One person is injured in a car accident at a railroad crossing just north of Columbus.

The accident occurred just after 1pm yesterday afternoon when a 2017 Ford Escape driven by 46-year-old Lisa Wallace of Scammon slowed to yield to a train on the railroad tracks over K-7. Wallace's vehicle was rear-ended by a 2006 Buick Terraza driven by 70-year-old Verne Leeper of Columbus.

A passenger in Wallace's vehicle 21-year-old Anthony Stumpf of Oklahoma City sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.  No one else was injured in the crash.

A new presidential administration puts a new wrinkle in a grant proposal for Montgomery County.

The County has been taking steps to submit a proposal for a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide funding for a major road project planned for the area near the Bartlett Soybean Plant. County Administrator Jonathan Booe says the change in presidential administrations has complicated the issue but the proposal is still on track.

Booe says county officials will review the work they have already done to make sure the proposal has the best chance for approval.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $15.5 million, of which, 80% or $12.4 million would be paid for by the RAISE grant. Another grant from Build Kansas would cover an additional $3.1 million, leaving the total cost to the taxpayers of Montgomery County at around $155,000.

Five Coffeyville Firefighters are honored at the most recent City Commission meeting for their life-saving actions.

Coffeyville Mayor Deborah Maples named the five firefighters at this week's meeting.  The incident took place on the afternoon of August 28, 2023.

Maples says it was a team effort that took place as crews responded to a fire at a Coffeyville apartment complex.  Maples also thanked CRMC EMS and Coffeyville Police who also responded to and assisted with the rescue efforts.

An event is coming up this weekend for any interested marksmen.

A.B.A.T.E. of Kansas District 3 is hosting a turkey shoot this weekend for youth and adults. Organizer Bill Caldwell says this event helps not only support their mission of advocating for motorcycle rights but also helps with community events throughout the year.

The turkey shoot will take place tomorrow at the Caney American Legion at 1607 Highway 75. The youth division starts at 10 for ages 8 – 14 and the competition for ages 15 and up will be at noon. Shotguns will be available for those who don't have one, with $10 for 3 shots. Winners in each division will either receive a .410 or 12 gauge shotgun.

 The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo has some changes coming for this year's fair.

The first of those changes being announced is inviting Rogers County, Oklahoma and Neosho County, Kansas 4-H and FFA youth to participate in the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo Livestock Show and Premium Sale. ISFR says if anyone knows someone from these counties, help spread the word and invite them to participate in the fair this year.

Anyone with questions can contact the livestock chairman or one of the livestock superintendents. Their numbers can be found on the website at fairandrodeo.com. More changes to the fair are coming this year and they are still working out the details but look for more information in the coming weeks.

A traffic stop leads to the arrest of two Independence residents on numerous drug-related charges.

Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop on a 2021 blue Toyota RAV4 for a traffic violation. The stop happened on Highway 75, about four miles north of Independence. As the vehicle came to a stop, deputies saw a large object being thrown from the front passenger window. Deputies determined that the passenger, identified as Cornelius Williams, had discarded about one pound of crystal meth.

In the vehicle, deputies found one ounce of powder cocaine and crack cocaine. Both Williams and the driver, Shequetta Dean were taken into custody. Following the arrests, deputies obtained a search warrant for the Apple Tree Inn, where Williams and Dean had been staying. The search resulted in the discovery of drug distribution paraphernalia, including scales, as well as additional drug-related items and over $6,000. 

Oologah-Talala Public Schools goes on a brief lock-out after a threat made on social media.

Shortly before 8:00am this morning, OTPS was made aware of a concerning social media post involving the high school. Administrators met with the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and the Oologah Police Department to ensure students on campus were safe and that the threat was fully investigated as quickly as possible. Law enforcement presence was increased across the entire campus and OHS was placed on lock-out procedures.

Students from both high school and middle were also not allowed to travel between buildings for classes unattended. Throughout this process, several messages were sent to all parents and guardians within the district as well as to staff within the schools. Law enforcement and school administrators made contact with every student named as being potentially involved in the situation. Upon conclusion of their investigation, the district was advised that the threat to OTPS was not credible and that students could safely return to their normal schedule.

Two Osage County residents, originally charged with second-degree murder and child neglect, are now facing a change in charges.

Brianna White is facing a felony count of child neglect and while the investigation is still ongoing, Matthew McDaniel has been released from the Osage County Jail, as his charges were dropped. A probable cause affidavit states that on Tuesday, January 14^th, White was driving a pickup truck on a county road near Fairfax and McDaniel was a passenger when a juvenile victim was thrown from the vehicle. The juvenile sustained major injuries.

White then drove to the Fairfax Hospital before abandoning the juvenile, who later died from injuries sustained in the accident.  Alcohol and a THC derivative marijuana vape device were being used by some occupants of the vehicle. On the child neglect charge, White has her bond set at $10,000. She is due back in court on Thursday, February 27^th.

 Efforts are switching from a rescue mission to a recovery operation in the plane crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342.

 Sixty four people were aboard the plane and three were in the Army helicopter, as the two collided near Reagan Washington National Airport. Both the plane and the helicopter landed in the Potomac River.

 Washington Fire Department Chief John Donnelly says 28 bodies have been found so far.

 The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. last night; the plane traveling from Wichita attempted to land and collided in midair with the Black Hawk helicopter.

 Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy says nothing was out of the oridnary in the moments leading up to the crash.

 Wichita Mayor Lily Wu says the tragedy affects not just those in Wichita, but many people across the United States and the world.

 Wu says south-central Kansas and D.C.are forever linked.

 Wichita officials will hold a prayer vigil at City Hall this afternoon and the public is invited to attend.

 Reagan Washington National Airport resumed flights at 11:00 this morning. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will analyze the aircraft for evidence on what happened to cause the crash.

Authorities in Sequoyah County, OK, are continuing their search for a man who has been missing since his vehicle went into the Arkansas River last Friday.

Justin Baker was one of three people who were inside a vehicle that crashed into Arkansas River around 3 or 4am on Friday morning. The other two survivors managed to make it to shore and were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for their injuries. Baker did not resurface and has not been found. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it is unclear who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident and that they believe alcohol was involved. The traffic homicide division is currently investigating the case.

The vehicle was recovered on Sunday, and authorities say they plan to continue the search for Baker.

Two men are in custody following a high-speed pursuit across southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri.

The incident began on Tuesday when deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office approached a residence east of Pittsburg in an attempt to locate a Ford F-150 that had been reported stolen in Johnson County. During the investigation, 41-year-old Ryan Paine fled the residence after another vehicle arrived and picked him up. When the vehicle left at a high rate of speed, deputies followed in pursuit.

The driver of the vehicle was later identified as 49-year-old William Zimmerman of Arcadia, KS. Zimmerman led police on a chase across the state line and into Barton County, MO. The chase ended when both men abandoned the vehicle and continued to flee on foot. Crawford County deputies along with the Barton County Sheriff's Office began a five-hour long manhunt that eventually ended when both suspects were located and arrested.

Zimmerman faces charges of possession of stolen property and fleeing and eluding. Both are felonies. Payne faces a charge of felony interference with law enforcement. Both men are currently being held in the Crawford County Jail.

A 14-year-old girl is found shot to death near Springfield.

Deputies in Greene County, MO, are investigating the death of 14-year-old Jackie Strahle of Springfield. Strahle was discovered on Tuesday night, her body hidden in the brush behind a residence on the west side of the southwestern Missouri city.

Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott stated that no arrests have been made but that there is no threat to the public.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office at 417-829-6230.

An Independence man is being honored for his volunteer work with Scouting America.

 Bill Carson has been named as a recipient of the 2024 Silver Beaver Award from Scouting America through the Quivira Council located in Wichita. The Silver Beaver Award is presented to adult volunteers who have provided distinguished service and leadership in the organization. Carson began his volunteer work with Scouts more than 13 years ago when his son signed up for Cub Scouts. He says he didn't expect the award.
 

Carson has served as a leader with Boy Scout Troop 4 and Cub Scout Pack 4 in Independence for more than a decade and has also served as a shooting sports instructor for scouts in southeast Kansas. He says the most rewarding part of his volunteer work is Scouting's impact on its youth.
 

Another Independence Scout leader David Morrow will also be presented with the Silver Beaver Award. Both men will be presented with their awards on February 8th at the 2025 Quivira Council Annual Recognition Banquet in Wichita.

Photo: David Morrow on the left and Bill Carson on the right. Youth faces have been obscured to protect their privacy.

An Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet from Wichita collide in mid-air over Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport.

KAKE TV in Wichita reports that the City of Wichita will hold a press conference about the accident at 10:45am this morning and the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita has announced a prayer vigil will be held at noon today in the Wichita City Council Chambers.

Owasso police are investigating a possible case of embezzlement at an elementary school’s PTO group.

According to Owasso police, an official at Morrow Elementary School contacted them about discrepancies found in the financial accounts of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. The report says a check that was written for a legitimate school-related purchase did not clear the bank.

Owasso School administrators reviewed the PTO’s bank account transactions over the past several years and found multiple discrepancies and alleged illegitimate purchases made through the PTO account.

So far, the investigation has revealed more than $100,000 in questionable purchases.

Owasso schools notified parents of the investigation on Tuesday. Owasso police say the investigation is in the very early stages and is an ongoing matter.

Copan Public Schools will hold a virtual learning day today to help slow the spread of illness.

According to the school district, there is a large amount of students out sick with the flu and stomach virus. Junior High sporting events for Thursday have been canceled, but all games scheduled for Friday will go on as scheduled.

Copan uses a four-day school week. Schools are expected to be back to in-person classes on Monday.

A statewide job fair is coming up on Wednesday and should be of particular interest for those looking for employment in warehouse, transportation, and wholesale trade occupations.

The virtual job fair is hosted by Kansas Works and will allow anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live, and interview with participating companies. The job fair portal also offers helpful information such as a job-seeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Employers may request video interviews, so participants are encouraged to dress professionally.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Regardless of previous participation, registration is required for the event. The virtual job fair runs from 8am to 5pm on Wednesday.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register, go here.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of West Mineral in Cherokee County.

Customers of the public water supply system in West Mineral should boil water for at least one minute prior to consumption, dispose of ice cubes from trays and automatic ice makers, and disinfect dishes and food preparation surfaces.

 KDHE officials issued the advisory because of possible bacterial contamination within the water tower following maintenance and notification that the waterline feeding the City system was taken out of service to allow for repair a waterline  break resulting in an expected loss of pressure in the distribution system. This requires the use of the untested water currently stored in the tower.

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

Changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs online sign in are set to take effect tomorrow (Friday).

In an attempt to shore up online security for the nation's military veterans, the VA is changing some things about online sin-in access for healthcare. Vets who use My Health E Vet or DS Log On to manage their VA benefits and healthcare online will need to create a new secure account with Login.gov or ID.me. These secure sign-in options will be in effect across all VA websites and apps including My Health E Vet, VA.gov and the VA:Health and Benefits mobile app.

In order to assist vets, VA Eastern Kansas is holding several workshops on the change. Veterans will still be able to coordinate their care in person or via the phone.

For assistance, call 913-946-1640 or visit one of the scheduled in-person account set-up workshops:

February, 2025 in-Person assistance workshops.

Tuesday February 4, 2025 – Leavenworth Main Hospital room A517, Leavenworth Kansas

Friday February 7, 2025 – CPT Elwin Shopteese KCK CBOC Conference Room, Kansas City Kansas

Tuesday February 11, 2025 – Lawrence CBOC Conference Room, Lawrence Kansas

Friday February 21, 2025 – Platte City CBOC Conference Room, Platte City Missouri

Tuesday February 25 – Junction City CBOC (North) Rm 132 – Junction City Kansas 

Thursday February 27, 2025 – Topeka Main Hospital Recreation Hall (Bldg 24), Topeka Kansas

A dense fog advisory is in effect for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma until noon.

Dense fog has been expanding in coverage overnight, and many parts of the listening area have visibility of ¼ mile or less. Patchy fog has been observed this morning in Montgomery County, with some very dense areas. Anyone on the road should drive with caution and use low-beam headlights in low visibility conditions. The fog is expected to improve by midday.

Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power has been awarded first place in the Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma annual Electric Operations and Reliability Competition.

This recognition highlights CMLP's commitment to reliable service, as the utility achieved the highest reported level of reliability among MESO’s four-state member region. With an average system availability index of 99.9982% in 2023, CMLP has set a standard for keeping the community powered on. 

A Ramona man is facing a felony charge for filming relatives without their knowledge.

65-year-old John Dougherty was charged with one felony count of Peeping Tom/Video Voyeurism, after allegedly filming relatives in intimate situations without their knowledge. According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the victims were staying at Dougherty's residence and he had placed a camera in the bedroom closet and took video of the victims engaging in sexual acts.

Once confronted, Dougherty apologized and deleted the footage from his cell phone, but the evidence was still there. His next court date is set for February 7^th at 9:00am and his bond is set at $50,000.

An Oklahoma State Representative will be speaking in Bartlesville as an opponent of the FLOCK camera system.

State Representative Tom Gann, an opponent of these systems, will be in Bartlesville on February 6^th at 6:30pm. His presentation will be at Wesleyan Christian Church. Gann has been at the forefront of efforts at the capitol to hold state and local officials accountable for the existing laws regulating these surveillance devices and championing new legislation to mitigate their use.

Earlier this month, the Bartlesville Police Department hosted a forum on the FLOCK surveillance system. The City of Bartlesville and the Bartlesville Police Department favor the use of this system that reads and records license plates checking for possible stolen vehicles, missing or abducted persons or persons wanted by police for alleged crimes. Members of the community see the potential for misuse and abuse of the system saying that the data collected may be used to track and monitor the movement of innocent citizens or even be used for facial recognition.

The impending zoning hearing in Wilson County regarding Sunflower Skies will be delayed another week.

The commission made a motion during this week's meeting to postpone the hearing until February 12th at 10 a.m. in Room 101 of the County Courthouse. The reason for the delay is the unavailability of Comissioner and Chairman Casey Lair during the February 5th meeting time.

Next week's meeting in the county has been canceled, with the commission to reconvene on February 12th.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting were updates from Road and Bridge Director Kary Tatum regarding bridge repair at 2100 and Harper, as well as an update from County Clerk Kayla Busch.

A red-letter day for soup lovers is coming up.

Taste of Soup returns tomorrow at the Coffeyville Public Library.

Director Rachel Koszalka says their staff took a break from the event last year as the event keeps getting bigger. She says many in the community are excited that it's made a return.

Soup will be served tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the children's section of the library. $5 will get you three cups of soup, crackers and a drink.

Koszalka says proceeds from the event will support ongoing library projects.

Dine in or carry out will be available during the event.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran co-sponsors a bill aimed at improving access to health care for veterans.

Moran, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs joined his House counterpart Representative Mike Bost of Illinois in authoring the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Service members (ACCESS) Act of 2025. The purpose of the legislation is to establish existing community care standards as the baseline standard for care. Moran says veterans too often face difficulty in getting the care they need.

Moran says the current law means long wait times, restrictions on community care referrals and other bureaucratic barriers that prevent veterans from accessing life-saving care from VA.

Moran says that the proposed ACCESS Act would help make certain that VA delivers on those promises made to the nation's military vets.

Independence Fire and EMS responds to a late night chimney fire.

Fire crews were called to a residence at 1031 North 2^nd Street late Tuesday night. There they found flames coming from the top of the home's chimney. Fire crews used aerial operations including a water can and dry extinguisher power to combat the blaze. The fire was quickly brought under control with little water damage to the structure. No injuries were reported.

Independence Fire reminds homeowners with fireplaces to make sure to have their chimneys professionally cleaned to reduce the risk of fire.

The new session of the Kansas Legislature is well underway and the Republican-led majority is ready to begin working on the state budget.

Governor Laura Kelly released her budget proposals following her recent State of the State address. Kelly's budget includes Medicaid expansion, education, and $90 million for water infrastructure projects.

State Senator Virgil Peck, who sits on the Budget Committee, says the Legislature has a plan to counter the Governor's numbers.

Peck says the state must find a way to reduce spending.

The 2025 Legislative session began on January 13.

Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence welcomes a new animal to its family.

The Zoo recently acquired a Great Horned Owl named Owliver. Owliver comes to Independence from Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education in Love's Park, Illinois. The young owl was hatched in 2024 and discovered in April with a fractured right wing. The injury required surgery and a permanent pin was placed in the bone. As a result, Owliver would never be able to live in the wild.

Great Horned Owls are the most common owl found in North America. The owls are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night. Their hearing is so good, they can detect a mouse moving under a foot of snow. Great Horned Owls play an important role in the environment by controlling rodent populations.

Zoo officials say Owliver is taking some time to get used to his new home, but that he is currently available for viewing at the Zoo in Independence.

The Coffeyville Fire Department responds to an early morning fire on West 8^th Street.

At around 1am Tuesday morning, fire crews were dispatched to the 3400 block of West 8^th Street in Coffeyville. When they arrived on the scene, they found a detached garage fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters went to work quickly and had the blaze under control in about ten minutes. There was considerable damage to the garage but no injuries were reported.

The new Allen County Sheriff has only been on the job for a few weeks, but he is already making an impact on the community.

Sheriff Anthony Maness was dining at an Iola restaurant over the weekend when he heard another customer ask their dining companion if she was okay. She was not. During the meal, the woman had begun to choke on her food. Maness, who was sworn in as the new Allen County Sheriff just a few weeks ago, went quickly into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver on the choking woman. The offending piece of food was soon dislodged and the woman was able to breathe again thanks to the quick reaction of Sheriff Maness.

The Coffeyville City Commission approves the first reading of a Home Rule Ordinance that would transfer ownership of Coffeyville Regional Medical Center from the city to CRMC, Inc.

At Tuesday's city commission meeting, Garth Herrmann with Gillmore-Bell, the city's bond counsel told commissioners that the proposed measure would transfer the assets and property of the hospital to the non-profit corporation that currently runs CRMC. Herrmann says the adoption of the ordinance would only change what entity owns the healthcare facility.

Herrmann adds that the ordinance would not change the services CRMC provides to the community.

The first reading of the ordinance was approved by the commission by a unanimous vote.

An Iola woman is injured in a single-vehicle accident on the Oklahoma state line.

25-year-old Ashley Brown received minor injuries in the accident that occurred late last night on the Kansas/Oklahoma border in Labette County. Brown was a passenger in a vehicle that was traveling northbound on 4370 Road in Oklahoma. As the vehicle crossed the state line into Kansas, the driver failed to stop at a T-intersection with State Line Road and went into a field. Brown was taken to INTEGRIS Hospital in Miami for treatment.

The driver of the vehicle and another passenger were uninjured in the accident.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation concludes its investigation into the death of a former Kansas City, Kansas, Police detective.

The K-B-I has determined that the December 2024 death of 71-year-old Roger Golubski of Edwardsville, was a suicide. Golubski was found deceased from a single gunshot wound to the head at his residence on December 2.

Golubski was facing federal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two women while he was on duty. He was set to face his first indictment on the day he was found deceased. The final toxicology report following the autopsy found no significant positive findings and the K-B-I says no foul play is suspected in Golubski's death.

Today is Kansas Day and marks the day in 1861 that Kansas became the 34th state in the Union.

 According to the Kansas Historical Society, the first Kansas Day was celebrated in 1877 in Paola, where public school students celebrated their pride in being Kansans. Students spent the day discussing and displaying information and facts about the state. The day was such a success that the celebration quickly spread throughout the rest of the state and by the early 1880s, it was a day all school children celebrated.

School children still mark the day with special activities like field trips, pioneer-style meals, and special projects to study the history of the state.

Governor Laura Kelly will mark the day by joining the Kansas Historical Society at the Capitol at noon today to unveil the new Women's Suffrage Mural

So …

Happy 164^th Birthday, Kansas!

Brian Hight is named Member of the Year at the Independence Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.

Hight and his partner Ryan McDiarmid own and operate Magnolia Scents by Design on Penn Avenue in downtown Independence.

Chamber president Lisa Wilson says Hight works tirelessly for the Chamber and community and has a giving heart.

The annual Independence Chamber Banquet had a full house and was held at Memorial Hall.

A search for two missing children in Linn County, KS, ends in tragedy.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of two missing children in the Lake Chaparral area in rural Linn County around 8pm Monday night. The pair had not been seen for several hours. An investigation led deputies to believe the two juveniles had been around the lake and the sheriff's Office used a drone to search above the waters. Video from the drone revealed that the two juveniles were deceased in the water and were trapped under the ice.

The Overland Park Fire Dive Team was called in to assist in retrieving the bodies from the lake.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has a new DNA tool for combating crime in the Sooner State.

O-S-B-I will begin using rapid DNA testing in their Forensic Science Center in Edmond this week. Criminologist Beth Deen says the new process can produce results very quickly.

However, Deen adds that the new testing will not replace the older form of DNA tests due to limitations in the results.

O-S-B-I offers training for Rapid DNA testing for any law enforcement agency in the state.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight to discuss a Rural Development Grant.

Commissioners will consider approving the submission of a USDA Rural Development Rural Business Development Grant. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the purpose of promoting economic development and job creation projects. The City of Coffeyville plans to use the funds to establish a Revolving Loan Fund. Also on the agenda is the possible purchase of a Trailer-mounted core drill for the Public Service Department and a Home Rule Ordinance relating to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall and will also be available for viewing online via the City's YouTube channel.

Improvements are in the works for sidewalk crossings at an intersection in downtown Independence.

The pedestrian crossing areas at the corner of Penn and Chestnut Street have been the subject of some recent complaints by city residents. City Engineer John Garris says the way the curb cuts were originally built can make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate.

Garris says the planned changes will improve the crossings while remaining in compliance with the law.

The project is currently in the early planning stages. Construction will likely take place sometime this summer.

A Joplin man is sentenced to federal prison for his role in a 2020 kidnapping and homicide.

52-year-old Freddie Lewis Tilton was sentenced to life in a federal prison without parole for his role in the crime. Tilton pleaded guilty in September 2023 to his role in the kidnapping conspiracy that ended with the victim, 41-year-old James Hall, being tortured and shot. The charges also included two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the life sentence, the judge in the case also imposed two 10-year prison terms to be served concurrently.

In another case involving a second victim, Tilton was found guilty at trial last September of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and stalking. He received a sentence of two 30-year terms in prison and one 10-year term for those crimes.

Five other people also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced in the Hall case.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal is called in to investigate a fatal structure fire in LaHarpe.

The fire occurred around 7am yesterday morning when the Allen County Sheriff's Office and the LaHarpe Volunteer Fire Department responded to reports of a fire in the 400 block of South Broadway in the City of LaHarpe. When crews arrived on the scene, they found a single-family residence fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters went to work quickly, battling the blaze for several hours before it was extinguished. When first responders investigated what was left of the house, an unidentified body was discovered. An autopsy will be conducted.

The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.

A suspect who was shot by a Kansas highway Patrol Trooper over the weekend has died from his injuries.

36-year-old Bryson McCray of St. Joseph, MO, was shot during a hostage standoff in Atchison early Saturday morning. Police were initially called to an apartment complex on Friday evening after reports of an armed individual attempting to break into a residence. When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect shot at them and then fled into an occupied home.

The suspect, who was identified as Bryson McCray, held a female hostage inside the home for several hours and fired his weapon at police multiple times during the incident. When police made an attempt to rescue the hostage, McCray was shot by a K-H-P Trooper and taken to a hospital in critical condition. The hostage was safely rescued.

McCray eventually died from his wounds early yesterday morning.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the shooting,

The Montgomery County Commission approves payment for the Montgomery County Council on Aging for repairs made to the Liberty Senior Center.

Henry Schmidt appeared before the Commission at today's (yesterday's) meeting to ask the county for reimbursement for the funds. The Council in Aging had approved $7,000 in September to be used to repair the old school building in Liberty. Schmidt says the total bill came in under that price.

Commissioner Robert Bever says the costs for upkeep really should be the responsibility of the township and not the county.

The Commission approved the $4,560 to the Council on Aging to allow them to pay for the repairs.

The Toronto, KS Fire Department finds its resources stretched to the limit fighting a recent fire.

Toronto Fire has already been busy with calls this year, and crews responded to another structure fire over the weekend. According to the department, the structure fire on Sunday utilized every piece of department apparatus. During the fire, thousands of gallons of water were used and water shuttle operations were conducted bringing in 4000-6000 gallons per trip. Nearly 20 volunteer emergency personnel worked together from several agencies.

Mutual Aid was given to Toronto by Wilson County Rural Fire, Emergency Management, The Wilson County Sheriff's Office, EMS and the Toronto Fire Auxiliary.

All occupants and pets were out of the house and accounted for.

Several crews respond to a fire at a rural property near Tyro.

Monday night around 5:40 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 2500 block of U.S. 166 in Tyro near the cutoff to Caney.  Responding crews included the Tyro Rural Fire Department, Caney Fire and Rescue, the Dearing Fire Department, Independence Rural Fire Department and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center EMS.  Several agricultural structures appeared to be involved including a hay storage shed.  The cause of the fire and extend of damage or any injuries are unknown at this time.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

The Kansas Kansas Highway Patrol chases a murder suspect in Anderson County and the chase ends in a fatal car crash.

The incident occurred Saturday evening when troopers located a stolen Ford Focus traveling eastbound on US-54 in Kiowa County. Authorities sought the driver of the vehicle in connection to a homicide investigation in Anderson County. A trooper pull the vehicle over for a traffic stop and the driver – later identified as Jerry Wayne Thompson - then fled.

After the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office deployed stop sticks, the Focus left the roadway, driving into a ditch and then a field. The car then went airborne and rolled. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car during the crash. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. K-H-P is investigating the crash.

The homicide remains under investigation by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office.

Big changes are happening at the Miami, OK, Senior Center.

Leadership at the Center reorganized recently following the dissolution of the former board. Ownership of the Center also reverted to the City of Miami. The new five-person board will now serve in an advisory capacity to the Miami City Council.

Along with the reorganization of the Center's leadership, is a remodeling of the Center's meeting space. Up for discussion are an estimated $90,000 in improvements including a new kitchen, a new water line system, new appliances, new paint, and new flooring. All renovations would be paid for through grant money.

The Center currently offers an on-site gym, a three-table pool room, a library, an 1/8 mile walking track, two meeting rooms, and a rentable ballroom. The new board has set membership at $25. The Senior Center Board meets on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month and is open to the public.

The Miami Senior Center is located at 21-04 Denver Harner Drive and is open weekdays from 9am to 4pm.

Homecoming is underway this week at Field Kindly High School.

All this week we'll have interviews with Field Kindley homecoming royalty, courtesy of Taco Mayo at 10:30 on Sonshine 98.9, KQQF.

For spirit week, Monday's theme is “picture yourself in 10 years.” On Tuesday, it's “Frat vs Fairy.” Wednesday is a western theme while Thursday is “dress as something your name starts with.” Finally, Friday is a purple and gold theme.

The City of Neodesha receives a state grant to fund improvements to Crowder Park.

The announcement was made at last week's Neodesha City Commission meeting. The Strategic Economic Expansion and Development or SEED grant funds are intended to focus on economic development by enhancing quality of life and requires a 10 percent match from the city. Neodesha City Administrator Brogan Jones says the $22,500 grant will be used to improve a local park.

Jones says the State Department of Commerce was enthusiastic about being able to help fund the improvements.

According to the stipulations of the grant, the work on Crowder Park is to be completed within the next year.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond requests that a convicted murderer be transferred from a federal prison in Louisiana so that a death sentence can be carried out in Oklahoma.

60-year-old George John Hanson was convicted of murder of the August 1999 kidnapping and shooting death of 77-year-old Mary Bowles. Hanson kidnapped the woman from a Tulsa mall and took her to an isolated dirt pit near Owasso where he shot her. Hanson’s accomplice, Victor Miller, then killed Jerald Max Thurman, who was at the scene and witnessed the crime.

Hanson is currently serving a separate life sentence in federal prison for a bank robbery. He was scheduled for execution in Oklahoma on Dec. 15, 2022, but the Biden Administration had refused to transfer him. Earlier this week, President Trump issued and executive order reversing that policy.

In a latter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Drummond called the prior administration's refusal to transfer Hanson to Oklahoma the epitome of subverting and obstructing a capital sentence.

An incident on Thursday evening in Wichita leads police to shoot and kill suspect.

Around 9pm that night, Wichita Police received a call that a man with a gun had broken into a residence and attempted to shoot a male in the home. The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Devario Edwards of Wichita. Edwards had bonded out of jail on domestic violence charges earlier that same day. After, fleeing the scene, Edwards then began a Facebook livestream where he stated he was armed with a rifle and was headed to Spirit Aerosystems.

Officers from W-P-D and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department intercepted Edwards and chased him as he fled in his vehicle. Edwards then stopped, left his vehicle and fired at officers. Po0lice then returned fire, striking and killing Edwards.

The preliminary investigation indicated that during the incident two police vehicles were struck by gunfire. Edwards fired over 20 rounds at police. A total of eight law enforcement officers fired over 100 rounds. No police were injured in the exchange.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the incident. Agents will turn their findings over to the Sedgwick County Attorney's Office when the investigation concludes.

Agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are looking into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening in Atchison.

Just before 6pm on Friday night, Atchison Police were called to a local apartment complex in regards to a person with a gun. A second call reported a suspect attempting to break into an apartment. When the first officer arrived on the scene and got out of his car, someone shot at him, striking his cruiser multiple times. The suspect – later identified as 36-year-old Bryson McCray of St. Joseph, MO – then fled into a residence, where he proceeded to hold a woman as a hostage. A standoff ensued as officers tried to negotiate the release of the hostage.

Around 2:30 Saturday morning, police attempted to rescue the hostage. During the rescue attempt, a trooper from the Kansas Highway Patrol fired at McCray, striking him. The hostage was safely rescued and McCray was taken to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition.

No officers were injured.

When the KBI finishes its investigation into the incident, the findings will be sent to the Atchison County Attorney's Office.

Drivers on U.S. 169 near Liberty should keep an eye out for workers for the next several weeks.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, starting this week and continuing through mid- February, crews will clear brush on the right of way at the intersection of U.S. 169 and Montgomery County Road 3420 or Liberty Road. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. Drivers should expect delays of 15 minutes or less.

The Altamont City Council approves nearly $10,000 to repair damage to the city office building.

City Administrator LeaAnn Myers reported to the Council in December that the city office building had a leak in the roof. Myers stated that the damage was worse than previously thought but that the city’s insurance company informed her that the needed repairs would not meet the policy deductible. After a lengthy discussion, Council members approved a bid for $9,340 from Russel Construction in Parsons to complete the repairs.

The Council also approved $350,000 for Midwest Construction to begin phase one of a sewer repair project. This phase of the project will include the construction of a new sewer lift station.

Also approved was the annexation of a property at 1005 Huston into the City of Altamont, Fire Chief Cody Dickerson also reported that Richard Heyward was appointed as Assistant Fire Chief.

The next Altamont City Council meeting will be held on February 13.

The Independence City Commission makes some minor changes to time-limited parking in the downtown area.

At the most recent meeting, Commissioners heard a complaint from a local business owner about the lack of adequate parking along Main Street near the intersection with Penn Avenue. The Commission voted unanimously to add a twenty-minute parking space in the 100 block of East Main and to change all 15-minute spaces to 20-minute spaces for consistency. Commissioners also approved nearly $200,000 for the Independence Fire Department to purchase a new tanker truck, and also heard updates on the Independence Land Bank and on various Public Works projects around the city, including work to be done on the pedestrian crossings downtown at Penn and Chestnut Streets.

Independence Police Chief Dustin Stafford was present for the swearing-in of the city’s newest police officer Jacob Smith.

The next Independence City Commission meeting will be on February 13.

Three Parsons eighth graders place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Elks Club Americanism Essay Contest.

1st place in the eighth-grade division went to Allen Byrd, 2nd place to Jaqcen Reece,  and 3rd place to A.J. Pontious.

Local Elks Lodge representative Kyla Shultz announced the winners last week at an assembly at Parsons Middle School. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks holds a national competition each year through their Americanism Committees, for 5th – 8th grade students, with each grade level competing in its own division. This year, students answered the question,  “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?” Shultz said the contest challenges students to thoughtfully consider American values and appreciate the blessings and responsibilities of American citizenship. Students' responses were to be 300 words or less and were judged on three criteria: Originality; Development of theme; and Grammar and Neatness.

Students from across the area submitted more than 200 essays for the competition with more than 75 in the 8th grade division.

As the 1st place winner, Allen Byrd’s essay will be sent to the Grand Lodge Essay Contest Administrator to compete at the national level. Winners will be chosen and announced this summer.

Photo: (left to right) Allen Byrd, A.J. Pontious, Parsons Middle School history teacher Debbie Shaffer, Jaqcen Reece

A Thursday morning traffic stop in Parsons leads to a search warrant and the arrest of multiple people on drug charges.

On Thursday around 1am, a P-P-D officer made a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Thornton Avenue. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia in the possession of a passenger in the car 57-year-old Karen Diane Murphy. Murphy was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Further investigation by Parsons Police revealed the origin of the material found in Murphy’s possession. Authorities obtained and served a search warrant on a residence on South 16th Street and uncovered pills, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other drug-related items. 55-year-old Lisa Stover attempted to flee the scene but was quickly arrested. She faces multiple charges including possession of narcotics and escape from custody. 53-year-old Larry McQuarie Jr. was also arrested on multiple charges of possession and distribution of a controlled substance. A third individual at the residence was released at the scene.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks called the arrests a demonstration of P-P-D’s commitment to tackling drug activity in the community.

The investigation is ongoing.

Photo: Lary McQuarie Jr (top), Karen Murphy (bottom left), Lisa Stover (bottom right)

The Montgomery County Commission will hear from a representative from the Council on Aging at today’s meeting.

Henry Schmidt will appear before the County Commission today to discuss the Liberty Senior Center. Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will also be on hand to update commissioners on the status of projects around the county, while Assistant County Administrator Kori White will give an update on health insurance for county employees.

There are also three executive sessions planned during the meeting.

Today’s Montgomery County Commission meeting begins at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. It is also available for online viewing via the County’s Facebook page.

The Dearing Fire Department provides aid on a controlled burn over the weekend.

On Saturday around 9:20 a.m., the Dearing Fire Department along with Coffeyville Regional Medical Center EMS and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to the 2400 block of County Road 4525 in Indian Village.

A controlled burn was ongoing, and first responders were called when the burn started becoming uncontrollable. Firefighters were able to contain the fire and there was no loss of property or structures.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

While it might seem a long ways off, severe weather season will be here before we know it, and the National Weather Service is gearing up for another round of storm spotter training sessions.

Meteorologists from NWS offices in Wichita and Tulsa will be presenting information that will help prepare storm spotters and weather enthusiasts for the upcoming storm season. Their staff will provide an in depth weather presentation that will engage audience members by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storm's potential severity, how to report hazardous weather and severe weather safety. Below is a list of upcoming spotter talks within the KGGF listening area:

A roadwork project near Sedan will start midweek.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, on Wednesday, workers expect to begin a drainage and erosion control project on U.S. 166B. The 3-mile project area is located between the west junction of U.S. 166/U.S. 166B and the west city limits of Sedan.

Flaggers will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Drivers can expect brief delays. A driving lane width restriction of 12.5 feet will be in effect. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by Friday, Feb. 7^th.

Another annual Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner is in the books, and several businesses and individuals have once again been highlighted.

A full house packed the east gym at Nellis Hall on the Coffeyville Community College Campus last night.  One of the highlights of the evening was handing out this year's awards.

El Charro was named this year's small business of the year, while Pete's Corporation was awarded rising star business.  KGGF took home this year's business of the year award, and Darrel Harbaugh was named volunteer of the year.  Finally, Dr. James Christensen was awarded the citizen of the year award.

The turnaround is underway at the Coffeyville refinery.

CVR Energy announced today that it has commenced its planned turnaround at the Coffeyville refinery following damage sustained to its Naphtha Hydrotreater on Tuesday during freezing weather conditions. The Company intends to provide further updates regarding this turnaround during its next earnings conference call.

 An educator working within USD 445 is arrested on drug-related charges.

According to the Montgomery County jail roster, 57-year-old Robin Denise Thompson was arrested yesterday afternoon by the Coffeyville Police Department on charges of possession of opiates, opium, narcotics or another stimulant, possession of marijuana and use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body. According to the Kansas State Board of Education, Thompson is a licensed high-incidence special education teacher. She was working within the district at the time of the incident, but is employed by Tri-County Special Education according to USD 445 Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll.

Dr. Correll sent a letter to parents and staff, saying the incident at Field Kindley high school yesterday required police involvement, but assures everyone that no students were involved and that student safety remains their highest priority. He says school and district administration have been and will continue to work with and assist local law enforcement. Correll spoke with KGGF News and says all personnel matters are confidential, so he is not at liberty to discuss the issue.  Thompson now awaits a formal hearing in Montgomery County and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

*****CORRECTION ***** A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Thompson as a USD 445 teacher.  According to Superintendent Correll, Thompson is not a USD 445 employee, but is employed by Tri-County Special Education.

 Work continues on the new Neosho River Bridge on U.S. 59 south of Erie.

 KDOT Southeast Kansas says the bridge deck is taking shape as work continues during the winter months.

 KanDrive recommends using KS 47 and KS 39 as detours around the bridge, which is closed.

 KDOT says the bridge will be closed through May 31^st.

 This is National Passenger Safety Week, a week to highlight the crucial role passengers play in preventing traffic fatalities.

 The campaign encourages passengers to “speak up” when drivers engage in reckless behaviors, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving.

 According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, passengers accounted for 24% of deadly crashes in 2020.

 Advocates stress that passenger intervention can prevent many of these tragedies.

 Director of operations at The National Road Safety Foundation Michelle Anderson says it’s okay to be a back-seat driver, when it comes to saving lives.

 According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving alone killed an estimated 3,308 people in 2022 and injured nearly 290,000 more, underscoring the urgency of passenger involvement.

 National Passenger Safety Week provides resources, tips, and local statistics to empower passengers to take action and make roads safer.

 A Lawrence County woman awaits murder charges in Missouri and Arkansas after confessing to killing her husband.

 The Aurora-Marionville Police say 31-year-old Taylor Santiago was arrested yesterday morning after arriving at the police department; she told them she just murdered her estranged husband Troy Huffman.

 AMPD Chief Wes Coatney says responding officers went to the apartment and found Troy's body. The body appeared to have gunshot wounds.

 Santiago also admitted to shooting two other people in Arkansas, including a man believed to be the biological father of one of her children.

 AMPD and authorities in Carroll County, Arkansas, are cooperating in the investigations in both states.

 Carroll County authorities say they are investigating a call in which a man and a woman had been shot. EMS says a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was transported to the hospital in serious condition.

 Santiago is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.

 A gun found at the Missouri scene is believed to have been used in both shootings.

 An Oologah man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple child pornography charges.

 40-year-old Bradley Andrew Friend is charged with enticing and persuading a minor child to engage in sexual activity. He is also charged with producing, possessing, receiving, and distributing materials that depict the sexual abuse of children.

 The Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case in Tulsa federal court.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Bourbon County Rural Water District #4 public water supply system located in Bourbon County.

 The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure due to an equipment malfunction at the water treatment plant. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

 Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

 Drinking water samples collected from the Bourbon Co. RWD #4 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of McCune public water supply system located in Crawford County.

 The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

 Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

 Drinking water samples collected from the City of McCune indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

The Neodesha City Commission is considering whether or not to use city funds to repair sidewalks near the city's school.

At the most recent city commission meeting, a Neodesha citizen suggested using leftover grant money to do some much-needed repairs to sidewalks near the elementary schools. He says the amount of work wouldn't be much.

According to Kansas law, sidewalk repair is the responsibility of the homeowner. Another citizen says it wouldn't be fair to repair these sidewalks and not do it for other property owners.

The man also pointed out that city-owned sidewalks on Fourth Street are also in need of repair and might be a better use of the grant money. Commissioners decided to table the issue until the February 12^th meeting.

Area residents are invited to celebrate an early Kansas Day tomorrow at the Independence Science and Technology Center.

The event will feature a presentation by the self-described Kansas history Nerd Amanda Allen. Allen will talk about the best that the state of Kansas has to offer with a group discussion to follow. The event is open to all ages but children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The presentation begins at 2 tomorrow afternoon at the Science and Technology Center located at 125 South Penn in Independence. Admission is free.

To view Allen's Facebook page, go here.

An exercise in emergency communication is coming up this weekend in Coffeyville.

The Coffeyville and Independence Amateur Radio Clubs will participate in Winter Field Day this Saturday. Coffeyville club president Jacob McCallie says emergencies don't always come during nice weather, and this event helps local operators test their gear in different conditions from ARRL field day, which is held in June.

McCallie says this year, there's an opportunity for the public to win a prize by attending.

Winter Field Day will take place at the Oakcrest lodge at Pfister Park in Coffeyville across from the Aviation Heritage Museum. Setup will start at 10 a.m. and the event kicks off at 1 p.m. Club members plan to operate into the evening hours on Saturday.

Other local clubs will be setting up as well for Winter Field Day, including the Bartlesville club at Osage Hills State Park and the Pittsburg Club at the Crawford County Historical Museum. A link to find a local club activation where you live is available HERE.

***** Update 8:55 p.m. *****

The Electric Department has restored power to those affected by the outage. The Water Department continues to repair the water mainline in northwest Fredonia.

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

City Crews in Fredonia are responding to multiple service disruptions.

According to the city, the electric department is responding to power outages impacting areas of Fredonia. No specific areas have been identified at this time.

In addition, the water department is currently working to repair a leak near the intersection of Polk Street and N 4th Street. Water users located north of Polk Street and between N 4th Street and N 5th Street may experience a decrease in water pressure or an interruption in water service. The city says the water crew is working diligently to complete the repair tonight.

The owners of the Price Tower in Bartlesville have declared bankruptcy.

According to News on 6, Green Copper Holdings and Copper Tree Inc. told a bankruptcy judge Wednesday they only have a combined $216 in the bank.

Wednesday’s filings come one day after a Washington County judge ordered the owners to sell the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower to McFarlin Building LLC for $1.4 million.

Reports indicate the building currently has no power, heat or insurance.

This is a developing story. We will have updates as they become available.

Part of South Buckeye has reopened to traffic – temporarily.

According to Montgomery County Public Works, the intersection of South Buckeye Street and James School Road has been temporarily reopened to allow traffic while they wait for the project to resume.  Buckeye is still closed between Coffeyville and James School Road, but it's now open between the Intersection south to the state line.
 

The intersection is currently filled with gravel, so drivers are asked to use caution and travel safely through the area. The project started at the end of August of last year and was expected to take 100 working days, but has seen several setbacks over its course, many of which have been due to weather.

Many area cities have been battling water leaks during the recent cold snap and Coffeyville is no exception.

City crews are out today working on a leak in the 400 block of South Buckeye. Buckeye will be closed between 4^th and 5^th Streets until the work is completed. Ice has formed around the area where the leak is and crews are chipping it away in order to make the required repairs. Drivers are asked to avoid the area to allow city crews to complete their work.

Photo courtesy City of Coffeyville

A new border security bill cosponsored by freshman Congressman Derek Schmidt may soon be signed into law.

The Laken Riley Act passed the U.S. Senate on a 64 to 35 vote on Wednesday with twelve Democrats joining Republicans to approve the measure. The Senate-amended version of the bill includes language from another house bill called Sarah's Law. Schmidt co-sponsored both bills.

The Laken Riley Act requires the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants who commit offenses including theft, assaults on law enforcement, and other violent crimes. The measure now awaits President Trump's signature in order to become law.

“[The] passage of the Laken Riley Act is a strong first step to begin fixing the Biden border crisis. I was proud to cosponsor and vote for this legislation, and I’m confident it’s the first of many actions we will take this year to secure our borders,” said Schmidt. “Including portions of Sarah’s Law in this bill is personally important to me. As Attorney General, I prosecuted far too many cases where Kansans were harmed by illegal immigrants who were often under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s unacceptable and must stop. I look forward to President Trump signing this legislation, which will improve community safety in Kansas and across the country.”

Sarah's Law was named for 21-year-old Sarah Root who was killed by an illegal alien driving under the influence of alcohol in 2016. That bill, originally introduced in the House of Representatives, required U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain any illegal alien who harms or kills an American citizen and ensures that these criminals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Senate version of the Laken Riley Act strengthens the list of criminal offenses that subject illegal aliens to mandatory detention by adding “assault on a law enforcement officer” and “crimes that result in serious bodily injury.” Schmidt cosponsored similar standalone bills on each of these policies.

The errors from the Montgomery County Treasurer's Office continue.

A recent discovery of another error in figuring property taxes in Montgomery County will once again end up costing taxpayers to fix it. The issue affects parcels in Montgomery County that are eligible to attend schools in Fredonia or Neodesha. Those districts have different mill levies that were not included on the last property tax statement.

County Treasurer Nancy Clubine told the County Commission at this week's meeting that the errors can be fixed by hand or the county can pay to have the software company Comtech fix them. Clubine says fixing them by hand would be difficult.

Clubine adds that the error must be fixed by law.

The commission voted unanimously to spend $4,500 to have Comtech fix the error. This comes on top of a similar expenditure of $22,000 in December to correct another error on county property tax statements.

The City of Broken Arrow gives a neighborly gift to the City of Nowata.

Earlier this month, a fire occurred at the City of Nowata's Public Works building. The building was a total loss and so were several pieces of large equipment stored there, including a mini excavator and a backhoe. The loss left the City of Nowata with very little in the way of equipment to conduct much-needed work around the city.

This week, the Broken Arrow City Council approved a measure to help out their fellow city. Council members voted to transfer a mini-excavator from their fleet to Nowata. While the excavator is used with 7,000 hours of operation and more than a few bumps and bruises, Broken Arrow says it still has some life in it and will prove useful to the City of Nowata.

Nowata City Council Member Dean Bridges was at the meeting and thanked Broken Arrow for their help, stating that the Nowata would put the machine to good use in rebuilding their Public Works.

A Baldwin City man is dead following a single-vehicle accident on the Kansas Turnpike.

61-year-old Delbert Oldfield died yesterday in an accident on I-35 in Overland Park. The Kansas Highway Patrol says Oldfield was traveling at a high rate of speed when he swerved to avoid a collision with another vehicle. The action caused Oldfield's vehicle to run off the road and strike a concrete barrier. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

City crews in Fredonia have been busy repairing leaks in the city water system.

Crews were out once again yesterday to repair a leak in a water main near 16^th and Adams Streets. This was the latest leak after crews were called out on Sunday night to repair a leak near Madison Street and the railroad tracks. That leak took nearly twenty-four hours to repair due to the extreme cold.

The warmer weather allowed crews to work quickly yesterday and repairs were completed and service was restored by late afternoon.

The Sedan Public Works Director submits his resignation.

Jim Miller announced his decision at this week's Sedan City Council meeting. Miller says concern for his health was a major factor in his resignation.

Also at this week's meeting, was a discussion of the ongoing work on the City's new walking trail. Police Chief Kirk Richardson says the city should consider naming the trail in honor of a Sedan citizen.

Richardson added that, in his role as Street Commissioner, Wilson was also instrumental in designing the Sedan water system. Council members agreed that the naming was a good idea, but no official action was taken. In other business, Council members held a a lengthy discussion about the need for an animal shelter. Again, no official action was taken.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight at City Hall.

On the agenda is a discussion of parking in the downtown area, a payment request from Labette Health, and the possible purchase of a new pumper truck for the Independence Fire Department. Commissioners will also hold a Public Hearing regarding condemnation proceedings on a house on Washington Street.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall. The meeting will also be broadcast online via the city's website.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond requests a denial of clemency for a convicted murderer.

On Wednesday, Drummond asked the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to deny clemency for Wendell Arden Grissom. Grissom is set for execution in March for the November 2005 murder of 23-year-old Amber Mathews.

Grissom was convicted of killing Mathews during an attempted burglary of a home near Watonga, located northwest of Oklahoma City. A second woman and two children survived the attack. The other defendant in the crime Jessie Johns is currently serving a life sentence without parole for his role in the crime.

Drummond called the crime monstrous and urged the board to deny clemency for the cold-blooded killer.

The Coffeyville City Commission will hold a work session tonight to address a pair of issues before its next regular meeting.

On tonight's agenda is a discussion of a recent Electric Rate Study. The commission will also review and discuss Code Enforcement procedures.

The next regular meeting of the Coffeyville City Commission will be Tuesday night at 6:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall.

An Independence man is being honored for his volunteer work with Scouting America.

Bill Carson has been named as a recipient of the 2024 Silver Beaver Award from Scouting America through the Quivira Council located in Wichita. The Silver Beaver Award is presented to adult volunteers who have provided distinguished service and leadership in the organization. Carson has served as a leader with Boy Scout Troop 4 and Cub Scout Pack 4 in Independence for more than a decade and has also served as a shooting sports instructor for scouts in southeast Kansas.

The Silver Beaver Award was first introduced in 1931 and has since been awarded to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.

Carson will be presented with his award on February 8^th at the 2025 Quivira Council Annual Recognition Banquet in Wichita.

The Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Department of the Interior are partnering to utilize film and media to help preserve and advance Native languages.

The largest tribal nation in the United States is dedicating resources and technology to help federal entities pursue a National Plan on Native Language Revitalization.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a formal partnership between the tribe, Cherokee Film and several federal entities, including the Interior Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education. The Interior Department intends for the 10-year plan to expand immersion language projects, boost community efforts and develop support networks.

In addition to offering its support to other tribes, Cherokee Nation and its businesses continue working together to make more film and television content available in Cherokee, having already partnered with Prime Video to dub original programming in the Cherokee language.

An event is coming up for anyone interested in the future of Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Action Council will host an economic outlook event coming up on Wednesday, January 29^th.

Action Council Executive Director Melissa Johnson says all are welcome at the event.

Johnson says there will also be several experts conducting a panel discussion.

The event will take place in the Spencer/Rounds Theater on the CCC campus from 8 – 10 a.m. Tickets start at $40 plus a $1.50 processing fee for members and can be purchased HERE. Discounts are also available for students.

Bikers Against Predators helps Parsons Police arrest a registered sex offender.

Tuesday, PPD responded to a request for assistance at the Parsons Library from Bikers Against Predators, a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing online predators. The request was prompted by B.A.P.'s efforts to intercept William Patrick Mansfield Jr, a registered sex offender, who had agreed to meet with a supposed thirteen-year-old. B.A.P. had created a decoy profile on the social media platform Grindr. Messages exchanged between Mansfield and the decoy revealed his intent to meet at the library to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

A video posted by B.A.P. on social media captured Mansfield stating that the interaction would be consensual, a claim that did little to disguise the illegal nature of his intentions. PPD met with B.A.P. at the scene to review the evidence they had collected. Mansfield was arrested and faces charges of electronic solicitation and a second offense violation of the Offender Registration Act for failing to disclose his social networking account.

Wilson County is nearing a decision regarding the Sunflower Skies Solar project.

The county commission met with representatives from the project during this week's meeting, which included a presentation regarding a 30-year plan, as well as the county's potential financial commitment the first ten years, which can still be negotiated after a decision is reached.

The commission went into executive session regarding legal counsel and attorney-client priviledge. Following the session, the commissioners voted to table the final decision.

The next meeting regarding the zoning project will be Wednesday February 5th, while the commission will meet next on January 29th at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the Courthouse.

The Osage County Commission discuss improvements at the county fairgrounds.

The commission met on Tuesday morning for their weekly meeting at the fairgrounds following the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. At the meeting, a resolution was signed in an effort to make improvements to the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds.

District One Commissioner Anthony Hudson says this is for the announcer stand in the outdoor arena that is above the new bucking chutes. In other business, one utility permit signed for district three.

Members of the community spend several hours learning about and discussing opioid issues and solutions.

The Best Western in Coffeyville was filled with members of the community last night who engaged in a town hall hosted by Live Healthy Montgomery County. Organizer Marci Roberts shared information with those in attendance about the increase of substance use around Kansas that has skyrocketed since 2017, with Montgomery County being in the top 10 of counties in Kansas per capita.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Shawn Campiti shared a personal story about losing his son Kooper to fentanyl.

Campiti stressed the inherent dangers of just a tiny amount of fentanyl and it is being mixed in with all kinds of drugs found on the street.  A panel of local experts answered questions from the audience, including Dr. James Christensen who says the problem has many facets, including some from the medical side.

Four County Mental Health Assistant Clinical Director Kelly Bradford says it's no secret treatment for substance use disorder is a complex issue.

Panelists and attendees also discussed how to spend a $35,000 grant that will go toward substance use prevention in the county.

 The city of Caney hires a new city administrator.

 After an executive session, Andrea Sibley was voted to be the town's new leader, replacing Kelley Zellner, who retired at the end of last year. Sibley graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor of science degree in Management Information Systems. She has worked for the state of Colorado as a business analyst, a project manager for the state of Hawaii, and has been a business owner for more than fifteen years.

 Mayor Josh Elliott says Sibley will help the financials of Caney be more accessible to residents.

 Sibley's first day on the job is today.

 In other business, a report was given on the audit of Caney Grocery for the latter part of 2024. Other then clerical errors, no mismanagement of funds were found with anyone concerning the store in the audit. Elliott says things are looking positive for the store.

 The Caney council meeting is available for viewing here.

Independence Community College is one step closer to finding a new president.

At Tuesday's Board of Trustees meeting, trustees began by swearing in their newest member, Dr Logan Null. Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Sherwood then turned the meeting over to current President Dr. Jonathan Sahdoo. Sahdoo asks the trustees to elect a new Chairperson.

Sherwood was selected to serve another term as Chair while Jeri Hammerschmidt was selected as Vice-chair. A large portion of last night's meeting was spent in executive session as trustees reviewed recommendations from the Presidential Search Committee. Twenty-three candidates were up for selection as ICC's next President. The Board's task was to narrow down that number to those who would advance to the first round of interviews. Sherwood says there was a list of criteria to determine those candidates.

Those candidates selected last night will be interviewed via Zoom to determine which ones will move on to the final, in-person interview.

Police in Okmulgee are investigating after human remains are discovered.

The investigation began after a citizen found a skull near Highway 62 in Okmulgee on Monday. When police arrived on the scene, they found multiple human bones in the area, A forensic anthropologist from the Medical Examiner's Office was called in to collect the bones and take them to the Medical Examiner's Office for identification. Police say identifying the victim is a priority because it will give investigators a way to proceed in the case.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Okmulgee Police Department or contact the Okmulgee District Attorney's Office.

A Washington County, OK, a judge has ordered Bartlesville's Price Tower to be sold to the McFarlin Group for $1.4 million.

Associate District Judge Russell Vaclaw made the ruling during an emergency hearing yesterday/Tuesday morning.

The case began in September 2024 when Tulsa-based McFarlin Building, LLC, claimed that the President of Copper Tree and secretary of Green Copper Holdings, the deed owners of the Price Tower, Cynthia Blanchard signed a $1.4 million contract on May 23 to sell the Tower to McFarlin.

The lawsuit claimed that the ownership group of the Price Tower breached the terms of the agreement by removing property and artifacts, and for putting the skyscraper up for auction. McFarlin also claims the Price Tower is in “peril” because there is allegedly no insurance on the building, no adequate fire escapes and no active fire suppression system. Utilities have also been turned off.

Vaclaw ordered that the $1.4 million will be held by the court in a fund until all claims, liabilities, and debts are settled. The judge also ordered that any money received from Blanchard selling Price Tower artifacts must either be paid back or deducted from the purchase agreement.

There will be another court date set in February.

The new Coffeyville Regional Medical Center office building project is underway and moving along quickly.

That was the word from CRMC Chief Financial Officer Jeff Morris as he spoke before the Montgomery County Commission last night. Morris appeared before the Commission to request a final disbursement of grant funding held by the county on CRMC's behalf. Morris says everything is running smoothly with the project.

The County has been holding more than a million dollars in grant funding to be used on the project and has been allocating the funds as needed at the request of CRMC. Morris says the hospital hopes to complete the new office building without incurring any debt on the project.

Construction on the project is being handled by Columbus-based Crossland Construction.

Two separate car accidents in Cherokee County yesterday resulted in two people with injuries and one fatality.

The first accident was a single-vehicle crash that occurred on Scammon Road about 5 miles southeast of Weir. Around 7:30 am, 51-year-old Brittany Beckner of Pittsburg swerved to avoid several deer in the roadway, causing her vehicle to enter the ditch and overturn. Beckner sustained minor injuries.

The second accident happened just before noon at the junction of US-400 and K-26, just east of Baxter Springs. 79-year-old Joseph Reed of Vinita, OK, failed to yield to oncoming traffic at the junction. His 2007 VW Jetta was struck on the driver's side by an oncoming tow truck. Reed suffered fatal injuries. A passenger in the Jetta – 73-year-old Cynthia Conrad of Miami, OK, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. The driver of the tow truck was uninjured.

Another fugitive on Oklahoma's 10 Most Wanted list is captured in California.

The U. S marshals in collaboration with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, arrested Sau Tau “James” Liu last week in Sacramento. Liu was added to Oklahoma's Most Wanted list in early January for Lincoln County warrants stemming from a November 2023 Multi-County Grand Jury indictment for drug trafficking.

Liu's arrest marks the eighth successful capture from the Attorney General's Top 10 Most Wanted list.

To learn more about Oklahoma fugitives still at large, go here.

Parsons Police Department Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd is selected to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy.

Dodd will attend the prestigious National Academy this summer. Admission to the program is by invitation only. The 10-week course provides courses in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. The purpose of the program is to improve the administration of justice in local police departments and to raise law enforcement standards and knowledge.

Dodd was first recommended for the course in 2017. Police chief Robert Spinks called Dodd's selection a testament to his commitment and reflects Dodd's hard work in serving the people of Parsons.

Emergency crews are called to assist in a reported fire at the refinery in Coffeyville.

CVR Energy confirms that today at around 2:00pm, a fire occurred in the naphtha hydrotreater unit. One contract worker was taken to the hospital for treatment due to an unrelated personal medical issue. All employees have been accounted for. The fire is currently extinguished and Company officials will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident.

A new bridge in the county and continued improvement to the county courthouse were the main topics of discussion at the Nowata County Commission meeting.

The commissioners discussed a right of way acquisition between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Guy Engineering for bridge construction in the second district of the county. Commissioner Troy Friddle says the county does play a role in bridge production.

In other business, the commission discussed their ongoing improvements at the courthouse. Commissioner Friddle says they should consider replacing the light fixtures with cheaper LEDs. The commissioners also passed resolutions on surplus declarations, donations through the Nowata County Sheriff's Office and a CIRB Project Priority list.

Emergency crews are called to assist in a reported fire at CVR Energy. 

According to initial reports, at around 2:00pm,  the Coffeyville Fire Department was called to assist the CVR Fire Department for a fire in one of the units.  According to witnesses, employees had evacuated the building to staging areas outside of the plant.  Officials are asking residents to avoid the area, but there does not appear to be any threat to the public at this time.  There is no official word on any injuries or the extent of any damage.

The updated story can be found here.

Emergency personnel are asking people to please avoid the area around CVR Energy as emergency crews are on scene.

According to witnesses, it appears that around fifty employees have been evacuated and are standing in the parking lot.  Travel on Sunflower has been restricted but traffic on 1st Street is still clear.  We will keep you updated as we receive further information.

The Chautauqua County Clerk's Office is currently hiring.

The county is looking for an Accounts Payable Clerk, that can assist with answering phones, interacting with visitors, and processing bills for payment.

The Clerk's Office is also responsibile for all local, state, and federal elections, voter registration, campgain expense reports, and advance voting applications, among other responsibilies.

Those interested or looking for more information can contact County Clerk Niki Collier at cqclerk@gmail.com, or by calling the County Courthouse at 620-725-5800.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of McCune in Crawford County and for Bourbon County Rural Water District #4 in Bourbon County.

Both advisories went into effect yesterday and will remain in effect unti it is rescinded by the KDHE. Customers in McCune and of RWD #4 in Bourbon County should boil water for at least one minute prior to consumption. Dispose of ice cubes from trays and automatic ice makers and disinfect dishes and food preparation surfaces until further notice.

KDHE officials issued the advisory for McCune because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system and for Bourbon County #4 due to an equipment malfunction at the water treatment plant.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can rescind the order following testing at a certified laboratory.

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees will swear in its newest member at tonight's meeting.

Dr. Logan Null was appointed earlier this month to fill the trustee seat left vacant by the resignation of Val DeFever. Null will be sworn in tonight and officially begin his new duties. Also at tonight's meeting, trustees will elect a new chair and vice-chair to serve for 2025. they will also choose representatives to serve on the Audit Committee and a representative for the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, and on the ICC Foundation.

There will also be an executive session to allow trustees to review decisions by the Presidential Search Committee to determine candidates for the first round of interviews for ICC President.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in Room 104 of the Fab Lab building.

As the cold weather settles in around the area, there are still those who must be outside because of work or other obligations.

Dr. Ravi Johar of United Health Care says, for those people who have to be outside in the cold weather, make sure to dress warmly and limit exposed skin.

With dangerously low temperatures comes the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Johar says to pay attention to how you feel and watch for warning signs that you are getting too cold.

For those who must be outside during the cold weather, take frequent breaks to warm up and drink warm liquids. Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing and know the signs of cold stress which include reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.

We've all heard the advice that you should let your car warm up on cold winter mornings because it will run better.

But is that really true?

The car experts at the American Automobile Association say it isn't. Triple A says you should start your car and let it idle just long enough to put on your seatbelt. This ensures that the motor oil gets to all of the engine's vital parts and lubricates them adequately. Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration warms the engine faster and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions. However, a little longer idle time is perfectly fine while clearing ice and snow from your car. It can also make the trip a little more pleasant for the occupants.

Extreme cold can be dangerous especially if you find yourself with a broken furnace.

 There are ways to stay warm if your heat goes out when it's very cold. One way is to use an alternative heat source. If your home has a gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplace, you have a built-in secondary heat source. Portable space heaters can also be used to warm up small spaces and rooms. They do require a lot of power to run, so be careful not to overload you electrical system by using too many. And, never leave a space heater unattended because it can pose a fire hazard. Focus on warming one room of the house to minimize the heat that must be produced.

Block cold air by adding temporary insulation over doors and windows by hanging blankets over them or closing the drapes tightly. A rolled-up towel or blanket placed along the bottom of a drafty door or window will also help keep out the cold.

Wear extra layers of clothing and use blankets and sleeping bags for warmth. Drink warm liquids and eat hot soup to warm up from the inside. Moving around and staying active will also help. While sleeping, use heating pads and heated blankets to warm your sleeping area, though it is safest to turn these things off before you fall asleep. Hot water bottles are also a good alternative.

Some methods of heating your home are dangerous and should be avoided. Do not use a gas stove or oven as it could cause a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide. Outdoor grills should be avoided for the same reason. Do not use fire pits to start any type of open flame inside the house.

Remember that all temporary heat sources should never be left unattended.

It's a chance to help out an historic Coffeyville landmark and help your taxes at the same time.

The Midland Theater is once again doing tax credits as a fundraiser. Coffeyville Reawakenings' Wyatt Starnes says, while it's too late for your 2024 taxes, they are available for 2025.

Starnes adds that you can get more information on the Midland tax credits in several different ways. Email info@historicmidlandtheater.com, or by visiting the Midland Theater website. You can also contact a Midland Board Member or contact the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce.

Authorities in Chanute are investigating a possible explosion at a local residence.

A press release from the Chanute Fire Department indicates that fire crews were called to a house on West 16^th Street just after 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. There, firefighters discovered a structure fire with a possible explosion. Crews remained on the scene for more than an hour to ensure the blaze was extinguished and to secure the area.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.

A Kansas man is killed in a head-on collision in Marion County.

The accident occurred on US-56 about forty miles west of Emporia.

Around 1pm yesterday, 29-year-old Kendall Harding of Lost Springs, KS, was traveling northbound on the highway in a 2019 Ram 1500 when he went left of center and struck a semi head-on. Harding suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The driver of the semi – 36-year-old Jason Mathews of Garnett – was uninjured.

On Monday afternoon, several area communities were affected by water leaks and crews were working to get them repaired as quickly as possible.

The City of Pawhuska had issues around Skyline Drive and Grandview Avenue, while Nowata was able to fix the leak before being forced to turn the water supply off. The City of Fredonia had a major water leak when a water main broke on Sunday. Crews in that city worked through the frigid temperatures into the evening on Sunday and through Monday afternoon before water service was fully restored.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet tonight for their regular weekly meeting.

On the agenda will be Coffeyville Regional Medical Center's Chief Financial Officer Jeff Morris. Morris will address the Commission regarding the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant funds currently being held by the county for use on the new CRMC expansion. County Treasurer Nancy Clubine will also address the commission about the erroneous mill levies for Montgomery County residents whose children attend schools in Neodesha or Fredonia. County Administrator Jonathan Booe will also be on hand for the approval of a new county logo.

Tonight's meeting will begin at 6pm in the Judicial Center in Independence. It is also available online via the county's Facebook page.

The Montgomery County Commission will return next week to its regular meeting time of Mondays at 9am.

A town hall event is coming up tonight in Coffeyville to discuss opioid awareness.

The event is hosted by Live Healthy Montgomery County, and organizer Marci Roberts says the evening will start with a presentation by a Kansas Bureau of Investigation Agent.

In addition to the presentation, a panel of local experts will be at the town hall to share their experience with opioids. Roberts says the main goal is to get feedback from the public on how to move forward with this issue.

The town hall will be tonight at the Best Western Liberty Center on 11^th Street in Coffeyville from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free refreshments will be provided and all are welcome to attend.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is warning drivers of hazardous road conditions across the state today.

O-H-P says road crews spent the overnight hours treating roadways in northwest and north central Oklahoma but that slick spots may remain, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers are urged to use caution as they head out this morning. Roads may be slick across the state all the way to the US-69 corridor in eastern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas may be slick, as well.

O-H-P urges drivers to use extra caution during the morning commute and to be aware of black ice when traveling. Road conditions in Oklahoma can be viewed at okroads.org.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Mayes County.

Just after 3:00am yesterday morning, 32-year-old Bryce Benshoof, of Chouteau, was walking on Highway 412 on the Chouteau Creek Bridge about two miles east of Chouteau. Benshoof was hit by an unidentified vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by MESTA. According to the OHP report Benshoof suffered massive injuries.

The Chouteau Police Department, Grand River Dam Authority and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office assisted on the call. The crash id still under investigation.

Kansas' governor continues to honor a former president while congratulating the new one.

Governor Laura Kelly continues her directive that flags throughout Kansas remain at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s passing. She also wishes to congratulate President Donald Trump on his inauguration in Washington, D.C., as the 47th president of the United States. Kelly says she congratulates President Trump on his inauguration and hopes for a smooth transition. She says she looks forward to working with his administration and making sure the voices of Kansans are heard in Washington, D.C.

All flags shall remain lowered until sunset on January 28^th. A link to flag status information is available here.

Cadet Law gives High school students experience in the law enforcement world.

Students interested in law enforcement will have the opportunity this summer to see what law enforcement training and careers are like through the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy program. Cadet Law will be held from June 15^th through the 20^th. Participants will experience classroom instruction and the real-world activities of a Trooper. Cadets will go to the firing range and practice pursuit driving at the driving range. They will also get the opportunity to ride with the Patrol’s pilots in agency aircraft and see presentations from the Patrol’s canine handlers. Physical training and attention to detail are both emphasized throughout the duration of the program.

To be eligible to attend Cadet Law, students must be entering their Senior year or a student that has just graduated. They must also have a C+ average and be deemed medically fit to participate in all activities. Students will need to fill out an application to attend, including writing a brief essay on why they would like to participate in the program. Applications are due by April 15^th. There is a $50 application fee for the cadet.

USD 358 Oxford Schools are looking for a new principal at the Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year.

The school is searching for a new leader for the school who has experience in education and is a licensed building level administrator in the state of Kansas.

The role would include maintaining a positive and safe building climate and culture, managing behavioral and academic concerns, and planning and leading faculty meetings for certified and classified staff.

USD 358 emphasizes an encouraging environment with collaborative educators, supportive staff and community, and valuing work-life balance for all district employees.

Those interested or wanting to learn more can view the position at jobs.educatekansas.org.

Local law enforcement is attempting to locate a runaway juvenile.

According to the Coffeyville Police Department, 17-year-old Syndey Bradley was last seen in Coffeyville last Tuesday, January 14th. If located please contact Coffeyville PD 620-252-6160.

There are numerous community events happening this week at Coffeyville Community College.

Wednesday is the final day to add full-length semester courses, which also requires instructor permission. It is also the final day for tuition and fee refunds for full-length classes.

Thursday is a day full of music at CCC, with the choir festival happening from 8 a.m. until noon at Nellis Hall. There will also be a concert at the conclusion of the choir festival, which takes place at 2 p.m. in the Spencer/Rounds Theatre.

On the athletics front, the basketball teams have home games against Fort Hays Tech Norrthwest on Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m., and against Colby on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m. The track and field team will also compete at Pitt State University on Saturday.

Work in Fredonia is expected to continue today as crews in that city repair a water main leak in the sub-zero temperatures.

Crews were busy into the evening hours last night working to repair the leak near the railroad tracks on West Madison Street. Last night's work allowed the water main to open enough to allow water through the line, though pressure in the city was reduced in the overnight hours. There may be street closures on Est Madison today in order to allow the work to be completed. Drivers are advised to avoid that area if at all possible.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond joins twenty-two other state attorneys general in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over a new rule that would tax methane gas.

Last year, the EPA proposed a plan to implement a new methane tax as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The tax would compel energy producers to pay a penalty for oil and gas facilities that produce certain levels of methane. Drummond argued in the petition filed this week that the rule exceeds the EPA’s statutory authority and that it’s an unlawful abuse of discretion. Drummond called the tax a last-ditch, unlawful effort by the Biden Administration to attack the Oklahoma oil and gas industry.

Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas are among the other other states that have joined the lawsuit.

The City of Independence celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the Memorial Community Celebration.

That was the sound of students from Eisenhower Elementary that greeted community members as they gathered at Independence High School on Sunday afternoon to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and to celebrate his legacy. The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Pastor Mike Rose of Berean Christian Mission in Independence. The afternoon was filled with musical acts, speakers, and poetry. Pastor Anthony Turner of True Vine Baptist Church says it is important to remember that King was not only “Dr. King,” but “Reverend King.”

USD 446 Superintendent Jason McAfee also welcomed the crowd with words of tribute to King's legacy.

The keynote speaker was the Director of the Kansas African American Museum in Wichita Amy Williams who spoke highly of King's lasting impact on the country and the world.

Another highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the 2025 Spirit of Unity Award. This year's recipient was Ray Woods. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says Woods' commitment to kindness and community touched everyone he met.

Woods' grandsons Tommy and Kyle Woods accepted the award on behalf of their grandfather.

The Independence MLK Memorial Community Celebration was presented by the Independence Diversity Task Force, The Kansas Volunteer Commission, and RSVP Four County.

Photo: Tommy and Kyle Woods accept the 2025 Spirit of Unity Award on behalf of their grandfather Ray Woods

A Columbus man is appointed to the State Board of Agriculture.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the appointment of Chad Epler of Columbus to the State Board of Agriculture. Epler is a Native of Columbus and runs his family farm operations there. He has also served as the secretary of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and as a member of the National Corn Growers Association Action Team.

The Kansas State Board of Agriculture is composed of nine members appointed by the governor. Epler will serve a four-year term on the board.

He joins Thad Geiger of Troy and Michael Springer of Neodesha in representing District 2 on the State Board.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is called in to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Topeka over the weekend.

A Topeka Police Officer shot 37-year-old Joseph Pham-Gardner on Friday night after the suspect fled on a bicycle. The officer chased Pham-Gardner and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect threatened to shoot the officer. The officer opened fire, striking Pham-Gardner several times. The suspect was taken to a Kansas City hospital and is recovering from non-life-threatening wounds.

When KBI agents conclude this investigation, case findings will be presented to the Shawnee County District Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist with a homicide investigation in eastern Oklahoma.

Last Thursday, January 16, 2025, Police in Pocola, OK, on the Arkansas state line just south west of Fort Smith, discovered the body of a deceased male behind an abandoned residence. The victim was identified as 24-year-old Jaybriel Montgomery.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017 or via email at tips@osbi.ok.gov

Kansas anglers are enjoying the cold weather trout fishing in the state.

Trout season in Kansas began on December 1. LeClere Lake in Coffeyville was stocked with Rainbow Trout at that time. Last week, thanks to a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the lake was once again stocked with fish. 152 rainbow trout were added to the waters of LeClere Lake last week, bringing the total this season to more than 400.

According to Wildlife and Parks, all anglers fishing in LeCLere Lake must have a trout permit during trout season. Youth 15 and Under must have a Youth Trout Permit while all residents ages 16 through 74 and all non-residents 16 and older must have a current fishing license in addition to their trout stamp.

Other area fishing lakes stocked for the season include Tanko Lake near Cherryvale and Gunn Park East Lake in Fort Scott. Trout season runs through March 31.

The City of Parsons is offering energy bill assistance.

Any person in need of assistance paying their energy bills is encouraged to attend the upcoming event for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program to restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane, and other home heating fuels. The event will be held Wednesday from 1 to 4 at the Parsons Public Library located at 311 South 17th Street.

Coffeyville Community College is looking for singers and actors for their spring musical.

CCC has announced open auditions for its spring musical I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On The Road by Gretchen Cryer. The production tells the story of Heather Jones, a 39-year-old singer-songwriter who defies societal expectations by embracing her true self and creating an act that reflects her journey of self-discovery and authenticity.

Auditions will be held at the Spencer Rounds Theater on February 4 from 4:30 to 5:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 with performances slated for late April. Choose a one-hour time slot that best fits your schedule.

For questions or additional information, please email Chris Auten at chris.auten@coffeyville.edu

There will be no Montgomery County Commission meeting held today due to the Martin Luther King Jr Day holiday.

Commissioners will instead meet tomorrow evening at 6pm for their weekly meeting. On the agenda will be Coffeyville Regional Medical Center’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Morris, Montgomery County Building and Grounds Manager Jeff Phelps, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins, County Treasurer Nancy Clubine, and County Administrator Jonathan Booe.

The meeting will be held in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence and is open to the public.

A Kansas City woman received minor injuries after a single-vehicle crash near Chanute.

59-year-old Tracy Herrea was injured Friday when she lost control of her vehicle while traveling on US-169 near Chanute. Herrea’s 2010 Honda CR-V left the roadway to the right, causing her to over-correct and strike a concrete barrier.

The driver was taken to the Neosho County Hospital for treatment.

A Friday evening accident on US-400 in Wilson County leaves two people injured.

The accident occurred around 5:30pm when a 2024 Mercedes Benz Sprinter driven by 53-year-old Jitler Edel Garcia-Castellon of Gibsonton, Florida, was traveling southbound and attempted to pass another vehicle. The Benz struck an oncoming Subaru Forester driven by 72-year-old Phyllis Ann Winzenried of Forsyth, MO. Both drivers received minor injuries. A passenger in the Subaru was uninjured.

Several area fire department respond to a fire call in Coffeyville.

Yesterday around 2:20 p.m., the Coffeyville Fire Department, Coffeyville Police Department, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center EMS, Dearing Fire Department and the South Coffeyville Fire Department responded to a structure fire call in the 700 block of West 3rd in Coffeyville.

Crews found smoke from the attic and contained the damage to that area. There were no injuries reported.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

Firefighters in Dearing respond to a shed fire over the weekend.

Yesterday around 4:15 a.m., the Dearing Fire Department responded to the 300 block of Walnut in Dearing to a report of a structure fire. According to the department, the owner reported a shed on fire in the alley behind the home. Upon arrival, heavy flames were showing from the roof and two walls. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in a short amount of time.

It was 14 degrees at the time of the call and firefighters had to deal with water freezing on bunker gear, although no equipment issues were reported. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. No one was injured and there was a small amount of exposure damage to nearby structures.

Photo: Dearing FD

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and in his honor, some services today will not be available.

Area schools are off today, and no mail will be delivered today. County offices including Montgomery County will be closed today as well. County meetings including the Montgomery County Commission will take place tomorrow. In addition to the date change for tomorrow's meeting, it will also be an evening meeting, starting at 6 p.m. in the basement of the Judicial Center. The Cherryvale City Commission meeting has also been moved to tomorrow at 6 p.m.

Area city halls including Coffeyville and Independence will be closed today, and trash collection in Independence will be shifted one day, so today's trash will be collected tomorrow. Trash service and bulk pickup in Coffeyville will run a normal schedule.

The Cherryvale City Council will meet tomorrow instead of today because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Before the meeting at 6 p.m., there will be a work session at 5 p.m. for grant writing and the dog shelter. On the agenda is the approval of a bid of just over $9,000 for dozer work west of 169 where the city hopes to attract new development. The fourth quarter treasurer's report will also be presented as well.

The meeting will start tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Cherryvale City Hall.

With below-freezing temperatures forecast this weekend, B-The Light Mission in Bartlesville will open its warming shelter.

B-The Light is a mission that provides emergency warming and cooling shelters for those living in compromised conditions. The shelter, located at 219 North Virginia Avenue in Bartlesville, will open tomorrow at 4:00pm and will remain open until the outdoor temperatures normalize.

 More than 100 people attended a two-hour-long forum at Oklahoma Wesleyan University last evening on the Bartlesville Police Department's use of Flock Automated License Plate Reader cameras.

 Attendees heard presentations from District Attorney Will Drake on the legal questions about using the technology, Bartlesville Police leaders on how the department is using the cameras, representatives from Flock Safety and a Tulsa Police Department homicide detective, who also uses the cameras to provide evidence that helps solve crimes.

 BPD Captain Daniel Elkins says the city has nine cameras installed with a 10th camera on the way. The system costs $3,000 per year for each camera. The cameras take still photos of license plates and the rear end of vehicles as they pass a location where they are installed. The cameras do not take video. Those photos are stored for 30 days before automatically being deleted.

 Elkins says there are procedures in place on who is allowed to access the photos and how they are used to provide evidence.

 Elkins and BPD Chief Kevin Ickleberry say the cameras have been key in helping to solve two local murder cases and a kidnapping case. 

 The panel also fielded several in-person questions during the forum, causing some friction, especially with one attendee who was warned that he would be asked to leave if he didn't allow people to answer questions.

 Elkins says the administration will use monthly internal audits to make sure the camera system is being used legally and appropriately.

 Montgomery and Washington Counties are able to share information on an as-needed basis through the FLOCK system.

 Two Kansas communities have secured over $3.3 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination program.

 Combined with $413,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund, plus over $400,000 in local contributions, the investment totals more than $4 million.

 One of the projects receiving funding is a collaboration between the cities of Spring Hill, Fontana, and Fort Scott to improve railroad crossing safety along the BNSF Fort Scott Subdivision. The total project cost is just over $2.1 million.

 Governor Laura Kelly says that improving railroad crossings in Kansas is crucial for enhancing safety and connectivity in communities, adding that these planning grants will not only improve railroad crossing safety but also strengthen the entire state’s transportation network.

 A former teacher in Carl Junction, Missouri, has been arrested on charges of possession of child pornography and stalking.

 According to Carl Junction Police Chief Mark McCall, former junior high vocal music teacher Craig Smith was arrested as a result of an investigation into inappropriate behavior toward a student. Numerous child pornography images were allegedly found on Smith's personal and school-issued electronic devices.

 Authorities say that no images of the stalking victim were included in this material, but the stalking charge is based on a pattern of concerning behavior directed toward a minor student over the last several years.

 Smith is currently being held in the Jasper County jail pending formal charges.

 Governor Laura Kelly announced her annual budget yesterday.

 Kelley says her budget is balanced and fully fund Kansas’ K-12 public schools, as well as investing in early childhood services and special education and addresses both short and long-term water needs.

 Some highlights of the budget includes over $13 million to expand child care slots and build child care workforce capacity, including $10 million to increase the availability of child care through the Childcare Capacity Accelerator Grant program and $1.3 million for Child Care Health and Safety Grants.

 Governor Kelly increased annual spending by $30 million for water funding this year. This budget includes close to $90 million for water infrastructure projects in small towns, cost-share for farmers near the Ogallala Aquifer to implement water saving technology and clean-up of groundwater contamination near cities and parks.

 The budget also expands Medicaid to 150,000 Kansans, invests nearly $50 million in additional funding for higher education, includes $2 million in funding towards safe and compliant hospitals and health care facilities, and provides funding for agriculture and natural resources.

 A link to Governor Kelly's full budget can be found here.

While the area is getting a taste of spring today, extremely cold temperatures will soon make a return.

According to the National Weather Service, very cold temperatures are expected to start tomorrow night and continue through Tuesday. Wind chills will be in the single digits for southeast Kansas Sunday through Tuesday morning, with portions of south central Kansas seeing below zero wind chills. No precipitation is expected at this time. Temperatures are expected to warm back up by Wednesday.

A class is coming up this weekend for anyone interested in raising bees.

Local beekeeper Deanna Wilson has a long family history of raising bees and will share her expertise with all in attendance. Organizers say this will be an educational experience if you are looking to get into the hobby or just want to learn more about bees.

The event will take place this Sunday, January 19^th at 2 p.m. at the Old Iron Club Show Grounds in Fredonia at the intersection of US-400 and KS-47. The public is invited, and there is no admission fee. The program is sponsored by the Wilson County Old Iron Club and the Wilson County Conservation District.

The Coffeyville Alumni Association is gearing up for the first-ever alumni weekend.

Starting Friday, February 21^st, USD 445 Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll says the hope is to bring as many alumni of all ages into town for a big weekend of activities.

Correll says the weekend will start with a tour of Roosevelt Middle School to celebrate its 100^th Anniversary, plus a chance to see a home basketball game.

On Saturday, attendees will be able to tour Field Kindley High School and go on historical tours around town. Correll says everything will finish with a special dinner.

A link for more information and to register is available HERE.

The City of Neodesha will hold a special meeting today.

On the agenda will be two resolutions related to personnel policies in addition to the appointment of a vice-mayor.  There will also be discussion on the 2025 fireworks agreement in addition to accepting the resignation of a Fire/EMS employee.

The meeting will start at 4 p.m. at City Hall in Neodesha.

Several FFA Chapters participate in a recent welding contest at Labette County High School.

On Wednesday, a total of eight students from the Coffeyville FFA Chapter traveled to the contest.  The "B" team placed 6th overall, just ahead of the Cherryvale "A" and "B" teams which placed 7th.

Photo: Coffeyville FFA

Eighteen members of the 2024 Leadership Coffeyville graduate in a ceremony Thursday night.  The graduation was held at the Coffeyville Country Club.  
 

Speaking to the graduates were State Representative Ron Bryce, facilitator and Chamber president Candi Westbrook and the class spokesperson Trisha Starnes.  The first ever Jack Kearns Service Award was presented Madison Bowman.

The 2024 Leadership Coffeyville Class included Robin Adamson of CCC, Kendall Blaich of Acme, Samantha Blome of Solutions North Bank, Madison Bowman of the Chamber of Commerce, Jamie Carr of Welch State Bank, Tara Clark of Taco Mayo, Jim Cook of John Deere, James Copeland of KGGF, Martin Cumings from the City of Coffeyville, Julie Dunham from USD 445, Kimberly Helkenberg of Parmac, Heather Knipe from ABC Christian Preschool, Jacqueline McCauley from CRMC, Earl Menefee from Grace Fellowship, SaraBeth Morgan of Casa Del Sol Complex, Trisha Starnes of George Realtors, Marla Sterling from CCC, and JT Womack of John Deere.

A Copan man is facing a felony charge after exposing himself to a clerk at a liquor store.

According to court records, 44-year-old Jeremiah Wallace went to a Bartlesville liquor store around 7:30pm last Thursday to get a bottle of vodka. When the clerk went to retrieve the bottle, Wallace exposed his genitals to the clerk, who told Wallace to leave. Police say there is video evidence to support the clerk's story. Wallace left the scene and was later apprehended by police.

Court records show Wallace has a previous felony charge of driving under the influence from July 2024 and received a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of accident. Wallace remains in the Washington County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond. His next court date is next Friday, January 24^th at 9:00am.

A former USD 445 Superintendent has passed away.

Dr. John Battitori passed away on Tuesday in the Girard Medical Center at the age of 86. He played football at Hutchinson Junior College and received honorable mention in the Jayhawk Junior College Conference. After his time at Hutch, he went on to play football at Wichita State University and attended Pittsburg State University, Fort Hays State and Oklahoma State.

Dr. Battitori was a high school principal and superintendent at Coffeyville from 1970 until moving to Girard where he was superintendent from 1988 until 2000. He also served on the executive board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. The Rosary will be at 6:00pm on Monday at St. Michael Church in Girard where the family will receive friends until 8:00pm.

The Cherryvale FFA team participates in an area welding contest.

Yesterday, eight Cherryvale students attended the welding contest at Labette County High School. “A” team placed 7th out of 22 teams while the “B” team placed 7th out of 17 teams. Cayden Evenson also got a perfect score of 50 on his gas metal arc weld.

Photo: Cherryvale FFA

 Two counties in Southwest Missouri are in the top five in the Show-Me State for driver and pedestrian fatal crashes.

 Personal injury attorneys Foster Wallace took data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the number of drivers and pedestrians involved in fatal crashes in Missouri counties between 2018 and 2022.

 McDonald County ranks third on the list of most dangerous Missouri counties for drivers. In the time frame, the county saw 25.43 drivers involved in fatal crashes per 10,000 people. Barry County was fourth on the list 22.89 drivers involved in fatal crashes per 10,000 people. 

 To avoid the risk of fatal crashes, plan your trip in advance and leave plenty of time to eliminate last-minute rushing. Check weather and driving conditions before you leave and make sure your vehicle is in roadworthy condition, in particular, check the brakes are working properly, and follow basic driving safety rules - no texting or other distractions, obey speed limits, and ensure you’re well rested.

 An Oklahoma Representative files legislation to provide a sales tax exemption to certain nonprofits.

 Marilyn Stark of Bethany has again filed House Bill 1171, which would provide a sales tax exemption to nonprofit organizations with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. Alcohol and tobacco purchases would not be considered exempt purchases.

 Stark says the dollar, whether donated or provided through a grant, doesn't have the same buying power it did five years ago. Allowing nonprofits to become exempt from sales taxes would be a great benefit to these organizations and the people they serve.

 Stark ran similar legislation two years ago. This year's iteration, HB1171, is eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins February 3rd.

 A resident at the Lansing Correctional Facility has died.

 25-year-old Angel Pedro Lara died yesterday morning after a short illness. Staff and Emergency Medical Service personnel administered life-saving measures and transported Lara to a local hospital where he eventually died. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

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

 Lara was serving a 123-month sentence for convictions of 2nd-degree murder in Sedgwick County, Kansas.

 The Lansing Correctional Facility only serves males and maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.

 A semi striking a bridge on I-44 yesterday afternoon causes a Joplin road to be closed for several hours.

 Joplin 911 received the call around 1:00; the driver was traveling east on Glendale Road when he got the trailer of the semi wedged underneath the westbound bridge of I-44.

 The wreck damaged the semi and had to be towed. The road was closed for several hours while the semi and trailer were recovered.

Authorities say it's the third incident at that particular bridge in the last few months.

 I-44 traffic was not affected. The driver was uninjured.

 A planned power outage is planned for the City of Pawhuska tonight. Crews will be working on upgrades to the electric lines at the substation.

 The outage is expected to begin at 11:00 p.m. tonight and end around 2:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

 The individual involved in Monday's incident at the Dewey, Oklahoma, Industrial Park has been identified.

 24-year-old Garret McClintock, of Dewey, has been charged with two felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious injury to property and one misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer.

 Dewey Police Chief Jimmy Gray says Monday's incident involved McClintock allegedly barricading himself.

 McClintock's bond is set at $100,000. His next court date is scheduled for January 24th at 9 a.m.

 News Director’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website.

The Miami FFA Chapter has added a new event to its lineup.

On Tuesday, the chapter hosted its inaugural Archery Tournament. Organizers say the event was an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their skills and hard work in a competitive setting. Three Miami students placed in the Top 5, including Kaleah Farrales in first place, Luke Lillard in third place and Paige Harrison in 4th Place.

Photo: Miami Public Schools

The winners of this year's KGGF baby derby have picked up their prizes from local sponsors.

Nataly Moncada Santana was the first baby born this year at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center on January 3^rd, coming in at 19 inches and 5lbs 13oz. Nataly's parents are Anna Santana and Franciso Moncada. Nataly was delivered by Dr. Lin and Dr. Christensen and the Women's Health Team at CRMC. The family received a prize package from Mr Reid's Workshop, Cask and Grove, Fast Lane Collision and KGGF.

Cherokee National leadership has reached an agreement with the federal government regarding management of the tribe's resources.

Yesterday, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced that the tribe has reached an $80 million settlement with the U.S. federal government and proposed using the proceeds to build new judicial facilities.

The settlement resolves a 2016 lawsuit alleging that the United States mismanaged the tribe’s trust resources during the 20th century when federal policy suppressed the Cherokee Nation’s ability to self-govern.

Plans are underway to invest settlement funds in the construction of a justice center in Tahlequah that would house the tribe’s Supreme Court, district court, and attorney general’s office, as well as a future district courthouse elsewhere within the tribe’s 7,000 square-mile reservation. The remaining settlement funds would be set aside to construct a district courthouse at a location to be determined in the future.

Authorities are looking for a non-compliant sex offender.

Bradley Gary Fluegel is a child sex offender who is currently non-compliant. According to information shared by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, he was last known to be in the Sedan area.

Fluegel was convicted of two counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child. He has failed to report to the Sheriff’s Department as required by the Kansas Offender Registration Act, or has committed some other violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Therefore, he is non-compliant and considered to be in violation of the Offender Registration Act, which is a felony.

You may contact your local Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office in the county where the offender resides, works or attends school, or the KBI Offender Registration Unit at (785) 296-2841 or by e-mail at registeredoffender@kbi.ks.gov.

Multiple positions in Wilson County were officially filled during this week's commission meeting.

A pair of county commissioners took the oath of office, with Casey Lair the 3rd District Representative, and Andrew Miller the 2nd District Representative.

Additionally, Brandon Cameron was sworn in as County Attorney, Christina Slaughter as Register of Deeds, Pete Kuhn as County Sheriff, and Kayla Busch as County Clerk.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting included an executive session regarding attorney-client privilege with no action taken, as well as tabling the Sunflower Skies Zoning case to next Wednesday, January 22nd.

 A significant rule changes limits media access to the Kansas House of Representatives for the upcoming session.

 In a release issued by Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, details were given on the new rules being imposed on journalists while the state Legislature is in session.

 The new rule changes will limit where members of the media can observe House proceedings, with members of the media required to stay in the East Gallery for reporting. TV and regular cameras will be limited to the back wall or in the East Gallery only. No media will be allowed on the west side of the Chambers while the House of Representatives is in session.

 Also, when division votes are taken, no photographs will be allowed, due to what Hawkins is calling “safety purposes”. Photographers will need approval from the speaker’s office or sergeant-at-arms to work from either gallery, and interviews will not be allowed in the House chamber during the session.

 Allison Mazzei, president of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, says the new rules represent a setback between the state government and local media.

 The KAB is urging Kansas House leadership to reconsider the new rules, saying the move would demonstrate a commitment to transparency the role that free press plays in the state.

An Oklahoma State Representative is calling for the Legislature to get involved in health and safety issues in Oklahoma's jails.

Oklahoma City Democrat Jason Lowe has called a recent report on conditions in the Oklahoma County Jail deeply disturbing. The facility failed more than six surprise health inspections since 2021. Many of those inspections were failed simply because jail administrators would not allow investigators to enter the facility. Lowe says this is an issue that should alarm all Oklahomans.

The CEO of the Oklahoma County facility Brandi Garner resigned last week. Garner stated in her resignation letter that her decision was not related to the recent health and safety report.

A traffic stop by a Parsons Police Officer leads to an arrest and the seizure of narcotics.

On Monday, Sergeant Christian Smith conducted a traffic stop in the 1500 block of South 25^th Street. The officer cited the driver for operating without a license and recognized the passenger in the vehicle as 48-year-old Troy Kellogg who had outstanding warrants. Smith placed Kellogg under arrest. During the encounter, Smith observed that Kellogg was attempting to conceal narcotics.

A search of the vehicle revealed various substances, including methamphetamine, marijuana, Oxycodone, and morphine. All of the substances have been sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for confirmation.

Kellogg faces charges of Possession of Controlled Substances and Drug Paraphernalia, along with active warrants for Felony Bond Revocation out of Delaware County, Oklahoma, and a Parole Violation warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was taken to the Parsons Lock-Up. The driver faces charges for multiple traffic violations.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Montgomery County Clerk's Office is now available to assist citizens in processing the Homestead/Safe Senior Property Tax Refund for Low-Income Seniors and Senior Disabled VeteranS.

Assistance will be available in the Clerk's Office in the Montgomery County Courthouse in Independence beginning today/yesterday, Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. In order to qualify, citizens must be the homeowner and must be listed on the deed. Renters do not qualify. In order to qualify for the Food Sales Tax Credit, you must file a Federal Income Tax return.

In order to receive assistance, there are also several pieces of information you must have with you when you come in for help.

Here is a list of all paperwork you MUST have with you:

SRS: Food Stamp payments for all of 2024; Cash Assistant payments for all of 2024

Social Security (1099): Benefit Verification that includes your "Date of Disability Onset" (if receiving disability payments); Income letter for all of 2024; 1099 (Interest and Income)

Children: Birthdates and Social Security numbers

Homeowners: Statement for 2024 PropertyTaxes - Applicants name must be on deed

Income:  All income for any household member over the age of 18 -- If you file a Federal or State income tax return, you must have your tax preparer complete your homestead as well. County Clerk's Office will no longer be able to calculate the homestead on citizens who file a Federal and/or State income tax.

Claim will not be processed unless you provide all of the above paperwork.

Those with questions should contact the County Clerk's Office at 620-330-1200.

Police in Rose Hill, KS, provide an update to the public regarding the case of a child's remains found buried in the backyard of a Rose Hill home in September.

Authorities say the investigation is nearing its conclusion and Rose Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlier says he hopes to present his findings to the Butler County Attorney in the coming weeks.

The remains of 6-year-old Kennedy Jean Schroer were found buried in the backyard of her adoptive parents. Authorities believe the child died sometime in 2020.

A man convicted in the 2022 death of 30-year-old Blake Barnes is sentenced to nearly 25 years in prison.

A judge in a Wichita courtroom handed down the sentence for 34-year-old Abel Molina this week. Molina was convicted of second-degree murder in a jury trial in September. In February 2022, police discovered Barnes, beaten and lying on a bridge on North Seneca Street. Barnes was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. Molina was also sentenced to 36 months of post-release supervision and ordered to pay nearly $5,000 in restitution to the Kansas Crime Compensation Board.

Another man charged in the case, David Chandler, was also convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 214 months in prison.

A Georgia man is in custody following a standoff at a Winfield motel.

Winfield Police were called to the Econo Lodge yesterday afternoon for a report of a battery on a motel employee. The suspect, 48-year-old Michael Parham of Pine Mountain, Georgia, fled to his room when authorities arrived on the scene. He then refused to come out while also refusing to speak with police. At one point, Parham pulled back the curtain in his room and brandished a knife.

Winfield Police then requested the assistance of a regional SWAT team. Members of that team finally persuaded Parham to exit his room. He was taken into custody without further incident and was take to the Cowley County Jail.

A truck driver in Chase County is injured when a piece of ice from an oncoming vehicle strikes his windshield.

The tractor-trailer was traveling along US-50 last week when a piece of ice broke loose from the roof of an oncoming minivan and struck the windshield of the big truck. The truck's windshield shattered on impact, leaving the truck driver with minor cuts and bruises. While the driver managed to bring the semi under control, Chase County deputies say it could have been much worse. The deputies stress the importance of clearing your vehicle of snow and ice during bad weather.

A similar accident occurred in Montgomery County during last week's snowstorm when a vehicle on US-169 near Cherryvale was struck by ice. That driver was also injured when the ice shattered their windshield as well.

Photo courtesy Chase County Sheriff's Office

An Oklahoma state representative has refiled a bill that would change the dates of school board elections in the State of Oklahoma.

Bixby Republican Chris Banning introduced the measure that would move school board elections to the same cycle as House and Senate elections. The bill would also modify the length of board members terms by making elementary district boards and independent district boards four years.

Under state statute, school districts must reimburse county election boards for all costs of school board elections. In 2023, these elections cost Oklahoma school districts a combined $16.8 million, taxpayer funds Banning said could go toward other purposes. School board elections in Oklahoma are currently held in February and April and usually have very low turnout.

Last year, Banning ran a nearly identical measure. That bill passed the House Elections and Ethics Committee but was not heard on the House floor. The new version of the bill will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming session of the Oklahoma legislature, which begins on February 3.

The Coffeyville FFA Chapter is trying something different this year for their winter fundraiser.

While the traditional chili feed and silent auction will not take place this year, President Bennett Thompson says there will still be chili available for sale to enjoy at home.

Frozen quarts of chili will be available ahead of Superbowl weekend for $10 each. There are only 300 quarts available and can be pre-ordered from an FFA Officer, Ms. Rexwinkle or Ms. Strassburg between now and February 6th.

You can also email CoffeyvilleFFABoosterClub@gmail.com to order.

Proceeds will benefit students by supporting trips, jacket sponsors and scholarships. A portion of the proceeds will also go to Coffeyville Friends of Animals.

Sheriff Ron Wade is sworn in for his second term.

Yesterday, Sheriff Wade took the oath of office for his second term as Sheriff of Montgomery County. The ceremony included all newly elected and re-elected county officials. Sheriff Wade expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Montgomery County for their continued trust and support. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community, pledging to serve with integrity and honor.

The Sheriff's Office extends their congratulations to Sheriff Wade and all county officials as they begin their terms.

Dewey Police Department officers and the Washington County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Team responds to a call at the Dewey Industrial Park.

Dewey Police Chief Jimmy Gray says at around 6:45am yesterday morning they got a call of someone trespassing.  Chief Gray says the individual barricaded himself in the backroom for more than hour and would not leave.

He says officers were finally able to get the individual into custody and they were taken to Jane Phillips Hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Washington County Detention Center for further evaluation. The name of the subject has not been released pending completion of the investigation.

A City of Nowata building is deemed a total loss after an early morning fire.

At around 1:30am today, the City of Nowata received a call that the Public Works Authority building on Seneca was on fire. By 2:15am, the building and the site’s equipment were deemed a complete loss. The City is requesting that all citizens stay out of that area to reduce traffic and allow for all inspectors and officials to conduct their necessary assessments of the fire.

There is a taped perimeter of the facility, anyone who trespasses beyond that taped perimeter, will be prosecuted. The City will have further information on the impact of this fire, the complete loss of the facility and the equipment, and the next steps for its Public Works Authority at a later time. 

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees votes unanimously to fill the vacated seat on the board.

At a special board meeting last night, Dr. Logan Null was approved, on a 5-0 vote, to fill the seat vacated by Trustee Val DeFever, who resigned in December. He will officially assume his duties following his swearing-in at the January 21^st Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. Null is a lifelong resident of Independence and his mother, Jeanelle, worked for ICC for 33 years as an educator.

Dr. Null says he is deeply honored to join the board of an institution that holds a special place in my family’s history and in the community. ICC says Dr. Null’s leadership and commitment to the Independence community make him a valuable addition to the ICC Board of Trustees. His focus on education, research, and community engagement aligns with ICC’s mission to empower students and foster growth within the broader community.

 The Caney USD 436 school board votes to start the process of a new bond issue proposal for Pup Nation residents.

 Superintendent Blake Vargas says the bond would help every department and building in the district while helping achieve student safety for the present and the future.

 The bond, set at just over $32.3 million dollars, would change the entrance to the elementary school and add tornado shelters for the district. Upgrades to the sports facilities would also be included, at the cost of around forty cents per day per $100,000 assessed valuation.

 Vargas says he will go live on Facebook Thursday to go through the details of the proposal and answer any questions. A link to the USD 436 Facebook page can be found here.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment earns reaccreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board.

The accreditation will last for five years, extending through the year 2029. This means that KDHE continues to meet the national standards for quality and health in public health services. The process sets benchmarks for quality and performance improvement to ensure health departments build infrastructure and engage with the community to address differences in health among groups of people.

KDHE first achieved accreditation in 2017.

The Public Health Accreditation Board is a nonprofit organization supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Members of the Parsons Police Department along with representatives of other area law enforcement agencies attend an Advanced Domestic Violence Training seminar.

The purpose of the seminar was to train officers in evaluating the lethality risk that a victim of domestic violence may face and help them to be better equipped to provide support to victims and survivors of this type of crime. The training can also be used by prosecutors and judges in evaluating misdemeanor and felony domestic violence cases.

The training was provided by the Kansas Attorney General's Office and the Olathe Police Department and was made possible by the recent grant received by P-P-D to create the Domestic Violence Unit.

Police Chief Robert Spinks stated that the grant has helped officers with enforcement of domestic violence laws and with education and victim support. The grant will fund the D-V-U through the end of 2025. Spinks has asked the Parsons City Commission to approve a ½ cent Public Safety Sales Tax to continue to fund the program.

Bestway Sandwiches Inc. is recalling approximately 24,870 pounds of frozen chicken and cheese taquito products that may be contaminated with foreign material.

The recall was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service last weekend. The frozen chicken and cheese taquito items were produced on July 3, 2024, and September 25, 2024. The product was sold as a 20-oz. carton package containing “CASA MAMITA CHICKEN & CHEESE TAQUITOS,” with Best By Dates of July 3, 2025 and September 25, 2025, on the bottom panel. The recall was issued after the USDA received a consumer complaint reporting that a piece of metal was found in the frozen chicken and cheese taquito product. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The products were sold at Aldi Grocery Stores nationwide.

Read the full recall release here.

A new educational museum is now open in Humboldt.

The Whitetails and Wildlife Museum is an interactive museum in which guests can see taxidermied animals from several different countries and learn facts about their homes and habitats. The museum is owned and operated by Humboldt native Max Rickerson. Rickerson is an avid hunter and harvested many of the animals himself. He hopes the museum will become a tourist attraction for the city and help boost the economy of the small community.

The Whitetails and Wildlife Museum is located at 416 North 2^nd Street in Humboldt.

USD 445 Coffeyville School reorganizes for the new year.

At their first meeting of 2025, the Coffeyville School votes for a new Board President and Vice-president.

The Board selected Jason Barnett as President and LaKisha Johnson as Vice-President. In other business, board members accepted the resignations of six staff members and approved the hiring of four new employees. New hires included Albert Foreman as Head Softball Coach and Jakob Price as Boys' Tennis Coach.

The USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer School Board holds its first meeting of the new year.

One of the first orders of business at last night's meeting was to elect a Board President and Vice-President. By a unanimous vote, Mark Torkelson and Kevin Crain were selected as President and Vice-President for a second year.

Superintendent Travis Githens informed Board members that the school was still moving through the accreditation process. Githens says the district is focusing on two main goals.

Githens adds that their work on their work will be peer-reviewed this spring.

Githens also thanked District Director of Maintenance Marvin Hestand for the superior efforts of his crews to maintain the school buildings and grounds during the recent inclement weather.

Githens also updated the board on the district's cybersecurity, citing the recent data breach of PowerSchool. USD 447 uses Infinite Campus and was not affected by the breach, but the breach did make the issue one of concern.

The Neodesha City Commission held a very brief meeting yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

The commission meeting was called to order at 2pm and then promptly adjourned. The reason for the very short meeting was a lack of a voting quorum. Two of the city's three commissioners were out of town and unable to attend the regularly scheduled meeting. Without a voting quorum, the commission was unable to conduct any business, so the meeting ended shortly after it began.

The next regular meeting of the Neodesha City Commission will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at 2pm at City Hall.

The Coffeyville City Commission is set to hold its first meeting of 2025 tonight.

On the agenda is the selection of the new mayor and vice-mayor. The commission is also expected to appoint a new member to the City Planning Board and to approve water line replacement for several neighborhoods. Commissioners will also discuss approval of the purchase of five acres of land north of Gibson Street.

Tonight's meeting takes place in the Commission Room in City Hall at 6:30. The meeting is open to the public and is available for online viewing via the City's YouTube channel.

A crash in north central Kansas leaves one man dead and another seriously injured.

The accident occurred just before 7am yesterday morning in Mitchell County. A 2010 Toyota Tundra driven by 39-year-old Christopher Herz of Burr Oak, KS, was traveling northbound on K-14 about five miles north of the City of Beloit. Herz' vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2008 Ford Escape driven by 44-year-old Travis Cady of Jewell, KS. Cady sustained fatal injuries in the crash while Herz was taken to the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit with serious injuries.

South Coffeyville Public Schools' superintendent will be around for at least another year.

At their meeting last night, members of the South Coffeyville School Board decided, without the need of an executive session, to continue Superintendent Daryl Pruter's employment.

In other business, the board also gave annual approval to continue the use of state-approved vendors without the need to solicit bids on certain district supplies.

An Independence High School teacher has been nominated by the district for the Kansas Teacher of the Year award.

Rene Stanley has been with USD 446 for 18 years, and teaches classes such as AP Language and British Literature. Stanley also oversees the IHS Yearbook staff, which received Walsworth awards for excellence for the 2024 publication.

IHS Principal Kurt Seiler says Stanley is involved in many ways with the school.

Stanley is the second district instructor to be nominated, joining Amy Bloomfield, who was the elementary school nominee in December.

Additional items of business at the January board meeting was a public appreciation for the board during School Board Appreciation Month, as well as an update regarding a heater malfunction in the Community Room of IHS, which is expected to be fixed this week.

The board will next meet on February 10th at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the High School.

Coffeyville Community College is offering a community square dancing class and it starts this week.

Director of Marketing Ashley Tatman says the first class is on Thursday.  Tatman says at the end of the semester the class will end with an event in Tulsa.

Tatman says anyone interested in enrolling in the class or for any information about the class can email or call the instructor, Vivian Frost. Her email is frost.vivian@coffeyville.edu. and she can be reached by calling the school at (620)252-7179.

Continued courthouse improvements for Nowata County is a major discussion at this week's meeting.

Part of the project would cut off power to the Nowata County Jail. Commissioners Paul Crupper and Troy Friddle discussed how the prisoners need to stay warm during the project.  During a report from Nowata County Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers, she and Friddle discussed an ongoing project with radios and towers to help the fire department. 

In other business, commissioners approved the appointment of a deputy to work at the courthouse and approved the dues for the Nowata Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming year.

Oklahoma's Attorney General announces he is running for governor.

AG Gentner Drummond made the formal announcement of his candidacy for governor this morning at the Osage County Fairgrounds. He says he is not running for governor to earn another elected title but to work for the people of the state.

Drummond, originally from Hominy, has served as the state's attorney general for two years.  Drummond is the first major Republican official to formally announce his run for governor in the 2026 election and has already earned the endorsement of the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police.

Some taxpayers in Montgomery County will see an adjustment to their taxes.

At this week's Montgomery County Commission meeting, County Treasurer Nancy Clubine explained the issue. Clubine says the problem affects several parcels in the Sycamore area.

Clubine says the county has a couple of options to correct the problem.

The issue only affects taxpayers who live in Montgomery County but whose children attend school in Fredonia or Neodesha. Commissioners did not make a decision at this week's meeting, opting instead to wait until next week in order to determine the exact number of affected parcels.

In other business, KGGF News spoke with County Administrator Jonathn Booe about the proposed RAISE grant for a road construction project near the Bartlett Plant. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $15.5 million, of which, 80% or $12.4 million would be paid for by the RAISE grant. Another grant from Build Kansas would cover an additional $3.1 million, leaving the total cost to the taxpayers of Montgomery County at around $155,000.

The Parsons Recreation Commission is holding a Father/Daughter and a Mother/Son dance on February 1^st.

There will be food, photographs, and a whole evening of dancing. It's a chance for a child to spend a fun evening with a parent. Moms and sons will have their dance from 4 to 5pm and dads and daughters will be from 6 to 7:30. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday and the cost is $20.

The Kansas State Senate is ready to get back to doing the work of the people.

The State Legislature begins its new session today in Topeka. State Senator Virgil Peck says the session opens today at 2pm.

Peck says Medicaid expansion will likely be back on the agenda as well as marijuana legalization. Peck thinks neither of those issues are likely to get far in the Republican-majority legislature. However, he adds there is one issue that will definitely receive the attention of lawmakers: Property taxes.

A joint session of the legislature will hear a State of the Military address on Wednesday, followed by a State of the Judiciary. Governor Laura Kelly will also deliver her State of the State address on Wednesday evening.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Community Celebration is coming up this weekend in Independence.

Activities begin at 2pm on Sunday with a free soup luncheon in the Community Room at Independence High School. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to the Independence Food Pantry. The MLK Jr program will follow the luncheon at 3pm. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there will be a variety of interesting speakers and musical performances as well.

The celebration is sponsored by the Independence Chamber of Commerce Diversity Task Force, the Kansas Volunteer Commission, and RSVP Four County. The celebration takes place in the Performing Arts Center at Independence High School.

Kansas lawmakers are back to work today.

State lawmakers are back in Topeka today to begin the new session of the Kansas Legislature. Lawmakers will be sworn in today and debate on new bills and other important issues will begin. Republicans in the state law-making body will have a strong majority this session having picked up three seats each in the House and Senate in the November elections. That majority will give Republicans a better chance of overriding any vetoes by Democratic Governor Laura Kelly. District 12 Representative Doug Blex of Independence says one of his priorities for the new session is a bill dedicated to conservation funding for Kansas.

Blex sits on both the House Committee for Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as the Health and human Services Committee. Blex says he also supports reform for reimbursements for pharmacies.

The 2025 legislative session will begin today at 2pm. Governor Kelly will deliver her State of the State address on Wednesday and her office is expected to release her budget recommendations on Thursday.

An early morning crash on Oklahoma's Turner Turnpike claims the life of a 19-year-old Bartlesville man.

The accident occurred just after 1am on Sunday morning near Sapulpa when the teen's vehicle struck the rear end of a semi parked on the shoulder of the turnpike. The victim's name has not yet been released to allow for the notification of next of kin.

The driver of the semi – who was in the sleeper at the time of the accident – was uninjured.

Members of the Arkansas National Guard spend their weekend helping motorists stranded by the recent snowstorm that hit the northwest part of the state.

Guard members were positioned along Interstate 49 Friday through Sunday to help motorists in need of assistance stay warm in the frigid temperatures. The guard deployed Humvees to make it easier to reach stranded drivers who were waiting for tow trucks to pull their vehicles out of the snow that fell in the area over the weekend.

Guard members worked 12-hour shifts over the weekend to help keep Arkansas drivers safe from the storm.

Two teens are in custody in Hutchinson in connection to a December 30 robbery of a wireless store in the Hutchinson Mall.

On Friday, police arrested 19-year-old Zayne Bruce and another 17-year-old male, both of Hutchinson, in connection to the robbery at Selectel Wireless last month. During the robbery, an armed suspect entered the wireless store located in the Hutchinson Mall. The unknown male brandished a handgun and demanded that the store clerk give him money and various electronic items. The suspect then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and the electronics.

The investigation is ongoing.

A bank robber known as the “Chiefs-a-holic” returns to Oklahoma to face state bank robbery charges.

30-year-old Xaviar Babudar pleaded guilty in 2024 to robbing or attempting to rob 11 banks in seven states and then laundering the money through several Tulsa-area casinos. He was sentenced to 17 ½ years in federal prison for the crimes and had been serving his time in a high-security facility in Florence, CO.

On Friday, Babudar was returned to Tulsa County to face state charges related to robbing a bank teller in Bixby in 2022, in which he is accused of pointing a gun at a bank teller in Bixby and demanding money. He will appear in a Tulsa County courtroom today to face those charges.

The crimes for which Babudar is currently serving time for were committed in order to fund his trips to Kansas City Chiefs football games. He is the subject of a recently released Amazon Prime documentary about his crimes.

Firefighters in Joplin brave frigid temperatures as they battled an early morning fire on Saturday.

The temperature was 18 degrees at 6am when fire crews were dispatched to extinguish a fire in a downtown Joplin residence on Saturday morning. The home was under going renovation and was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Joplin Fire put the fire out without any injuries to personnel. Joplin Police and METs ambulance assisted at the scene.

The Joplin Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.

A weekend car accident in Crawford County leaves one woman with minor injuries.

The crash occurred just after 5pm on Saturday evening at the intersection of 520th Avenue and 200th Street southwest of Pittsburg. A 2014 Chevy Spark driven by 31-year-old Gennie Moeller of Pittsburg failed to yield to an oncoming westbound pickup truck on 520th Avenue. The pickup truck struck the Spark on the driver’s side causing it to spin. Moeller sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.

The occupants of the pickup – 22-year-old Brandon Coltrane of Cherokee and his passenger 20-year-old Bailey Parsons of Scammon – were uninjured.

Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence have lost a member of its animal family.

Officials announced on Saturday that one of the zoo’s Syrian brown bears has died. The female bear named Malika recently had a bi-annual veterinary exam that included blood work, weighing, and a detal exam and required her to be sedated for her safety and the vet’s. However, when the animal woke up, she struggled with the aftereffects of the sedation. Malika became unable to eat and grew weaker. Experts from Kansas State University were called in and a variety of treatments were tried. Staff at the zoo ultimately decided it would be more humane to euthanize Malika than to allow her to continue to suffer.

Tests conducted after her death revealed a kidney infection that was undetected prior to Malika being sedated. Wild animals often hide symptoms of being sick or injured as a survival instinct to protect themselves from predators. While the sedation did not cause Malika’s health to rapidly decline, it likely caused the infection to worsen.

The bear was 12 years old. Syrian brown bears in the wild have a life span of 20 to 25 years. Malika leaves behind her two sisters at the zoo, Samara and Amalia.

The USD 446 Independence School Board will meet tonight for their January meeting.

The district will be naming the secondary school nomination for Kansas Teacher of the Year, as well as receiving updates from Superintendent Jason McAfee regarding the upcoming MLK Jr. Celebration and a roof replacement at the high school.

The board will also resume conversations with representatives from the Central Park Sports Complex regarding a potential partnership for the construction of baseball fields.

Tonight's meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Independence High School, immediately following the Board Appreciation Dinner at 6:30.

There will be some changes to how finances are recorded in Chautauqua County.

The county commission approved Resolution 2025-02 at this week's meeting. County Clerk Niki Collier says this resolution will allow for an easier process of tracking and spending the county budget.

Chautauqua County finished 2024 spending under the allotted budget, and are hopeful the resolution provides more clarity and flexibility. Commissioner Parker Massey says utilizing the budget in the most impactful way has been a challenge to navigate.

Additionally, the commission received an update from the Public Works department, and approved the minutes from the first meeting of 2025 last week. The Chautauqua County commission meets at 8:30 a.m. on Mondays on the second floor of the Courthouse in Sedan.

 The Caney Public Works Department is on scene of multiple water leaks this morning.

 According to city leaders, the crew is working on three water leaks.  The road will be closed from 4th-5th on Main while the repair is being done.

 KGGF will bring you more information as it becomes available.