition to a 645-mile-long, 18-mile-wide electric transmission corridor proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy that would cross Oklahoma from the panhandle through the Arkansas border.

Drummond said the project threatens to harm Oklahoma property owners and offers no benefit to a net energy-producing state like Oklahoma.

Yesterday, Hilbert filed House Concurrent Resolution 1001, which vows to take all legislative action available to prevent the establishment of the corridor. Speaker Hilbert said he is committed to fighting against this NIETC designation and appreciates the support of his House and Senate colleagues who have already signed on as co-authors of the measure.

The Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor is one of several proposed corridors across the United States proposed to expand the nation’s power grid. It has not yet been finalized for development. A similar project has been proposed across northern Kansas.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cowley County Sheriff's Office have arrested an Ark City man on charges of rape and other crimes committed against a minor.

On Wednesday morning, agents and deputies arrested 40-year-old Brian Black at his residence in Arkansas City. The arrest stems from a 2023 complaint that Black allegedly raped a 16-year-old female.

Black was booked into the Cowley County jail and faces multiple charges including rape, sexual battery, and abuse of a child. His bond has been set at $500,000.

The Kansas Masonic Foundation announces a new community grant program for local non-profit organizations.

The Kansas Masons Local Community Grant Program awards grants to eligible non-profit organizations that benefit the geographical area of the Masonic Lodge requesting funding. Grants will be awarded at levels of $5,000 and $10,000. The purpose is to assist groups that fund initiatives related to community and economic development, education, public safety, quality of life, health and human services, and hunger relief.

All interested and eligible groups must apply online. Grant applications for each calendar year will be accepted from January 1^st through July 31^st with checks delivered by local Masonic Lodges by September 30^th of the program year.

To learn more or to apply for your non-profit, visit this link.

The Tulsa Farm Show continues through tomorrow at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

More than 400,000 square feet of exhibits are available and admission and parking are free. The show is produced by Midwest Shows and co-founder John Riles says the diversity of farming and ranching in the area makes for a unique event.

Midwest Shows puts on six farm shows around the country and the Tulsa and Oklahoma City events are their furthest south ventures. More than 350 exhibitors are at this year's show. The Tulsa Farm Show is open 9 to 5 today and 9 to 4 tomorrow.

A holiday experience continues to delight the whole family.  Christmas in the Hollow is open nightly from 5 until 8pm in Sedan through December 31^st.  It’s a true wonderland of holiday lights in the city’s Hollow Park.

In addition to the lighting display there’s free hot cocoa and cider and vendors with additional food items along with T-Shirts, crafts and Christmas ornaments.  Special events include art for kids, a Santa Rock treasure hunt and Santa in the School House tomorrow through next Saturday.

Just like Sia says, puppies or any other pet can be a big commitment long past the fun of gifting one during the Holidays.

Coffeyville Friends of Animals Becky Barnhart says it's important to build a relationship with an animal before adopting to see if it's the right fit.  Barnhart says anyone can sponsor an adoption as a gift or bring out their family and get to know an animal before picking one out.

When one door closes another opens, or in this case for Coffeyville, when one business closes another opens.

Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says Phelp's Hog Heaven is closing later this month.  Westbrook says the second business closing is the Pink Flamingo, which is also located on 11^th Street.

The Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for another new business that just opened its doors, Wilcox Bargain Center located on 8^th Street

Wilson County may soon be looking to revise the policy that allows for individuals and organizations to reserve space in the courthouse.

Currently, the basement of the courthouse is available for private gatherings for a small rental fee per day, along with an extra fee for kitchen usage. Public gatherings and meetings are free of charge to use the space.

County Coordinator Kris Marple says the policy hasn't been changed in a long time.

The courthouse recently received a request for a wedding reception booking in January, which the commissioners will decide upon at a future meeting. Marple says he believes it's time to ask for more money.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting included a new Midwest Computer approved for $1338 for Emergency Management Director Terry Lyons, as well as a conversation with representatives on the Sunflower Skies solar project.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the awarding of bids for construction projects in southeast Kansas.

Three projects in Elk County for mill and overlay along US-160 near Longton were approved. Those projects together totaled more than $3 million.

A mill and overlay project in Labette County, along US-166 starting at the Montgomery/Labette county line heading east to the US-59 junction was approved for $4.2 million.

KDOT also gave approval for asphalt surfacing of 21 miles of US-59 in Allen County from the Neosho county line north to the Anderson County line.

Projects in Crawford and Cherokee Counties were also awarded.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says it's once again the season for Post Office scams.

The scams often involve a text message from an unknown number indicating that the U.S. Postal Service requires a response regarding the delivery of a package. These texts are attempts by thieves to obtain personal information. Thieves may also pose as representatives from a government agency, bank, or other company to make their claims seem legitimate.

The U.S. Postal Inspector's Office and local Postal Officials remind residents that, while the Postal Service does offer free tools to help track packages, customers are required to register online or initiate a text message and provide a tracking number.

The USPS will NOT send customers text messages or emails without a customer first requesting their services with a tracking number. Legitimate texts and emails will also NOT contain links.

An inmate at the Lansing Correction Facility is sentenced following a 2023 attack on a guard at the facility.

41-year-old Justin Pierce was sentenced Friday for battery on a law enforcement officer that occurred on January 8, 2023. The charges stemmed from an argument between the pair in which Pierce struck the guard with his fist. Pierce was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the attack.

A traffic stop in western Kansas leads to the discovery of 45 pounds of methamphetamine.

The Seward County Sheriff's Office says the stop occurred Wednesday morning on US-54 near Kismet or about 17 miles northeast of Liberal. A deputy stopped a driver for a traffic violation and, during the stop, noticed several indicators of criminal activity. The deputy then conducted a search of the vehicle which led to the discovery of several vacuum-sealed bags containing a substance believed to be meth. The 48-year-old male driver was taken into custody and is being held in the Seward County Jail in Liberal.

The Sheriff's office has not released the suspect's name or specific details on the charges.

Authorities in Wichita are investigating two bank robberies that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Both suspects managed to escape with an undetermined amount of cash from each location.

The first robbery occurred just after 4pm at the Equity Bank location at Rock Road and Kellogg. The second robbery happened at the Intrust Bank at Harry and Webb Road. Police are uncertain if the two robberies are related.

Three people are in custody following an early morning standoff in Webb City, MO.

The incident occurred around 5:30 yesterday morning. The Jasper County SWAT team assisted with the Webb City Special Response Team in response. Officers surrounded the residence and began efforts to convince the occupants to surrender. Around 8:30, two males and one female exited the house and were placed under arrest. Authorities say the arrests were made in connection to an earlier incident in which two people were shot.

Following the arrest, officers obtained a warrant and searched the residence.

The City of Neodesha approves a new noise ordinance.

The measure was proposed at this week's city commission meeting. Noise hasn't necessarily been an issue in the city, but the new measure will be in place if it is needed. Chief of Police Sam Tomlinson says it's better to have an ordinance and not need it, than to need one and not have it.

The city commission passed the ordinance with a unanimous vote.

The City of Altamont is set to receive a nearly $5 million loan from the U.S Department of Agriculture.

The loan is part of $79 million program announced by the USDA to expand access to safe drinking water in rural areas. The funding allocated for Altamont will help connect 57 consumers and improve 38 miles of transmission line for Twin Valley Electric Cooperative. The loan includes more than $275,000 in smart grid technologies to improve service in southeast Kansas.

The USDA loans include 43 total states with eight going to locations in Kansas.

A three-vehicle accident in Greenwood County leaves multiple people injured.

The accident occurred Tuesday evening around 6:15 at the junction of K-99 and US-400, just north of Severy. A GMC Savana driven by 44-year-old Christopher Dunaway of West Baldwin, Maine, attempted to pull onto US-400 from K-99 when his vehicle was struck on the driver's side by a semi

driven by 72-year-old Danny Jackman of Moran. A vehicle following the semi driven by 73-year-old Enrique Fernandez of Rogers, AR, also struck Dunaway's car.

Dunaway suffered serious injuries and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. A passenger in his car 63-year-old Roberto Barrera of Toronto was taken to Eureka hospital with minor injuries. Three passengers in Fernandez's car along with Jackman also sustained minor injuries.

USD 503 Parsons schools receive approval for a grant to build a greenhouse for their growing horticulture program.

Students from the program made a presentation in November to the Grow Labette Committee about their desire to add a greenhouse to Parsons High School. The group agreed to provide funding for a 16 by 48 foot hoop greenhouse. The exact amount of the grant is currently unknown and acceptance of the funds will still require approval by the Parsons Board of Education and school administration. The horticulture program currently has a hydroponics lab that allows students to grow lettuce, Swiss chard and other leafy greens. A greenhouse will allow students to grow other fruits and vegetables they are unable to grow in the hydroponics lab due to their size or weight.

In other business, the board approved the hiring of a new PHS girls assistant wrestling coach, an evening custodian, and a Title One Aide. The board also approved the contracts for Superintendent Lori Perkins and Assistant Superintendent Jeff Pegues for the 2026-2027 school year as well as principal contracts for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Candlelit Tours at Coffeyville's Brown Mansion start this weekend.

Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says tickets do need to be purchased ahead of time.  Westbrook says getting tickets is super easy.  Tickets are $10 per person and a link to purchase them can be found here.

Tours will take place this Friday and Saturday Night and Sunday afternoon and next Friday through Monday December 20^th through the 23^rd.

Oklahoma's largest indoor farm show starts tomorrow in Tulsa.

The Tulsa Farm Show will run through Saturday and features over 400,000 square feet of exhibits. More than 350 companies will be featuring a full line of displays, including tractor, sprayer, tillage, harvest equipment, cattle management products and more.

In addition, there will be horsemanship clinics, livestock equipment demonstrations, daily $1,000 showbucks drawing, seminars by OSU Extension, plus KGGF Farm Director Ron Hays will be broadcasting our midday farm shows live from the show tomorrow here on The Mighty 690. A link to the interactive show map is available here.

Drivers near the Coffeyville refinery will notice a smoother ride.

According to the City of Coffeyville, the overlay project on 4th Street and Sunflower Street is now complete. This is a temporary fix as the City is actively applying for a U.S. Department of Transportation Grant to reconstruct truck routes.

A Family in Wilson County is named Kansas Farm Family of the Year.

Alfred and Taylor Crawshaw are among the ten families recognized across the state this year. The family was nominated by Wilson County Farm Bureau. The award recognizes outstanding Farm Bureau families who have distinguished themselves through participation in Farm Bureau programs and leadership, family activities, community and civic service as well as displaying good farm operation management. Families must also be actively participating in production agriculture, and Alfred says they keep pretty busy.

The Crawshaws received their award at the KFB annual meeting on Saturday. Taylor says it's an honor to be recognized and something they will treasure for years to come.

Taylor says she hopes the award will serve as an inspiration for others including their children Henry and Harlow.

The Caney Community Betterment Group asks Montgomery County for a share of tourism dollars.

Group President Jared Daniels spoke before the Montgomery County Commission to ask commissioners to direct Caney's share of county tourism money to their group. Currently, the county's four cities split tourism funding between them. Caney does not currently have a Chamber of Commerce, so their share of the money goes to the city. Daniels says this makes things complicated when it comes to using the money.

Caney and Cherryvale each receive 5% of county tourism funds, while Independence and Coffeyville each get 45%. That funding goes to the Chambers of Commerce in all of those cities except Caney. Daniels says his group is asking for that money to be sent to the Caney Betterment Group because they are functioning as the city's Chamber.

Commissioners agreed to the proposal but said they would need a letter from the City of Caney showing its support for the group in order to re-direct the money.

Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker sent a letter to city employees Tuesday concerning a recommendation he will be making to Commissioners at the next Commission meeting on December 19^th. 

Brubaker will ask the Commissioners to reconsider the city’s recognition of the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act.  The Act governs employee union recognition by the City.

The full letter sent to employees can be seen below.

Dear Coffeyville City Employees,

I want to share some thoughts with you directly regarding an upcoming recommendation I am giving to our City Commission about reconsidering the city’s recognition of the Public Employer-Employee Relations Act (PEERA). This is a decision that could have significant impacts on our organization, and it’s important to me that you understand the reasoning behind this proposal.

First, let me express my deep appreciation for all the hard work each of you puts into serving our community. In my short time as City Manager, I’ve been laying the ground work to implement changes across our organization. While these efforts have been minor, I think they have been positive, and I believe there are broader changes yet to be implemented that will continue us down a path of success and that will benefit all employees and our city as a whole.

My goal is to create a high-performing city organization—one that values innovation, efficiency, fairness, and consistently prioritizes the employee experience. While unions have historically played a role in representing some of our employees, I believe our current system under PEERA creates challenges that hinder our ability to reach these goals. Let me explain how this change could be beneficial to both employees and the city:

Challenges Under the Current System

1.         Inconsistent Representation: Not all employees in a union have equal representation, not all employees pay union dues, and some positions simply are not eligible for representation. In addition, those chosen to represent a union may not have the training or resources available to truly represent their co-workers at the negotiating table. This creates disparities in workplace policies, access to resources, and overall equity leading to potential challenges in fostering team cohesion and ensuring fairness across the organization.

2.         Constraints on Innovation: Current union contracts often limit the ability to adapt job descriptions or processes to meet changing needs. This can stifle creativity and prevent employees from doing their best work. For example, rigid job descriptions may restrict employees from contributing to areas where they could excel, ultimately hindering both individual and organizational growth.

3.         Barriers to Performance-Based Recognition: The current system lacks recognition and rewarding great work, effort, or exceptional service to the public. Employees who go above and beyond—whether through innovation, exemplary teamwork, or outstanding customer service—often do not receive the recognition they deserve under these constraints.

4.         Administrative Complexity: Managing four separate union contracts and an employment manual adds layers of bureaucracy that consume time and resources. This reduces leadership’s capacity to focus on initiatives that could improve employee experience, enhance services, and streamline operations. Negotiating can lead to an us vs them mentality and benefits held back to use as leverage later vs rewarding now. 

5.         Limits on Managerial Effectiveness: Great managers are essential for creating an environment where employees thrive. However, union constraints often dilute managerial authority, making it harder for leaders to address performance, offer meaningful recognition, or implement changes that benefit their teams. A system that empowers managers to lead effectively benefits employees by fostering growth opportunities, fair treatment, and a positive work environment.

6.         External Influences on Municipal Operations: Involvement of external, non-city union representatives can lead to decisions driven by private agendas rather than the unique needs of Coffeyville employees, citizens and city operations.

7.         Costly Processes: Negotiating with multiple unions results in high legal and administrative costs, diverting funds that could be invested in employee training, benefits, or other enhancements.

8.         Resistance to Change: Efforts to modernize processes or implement tools that could improve efficiency and employee satisfaction are often met with resistance due to contractual limitations. For example, introducing flexible clock-in policies through new systems has been hampered by contract agreements, preventing employees from enjoying greater flexibility in their schedules.

The Proposed Path Forward

If the Commission decides to no longer recognize PEERA, my intention is to implement policies that ensure fair and equitable treatment for all employees while maintaining transparency and accountability. Many of these policies I will request become bound by ordinance or charter ordinances. A charter ordinance is more difficult than a regular ordinance to repeal. Some of these proposed changes include:

•          Compensation Increases: I would change the effective date of current negotiated pay increases to January vs the employee’s anniversary date.  

•          Performance-Based Incentives: Establishing employee performance evaluations and end of year compensation programs tied to individual and team achievements.

•          Market-Driven Pay Scales: Regular market salary reviews to ensure competitive wages.

•          Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA): Annual adjustments to address inflation consistently.

•          Employee Advisory Committees: Creating platforms for employees to voice concerns and provide input on workplace policies. This would create an official city recognized advisory board made up of employees voted in by their peers. 

•          Grievance and Disciplinary Transparency: Maintaining clear processes for addressing issues. Most of the current contracts address this and can be kept. I hate the word discipline. I think we are all adults and that we should be treated as such. Mentorship, coaching, training, and expressing clear expectations should be the first steps in any conversation about individual performance. 

•          Minimum Staffing: Maintaining appropriate minimum staffing levels in public safety departments. 

This transition would not happen overnight. It would require careful planning to ensure that employees’ rights and benefits are protected during the shift and I am committed to making that happen. In addition, a new level of manager training would need to be implemented. Nonrepresented benefits derived from union membership can continue. Many of these organizations allow for continued membership and access to benefits even without direct representation at the city.    

Why Make This Change?

Coffeyville residents want greater value from the City Manager and the City Commissioners. They want a higher level of service. Past administrations have failed at providing this. How do we provide citizens higher level of services? We become a high performing city organization. My vision for Coffeyville is a city government that operates efficiently, rewards excellence, and provides a fulfilling work environment for all employees. Exiting PEERA would remove barriers to innovation and collaboration, creating an organization where all employees feel valued and heard and can produce their best work more often. 

I understand that change can be unsettling, and I am committed to listening to your feedback throughout this process. My hope is that, together, we can build a stronger, more unified organization that better serves our employees and the community.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Coffeyville. I look forward to working with all of you to navigate this potential transition thoughtfully and collaboratively.

Ben Brubaker

The Ninth Annual Fill-A-Cruiser event is this weekend in Coffeyville.

Police Chief Kwin Bromley says the event has grown from helping 15 to kids to 190.  Chief Bromley and Organizer Sarah Bromley say most of the requests from the kids come from a place of need instead of things they might want.

The Coffeyville Police Department and Fire Department will be set up at Walmart from 10:00am to 4:00pm to drop off donations to the fill the cruiser. Bromley says any money donated will be used to purchase items off the kids' wish lists.

A house is slightly damaged in a midday structure fire.

This morning around 11:50, the Coffeyville Fire Department was dispatched to a possible structure fire at 411 S. Lee in Coffeyville, which is just south of Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Nearby Atmos Energy workers called in the fire, reporting visible smoke. Coffeyville Fire Chief Mike O'Connor says the fire was put out quickly.

O'Connor says no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A first grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary has been nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year.

USD 446 is nominating two educators for the award, with the secondary education teacher to be announced at next month's meeting. Eisenhower Principal Dustin Woodward introduced the first nominee from the district.

Bloomfield has been a first grade teacher for 16 years, and completed a lengthy application process to be considered for Teacher of the Year. She says it's a career achievement she won't forget.

Additional items of business at the December School Board Meeting was conversation with Lacey Lies regarding a potential future partnership with the Independence Sports Complex, with no action taken. There was also updates regarding district calendars and non-residential applications from Superintendent Jason McAfee.

The USD 446 Board of Education meets on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Independence High School. The next meeting will be January 13th.

A recent mistake on property tax statements mailed to residents in Montgomery County is a topic of heated discussion at this week's Montgomery County Commission meeting.

The error in question was a typo in the dates on several columns on the statement. The amount of taxes due on the statements was correct.

County Treasurer Nancy Clubine tells commissioners that the main reason for the error was that her office was in a hurry to get the statements out.

Clubine adds that technical issues made the problem worse.

The cost to re-print and mail corrected statements to taxpayers would be nearly $22,000 dollars. Commissioner Robert Bever says the county must make things right with citizens.

Commissioners decided to send out the corrected statements. The revised statements will be printed in black and white instead of color.

A single-vehicle car accident in Adair County, OK, claims the life of a young mother.

21-year-old Mariela Gonzalez was traveling on US-62 near Westville, OK, when she failed to negotiate a curve, striking a ditch and causing her Jeep Liberty to rollover.

Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene. A 10-month-old infant in the vehicle was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, will host a live telephone town hall event for all Oklahomans this evening at 6 p.m. During the call, Mullin will provide a quick legislative update before opening the phones to take questions from constituents.

The dial-in number is (855) 614-0277

Note: Due to the anticipated size of this event, all participating Oklahomans are encouraged to dial into the telephone town hall at least 5-10 minutes early to get connected. 

The town hall will also be available via live stream on Mullin's Facebook Page.

The USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer School Board had a lengthy discussion at last night's meeting regarding choosing an insurance provider for the district's buildings and property.

Superintendent Travis Githins says the Board had three options to choose from.

After much consideration the board decided to remain with their current provider E-M-C Insurance. Board members agreed it was the best financial option for the coverage the district requires.

In other business, Board members heard a first reading of Proposed policy updates from the Kansas Association of School Boards and also approved the re-establishment of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Cherryvale Middle School.

The Grinch is alive and well in Hutchinson.

Three people have reported separate incidents of the theft of Christmas decorations from their yards in the Reno County city. Police say this kind of crime isn't uncommon during this time of year and can happen not only in big cities, but in small towns as well.

Police suggest marking outdoor decorations with a permanent marker or even attaching an Apple Air Tag to them.

A Saturday morning fire in Crawford County leaves one person dead.

Crews responded to the fire in South Radley around 7 on Saturday morning. Witnesses say a female resident and two dogs were found deceased in the ruins of the house. Authorities have not yet been able to positively identify the victim and the remains have been sent to Kansas City for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

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

Pawhuska City Manager Jerry Eubanks was in Kay County District Court on Friday and gave a no-contest plea to three felony charges, this according to online court records. Eubanks pleaded no contest to embezzlement of property, obtaining property by trick or deception and conspiracy. 

Court documents show Eubanks received a five year suspended sentence on the condition he comply with two years of supervision by the District Attorney's Office. Eubanks must also pay more than $33,000 in restitution. 

The case stems from 2022, when he was working for the City of Blackwell. Eubanks also has an ongoing felony embezzlement case in Major County. He is scheduled to make an appearance in court for that case on Friday. 

Three southeast Kansas groups receive state funding for tourism.

Two Bourbon County groups and one in Cherokee County have received Attraction Development grants from the State of Kansas to aid in enhancing tourism in the area.

T.E. Freeman Studios in Fort Scott received a $25,000 grant. The company specializes in creating custom-made sculptures. Another Fort Scott attraction that serves students and educators through history projects, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes received $6,300.

Cherokee County also received a $25,000 grant.

The purpose of the grant program is to develop new  existing tourism attractions in the state that will create economic impact through job creation, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation. The overall goal is to bring new visitors to Kansas.

A Skiatook man is killed when his motorcycle is struck by an oncoming vehicle.

19-year-old Andrew Shay Havens was traveling eastbound on OK-11 near Avant on Friday, December 6^th, when his motorcycle struck an oncoming vehicle while negotiating a curve. Havens was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle and a passenger were both uninjured.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

A juvenile is injured in a single-vehicle accident in Cowley County.

The accident occurred just after 8pm last night on US-77 about a mile north of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line, south of Ark City. A 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by 44-year-old Rhaman Morris of Ark City was traveling south on US-77 when his vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle then rolled twice as it entered the ditch and came to rest in a field.

Morris had no apparent injuries, but his passenger – a 16-year-old female – sustained serious injuries and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program opens applications for the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature that begins in February.

The program is open to 11^th and 12th-grade students across the state of Oklahoma and gives students the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government. Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative session and will assist representatives and staff with tasks and participate in the House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber.

Hotel accommodations and chaperones are provided for all students. Pages are transported to and from the State Capitol daily and are closely supervised.

To learn more or for an application, follow this link.

The main road through Chetopa will close tomorrow night for the city's Christmas parade.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, US-59 and US-166 will close from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night for the event sponsored by the Chetopa Chamber of Commerce. Traffic will be detoured using Cherry Street for the eastbound traffic and Mulberry Street for the westbound traffic. Police officers will be used to direct traffic. Parade organizers say this year's marshalls are Terry and Audrey Robison. After the parade, attendees can enjoy treats from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Mae Lessley Community Building.

A recent mistake on property tax statements mailed to residents in Montgomery County is a topic of heated discussion at this week's Montgomery County Commission meeting.

The error in question was a typo in the dates on several columns on the statement. Columns were listed as being from 0224 and 2025 instead of from 2023 and 2024. The amount of taxes due on the statements was correct.

County Treasurer Nancy Clubine told commissioners that the main reason the for the error was that her office was in a hurry to get the statements to taxpayers in a timely manner. Clubine said she had hoped to get the numbers from the County Clerk's Office on November 1^st. However, that did not happen until November 7^th. Clubine went on to say that issues with a sorting machine and a printer in the Treasurer’s caused a further delay.

County Clerk Charlotte Scott-Schmidt defended the Clerk's Office by saying that the totals for Montgomery County were ready by November 1^st, but that her office also has to wait for mill totals from surrounding school districts, some of which are not in Montgomery County. Those districts were late, which then caused Montgomery County to be late.

When asked how much it would cost the county to re-print and mail corrected statements to taxpayers, Clubine stated it would be nearly $22,000 dollars.

Commissioners decided to send out the corrected statements.

Photo: County Treasurer Nancy Clubine and County Administrator Johnathan Booe speak before Commissioners Mike Cordray and Robert Bever. Also pictured: County Clerk Charlotte Scott-Schmidt

The Council of the Cherokee Nation approves extending its motor vehicle compact with the State of Oklahoma.

The approval comes after months of negotiations between the two entities. The compact means the Cherokee Nation will continue to issue tags for both in-reservation and at-large Cherokee citizens.

Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin Jr. stated that he was pleased that the state recognized the benefits for both parties to continue the collaboration.

Since 2002, the compact has generated nearly $258 million in funding for services such as public schools, roads, and law enforcement. The new compact will take effect on January 1^st and will last for a term of ten years.

Coffeyville Police are warning residents of a new scam circulating in the area.

The scam comes through the mail and appears to be a letter from Walmart. The letter then instructs the victim to deposit a bogus check included in the letter and use the money to purchase prepaid gift cards at Walmart for the sender of the letter. The victim is told they can keep the money left over for themselves. The letter then asks for pictures of the cards to be texted to another number. The scammer then redeems the cards and the original check bounces.

C-P-D reminds residents, to beware of scams, especially in the holiday season of giving.

Authorities in Fort Smith, AR, say a weekend accident has left one adult male dead.

The vehicle-pedestrian accident occurred on Saturday.

So far, police have released no more information on the accident except to confirm that the victim was an adult male.

More details may become available as the investigation continues.

One woman is dead following an early morning house fire in Bartlesville.

On Saturday morning, Bartlesville Police and Fire were called to the 100 block of Southwest Penn for a house fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found a deceased elderly female inside the residence.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The victim's identity has not yet been released.

Two people are dead following an accident at a Catoosa, OK, business.

The accident involved crane materials and occurred sometime in the overnight hours last Thursday night/Friday morning. Both victims were working at the facility overnight and were discovered by the morning crew around 7am Friday.

The names of the victims have not yet been released and the business will remain closed while the deaths are investigated.

A deadly weekend on Kansas highways sees four fatality crashes that claim a total of six lives.

The first accident occurred on Friday morning around 6:30am on US-56 in Rice County, about 20 miles north of Hutchinson. That single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Gabriel Herron of Kansas City.

A second Friday morning accident happened around 10:30 on US-160 at 14^th Street in Harper. A Ford F-150 driven by 49-year-old Joseph Bailey of Kingman side-swiped a light pole and barrier before rear-ending a semi and then striking another vehicle. Bailey sustained fatal injuries in the crash, while the drivers of the other two vehicles were uninjured.

Another fatal accident occurred just after 5am on Sunday when two vehicles collided head-on while traveling on K-4 just north of Topeka. Both drivers – 28-year-old Dylan Harvey of Topeka and 33-year-old Gavin Royer of Valley Falls – died in the crash.

On Sunday evening around 5:30pm, a two-vehicle accident on K-15 about 20 miles northwest of Junction City, claimed the lives of 56-year-old Deanna Hess of Clay Center and 53-year-old Lisa Stevenson of Salina. A minor female passenger in Stevenson's vehicle was seriously injured and taken to a Salina Hospital for treatment.

The Parsons Police Department says a big thank you to the community.

This weekend’s Main Street Christmas Concert featuring the Duke Mason Band raised $4,000 to help support P-P-D’s Shop with a Cop Program. The department’s prior fundraising along with a $5,000 grant from Walmart means P-P-D has raised nearly $14,000 for the program.

The Shop with a Cop Program pairs police officers with local children in need to help them select Christmas gifts for their families that they might otherwise not be able to buy.  The program aims to foster positive relationships between police officers and the community, while also bringing joy to children who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season.

Photo: Duke Mason Band performs on Saturday night.

The Independence High School and Middle School Chess Clubs are holding a holiday House or Yard decorating contest fundraiser.

Entries are open to residents of the City of Independence, with cash prizes for the top three winners. Judging will be done by chess club members on December 15 and December 19 between 6 and 9pm. There is a $25 entry fee.

The Chess Club currently has 17 high school members and 4 middle school members. Students get together once a week to play chess, learn new moves, and challenge each other. Some students plan to participate in the K-S-C-A Chess Tournaments in southeast Kansas, and are working towards going to the Kansas State Chess Tournament in Emporia in March 2025.  This fundraiser is to help pay for entry fees for tournaments.

To enter, follow this link.

Dense fog can slow down this morning's commute.

A dense fog advisory is in effect this morning for most of eastern Kansas, Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Some locations may see visibility reduced to less than a quarter mile at times. Drivers should prepare for the possibility of longer commutes. If you encounter fog this morning, slow down, use low-beam headlights and leave extra distance ahead of your vehicle. The fog is expected to lift by 9 a.m.

Police in Tulsa are looking for the owner of a pig found wandering on a highway median.

The animal was discovered on Saturday afternoon near the intersection of Utica and the Broken Arrow Expressway. Authorities say the animal had visible road rash and they believe it may have escaped from a vehicle traveling down the highway.

Anyone who thinks they recognize the pig should contact Tulsa Animal Services.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and the main topic of discussion will be the recent mistake on tax statements sent out by the county.

Commissioners will hear from Andy Taylor on the recent error on real estate tax statements sent out to county residents. Montgomery County issued a press release on Friday to apologize to taxpayers for the error. County Treasurer Nancy Clubine will also appear at today's meeting since her office was responsible for sending out the statement.

Also on today's agenda is Jared Daniels with the Caney Community Betterment Group.

The Montgomery County Commission meets at 9am in the Commission Room in the lower lever of the Judicial Center in Independence. The meeting is open to the public.

Montgomery County issues an apology for sending out incorrect real estate tax statements.

A press release issued on Friday afternoon stated that the section in statements that were sent to residents titled YOUR MILL LEVIES was labeled with the wrong dates. The columns labeled 2024 and 2025 should actually be 2023 and 2024. The section to the right of that labeled YOUR TAXES has the same error.

The county says it understands that the error may have caused confusion but that the mistake does not affect the amount owed. It also does not mean people who have already payed submitted the wrong amount. The county is working to send out the correct information as soon as possible.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office at (620) 330-1100

Frustration.  That’s what the 7th ranked Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens felt falling 31 - 0 to the 6th ranked Navarro College Bulldogs in the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl.  The Ravens were frustrated throughout the game by their own mistakes and officiating.  Hostility between the teams was evident from early in the game.

Navarro led 17 – 0 at the half opening up the scoring early after blocking a Red Raven punt on their second possession and taking it into the end zone for a touchdown.  The Ravens only bright spot on offense in the first half fell short when a 36 yard touchdown was called back after a holding penalty. The Bulldogs scored again in the second quarter after a 96 yard touchdown drive that was helped significantly by 5 Red Raven penalties.  Navarro added 3 more just as time ran out in the half with a 41 yard field goal. 

On their first offensive series in the second half the Ravens moved the ball as close as the 1 yard line of Navarro before losing a fumble, the aftermath of which resulted in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties by both squads.  Navarro made it 31 – 0 with touchdowns late in the third quarter and early in the fourth.

The game was called with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, due to lightning in the area. The decision was made by the school's athletic directors and bowl game director Jack Welch.

Coffeyville finishes the first season under Nick Dobler at 9-3, and co-KJCCC conference champions.

Here's the sound of the combined Field Kindley and Roosevelt Middle School bands during this year's annual Coffeyville Christmas Parade.

The event was coordinated by the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce, and organizers say there were around 85 entries this year. The hour-long parade concluded with a float by the city complete with Santa and artificial snow.

The parade was broadcast live by KGGF staff on Sonshine 98.9, and you can listen to a recording HERE.

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon cutting for a new bargain outlet.

The ribbon cutting was held earlier this afternoon for Wilcox Bargain Outlet at 902 West 8^th Street. Wilcox has a wide selection of men's, women's and kids' clothing, shoes and accessories.

Right now all Christmas items are 20% off.

Residents of Bartlesville are raising concerns about the city's use of FLOCK cameras.

FLOCK Cameras are a brand of automated license plate recognition or ALPR cameras that are used to help law enforcement fight crime by capturing license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, and color, and other features. That information is then stored in the cloud. Many Bartlesville residents attended this week's Bartlesville City Council meeting to speak out against the use of the cameras. Residents call the cameras intrusive and, maybe, unconstitutional.

Thousands of communities around the country use the cameras to aid law enforcement by helping them locate stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and vehicles associated with missing children and adults. The cameras are used in many southeast Kansas communities as well, including Coffeyville, Independence, Caney, and Parsons.

The City of Fredonia is trying to decide what to do with a property owned by the city.

The property at 515 East Madison Street in downtown Fredonia has previously been used by the city as an economic development space to help launch new businesses. City commissioners have been asked if they want to continue using the location for that purpose or turn the property into something else. Commissioner Bill Jones suggests moving the police department into the building.

Mayor Allen Miller says moving the police might save the city money on refurbishing their current location.

On the other hand, Commissioner Brandon Tindle says the site has helped launch several new businesses in Fredonia.

The commission took no action on the proposal at this week's meeting, opting instead to give their options more consideration and to examine the financial impact of both options

The Parsons Historical Society will hold an open house tomorrow, Saturday, December 7.

Residents are invited to enjoy refreshments and cookies while taking a tour of the museum. Kids can write a letter to Santa and have pictures taken with Santa from 2 to 4. Those wanting pictures should bring their own camera. The open house happens from 1 to 4 tomorrow at 401 South 18^th Street in Parsons.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of a man who was killed in a farming accident on Wednesday.

Authorities say 70-year-old David Humbolt died when working on a piece of farm equipment on his farm northeast of Mulvane. Humbolt's son called 9-1-1 just after 2pm on Wednesday to report his father had been involved in an accident while working on a large John Deere combine.

A spokesperson for the Sheriff's office says it appears that the combine collapsed on Humbolt. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office expressed their sympathy for the family for losing a loved one so close to the holidays.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly orders flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sun up to sun down tomorrow.

The move is in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Kelly stated that we are reminded of the courage and sacrifice shown by service members on December 7, 1941, and that all Kansans are encouraged to honor those who fought for our freedom then and now on this 83^rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order yesterday to appoint Corey Shivel of Ochelata as County Commissioner of Washington County, District 2.

The appointment is effective immediately.

The Governor said in the executive order that Shivel takes over for the unexpired term of the late Michael Bouvier, ending on December 24th of this month.  Bouvier passed away on November 25 after a battle with Cancer.

A water line break prompts a boil water advisory for Elk City.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory foe Elk City in Montgomery County.

Customers of that water supply system should boil water for at least one full minute prior to consumption, dispose of ice cubes from trays and automatic ice makes, and disinfect dishes and food preparation surfaces.

The advisory took effect on December 5^th and will remain in effect until it is rescinded by the KDHE.

A Fredonia home is damaged in a late-night fire.

According to Wilson County Rural Fire, last night around 10:30 p.m., units were called to assist the Fredonia Fire Department with a heavily involved two-story structure fire. The extent of the damage or any injuries are unknown at this time.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire

Repairs are coming to a rail crossing near Cherokee.

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 17, the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad plans to close and begin repairs at the K-7 railroad crossing between U.S. 400 and K-103. The crossing is expected to close to traffic around 6 a.m. Tuesday the 17th and reopen on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 19. K-7 traffic should follow the signed detour on U.S. 400, U.S. 69 and K-103.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides an update on the investigation into the death of Edwardsville resident.

An autopsy was conducted on Roger Golubski earlier this week. The medical examiner noted a single gunshot wound to the temple but did not rule on the cause or manner of death at the time of the autopsy.

The determination will be made in the final autopsy report after toxicology results are returned and further investigation has occurred. Final autopsy reports may take up to 12 weeks. Currently, special agents have not found any evidence of foul play. The investigation is ongoing.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office releases its report from the Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Campaign.

During the campaign, officers conducted 694 stops including 120 seatbelt citations, 179 speeding citations and 19 arrests. There were no DUI related arrests.

Sheriff Ron Wade says they do their best to make sure the roads are as safe as possible. Although this campaign has ended, the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the enforcement of Kansas traffic safety laws.

The spirit of Christmas will be on full display in downtown Coffeyville tomorrow night/tonight.

Residents will gather downtown to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season at the Coffeyville Christmas Parade. Coffeyville Area Chamber President Candi Westbrook says people should head downtown a little early to have a visit with St. Nick.

the prime time show will, of course, be the parade. Westbrook says the parade will begin around dusk.

The evening should be filled with floats, lights, Santa Claus, and plenty of Christmas fun.

As the temperatures plummet and cold weather moves in, it's important to remember your outdoor pets.

Becky Barnhart with Coffeyville Friends of Animals says there are several things you can do with your outdoor dog's house to make it warmer.

Other tips for keeping outdoor animals in good condition is to feed them extra and to make sure they have access to water. Bathing you pet as little as possible during cold snaps will also allow their coats to build up essential oils that will keep them from getting dry skin.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is offering a $5,000 reward for information on an unsolved homicide investigation in eastern Oklahoma.

The incident occurred nearly a year ago on January 1, 2024, when emergency crews in Latimer County responded to a house fire in Tuskahoma. Inside the burning home, they discovered the body of 92-year-old John Edward Welsh. An autopsy later determined that, in addition to burns and smoke inhalation, Welsh had also suffered blunt-force trauma to the head. Investigators also learned that shortly after the house fire was reported, a vehicle fire occurred just a few miles away, in which Welsh's 2019 Toyota Prius was burned.

Anyone with additional information regarding Welsh's death is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017.

The City of Sedan is waiting for approval from the Kansas Department of Transportation for their new way-finding signs in the city.

That was the word at this week's Sedan City Council meetings. City Clerk Lana Robinson says those signs as well as new signs on the highway look great.

The city also had a recent inspection of its water supply system by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The city was only found to have issues in two areas. First was the emergency water supply plan. The city needs to update phone numbers and contact information on the list. There is also a minor issue with the cross-connect backflow prevention that needs to be addressed. Public Works Supervisor Jim Miller says he plans to ask the state for an extension to make the required changes.

In other business, the council also approved two sewer reduction plans.

One of the new city way-finding signs

A group of Oklahoma lawmakers is voicing their opposition to a recent agreement with the country of Denmark.

On Monday, Governor Kevin Stitt signed a Memo of Understanding with the country of Denmark to focus on increasing collaboration between the two governments in pursuit of innovative energy, technology, and defense.

However, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus opposes the agreement, stating that the partnership  uses terminology such as "clean energy," "green energy" and "carbon capture."

Caucus Chair State Senator Shane Jett – a Republican from Shawnee – stated that the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus supports free enterprise and the partnering with allies, but cautions against interfering with the free market by directing tax dollars to private companies.

Deputies with the Kingman County Sheriff's Office are seeking the public's help in locating 50 missing calves.

The animals are missing in two separate incidents. The first happened in southeast Kingman County in which thirteen calves were reported missing. Another incident in the northwestern part of the county involved thirty-seven missing calves.

The Kingman County Sheriff's Office advises the public to be on the look out for suspicious activity and asks that anyone with information on the missing livestock to contact the K-C-S-O.

The Cherryvale community Christmas dinner will be held this Sunday.

The community is invited to enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings this Sunday from 11am to 1pm. Everyone is welcome, but especially those who have no one to share the holidays with or who would benefit from a free, home-cooked meal are encouraged to attend.

Dinner will be served at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Center at 202 South Liberty Street in Cherryvale. Delivery for those who are housebound is also available.

A former Missouri Congressman has been selected to head the Internal Revenue Service.

President-elect Trump made the announcement via social media that he has selected Billy Long to lead the tax agency. Long represented Missouri's 7^th Congressional District in southwest Missouri for 12 years from 2011 to 2023 when his time in the House ended due to term limits. Long also ran for a Missouri Senate seat but failed to win the Republican nomination. That seat was won by former State Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

Trump state that he has known Long since 2011 and called him an extremely hard worker who is respected by both Democrat and Republican colleagues.

Grace Memorial United Methodist Church in Independence is holding a Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday.

There will be many vendors available for shopping and the church will offer breakfast of biscuits and gravy or cinnamon roils and a sloppy joe lunch for sale, too. The event runs from 8am to 1pm on Saturday at 109 South 13^th Street in Independence.

An inmate at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility has died.

Authorities at the correctional facility report that 33-year-old Chancellor Copenhaver was found unresponsive in his cell yesterday morning. Staff attempted life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The cause of death is unknown at this time, but an autopsy will be conducted.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the death.

Copenhaver was serving a 10-year sentence for attempted second-degree murder in Riley County.

The Midland Theater will soon host its first on-stage event in several years.

A Coffeyville Christmas Radio Program will be performed live on KGGF on Saturday, December 14^th in front of a studio audience. The program will feature an original Dalton Gang skit and a Sherlock Holmes mystery, both written and adapted by Pete Walterscheid and voiced by local actors. Haylie Bagwell and Chris Freund will also perform musical selections.

Because of current space and safety limitations, the entire production will take place on the stage. If you are interested in being part of the limited studio audience, please contact a Midland board member. The program will be broadcast live starting at 7 p.m. on the 14^th and will also be rebroadcast Christmas morning on The Mighty 690.

Streets around and including Main Street will be closed tomorrow in Parsons for the Christmas Parade.

Those streets will be closed from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and include Main Street from 17th to 26th Street, 17th Street from Main to Broadway, Broadway from 17th to Central Avenue, and Katy Drive from the intersection of Broadway and Central to the intersection of Washington and Central Avenue.

The parade begins at 7:00pm and should be over before 8:30pm. The City says to find an alternate route around the closed streets and to be cautious of pedestrians before, during and after the parade.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt fires the state Secretary of Energy and Environment after he testifies in a court hearing involving Tyson Foods.

Stitt relieved Ken McQueen of his duties yesterday, saying he was disappointed that McQueen appeared in a court hearing on Tuesday. The hearing was part of the Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods case regarding damages to Oklahoma from water pollution. The case has been in litigation since 2005. McQueen joined the case in November and follows Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former AG Drew Edmondson in the lawsuit against Tyson.

Stitt renamed Jeff Starling to replace McQueen. Starling most recently served as chief legal, administrative officer, and corporate secretary at Lagoon Water Midstream.

A rare daytime fireball is spotted in Kansas and Oklahoma.

The fireball lasted just a few seconds on Monday afternoon but was seen by many people in both states. The American Meteor Society received 27 reports from people who saw the object flash briefly in the sky. The falling object was only visible for a few seconds but was witnessed by people in Chanute, Fort Scott, Ark City, and Claremore. At least three witnesses reported being able to hear the fireball as well. Fireballs are normally caused by meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere and burning up due to friction.

The Earth is currently in the middle of the Geminid Meteor shower which will peak on December 14.

The death of a Kansas sailor who died during a training exercise in April has now been ruled a homicide.

22-year-old Lyndon Cosgriff-Flax of Goddard died on April 28^th when he fell overboard during a training exercise on the York River in Yorktown, Virginia. His death was originally ruled an accident, but the U.S. Navy says that determination has now been changed to negligent homicide. The Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs Office says one of Cosgriff-Flax's fellow sailors has been charged in the case

The Navy says the sailor charged in the case will remain unnamed until formal charges have been referred.

Transportation and recycling were on the agenda at this week's Parsons City Commission meeting.

The Parsons Tri-City Airport has been the topic of discussion at recent city commission meetings. This week, Commissioner Tom Shaw noted that the airport is doing well in providing sales tax for the city.

Also on the agenda was a new recycling trailer purchased by the city using solid waste grant funding from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Mayor Eric Strait says the bulk of the cost for the trailer comes from the grant.

In other business, the commission also discussed an ordinance that would allow an exemption from the prohibition of parking in front yards for citizens with medical conditions. City Attorney Ross Albertini will prepare a draft of an ordinance detailing the type of surface required for temporary parking for the exemption.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to take part in Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.

KDOT says older drivers can face a variety of unique concerns related to aging and declining health. Vision concerns, reflexes, and physical fitness can affect a driver's ability to react during traffic situations and can also mean a longer recovery time in the event of physical injuries caused by an accident.

Eighty-seven drivers aged 65 and over were involved in a fatal crash in 2023 and nearly four thousand individuals in that age group were injured in a crash last year.

KDOT urges all Kansans to understand their performance and their ability to drive safely.

The Fredonia City Commission will meet tonight to discuss the future of a city-owned property.

Up for discussion is the property located at 515 East Madison Street. Commissioners will consider whether or not the city should continue to rent the location out as an economic development space or if the property could be put to better use by an existing city department.

The commission will also conduct the monthly maintenance of paying outstanding bills and entertaining any public comments from Fredonia citizens.

The meeting takes place at 5:30 tonight in the Commission Room at City Hall at 100 North 15^th Street in Fredonia. The meeting is open to the public.

The State of Missouri carries out the scheduled execution of convicted child killer Chris Collings.

Collings was convicted of the 2007 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford in Newton County. The girl's body was later found in a sinkhole known as Fox Cave near Powell, MO. In 2012, a jury found that Collings had treated the victim in a vile, inhumane manner and sentenced him to death. In August, the state set the date of execution as December 3^rd for Collings.

The Missouri Department of Corrections issued a statement yesterday evening that the sentence had been carried out and that Collings was pronounced dead at 6:10 pm.

The Kansas Water Authority will meet next Wednesday in Parsons.