Floodwaters are being released at Grant Lake.

According to the Grand River Dam Authority, this morning as of 9:45 a.m., the elevation at Grand Lake was 745.75 feet, which is above the conservation level of 742 feet but below the flood stage. At the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, one main spillway and three east spillway gates have been opened at Pensacola Dam, discharging 13,600 cubic feet per second of water.

Six units are online at the Pensacola Dam powerhouse, releasing an additional 13,447 cfs of water. Inflows to Grand Lake continue to exceed total outflows, but room remains in the reservoir. No floodgates have been opened at the Robert S Kerr Dam where some water is being released through generation.

As a flood watch continues for the area, here are some totals from area rain gauge readings from 7 a.m. this morning:

KGGF Coffeyville Studios: 2.69”

2 miles N of Coffeyville: 2.60”

1 Mile S of Coffeyville Municipal Airport: 2.11”

Independence: 3.52”

Altamont: 2.62”

Chetopa: 2.51”

Sedan: 2.50”

Oswego: 2.11”

Columbus: 2.31”

Pittsburg: 4.54”

Bartlesville, OK: 1.84”

Owasso, OK: 3.61”

Vinita, OK: 4.13”

Joplin, MO: 2.69”

Neosho, MO: 2.80”

Decatur, AR: 0.69”

Bentonville, AR: 0.65”

As rain continues to fall, Onion Creek is now flooding where it crosses Overlook (CR4500) just southwest of Coffeyville.

As of 11:40 this morning, the area has not been blocked off, but the area is flood prone and multiple signs warn to not enter the area during flooding. At this point, anyone needing to access the area must use an alternate route. As rain continues, many area low-water crossings are flooding, and drivers should exercise caution and turn around if you encounter flooding roadways.  A flood watch remains in effect for the four-state area through tomorrow morning.

The Montgomery County Commission is considering its options on what to do with a low-water crossing north of Cherryvale.

The crossing over Drum Creek on County Road 6200 has been closed for over a year while the commission decides its fate. At the April 14 commission meeting, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins told commissioners about the recent assessment of the bridge by an outside engineering firm.

At that time, commissioners thought the price tag was too high to warrant replacement, but the next week, residents from the area attended the meeting to voice their desire to repair the crossing. At the most recent meeting, Commissioner Robert Bever says the County is looking for a way to keep from closing the crossing.

For now, the crossing will remain closed until the County Commission decides to repair it or close it permanently.

A Bartlesville man is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly possessing meth.

40-year-old John Beaver was charged on Monday with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Beaver was searched before being transported to the Washington County Jail. Police allegedly found a glass pipe, three syringes and a black container. The contents inside the items allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

Beaver will appear in court again on May 14. His bond is set at $1,000.

On Saturday, there will be a dedication ceremony for the Mrs. Sarah Guernsey Memorial Plaque at the Abbey Mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Guernsey and her husband George relocated to Independence in 1871, where she worked as a high school principal and served as President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She and her husband were one of the early influential families in Independence. The Guernseys are well-known in Independence history for their feud with the family of A.C. Stich, which lasted for fifteen years and reportedly began between the two women of the families in Paris over the French pronunciation of the word “baggage.” One of the Guernseys' historic homes still stands on the east side of the intersection of Maple and Park.

Saturday’s ceremony begins at 1pm.

An Afton, OK, man faces charges of child pornography after being arrested by the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation. 

The O-S-B-I launched an investigation of 33-year-old Christopher Doering after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the uploading of explicit images and videos showing abuse to the internet. Doering was identified as a registered sex offender in the State of Oklahoma, and a search warrant was served on his Afton residence on April 25.

Following the search, Doering was taken into custody and booked into the Ottawa County Jail in Miami. He faces multiple charges in the case.

A Parsons High School teacher is honored for his work and dedication by a national group.

Parsons High School Debate and Forensics Coach Ed Workman has been awarded the National Speech and Debate Association's Distinguished Service Gold Key. The Gold Key Award was established in 1925 to recognize coaches who exemplify the association's goals and values by hosting tournaments, serving as local leaders, and advocating for speech and debate.

In addition to earning the Distinguished Service Gold Key, Workman is the recipient of his Third Diamond Award from the NSDA, having amassed 60,000 points over his 18 years serving as forensics and debate coach. Coaches receive one point for every merit point earned by their students through competition, service, and leadership activities. Each point represents dedicated coaching and hours of practice, revision, and growth for students. This year, Workman's team has 12 students qualifying for state in 26 events.

Photo courtesy USD 503 Parsons

The City of Neodesha is getting ready for summer.

The Neodesha Splash Zone is set to open on May 25^th with free admission on that day from 1 to 5pm. The Splash Zone will also feature a variety of special events throughout the summer months including Toddler nights, Teen Nights, and Family Night events. An Early Pass Sale and Swim Lesson sign ups will also be held on May 21^st and May 23^rd.

Click here for more information.

Grant funding from the City of Coffeyville is set to help bring a new event center to the downtown area.

The City of Coffeyville has awarded a $20,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant to help pay for exterior improvements to the building located at 811 South Maple Street. The building is owned by Coffeyville residents Aaron and Peggy Titus, and the couple is currently working to turn the building into the Titus Event Center. The Tituses have hopes of creating a new venue that would host musical performances, community gatherings and other special events in downtown Coffeyville.

The Titus Event Center is set to open sometime this year.

Photo courtesy City of Coffeyville

Severe weather yesterday morning packs a punch in southwest Missouri and northeast Oklahoma.

A National Weather Service storm survey shows an EF-1 tornado touched down yesterday 3 miles southwest of Collinsville. The tornado uprooted several trees, destroyed a couple of outbuildings, damaged the roofs of homes and snapped numerous tree limbs.

As the storm moved into southwest Missouri, at least two more tornadoes formed on the leading edge of the storm. An EF-1 began at 9 a.m. near highway 60 between verona and aurora and ended in southern Aurora just west of highway 39 with a length of just over 2 miles and a width of 100 yards. Max wind speeds were 90 miles per hour. A church roof was damaged along with some minor structure damage and many trees were uprooted.

A brief EF-0 began around 9:30 just north of Nixa, MO and damaged an auto repair shop by partially removing the roof and causing a wall to collapse. High winds also caused damage in the Springfield area, with 90 mph wind gusts measured at the airport.

Several other reports of high winds and quarter-size hail were reported around the four-state area.

Photo: Gas Station near Willard, MO, Breanna Keith

Nowata County makes a disaster declaration after last weeks storms. County Clerk Kay Spurgeon says the storms caused a considerable amount of damage in the county.

Spurgeon says the threshold of damages for the county to receive additional funding is $44,000. In other business, it was announced that the secretary for Nowata County has resigned.

The winter wheat crop is coming along in Kansas and Oklahoma, with progress ahead of the five-year average.

K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District Crop Agent James Coover says farmers need to keep an eye out for rust development as this is the perfect weather for it to form.

Coover says if you see rust, he'd like to know so he can report it.

You can reach Coover at the Girard Extension Office at 620-724-8233.

 A light agenda last night sees Caney Deputy City Clerk Timberly Jones lose the deputy title to become the new City Clerk.

 With high recommendations from City Administrator Andrea Sibley and Mayor Josh Elliott, Jones was hired to the position in a 5-0 vote. Other business included renewing the employment contract and the reappointment of Ike Dye as Police Chief.

 City officials say the R-1 zoning district for tiny houses is waiting legal approval and will be brought before the council soon.

 The meeting was held last night due to lack of a quorum April 21^st. The next meeting will be held May 5^th at 6:30 at City Hall.

Huffy is recalling the children's ride-on Tonka Dump Truck toys due to a possible burn hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the controller on the toy can overheat causing possible fires and burns. Those who have purchased this product can contact Huffy for a free replacement controller. Huffy says the company has received three reports of the device overheating and one report of a fire that destroyed the toy. T here have been no injuries reported.

The faulty dump trucks were sold at Target stores and Sam's Club locations nationwide.

The original recall order can be seen here.

Authorities in Cherokee County are looking for suspects in a recent theft at a Galena pawn Shop.

The Galena Police Department says it recently responded to the Galena Liberty Pawn Shop for reports of a broken front door. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered that a burglary had taken place. An individual or individuals had broken into the shop and taken several guns.

An investigation later revealed what is thought to be the suspect's car, which investigators believe was stolen from the Joplin area.

Authorities ask that anyone with information on the crime contact the Galena Police or the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

A new scam circulating in the area has temporarily shut down the Crawford County Sheriff's Office Jail roster website.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a person who was recently booked into the jail and then released received a phone call after they had gotten out. The caller told the person that they had been released in error and would need to send money to correct the mistake.

This is not the only report of such an incident involving people arrested in Crawford County. The Sheriff's Office has shut down the website until the issue is resolved and reminds the public that their office does not call to solicit money.

An Arma man enters a plea of No Contest to child sex crime charges.

20-year-old Logan Stansbury entered his plea in a Crawford County courtroom yesterday. Court documents indicate that the incident happened around February 17, 2024, when Stansbury had intercourse with a minor who was between the ages of 14 and 16 years of age. His No Contest plea means that Stansbury agrees to accept the consequences of a conviction without admitting guilt. His sentencing is set for July 2.

Stansbury could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

A water line break prompts the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to issue a boil water advisory for the City of La Harpe in Allen County.

Customers of the La Harpe city water supply should boil water for at least one minute prior to consumption and dispose of ice cubes from trays and automatic ice makers. Disinfect dishes and food preparation surfaces by immersion in clean water that contains one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Water is safe for bathing, though young children should be supervised to prevent ingestion.

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until testing can confirm that the water supply is free of bacterial contamination.

Coffeyville Community College announces the founder and CEO of a Topeka-based rescue mission as its 2025 Commencement Speaker.

Barry Feaker is the founder and CEO of Compassion Strategies, an organization dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations and combating chronic homelessness. Recognized as CCC’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni, Feaker has spent his life seeking solutions to homelessness, including serving for 36 years as the Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries. Under his leadership, nearly 60,000 individuals received shelter, and millions of meals were served to those in need.

Feaker has been honored nationally, receiving accolades including United States Presidential letters, the Citygate Network’s Citygate Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition. In addition to his leadership work, he is the author of In Darkness, a Light Still Shines.

Feaker will address the CCC Class of 2025 as the school celebrates its 100^th graduating class on May 10, at 10am in Nellis Hall on the CCC campus. The public is invited to attend.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks announces free entry to all state parks this Saturday.

The announcement was made by K-D-W-P Secretary Christopher Kennedy at an April 24 K-D-W-P Commission meeting. Kennedy announced that there will be no entry fee for state parks this Saturday but that camping fees would still apply.

Kennedy says there are also some other fun days coming up at state parks.

All length and creel limits still apply. Kennedy says it's a great opportunity to take advantage of what state lands have to offer.

The Secretary also designated several park-specific Free Entrance Days that align with local events.

These dates are as follows:

• May 11 – Wilson State Park
• May 17 – Milford State Park
• June 7 – Cheney State Park
• June 7 – El Dorado State Park
• June 7 – Prairie Dog State Park
• June 7 – Elk City State Park
• June 7 – Glen Elder State Park
• June 14 – Cedar Bluff State Park
• June 14 – Historic Lake Scott State Park
• June 14 – Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
• July 4 – Cross Timbers State Park
• August 16 – Hillsdale State Park
• August 23 – Tuttle Creek State Park
• September 7 – Lovewell State Park
• September 21 – Webster State Park
• September 27 – Clinton State Park
• September 27 – Crawford State Park
• September 27 – Fall River State Park
• October 11 – Eisenhower State Park
• October 11 – Meade State Park
• October 25 – Kanopolis State Park
• October 25 – Perry State Park
• October 25 – Pomona State Park
• October 25 – Sand Hills State Park

A Miami man is set to face arraignment for DUI in a UTV accident that caused the death of a 9-year-old Commerce boy.

67-year-old Douglas Gray was driving a UTV side-by-side on April 22 when the accident occurred that killed 9-year-old Easton Freeman. Police reports indicate that Freeman was running alongside the UTV when he slipped in the mud, fell, and was then struck by the vehicle. The boy was taken to a Tulsa hospital ,where he later died from his injuries.

According to court documents, Gray admitted to a police officer at the scene that he had been drinking prior to the accident and performed poorly on field sobriety tests.

Gray made his first court appearance on Friday and will be arraigned on May 30.

A GoFundMe has been established for the Freeman family to assist with funeral costs and other expenses.

An opportunity to help our current and future Coffeyville Community College students while enjoying a great meal and auction items is coming up this Friday.

The annual CCC Scholarship Auction will be this Friday at Nellis Hall, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Organizer Krista Bromley says these scholarships go a long way to help students.

There's always a theme at the auction and Bromley says they're featuring a movie this year.

In addition to live auction items, there will be a silent auction as well. A variety of games will be available to play, including a cornhole tournament. You can buy tickets and sign up for the tournament online. A link to do so and view upcoming auction items is available HERE. Tickets will also be available at the door for an extra $10.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the KGGF listening area this morning.

From now through 10 a.m., a severe thunderstorm watch will be in effect for southeast Kansas, including Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, Elk, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho and Wilson Counties in southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma including Osage County east to the state line, extreme western Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Winds up to 60 mph and large hail are the primary concerns.  Some severe thunderstorm warnings have already been issued this morning for northeast Oklahoma.  Tune to The Mighty 690 for details.

After this round of storms, flooding concerns become the main issue, as a flood watch has been issued for the entire four-state area, with up to 4 inches of rain possible through Thursday.

The courthouse annex project continues in Osage County, but things are running a bit behind.

Project Manager Brandon Curtis says things are running smoothly from a budget perspective, but the completion date has been pushed back slightly to August 12^th.

The Commissioners had to approve a change order to the project and Dalton Higgins informed the commissioners of another change order that would be coming shortly. He says that money will be coming out of the contingency fund so the total cost of the project hasn't changed.

A Bartlesville man is facing a misdemeanor charge after stabbing the tires of a police car with a pocketknife.

27-year-old Cecil Oakley was charged with malicious destruction of property. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Oakley stabbed the tires of the same police car on four different occasions. When police approached Oakley on Saturday, he told police that it was the fourth time he had stabbed the tires.

Oakley had the same pocketknife in his pocket when he was arrested. He will appear in court again on April 30^th at 9:00am and his bond is set at $5,000.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony after stealing a gardening tool from a residence.

43-year-old Troy Burke was charged with second degree burglary. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, on Saturday, Burke entered a residence through an enclosed patio. BPD had video footage of him taking a weed eater from the residence.

Burke will appear in court again on May 2nd at 9:00am. His bond is set at $10,000.

The latest report on the South Buckeye Street Project in Coffeyville is that it should be completed this week.

County Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins says there is very little left to do on the project.

With rain in the forecast, County Commissioner Robert Bever wants to make sure there is a Plan B that would allow the street to be opened.

In other business concerning Public Works at this week's County Commission meeting, commissioners decided to table the issue of a low-water crossing on County Road 6200 for the time being. The Commission wants to find a solution for the crossing that would allow it to remain open and stated that it would take some time to develop possible options.

The Montgomery County Treasurer's Office reminds citizens that the second half tax deadline is quickly approaching.

2024 second half taxes on real estate, personal property, 16/20M trucks, gas, oil, and watercraft are due on May 10^th. Since that day falls on a Saturday, the deadline has been extended until Monday, May 12^th. There are several locations in the county where payments can be made. Those locations include the Treasurer's Office at the County Courthouse in Independence and the Coffeyville Auto Tag Office at 128 West 8^th Street. They can also be submitted by mail as long as they are postmarked by May 12^th.

Anyone in need of more information can call the Montgomery County Treasurer's Office at 620-330-1100.

Authorities in Allen County nab a fleeing suspect.

Allen County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a home invasion in progress yesterday at a property five miles north of Iola. By the time deputies arrived on scene, the suspect had already fled in a vehicle. However, law enforcement was able to locate the suspect's vehicle just north of the Allen/Anderson County line and take the individual into custody without further incident.

33-year-old Rian Young of Osawatomie was taken into custody and booked into the Allen County Jail on two counts of criminal trespassing.

A Skiatook Police Officer has the gratitude of a friendly dog and her family after rescuing the animal from beneath a backyard shed.

The owner of the adventurous pooch – named Princess – discovered the dog had gotten trapped under the shed in her own backyard early last week. The owner was unable to free Princess and called the police. A Skiatook Officer responded to the call and quickly got to work with a shovel in an attempt to dig the cornered canine out of her predicament. After a bit of work, the officer was able to reach the muddy but otherwise uninjured dog and free her from beneath the shed.

The owner was happy to have the dog back, safe and sound, while Princess was instantly smitten with her rescuer, whom she rewarded with lots of tail-wagging and kisses.

Photo courtesy Skiatook Police Department

One man is dead following a rear-end accident on Highway 33 near Sapulpa.

47-year-old Johnny Harn was pronounced dead at the scene after rear-ending another vehicle that had slowed to make a left-hand turn. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Harn was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and was ejected from his pickup truck. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is called in to help with the investigation of a shooting that occurred late last week in Russell.

Russell Police were called to the scene around 9:30 last Thursday after a citizen called 9-1-1 to report a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found 49-year-old Deborah Torres suffering from gunshot wounds. Torres told police that her husband was still inside the home. Officers went inside and discovered 49-year-old Robert Torres dead from gunshot wounds.

After an investigation, officers believed that the suspect in the case to be 33-year-old Robert “Bobby” Torres, the son of the deceased victim and stepson of the other victim.

Bobby Torres was quickly located and arrested. He has been booked into the Russell County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder.

Deborah Torres was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The K-B-I continues to investigate the case.

An online fundraiser is underway for the family of a 9-year-old Commerce boy killed last week in a UTV accident in Ottawa County.

Easton Freeman was a pedestrian and was struck the UTV last Tuesday. The boy was taken via Med Flight to a Tulsa hospital where he later died from his injuries. His family says Easton was a loved member of the community and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. They are attempting to raise funds to help pay for Easton’s funeral along with other expenses.

The Commerce Public Schools, where Easton was a student,t released a statement last week, indicating that counselors would be available at the school for staff and students.

Here is a link to the GoFundMe for Easton Freeman.

A third person is arrested in connection to the discovery of a burned-out vehicle containing human remains in Barry County, Missouri.

Authorities have formally charged 38-year-old Nathan Bates of Purdy, Missouri, with abandonment of a corpse in the case. The incident occurred sometime between March 11 and March 13 near Verona, Missouri. Authorities were called to the scene of a towing company in Shell Knob on March. The company had recovered a vehicle from the scene of a fire the prior week and then discovered a body in the trunk. Blood testing later revealed the victim’s identity as that of Marvin Lance McCullough.

Court records reveal that the suspects left McCullough’s body inside a camper for three days before attempting to dispose of it.

34-year-old Brandy Coburn of Verona, MO,  and 46-year-old Jimmy Taylor of Exeter also face multiple charges in the case, including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, abandonment of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.

As any baseball fan can attest, sometimes spring baseball games get rained out.

That’s what happened to Saturday’s 95th Annual Baseball History celebration in Independence. Several of the events avoided the rain and were held without problem, but the afternoon events were not held due to the downpour.

Those who were hoping to hear the presentation of local baseball history by Ken Brown will get a second chance, however.  Brown will now give his presentation tomorrow at noon at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center., located at 123 North 8th Street. The talk is free to attend.

The celebration was to commemorate the first night game in organized baseball to be played under the lights at Shulthis Stadium on April 28, 1930.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and discuss purchase requests from the Public Works Department as well as from from Rural Fire.

Commissioners will also hear quarterly reports from the Caney Betterment Group and the Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce. Today's meeting is open to the public and will be held on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. It is also available for online viewing via the County's Facebook page.

New FFA officers are sworn in for the 2025-2026 school year.

At Friday's Coffeyville FFA Chapter Banquet, many students were recognized with awards from their advisers and graduating seniors received scholarships from the booster club.

This year's officers sworn in Friday include Tyler Thompson as reporter, Damian Hall as treasurer, Avery Sells as secretary, Cavin Schaplowsky as vice president and Bennett Thompson as president.

Coffeyville FFA Chapter officers share updates on the second Thursday of the month at 7:40 on KGGF during the school year.

Since 2021, more than $12,600 in scholarships have been distributed by the Coffeyville FFA Booster Club.

Pictured left to right: Tyler Thompson, Avery Sells, Bennett Thompson, Cavin Schaplowsky, Damian Hall.

The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Independence do their good turn by holding a food drive for the Community Access Center.

Cubs from Pack 3136 and Scouts from Troop 4 braved the rainy weekend weather to collect food outside of the Independence locations of Walmart and G & W Foods. Each group of boys had a friendly competition to see which group could collect the most food. The younger scouts won the day by taking in 315 pounds of food while Troop 4 collected 254 pounds. The food drive was part of Love Independence Day, and everything collected will go to the Community Access Center at 307 West Pecan. Anyone else who would like to donate either food or money to help local people in need can stop by the Center weekdays between 10am and 3pm.

Former Montgomery County Sheriff Bobby Dierks and former Coffeyville resident and social justice activist Bo Rupert file a formal complaint against the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

A joint statement released Friday by Dierks and Rupert, states that the pair has filed the complaint with the Kansas Commission of Peace Officers’ Standards and Training that alleges serious misconduct, failure to follow state law, and special treatment with in the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

The complaint stems from a domestic incident that occurred on May 1, 2021, involving a lieutenant in the Sheriff's Office. It goes on to explain that the lieutenant in question was allowed to avoid legal consequences in the case. Though the officer’s certification was eventually revoked, no formal charges were filed, and no arrest was made in the case.

The case also names current Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade, Undersheriff Chris Williams, and former Undersheriff Richard George.

Dierks stated that all law enforcement officers must follow the same law as the people they serve and the complaint calls for an independence investigation in to the matter.

Dierks served as Montgomery County Sheriff from January 2009 until January 2020. He was suspended from office in March 2019 after allegations emerged that he had attempted to persuade a deputy not to arrest his then-girlfriend for a DUI. He left office after a settlement was reached in the case.

***** Update 4-28-25 12:30 p.m. *****

Severe storms are possible a little closer to Coffeyville late tonight, with a zone from Wichita east to include northwest Elk County and Greenwood County.  Then, after midnight, the forecast is still holding for better severe weather chances.  Make sure you have multiple ways to receive a warning overnight.

Heavy rain remains possible tomorrow and Wednesday with 2-5 inches likely and locally up to 8 inches possible.

***** Update 4-28-25 5:45 a.m. *****

Severe storms are possible late overnight into early Tuesday morning for the four-states.

Isolated severe storms may form this evening between 5 and 9 p.m. in southcentral Kansas but are not expected to make it into southeast Kansas.  Between midnight tonight and 8 a.m. Tuesday, southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma and southwest Missouri has the best chance to see severe weather development, including damaging winds and large hail.  The greatest chance for severe weather has now shifted to the north.

The severe weather threat Tuesday will then shift to include eastern Oklahoma, southern Missouri and northwest Arkansas.  

Heavy rainfall up to three inches is possible Tuesday through Wednesday night for the area as numerous showers and storms are expected to move through the KGGF listening area.

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

Severe storms are possible for the four-state area on Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, a few storms are possible late Monday and could bring damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes.  If storms devlop, they would be more likely after 4 p.m.  Southeast Kansas has the greatest risk of severe weather and Elk and northwest Montgomery county are currently on the southern edge of the greatest risk area.  The forecast is likely to change as uncertainly remains, but the rest of the four-state KGGF listening area is currently in the "slight" risk category for severe weather.  KGGF will provide updates as they are available and will provide severe weather coverage on the air if needed.

A 21-year-old woman was killed Friday night after being struck by a vehicle while walking along Oklahoma Highway 28 near Chelsea.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 9:49 p.m. just north of the town, near 4511 S OK-28 in Rogers County.

Troopers say the victim, Cheyann R. Maggard of Chelsea, was walking northbound on the highway alongside another pedestrian when she was hit by a 2014 Dodge Journey. Maggard was pronounced dead at the scene by members of the Chelsea Fire Department.

The driver of the SUV, 33-year-old Brittany R. Larkin, also of Chelsea, was not injured in the crash. A 14-year-old girl riding in the vehicle was also unharmed.

The second pedestrian, identified as 19-year-old Dalton R. Helms of Nowata, was not hurt.

According to the OHP report, all parties — including the vehicle and the pedestrians — were traveling north when the collision occurred. The driver was reported to be in apparently normal condition, and the cause of the crash was listed as “walking in roadway.”

The incident remains under investigation.

The City of Neodesha teams up with USD 461 to create a special graduation gift for Neodesha High School seniors.

City Administrator Brogan Jones informed the City Commission about the project at this week's meeting. Jones says the City is working with the schools to complete the items.

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

Graduation for Neodesha High School is set for May 10.

With the warm spring weather comes another season familiar to residents of the four-state area: Road construction season.

And with road construction comes work zones. Work zones can be dangerous places for drivers and workers. In 2022, there were more than 96,000 work zones crashes nationwide with nearly 900 fatalities. The group Work Zone Safe has partnered with several state departments of transportation to create a free, online course to teach teens and other new drivers about safe driving in work zones.

The State of Oklahoma requires teen drivers to complete the Work Zone Safe course in order to obtain and Intermediate Drivers License and other young drivers can benefit from the course, as well. The course can be taken online at any time of day. The course will include information on safe behaviors, laws and situations drivers may encounter in work zones.

Here is a link for Kansas drivers.

Here is the link for Oklahoma drivers.

Drivers in all other states may take this Work Zone Safe exam.

One man is dead and two others are injured after a car strikes a deer in Mayes County.

The accident occurred just after 6am on Monday, when a 17-year old male driver struck a deer on South 430 Road. Soon after that accident, another car approached the scene and struck the first car pinning 36-year-old Cody Pryor, who was attempting to help the 17-year-old. Pryor was pronounced dead at the scene. The 17-year-old was life-flighted to a Tulsa hospital and a 36-year-old woman was transported via ambulance with minor injuries.

The 81-year-old driver of the second vehicle was not injured.

A McAlester man enters a guilty plea in federal court to charges of stealing items including a training missile from a federal facility.

The U.S. Attorney for Eastern Oklahoma charged Garland Seay with two counts of theft of government property and entering a military installation for a purpose prohibited by law. The charges alleged that Seay stole the missile along with other items, including computer hard drives, telescope spotlights, and spools of cables from the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. Prosecutors say Seay admitted to committing the thefts over a five-day period in July of 2024 and then doing it again in September.

Seay will be sentenced in the case at a later date.

An Inola man is found guilty by a Rogers County jury in the 2023 shooting death of his girlfriend.

Jericho Haverstick was found guilty yesterday (on Thursday) after jurors in the case deliberated for just over an hour. The incident occurred on April 19, 2023, when Haverstick placed a 9-1-1 call stating that his girlfriend – 22-year-old Eliza Arthurs – had been shot in the head. Police arrived on the scene to find the woman lying in a field alongside the roadway. She was taken to a hospital where she later died.

Authorities say Haverstick shot Arthurs because she did not want to marry him.

The jury in the case has recommended a sentence of life in prison without parole for Haverstick. He will be sentenced at a later date.

The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation are both warning citizens about fraudulent text messages regarding unpaid tolls.

The text scam – known as smishing – informs the recipient that they owe money to the state department of transportation for unpaid road tolls. Neither Kansas nor Oklahoma requests or collects tolls via text message. Do not click on any links provided in the texts. Doing so may expose your personal and financial information to scammers.

Kansans who received this kind of message can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov/?orgcode=KSTA and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. If you’ve provided payment information at a fraudulent web site, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

Oklahoma residents who receive a fraudulent text are encouraged to report it to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=OKTPKE and/or to the FBI’s IC3 at www.ic3.gov.  The public is encouraged to report and delete the text message, or they also may forward it to the FTC's text line at 7726.

Those with questions or concerns about their PIKEPASS account may check their accounts online at www.pikepass.com. PlatePay customers may look up any tolls owed by entering in their license plate number at www.platepay.com.

For more information about how to identify scam text and email messages, go to https://pikepass.com/updates

The City of Neosho is investigating a viral use-of-force video that has been making the rounds on social media involving several law enforcement officers and a juvenile.

The incident shown in the video occurred at the intersection of Valley and Coler Streets in Neosho on the afternoon of April 22. The video shows a juvenile male walking along the street when he is approached by what appear to be two police officers. The boy stops and responds when the first officer yells at him. That officer then shoves the boy, who is then taken to the ground from behind by another officer. The City says the first officers on the scene were from the Neosho Police Department and the Newton County Juvenile Office. Officers from the Neosho School District then arrived on the scene as well. The Neosho Police Department says the juvenile shown in the video was not injured in the incident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been requested to conduct an unbiased investigation into the incident.

The City of Independence announces it has received major grant funding from the State of Kansas for improvements at the City Airport.

The announcement came at last night's City Commission meeting. The City will receive more than $750,000 through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program or KAIP for rehabilitating the asphalt on the north apron at the Independence Municipal Airport. City Engineer John Garris says the grant will provide for repairs not covered by the Federal Aviation Administration.

As a part of the grant, the City of Independence will provide 10% in matching funds. Garris also updated the commission of recent work by city street crews. Garris says, they have been busy.

Garris says city crews have done more than 4 miles of crack sealing on city streets this year. Crews are set to finish that project next week with work on 6^th Street between Main and Chestnut. That project may cause some traffic disruption, but weather permitting, it should be complete by the end of next week.

May is National Bike month and KANcycle wants to make it easy for Kansans to get outside and get rolling.

During the month of May, KANcycle is offering free, 60-minute bike share rides all month long. Bikes are easy to check out.  Riders need to download the Movatic app, find a rack with an available bike, enter the promo code on the payment screen, and start riding.  To end the ride, the process is reversed.

KANcycle is offering the promo code “bike2025” for 31 free rides on KANcycle during the month of May.  This promo code is good for all locations in the KANcycle service area.

KANcycle bikes are available in two locations in Coffeyville: downtown near the Chamber offices and on the CCC campus.

For more information about KANcycle, visit www.kancycle.org.

The City of Parsons announces it has received major grant funding from the State of Kansas for improvements at the Tri-City Airport.

The City will receive more than $540,000 through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program or KAIP for replacing the fuel system at the Tri-City Airport. The grant is one of 47 such grants awarded across the state as a part of $14 million in projects.

KAIP receives $15 million annually through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and requires matching funds from the community for the project. Parsons will provide between 10 and 50% in matching funds.

The Cities of Caney, Howard, and Neodesha are set to receive state grant funding to help revitalize historic buildings in their downtown districts.

The grants were announced this week by the Kansas Department of Commerce through the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline or HEAL grants. Caney will receive $100,000 to refit the building at 219 West 4^th Street. Howard is set to receive the same amount for their historic bank building, while Neodesha has been awarded $97,500 for the historic Brown Hotel.

The three communities are part of a total of 19 projects in rural areas across the state to receive the grants. The purpose of the HEAL grants is to encourage reinvestment and boost economic activity in smaller communities by helping transform vacant spaces in to locations for businesses, housing, childcare, the arts, and civic activities.

A full list of HEAL projects funded since 2021 can be found at this link.

If you missed the first performance of Coffeyville Community College's spring play last night, more chances are on the way to catch the free show.

Tonight and Sunday, CCC is presenting the musical, “I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road.” Dr. David Wiggins says the show is a story of self-discovery.

The performance features Haylie Bagwell who says the lines blur between her own life and her character's life.

The show will be performed tonight at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Spencer/Rounds Theatre on the CCC campus and is free to attend.

Listen to the full conversation about the musical HERE.

A Bartlesville man is charged with vehicle theft after video footage caught him on camera walking toward the vehicle.

An affidavit says that Bartlesville Police deputies made contact with Terrence Lee on Tuesday morning. Lee admitted that he had been inside the stolen vehicle and told officers where it could be found. Lee also admitted to knowing the vehicle was stolen.

His bond is set at $50,000. He is due back in court on Friday, May 2^nd.

A second suspect in a Tulsa hotel and casino shooting turns himself in to the Osage County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities say 18-year old Marquaveon Goff turned himself into the Osage County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, April 24, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The shooting happened at the Osage Hotel and Casino on Saturday, April 12^th, and left two people injured and a service animal dead. Goff is being charged with shooting with intent to kill and has a bond of $200,000. The other suspect in the case, Malik Sampson, surrendered to authorities on Monday and is also being charged with shooting with intent to kill and in addition to assault and battery with a deadly weapon. His bond was also set at $200,000.

This was a joint investigation between the Osage County Sheriff's Office and the Osage Nation Police Department. At this time all suspects have been identified and are being held at the Osage County Jail.

The City of Parsons agrees to contribute funds for a memorial for the old Douglass School.

At this week's City Commission meeting, Mayor Verlyn Boulanger reads the proposal.

The proposed memorial will be seven feet tall and six feet wide. Parsons Director of Economic Development says USD 503 will also contribute $6,500 and is raising the money for their portion of the funding.

Douglass School was built in 1908 and served black students in grades 1 through 8 until integration in 1956. The building was demolished in 1958.

A Bartlesville man is back in custody after being mistakenly released from the Washington County Jail.

32-year-old Brandon Morgan was being held on three felony charges stemming from a case in late March when he was mistakenly released from the facility. Washington County Sheriff Scott Owen says Morgan was released due to a miscommunication.

Morgan was only out for a few hours before he turned himself in once he learned a warrant for his arrest had been re-issued. He is currently being held on a $150,000 bond.

One suspect in an April 12^th shooting at the Osage Casino and Hotel in Tulsa has voluntarily turned himself in to authorities.

Malik Sampson turned himself in on Monday and has been charged with Shooting with Intent to Kill and Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon. His bond has been set at $200,000.

Authorities are still looking for 18-year-old Marquaveon Goff. Goff is also charged with Shooting with Intent to Kill.

Anyone with information on Goff's whereabouts is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff's Office at 918-287-3131

A double-booking mishap at the 4-H buildings in Independence leads to a twice-as-nice Friday event.

The Friday double feature will include the Independence Arbor Day celebration that will move from the indoor 4-H building to one of the unenclosed buildings. There will still be community booths, arts and crafts, and a give-away of 50 Hackberry trees. That event runs from 5:30 to 7pm tomorrow.

In the enclosed building will be the bingo fundraiser for the Elk City Freedom Celebration. Play 15 games for $15 dollars, limit two packs per person, plus a special $5 50/50 game at the end of the night. There will be cash and prizes and concessions available. Bingo starts at 6:30 tomorrow night.

The Friends of Elk City State Park are asking for the public's assistance in an Earth Day Clean-Up effort.

Clean-up will happen on Saturday from 9am to 1pm at the State Park area at Elk City Reservoir. Volunteers are asked to donate their time to help make a positive impact at the park. Lunch will be provided. The clean-up will also help those looking to complete community service hours.

On Saturday, the City of Independence will celebrate the 95^th Anniversary of the First Night Baseball Game played on April 28, 1930, at Shulthis Stadium in Riverside Park.

The Independence Chamber of Commerce has a variety of events planned for the day including a Baseball history Story Walk at 10:30am. Participants will meet at the stadium and take a short walk while learning interesting historical baseball facts.

In the afternoon, local historian Ken Brown will give a presentation on the City's baseball history. The talk will also take place at the stadium beginning at 12:30. The Independence historical Museum and Art Center will also host a Memorabilia Tour from 1 to 4pm in downtown Independence.

There will also be face painting, a rock hunt, concessions, free rides on the train and carousel, and free mini golf at Riverside Park.

It all happens Saturday in Independence.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight and entertain a brief agenda.

Up for discussion will be the authorization of a KDOT C-CLIP grant for an engineering contract for a project on 10^th Street between Main and Laurel to TranSystems. The project is slated to begin in 2027 and will include pavement replacement for the street plus replacement of the curb, gutter, and storm sewer.

Commissioners will also consider the installation of a 20-minute parking space in the 100 block of West Myrtle. The space would be located near the alley on the south side of the street. The move is in response to concerns by downtown businesses regarding parking issues in the area.

Tonight's Meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall. It is open to the public and is also available for online viewing via the City website.

The Altamont City Council will meet tonight for its regularly scheduled meeting.

The meeting begins at 7pm at the Altamont City Hall and is open to the public. Proceedings are also available for viewing online via the City of Altamont Facebook page.

One man is seriously injured and faces possible charges following a single-vehicle accident in Okmulgee County.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that the driver says he looked down briefly at his phone just before his car left the roadway, struck a guardrail, and then plunged off the side of a bridge, falling 30 feet into a creek below. The Okmulgee Fire Department responded to the scene and rescued the man from the vehicle. He was taken to a Tulsa hospital for treatment. O-H-P says the man has admitted to the use of methamphetamine prior to the accident.

When O-H-P completes the investigation of the crash, the case will be forwarded to the Oknulgee County District Attorney's Office for possible charging.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis.

Flags will be lowered on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities beginning immediately. They will remain at half-staff through sunset on Saturday, the day of the late pontiff's funeral.

Francis passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke and heart failure. He will lie in state for three days before his funeral at 10am (3am Central Time) on Saturday in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

Governor Kelly called Francis a beacon of light and one of the most influential leaders of our time.

A Coffeyville man faces charges of attempted first-degree murder following an incident that occurred early Tuesday morning.

Coffeyville Police have arrested 60-year-old Norman Starr in connection to the incident that occurred in the 300 block of West 3^rd Street. Starr is accused of threatening a woman, pointing a gun at her, and firing the weapon several times. Police say bullets struck a nearby home that was occupied at the time.

Starr also faces charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, and criminal threat. He is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail in Independence.

A chance to safely dispose of medications is coming up this weekend.

The Montgomery County Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday at the Coffeyville Police Department. Police Chief Kwin Bromley says this is a good chance to keep medications out of the hands of children.

Bromley says there are few items that can't be accepted.

Live Healthy Montgomery County will be handing out free Deterra drug deactivation kits that allow you to safely dispose of medications at home as well. The drive-thru event will be this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the back side of the police department building on 11^th on the east side.

If you can't make the event this weekend, several 24/7 drug drop-off locations are available year-round in police department lobbies in Coffeyville, Caney and Independence, plus the Cherryvale Pharmacy during business hours.

The City of Coffeyville awards over $88,000 in grant funding to nine local property and business owners.

This money comes through the Historic Downtown Revitalization Grant Program. These funds will help improve building exteriors and preserve the character of downtown, while supporting continued investment in the area. In addition to the city’s investment, recipients are contributing almost $28,000 in private funds, bringing the total reinvestment into the downtown district to over $116,000.

These projects include sidewalk repairs, fresh paint, facade upgrades and building improvements.

• Titus Event Center – $20,000.00

• Jan-L’s Floral & Gifts – $11,697.00

• Midwest Pregnancy Care Center – $11,250.00

• Sharon Ray (219/223 W 9th) – $8,370.00

• McGatlin Industries (127 W 9th) – $8,834.29

• James Taylor Jr. (2 E 8th) – $7,875.00

• Andy & Liza Krenz (119 W 8th) – $7,125.00

• Sharon Ray (228 W 9th) – $6,900.00

• Midland Theater Foundation – $6,750.00

The Coffeyville City Commission tackles the difficult issue of raising electric rates.

At this week's meeting, commissioners debated when and by how much electric rates in the city would increase. City Manager Ben Brubaker says rate increases in Coffeyville are well below the statewide average.

Executive Director of Electric Services Chris Weiner was at the meeting and told commissioners that the wholesale rate from G-R-D-A went up by 4% last October with similar increases planned for this year and for 2026. He also stated that, even if the commission took no action, rates would still increase by 10% this year. After a lengthy discussion with Commissioners Don Edwards and Alec Hendryx taking opposite stances

, Mayor Debra Maples makes the motion.

In other business, commissioners voted to appoint CCC Criminal Justice and Political Science Instructor Nicole Nee to the Library Board.

Governor Laura Kelly urges Kansas families to make sure their children are vaccinated for measles.

Governor Kelly held a press conference in Garden City yesterday (on Tuesday) to address the recent outbreak of the disease that began on March 13. Confirmed cases of measles in Kansas have been mostly confined to eight counties in southwest Kansas, but Kelly says vaccination rates in the state have recently fallen below 90%.

Kelly was joined at the press conference by Kansas Department of Health and Environment Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten. Totten says vaccination is the best way to combat the outbreak.

The cases of measles confirmed in March were the first reported cases in the state since 2008.

UPDATE: The driver of the UTV has been identified as 67-year-old Douglas Gray of Miami.

A UTV crash in Ottawa County, OK, claims the life of a 9-year-old Miami boy.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the boy died after being struck by a utility terrain vehicle just after 8pm last night. A 67-year0old man was driving the UTV along South 490 Road, about seven miles west of Commerce, when the accident occurred.

The boy was airlifted to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, but died from his injuries. There were three other people on the UTV at the time of the crash, but no other injuries were reported.

No names have yet been released and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Multiple people are injured in a Butler County car accident.

The Butler County Sheriff's Office says five people were injured in the accident that occurred yesterday evening around 5:30. One of those people sustained critical injuries and was airlifted via EagleMed to a Wichita hospital following the crash that occurred just southwest of Augusta.

Two others received serious injuries. No names have yet been released.

A truck driver in southwest Missouri is injured after a wild turkey crashes through his windshield.

The incident occurred just before noon on Sunday on northbound I-49 in Newton County, just south of Joplin. Emergency crews from Redings Mill Fire, the Newton County Sheriff's Office, and Newton County Ambulance responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a tractor-trailer stopped on the roadside with a large hole in the windshield. The bird had struck the driver, causing non-life-threatening injuries.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper says this is the second such bird strike to occur this year.

Two people are in custody following a police chase that crossed the state line from Kansas into Missouri.

On Monday night, the Vernon County Sheriff's Office in Missouri was notified by Bourbon County, Kansas, deputies of a high-speed pursuit that had crossed the state line into Missouri. Vernon County deputies took over the chase as the suspect's vehicle entered their jurisdiction and followed the subject until the pursuit ended when the car entered flood waters. At that point, three people exited the car and fled on foot.

Authorities were able to locate and arrest two of the suspects while the third managed to escape custody. Deputies recovered multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle. Charges are pending.

The suspects' names have not been released.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after allegedly pointing a firearm at another person.

37-year-old Roger Clark was charged on Monday with felonious pointing of a firearm.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, on March 25, Clark allegedly got into an altercation with another person and then allegedly placed a shotgun to the victim's neck. The victim's children also allegedly witnessed the incident.

Clark also faces multiple misdemeanor charges including possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Clark will appear in court again on May 2. His bond is set at $100,000.

Horse owners and trail riders will have the chance to go on a fun, unique trail ride in May.

Woolaroc in Bartlesville has opened registration for a 15-mile ride that will feature a trail rarely seen by the public. The event will give riders the chance to see beautiful scenery as well as bison, deer elk, and other wildlife.

The ride will take place on Saturday, May 17th. Participants must provide their own horse and gear and provide a negative coggins test. Registration is from 7am to 9am and the ride will start at 9:30. The registration fee is $50. For more information, call the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve at 918-336-0307.

The Neodesha City Commission will meet today with several items of business on the agenda.

Action items include a resolution to authorize a street dance with alcohol sales, an agreement for water tower cameras, and the consideration for software for the Fire and EMS department. Toady's meeting begins at 2pm at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and is also available via Zoom and Facebook.

The City of Howard reminds residents that the deadline for picking up yearly dog tags for pets is coming up.

Proof of rabies vaccination is required. The cost for spayed and neutered dogs is $5. For unaltered dogs, the cost is $10. The deadline is April 30. After that date, there will be a $10 late fee. Those with questions can call 620-374-2202

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month and physicians at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center remind everyone that frequent and persistent heartburn could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Recurring heartburn can be a symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, often causing heartburn, chest pain, and chronic cough, and can lead to more serious conditions, including esophageal cancer.

CRMC encourages anyone experiencing symptoms more than twice a week to seek the advice of their personal doctor.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation announces the winners of the 2025 Trash Poster Contest.

Fourteen Oklahoma students have been recognized for their artistic efforts in creating posters that emphasize the importance of keeping Oklahoma highways litter-free while highlighting the upcoming Route 66 100^th anniversary. The winning artwork will be featured in the state's 2026 calendar aimed at promoting awareness for a clean environment. The free calendar will be released in December.

Contestants from kindergarten through 12^th grade were divided into two elementary school categories plus middle school and high school categories, with three winners awarded in each. Winners will receive a variety of prizes, including monetary awards, T-shirts, certificates, poster boards, and laminated copies of their artwork. Additionally, the teachers of these students will be awarded vouchers for classroom supplies and two-night vouchers to an Oklahoma State Park, courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. This year's winners include students from Adair, Kay, and Tulsa counties. Over 4,000 entries were received for this year's contest.

The posters of the winners are available at this link.

Image is the winner in the high school division by high school senior Wesley Chase Perryman of Lone Grove High School, Lone Grove in Carter County. Perryman's design will be featured for the month of January in the 2026 calendar.

A new restaurant in Coffeyville opens today.

Joe's Italian Restaurant will open tonight at 5 p.m. in the old Phelp's location at 511 W 11^th Street. The owners have been working on renovations over the past several weeks and have a ribbon cutting scheduled with the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 1^st at 2 p.m.

This is Joe's second location after opening in the Booth Hotel in Independence last November.

Major work is underway on the tennis courts at LeClere Park in Coffeyville.

The city started work last week, which means the tennis courts are closed for public use while reconstruction takes place. The project is expected to last about three months.

The bathrooms near the tennis courts are also now closed for water line work. That project is expected to last about one month.

The city-wide cleanup in Cherryvale starts today.

From now until Saturday, cleanup items will be accepted at the Cherryvale Community Center. Most items will be taken except explosives, asbestos, refrigerants, appliances with compressors, bricks, concrete or dirt. Appliances without refrigerant and compressors will be accepted at the city public works shop at 206 W 3^rd.

City Clerk Karen Davis says tires will also be taken, but there is a small fee involved.

No tire disposal will be available on Saturday. Davis says hazardous waste will also be collected at the end of the week.

The collection at the community center will be available today, tomorrow and Thursday from 8 to 3:30, Friday from 8 a.m. To 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. The city brush dump will also be open to drop off leaves and limbs.

A recent string of burglaries in Parsons over the past week prompts Parsons Police to issue a public safety reminder.

The thefts have targeted residences and businesses as well as a storage unit and several vehicles. Deputy Police Chief Dennis Dodd reminds the public that criminals often look for easy targets and suggests that all residents take some simple precautions to help keep from becoming a crime victim.

Deputy Chief Dodd advises that all citizens lock all doors and windows and secure sheds, garages and storage units with sturdy locks. Those locations should also be checked regularly to be certain they are secure. Motion lights and security cameras can also deter criminals and provide evidence should a crime occur. Don't leave valuables in plain sight and record serial numbers and take photos of high-value items.

Citizens are also asked to report suspicious activity to the police. Anyone with information about the current crime wave in Parsons should contact police by calling 620-421-7060 or calling the tip line at 620-421-7057.

Officers will also be available to give tips on securing your residence.

Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will have the chance to see a rare celestial event later this week.

On Thursday and Friday morning, Venus and Saturn will align with the crescent moon to create what will look like a smiley face in the sky. According to NASA, the two planets and the moon will appear low on the horizon in the eastern sky. Venus has recently made the switch from an evening star to a morning star, which will allow for the alignment.

The best time for viewing will be 45 to 30 minutes before sunrise on Thursday and Friday. Those with a clear view of the horizon may also be able to see the planet Mercury very low, but bright in the morning sky.

The celestial event comes just after the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower, which will still be producing some shooting stars by the end of the week.

The next meteor shower will be the Aquariids on May 5 and 6.

The Sedgwick County Jail prohibits inmates from using “hot pots” after a Sheriff's Deputy is attacked with boiling water.

On the evening of April 14, 20-year-old inmate James Edward Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on a sheriff's deputy as the man was speaking to other inmates in the housing pod. The deputy was taken to a local hospital with second and third-degree burns on his back. He is expected to make a full recovery from the incident.

In response, inmate in the jail will no longer be allowed access to personal devices used for heating water. Inmates will still be able to obtain heated water from the water tap.

The City of Coffeyville is hitting the pause button on utility billing date changes.

That's the word from Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker. There are three different billing dates across the city, and an attempt was made to shift some of the bill due dates by a few days. Coffeyville City Clerk Melissa Carter tells KGGF this change led to some unintended consequences.

Carter and Brubaker say if you've already received a bill with the new due dates, the city will honor your original due date.

Brubaker says City staff will regroup to better explain why they're making this change, what the new dates will be, how to pay and ensure everyone gets more advance notice next time.

 After failing to reach a quorum, The Monday evening Caney City Council meeting turned into a work session, focusing on ward versus at large council elections and the workload of city staff.

 Caney City Administrator Andrea Sibley says current city staff is doing a great job wearing many hats, but positions need to be filled so current staff can work on their focus specific tasks.

 Sibley says the big and small things are equally important in Caney, especially if the town sees itself in the broader picture.

 Other discussions in the work session included reducing the number of council positions from eight to four, with the mayor continuing to be the tie-breaking vote, if needed, and whether the number of wards need to be reduced from four to two, or be eliminated altogether. More will be discussed in another work session set for Monday, April 28^th at 6:30 in council chambers.

 Monday night's work session with the Caney City Council can be viewed here.

The Nowata County Commissioners discuss the wild weekend weather.

At Monday's meeting, County Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers discussed the damage with commissioners.

Summers also addressed during the meeting that the county would have to make a declaration in order to receive additional funding.

In other business, commissioners continued talks on improvements to the courthouse. The board addressed changing a fan on the outside of the courthouse, which would include a discussion with the Nowata County Historical Society.

The Nowata County Commissioners meet every Monday morning at 9 a.m. at the Nowata County Courthouse Annex.

The Board of Osage County Commission convened for a regularly scheduled meeting at the fairgrounds yesterday morning.

At that meeting, a contract was signed with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the amount of more than $136,000 to make improvements to the rural water district number five treatment plant. JT Darling with the Indian Nation Council of Governments says the contract has several features.

Commissioner Charlie Cartwright was designated as the certifying officer for that grant. Christina Talburt was designated as the authorized official. 

The Board was supposed to hear from members of the courthouse annex project team, including the architects, construction manager and owner's rep, but they weren't present.

The Board of Osage County Commissioners meet at 10ameach Monday at the fairgrounds in Pawhuska.

The City of Independence is getting ready to celebrate Arbor Day this Friday.

Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there will be lots of activities to enjoy.

The Arbor Day celebration takes place at Riverside Park in the Indoor 4-H building. There will be community booths, educational activities, and arts and crafts for attendees to enjoy. The event happens Friday evening from 5:30 to 7 in Independence.

The merger between Independence Community College and Coffeyville Community College is just in its earliest stages and prompts an informal discussion at this month's ICC Trustees meeting.

After both schools voted last month to begin the first stages of merging the two colleges, the process is barely underway. At last night's (Monday's) ICC Board of Trustees meeting, ICC President Dr. Jonathan Sadhoo says the very earliest the merger might happen would be in 2027.

Part of the issue with the merger is uncertainty. This has never happened in Kansas before, so the actual steps in the process aren't clearly defined. Both schools included in their motions to begin the process a clause that would allow each institution to back out of the process if there were issues. Trustee Dr. Logan Null says a large part of the problem is that the process is so complicated.

No official action was taken regarding the merger at Monday's meeting. In other business, Dr. Sadhoo informed trustees that the deadline for a federal grant for a possible new welding program had been pushed back to October. The Board also approved $12,000 for an Upward Bound trip to Oklahoma City in June as well as approving the expenditure of $43,000 over three years for a new online mental health provider for the school.

The next meeting of the ICC Board of Trustees will be May 7.

The weekend rains didn't cancel the Easter fun, it just postponed it.

The City of Independence has rescheduled the city Easter Egg Hunt for 4pm this afternoon. Eggs will be hidden in various locations around Riverside Park. Parents and kids are invited to head out to Riverside Park this afternoon to hunt for eggs at their own pace.

The independence Easter egg hunt is sponsored by the Independence Rotary Club.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is called in to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Jasper County.

The incident occurred on April 13 when Jasper County Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene of a domestic dispute near the City of Jasper. When deputies arrived on the scene they found a man armed with a knife. The suspect was later identified as 43-year-old Gavin Newton of Joplin. When Newton was told to drop his weapon, he then charged at police. Deputies tased Newton to no effect. A deputy then fired his gun at Newton, striking him.

Newton was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his wounds on April 19. The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave until the M-S-H-P investigation is complete.

Two Copan men are facing felony charges after allegedly pointing firearms at someone.

19-year-old Preston Barnes and 18-year-old Joseph Radford were charged yesterday with feloniously pointing a firearm.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, last Friday evening, Barnes and Radford are alleged to have exchanged obscene hand gestures with the victim then followed the suspects in their vehicle. The pair are accused of then pointing a handgun and a rifle at the victim.

Barnes and Radford will appear in court again on May 2^nd. Their bonds are set at $10,000 each.

Oklahoma hunters can currently apply for the chance to take part in controlled hunts of deer, elk, antelope and turkey.

Controlled hunts are held by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in public hunting areas where unrestricted [public hunting might cause safety concerns or where overharvest might occur. The number of permits for controlled hunts is limited and the overall odds of being chosen is about one in twenty-five.

O-D-W-C has made a few changes to the program for this year that will improve features for potential hunters. Hopeful hunters should apply by May 20.

To read an informative blog post on the process by the ODWC, go here.

To apply, follow this link.

The Cherryvale Fire Department works multiple fires all around the same time.

Fire Chief Joe Rexwinkle says crews were first called to an RV fire on 9^th Street around 10:30 p.m. last Tuesday. Later into the night, he says the department responded to another fire on East 7^th Street that involved a fatality.

The cause of either fire has not been released.  No one was injured in the RV fire on 9th.  City council members thanked Rexwinkle and his team for their work containing the fires.

Spring cleanup is underway in Neodesha.

All this week, residents can drop off items including building materials, metal, wood, furniture, household trash, paint, electronics, TVs and appliances at the City Shop at 1200 W Granby. Drop off times through Friday are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday drop off will be 8 a.m. to noon.

The brush dump will be open at 5249 Quinter Road for brush and leaves. Any bagged leaves must be opened and the bags taken with you. While the deadline for pick-up service has passed for regular items, tires will be accepted through Friday at the City Shop. To drop off tires, first go to City Hall and pay for the disposal and then bring the receipt with you. Car and truck tires are $2 and $4 if they have a rim. Semi tires are $7 and $10 with the rim. Tractor tires are $28-50 depending on the size. Call Neodesha City Hall at 620-325-2828 if you have any questions.

The Montgomery County Commission gives a second look to an issue with the closing of a low-water bridge north of Cherryvale.

The bridge on County Road 6200 has been closed for nearly a year after engineers found structural issues that made it unsafe for traffic to cross. Residents from that area attended several county meetings at that time to voice their opinions on the closure. Last week, commissioners heard a recommendation that would close the bridge permanently. Residents returned to this week's commission meeting to make their voices heard heard once again.

Here is some of what they had to say.

The choice before the commission is to either close the bridge or spend nearly a half million dollars to put in a new crossing. A recent traffic study on the location showed an average of thirty cars per day. Commissioner Robert Bever says he understands residents' concerns but he must also consider the rest of the taxpayers in the county.

The commission opted to table the issue until next week's meeting to allow Commissioner Phil Clubine to visit the area. Clubine was absent from this week's meeting due to other official duties.

Most people look forward to warm spring weather.

However, for many, the spring months also bring allergy season. Allergies can be especially challenging for kids. Missouri physician Dr. Ravi Johar with United Healthcare says it's a common issue.

Johar says most kids with allergies tend to develop them around age 5 or 6. He says parents who are worried about allergies should watch for symptoms.

Johar adds that some simple ways to reduce the severity of allergies are to stay inside and avoid the source of the allergens. After spending time outside, change clothes and take a shower. If you must be outside when your allergies are bad, wear an N-95 face mask. The use of a hepa-filter while sleeping will also help as well as the use of over-the-counter medicines and nasal saline spray.

Weekend showers bring more than four inches of rain to the Coffeyville area.

Multiple rounds of showers over the weekend caused some water accumulation in some of the usual places around town. Around the region, southwest Missouri was hit hard with several ongoing flood warnings and advisories.

In southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, the Neosho River is expected to crest later today into the “moderate” flood stage at just over 21 feet in Oswego, around 23 feet in Parsons and around 20 feet in Commerce.

The Spring River at Baxter Springs is also cresting in the “minor” flood stage around 15 feet.

If you encounter flooded roadways while driving today, remember to turn around and find a different route. Just a small amount of water on a roadway can sweep a car away or a person off their feet.  More rain is expected this week.

Here are some totals from this weekend's multi-day storm:

KGGF Coffeyville Studios: 4.39

Parsons, KS: 4.30

Altoona, KS: 3.31

Erie, KS: 4.70

Bartlesville, OK: 3.95

Miami, OK: 4.59

Anderson, MO: 4.78

Decatur, AR: 5.98

Photo: Flooding at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville, Frank Shedden/SnapWild Photography

This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week as road construction season begins across the country.

The purpose of the week is to raise awareness among drivers and to encourage them to use caution in construction zones in order to avoid accidents that can lead to injuries and fatalities. In Kansas during 2024, 508 people were injured and 8 people were killed in work zones across the state.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stay alert and watch for workers when traveling through work zones, and to follow traffic controls in construction areas. This includes changing lanes when directed to do so and leaving ample space between your vehicle and the car in front of you. KDOT asks that drivers be patient and expect delays in work zones.

Everyone is encouraged to wear orange this week in support of Kansas highway workers, especially on Wednesday, when KDOT marks Go Orange Day, to raise awareness for the need for workzone safety.

Wednesday night is fine arts night at Independence High School.

The public is invited to join IHS students for an evening of the arts. There will be 2D and 3D artwork on display in the Community Room in the Performing Arts Center. Student performances will begin at 7pm.

It all happens Wednesday evening at Independence High School.

Weekend rains cause highway closures in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports that Oklahoma State Highway 80 is closed to all lanes of traffic three miles west of Hulbert or 13 miles miles west of Tahlequah in Cherokee County due to flooding. Drivers should find an alternate route. ODOT crews anticipate the highway will be closed for several days until flood waters recede.

A Kansas man is one of three victims who died Friday night when a small plane crashed northwest of Omaha.

Authorities say 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, KS, was traveling with two individuals from Fremont, NE, when the plane crashed into the Platte River around 8pm on Friday. The crash was not discovered until a passerby noticed the plane submerged in the water early Saturday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

Two juvenile males are in custody in Barry County, Mo, in connection to a recent string of burglaries.

Early last week the Barry County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a vehicle suspect in several burglaries. The car had been stolen from the Monett, MO, area and deputies began looking for the vehicle. The 2019 Hyundai was eventually located in a church parking lot in Pierce City, MO. When deputies attempted to make contact with the occupants, they fled the scene. After a brief chase, the suspects ran off the road, disabling the vehicle. The two males were taken into custody without further incident.

Both boys were released into the custody of their parents.

Fourth and fifth grade students at Guthridge School in Parsons enjoy a hands-on science lesson courtesy of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The K-D-H-E Mobile Science Lab was in Parsons last week to teach students about DNA. During the visit, students mashed strawberries in an extraction solution to open cell walls and then watched as the DNA strand filtered out into the solution. They then learned about the structure of the DNA double helix.

The K-D-H-E Mobile Lab is an immersive, traveling experience available to Kansas students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Lab features hands-on activities taught by scientists with the aim of introducing students to public health. The purpose is to inspire future scientists in the fields of biology, animal sciences, genetics, chemistry, and environmental sciences.

Photo courtesy USD 530

The ICC Board of Trustees will meet tonight for its regular monthly meeting.

On tonight’s agenda will be a continuation of the ongoing discussion regarding the addition of a welding program to the school’s course work. Trustees have been hesitant to give an official go-ahead for the project in the past months, citing the start-up costs for the program as the primary reason. School officials have continued to pursue state and federal grants to help offset those costs.

Also on tonight’s agenda will be a request from Academic Affairs to takes students from the Upward Bound Summerfest program for an overnight trip in June to tour the University of Oklahoma. The cost is anticipated to be around $12,000 for forty students and four chaperones. The cost of the trip would be covered by a grant.

Trustees are also expected to approve the early retirement of history professor Dr. Isaias McCaffrey.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 5:30 in the Fab Lab Building on the ICC main campus. The public is invited to attend.

DNA testing leads to an arrest in the 1989 cold case murder of a Springfield teen.

62-year-old Paul Bowles of Fulton, MO, was arrested last week in connection to the rape and murder of 18-year-old Jennifer Williams more than 35 years ago.

Bowles was identified as a suspect after DNA matching his profile was found on the victim.

Williams disappeared on the night of September 8, 1989, after a friend dropped her off at her home. Williams told the friend she was then going to walk to her husband’s business. However, she never arrived. Williams’ husband reported her missing on September 11. On September 20, her body was discovered by three minors walking along a roadway.

DNA from the case was first tested in 2019, but the results from that test were not enough to allow for a database search. The evidence was tested again in 2024 with help from the non-profit cold case group Season of Justice. That time, Bowles was identified as a suspect.

At the time he was identified, Bowles was being held at the Fulton State Mental Hospital in Callaway County, Missouri, on unrelated charges. He is currently being held in the Calloway County Jail in Fulton on charges of 2nd-degree murder and forcible rape.

Detectives continue to investigate the case.

A Eureka man is dead following a single-vehicle crash on Friday morning in Greenwood County.

64-year-old Curk Creed was driving a concrete truck southbound on US-99 just north of Severy around 9am on Friday when his vehicle went off the road to the right. Creed attempted to bring the vehicle back onto the roadway, but overcorrected. The truck then tipped onto its side, coming to rest in the ditch.

Creed was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A contract for housing development is expected to be approved at tonight's Cherryvale City Council meeting.

That's one of the items on tonight's agenda. In addition, the council is expected to approve the listing of public works equipment for sale, schedule a work session for the city's comprehensive plan, hear the first quarter treasurer's report and approve a street closure application for Baldwin St between 4^th and 5^th for tree removal.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall in Cherryvale and the public is welcome to attend.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a suspect in a vehicle theft.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for a dark-colored pickup truck with aftermarket wheels that was involved in a theft that occurred early Wednesday morning just northeast of Wayside.

Anyone with information that could assist in the case is asked to contact Deputy Chad Niver at 620-330-1000. Tips can be made anonymously.

A Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy is honored for his life-saving efforts.

Deputy Chad Niver was recently presented with a commendation and a medal from Sheriff Ron Wade for his action on March 25. On that day, Deputy Niver responded to a call involving a suspected opioid overdose just outside of Coffeyville. After arriving on the scene and assessing the situation, Deputy Niver administered Narcan to the unresponsive individual. The person then regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital for further medical care.

Sheriff Wade thanked Niver for his efforts and stated that his actions made a huge difference on that day.

Today is the 250^th anniversary of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride and the City of Independence is celebrating the occasion by marking Two Lights for Tomorrow Day today.

Revere's ride signaled the start of the American Revolution and led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. At the most recent meeting of the Independence City commission, representatives from the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center asked for an official proclamation from the city.

Independence Mayor Scott Smith made the official proclamation, making today Two Lights for Tomorrow Day in Independence. The City encourages businesses and residents to take part in this symbolic display by prominently displaying two lights for all to see tonight and to unite in remembrance of our shared history, honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for our independence and reminding ourselves of the values we hold dear today. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how those lights shining out in the darkness during this vigil symbolically illustrate our ongoing journey as a nation.

Several officers from the Parsons Police Department are honored for their investigative work.

The officers received this recognition this week at the Annual Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police Spring Conference in Mulvane.  Lieutenant Detective Sherri McGuire, Sergeant Detective Brice Dickens, Sergeant Detective Tony Adamson and Sergeant Detective Timothy Gilliland were honored with the Bronze Unit Citation for Uncommon Valor based on the work to uncover a regional drug trafficking ring in 2023. The joint effort in conjunction with the KBI, DEA, and Labette County Sheriff's Office ultimately led to multiple federal indictments for drug trafficking.  Members of the KBI and the DEA were also present to accept awards on their agencies' behalf.

A Wichita woman is under indictment by a federal grand jury for allegedly defrauding a federal program during the Covid pandemic.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 35-year-old Kylie Charles allegedly stole the identities of people she knew and then used that information to file false claims for unemployment benefits in multiple states from May 2020 through August 2021 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act.

The CARES Act provided financial relief to Americans dealing with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program expanded unemployment benefits to some people who would not typically qualify, such as business owners, self-employed workers, independent contractors, those with a limited work history, and people who lost their business as a result of the pandemic.

Charles has been charged with 17 counts of wire fraud and 17 counts of aggravated identity theft.

The FBI is investigating the case.

An Oklahoma woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Ottawa County, OK.

The accident occurred yesterday when a 71-year-old Wyandotte woman attempted to make a left turn onto South 680 Road from US-60 near the Oklahoma/Missouri state line. She failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck by a semi-truck. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the woman later died from her injuries at a nearby hospital.

O-H-P has not yet released the woman's name.

Three students from Coffeyville Community College are named to the All-Kansas Academic Team.

Students can receive the award in one of two categories: Transfer and workforce. CCC's three recipients are Wesliann McCartney and Chiquisa Clemons for transfer, and Taylor Gray for workforce.

The All-Kansas Academic Team is part of the national Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Academic Team program, which celebrates the top community college students across 39 participating states. Recipients are nominated by their campuses and selected based on their academic excellence and commitment to both leadership and community involvement.

McCartney, Clemons, and Gray along with members of the CCC Leadership Team traveled to Topeka on April 11th, to be recognized along with other All-Kansas recipients from Kansas community colleges. This prestigious honor highlights students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, leadership, and service to their communities.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold a public meeting next Thursday, April 24, at Flint Oak in Fall River.

The commission will discuss changes to Kansas regulations regarding waterfowl season dates, and bag and possession limits. Also on the agenda for discussion will be Kansas duck zones and a session on furbearers and coyotes.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the proposals. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to view the meeting and comment virtually via Zoom. The meeting will begin at noon.

To view the agenda for the meeting, follow this link.

Those who want to comment via Zoom are required to register in order to do so.

Those who want to view the meeting without commenting can so do at this link.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives adopts a resolution recognizing the contribution of lineworkers throughout the state in honor of National Lineman Appreciation Day today.

The resolution notes that lineworkers are the true heroes of the electric power industry, responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical power grids 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are often the first to respond during storms and other catastrophic weather events so other first responders can get to the scene safely. They operate under dangerous conditions and risk their lives high atop power lines to keep electricity flowing. They also play a vital role in Oklahoma's economy by maintaining the energy infrastructure that powers homes and businesses

The resolution was presented by Representative Mike Dobrinski, a Republican from Okeene.

A wet and stormy Easter weekend is on the way for the four-state area.

The weekend will start with a slight chance of severe weather tonight through early tomorrow morning. The most likely onset will be between 8 p.m. and midnight. Hail up to golf ball size is possible in addition to 60 – 70 mph winds.

In addition, a flood watch is in effect for the four-state area tonight through Sunday. Thunderstorms could produce 2 – 4 inches of rain for southeast Kansas, with 4 – 6 inches possible in northeast Oklahoma. Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected. Local amounts up to 8 inches are possible. The severe weather threat on Saturday afternoon into evening will mainly include eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas.

After receiving local approval, Montgomery County has approved Cherryvale's Annexation of Fairview Cemetery.

At this week's Montgomery County Commission Meeting, Cherryvale City Administrator Michael Hall told commissioners that the city wants jurisdiction over the property.

Commissioners had no issues with the plan and approved the annexation. This issue was recently discovered and Hall says this is simply a legal issue that had to be cleaned up. In addition, a bid was recently awarded for mowing and upkeep at the cemetery and Hall says he looks forward to further beautification of the property.

The Sedan City Council revisits the issue of a city animal shelter in a contentious meeting.

Tempers flared at this week's city council meeting over the issue of signing a new contract with the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter. The City parted ways with the shelter earlier this year following a dispute of over open financial records. Council. One option for Sedan was for the City to open its own shelter. Council member Janice Fine says that's a good long-term goal, but the City needs something NOW.

Fine sparred with fellow Council member Adam Clark over the issue. She says she asked City Attorney Jeff Chubb about the legal issues.

On the final vote, Angela Evans and Sharon Payne joined Clark to defeat the measure on a 3-2 vote. Fine and Kathy Miller voted in favor of the new contract.

Wilson County is taking measures to protect from the measles outbreak in Western Kansas and Southern Oklahoma.

There are at least 35 cases of measles currently in the state of Kansas, with a majority of those coming in the Southwestern portion of the state. Wilson County Health Department Director Amy Lell says they are taking the precautionary measures very seriously.

Lell also spoke to the commission about a pair of recent grants applied for in the Health Department. She says positive feedback was given despite some difficult circumstances.

There will be no commission meeting in Wilson County next week due to the Easter holiday. The next scheduled meeting is for April 30th at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the Courthouse in Fredonia.

The Rogers County Sheriff's Office in investigating an apparent suicide that occurred yesterday morning on a state highway.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton says the incident occurred on Highway 266 near the intersection with East 145^th Street. Two friends were driving from Claremore when the driver of the vehicle noticed the passenger making irrational statements. The driver told deputies that the passenger appeared to be having a mental breakdown. At some point, the individual pulled out a box knife and cut his own neck. When the driver pulled over to the side of the road, the distraught passenger exited the vehicle and walked into traffic. He later collapsed and died due to loss of blood.

The Rogers County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident and has not yet released the victim's name pending the notification of the next of kin.

There will be a fundraiser on Saturday in Coffeyville to help send local kids to a national karate tournament.

For those feeling hungry and helpful on Saturday morning, Coffeyville Area Chamber President Candi Westbrook says there's something for you in downtown Coffeyville.

The pancake feed runs from 7 to 11am Saturday at the Moo Do Martial Arts Academy in downtown Coffeyville. Attendees will get two pancakes, a choice of sausage or bacon, and orange juice or coffee for $8. Proceeds from the event will help send local karate students to the 2025 USA MOO Duk Kwan National Festival in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in July.

It's Easter Week and the Cherryvale Bible Holiness Church is holding an outdoor, walk-through passion.

Pastor Greg Miller says the public is invited to experience this unique event.

Miller says the event is free to the public and wheelchair accessible.

Guided tours begin at 6:30 tomorrow night at the Cherryvale Bible Holiness Church located at 628 Park Street just across from the football field in Cherryvale.

The Chetopa First responders will be holding a fundraiser breakfast this Saturday morning.

The breakfast menu will include biscuits and gravy, pancakes, sausage, and coffee or juice. The cost of breakfast is a donation. Breakfast will be served Saturday morning from 7 to 11am at the Chetopa Fire Station. To-go orders will be available

A Parsons couple is one step closer to learning their sentences for their roles in the April 2023 shooting death of Dakota Patton.

Clint and Kim Nibarger were both arrested in May 2023 in connection to the death of the 23-year-old Patton. They were each initially charged with first-degree murder in the case, but since that time, both have taken plea deals for amended charges.

Kim Nibarger was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and obstruction.

Clint Nibarger entered a guilty plea in October to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He also appeared in court this week, but argued that - as a part of his plea deal – he did not want to spend more than 24 years in prison. That term was not agreed to by the court, causing his sentencing to be rescheduled.

Dakota Patton was found shot to death in a field northeast of Parsons in rural Neosho County on May 8, 2023.

Dakota Patton

Police in Pittsburg are investigating the discovery of a body found near a radio signal tower on city property.

Just before 8am yesterday, Pittsburg Fire and Crawford County EMS were dispatched to the scene at 107 East 1^st Street. A passerby alerted authorities after noticing a person lying on the ground inside a locked chain link fence at the base of the tower.

The deceased person's remains have been sent to Kansas City for an autopsy and Pittsburg Police say they are working with the Crawford County Coroner's Office to determine the cause and manner of death. At this point, police do not suspect foul play.

Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is asked to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or by calling the tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

The investigation is ongoing.

KansasWorks will host a virtual job fair next Wednesday that will highlight open positions across the state of Kansas.

The Virtual Job Fair allows for anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers.

The job fair portal features information for those seeking employment, such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Job fair participants are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview. Candidates can participate through any digital device, and registration is required. The virtual job fair runs from 8am to 5pm next Wednesday.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event. Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, go here.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will hold a public open house meeting to discuss proposed improvement to Stat Highway 10 between US-59 and State Highway 25 Near Grove in Delaware County.

 The project is intended to make safety, mobility and accessibility improvements to the highway including adding sidewalks between Hazel Street and Ford Road. ODOT will present the proposed project, and engineers will be on hand to answer questions. The open house will be a come-and-go format with no formal presentation.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 4 to 6pm at the Grove Community Center, located at 104 East 3^rd Street. Comments can also be submitted online.

Information about the project may be viewed at http://www.odot.org/PublicMeetings. Comments can be submitted at the meeting or directed to environment@odot.org or 405-325-3269 by Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Here's a list of area Easter Egg hunts this weekend and where you can find the Easter Bunny:

Easter Egg Hunts:

Friday, April 18^th:

Fredonia Regional Hospital – 11 a.m.

Saturday, April 19^th:

Rotary Park, Fredonia – 10 a.m.

Marvel Park Ball Fields, Parsons – 10 a.m.

Elk City State Park – Prairie Meadow Campground – 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church – 300 W 9^th St, Coffeyville – 11 a.m.

Fredonia Pizza Hut Field – 1 p.m.

Altoona City Park – 2 p.m.

Bizzy Bee Co – 200 N Penn, Independence – noon – 4 p.m.

Independence Rotary – Riverside Park Oval, Independence – 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 20^th:

First Assembly of God, 1504 W 8^th – Coffeyville – 9 a.m.

Longton - 9^th and Delaware – 2 p.m.

Easter Bunny:

Friday, April 18^th:

Independence Chamber of Commerce – 616 N Penn, 4-5 p.m.

Saturday, April 19^th:

King Food Saver – 11 a.m.

The Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation.

The funds will help build the new primary care clinic. This is not the first time Cox Communications has partnered with the center. Over the last several years, Cox has contributed to programs and events that benefit the hospital and reinforce the company’s commitment to improving healthcare access in the community. Cox employees have also contributed their own dollars to CRMC through Cox Charities.

CRMC CEO Brian Lawrence says they are honored to be the recipient of a James M. Cox Foundation grant. He says they are incredibly grateful for this type of community support and without partners like the Foundation and Cox, they cannot help as many people as they do.

Bentonville's Two Men and a Truck is partnering with Havenwood House to collect donations for their Movers for Mom campaign. Bentonville's Two Men and a Truck Office Manager Tenesha Wright says for those not in the Northwest Arkansas area donations can be purchased on Amazon.

A link to the Amazon can be found here. Havenwood House Marketing Director Mary Kate Provost says the timing of this campaign is perfect.

Havenwood House is a two year transitional home for moms and her one or two kids under the age of ten. They serve up to 14 families at a time. The Movers for Mom campaign runs until May 9^th, ending the Friday before Mother's Day.

Four people are in custody on drug charges following the search of a residence in Cherryvale.

Last Thursday, April 10, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and officers from the Cherryvale Police Department executed a search warrant in the 200 block of N. Neosho Street in Cherryvale. During the search, officers found over 6 grams of powdered fentanyl with a street value of around $6,000 along with methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Officers also found multiple firearms and other stolen items linked to an open Montgomery County Sheriff's Office investigation.

Arrested at the scene were 39-year-old Jeremiah McKenzie, 39-year-old Ashley Melia, 24- year-old Ragan Myers, and 29-year-old Destany Freeman. All four were taken to the Montgomery County Jail where they face multiple charges. The case will be sent to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for formal charging.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Photo: (clockwise from top left) Destany Freeman, Ragan Myers, Jeremiah McKenzie, Ashley Melia. Courtesy Montgomery  County Sheriff's Office

The Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita has a new baby.

On Monday, a female African elephant Xolani delivered a healthy male calf named Kijani. Zoo officials report that both mom and calf are doing well and are showing positive signs of bonding with each other.

Xolani, a first-time mother, is learning how to care for her new calf. The elephant care team is keeping a close watch while giving her the time and space necessary to gain confidence as a new mom.

The pair will not be available for viewing by the public until the calf is older.

Photo courtesy Sedgwick County Zoo

Authorities in Osage County, Oklahoma, are investigating a break-in at an event venue.

Early Tuesday morning, a subject broke into an Osage County event venue. The subject, Kane Alexander Martin, fled the scene, but was found shortly after by deputies from the Osage County Sheriff's Office. Captain Herb Cline says the suspect has been arrested.

Martin is being held in the Osage County jail on charges of first-degree burglary and larceny. 

The City of Miami recognizes two firefighters for their part in saving the life of a local man.

At Tuesday's Miami City Council meeting, firefighters Bryar Parker and Hunter Bissell were recognized for their efforts that helped save the life of a Miami man. The man – Tom Jarvis – was also at the meeting and spoke with emotion about what happened on the day he nearly died. Jarvis says the trouble began when he realized he was having trouble breathing and that his condition was getting worse.

Miami Mayor Bless Parker says it was a privilege to be able to recognize the two first responders.

Jarvis thanked both firefighters and the rest of the emergency personnel who helped him survive.

Photo: Bryar Parker, Tom Jarvis and Hunter Bissell, courtesy of the City of Miami

The City of Neodesha seeks an individual to fill a vacant seat on the city commission.

Due to the recent resignation of Commissioner Chris Jabben, the City of Neodesha currently has an open seat on the city commission that needs to be fill by appointment. Once the new commissioner is appointed, the seat will be up for election in November 2027 with the appointed position to expire in January 2028.

Interested persons should submit a Letter of Interest to the Neodesha City Clerk by noon on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Additionally, a Declaration of Intention and Substantial Interest form will be required once the candidate is appointed.

Anyone with questions can contact the City Administrator or City Clerk at 620-325-2828.

Drivers in Independence may notice some road closures in the city today.

Phase 2 construction of the City's Central Park Sports Complex on Park Boulevard continues this week, and construction that began today will cause the closure of East Sycamore Street near the complex. The closure is to allow crews to rebuild the road while adding improvements to the sports complex parking area.

The closure is expected to last 6 weeks.

The City of Independence reminds drivers and pedestrians alike to use caution when walking or driving near the work zone.

The Fredonia City Commission will meet tonight and hear updates on progress on the condemnation of several unsafe structures in the city.

Code Enforcement Officer Duste Odell will give commissioners the latest information on condemnation resolutions passed by the commission at their March 20^th meeting.

Commissioners will also hear quarterly department reports from Public Works Director Shane Glover, the Water Department Director Justin Dodd, and from Interim Fredonia Police Chief Charles Spilman.

Also on tonight's agenda is a resolution to allow improvements to the city water system and a report from the City Treasurer on the City's 1^st Quarter finances.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 at City Hall and is open to the public.

The Cherokee Nation is celebrating the four-year anniversary of the Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act including spending $23.8 million so far to date for water investments made in that time to increase water quality access for Cherokee Nation citizens across the reservation.

The Cherokee Nation has invested $8.3 million in the community and water district of Cherry Tree, located east of Muskogee. The community had been in need of repairs and maintenance to its water system that serves over 800 Cherokee homes.

The act has also utilized half a million to help elders or those low income with water utility bills, and $25,000 to help put in new water taps for homes under the new home construction program. In addition to these improvements, a water tower is being built in Nowata, and 120 Cherokee Nation citizens identified in a water survey last year through the tribe are being individually served with water upgrades.

The Cherokee Nation Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act is a legislative initiative to improve access to clean and safe water signed into law in April 2021 by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner.

Two people are dead in two separate single-vehicle crashes in northeastern Kansas yesterday.

The first accident occurred just after 1pm near Bonner Springs, when 21-year-old Jacob Rhodes of Shawnee lost control of his vehicle and struck a bridge pillar on I-435. Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second fatal accident occurred around 3:15pm on US-75 about five miles south of Topeka. 71-year-old Ronald Heusted was traveling southbound on US-75 when his vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason, vaulted the ditch, and came to rest in a creek bed. Heusted was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Parsons Police locate and recover a stolen vehicle in Wichita with the help of license plate readers.

On April 4^th, P-P-D received a report of the theft of a 2014 Chevy Traverse from the 15000 block of Appleton Street in Parsons. Officers entered the vehicle's information into the  National Crime Information Center or N-C-I-C database. N-C-I-C is a centralized database maintained by the FBI, giving law enforcement agencies nationwide the ability to share and access information about stolen property, missing persons, and wanted individuals,

Two days later on April 6^th, P-P-D received a hit from a FLOCKS camera that indicated the car had been spotted in Wichita. With the help of the Wichita Police Department, the Traverse was located and recovered.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks stated that the use of technology helped to quickly solve a case that might otherwise have never been solved in the past.

For more information about the Flock Safety system or how it supports public safety in Parsons, please contact the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060.

The Montgomery County Commission looks to make a decision regarding a low-water crossing on County Road 6200, just north of Cherryvale.

The County opted to close the crossing to traffic a year ago because it was determined to be structurally unsound. Residents in the area showed up in force at several county meetings to voice their disapproval of that decision. At this week's county commission meeting, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins told commissioners that an engineering firm was finally able to investigate the extent of the disrepair of the bridge. Beurskins says the engineers were firm in their assessment.

A recent traffic study done on the bridge showed that the area sees about 30 cars per day. Commissioner Robert Bever says he understands resident concerns but that it's difficult to reconcile the costs and benefits.

The County Commission opted to table the issue until the April 21^st meeting in order to gather more information.

A festival honoring a famous southeast Kansas playwright is coming up this week.

The 42^nd Annual William Inge Festival kicks off tomorrow in Independence, and all are welcome to take part in the festivities.

Organizer Dee Molnar says there will be plenty of workshops and readings this year.

On Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., Molnar says a brand-new play will be performed.

There will be other events around town and all are free and open to the public. A full schedule of this year's Inge Festival is available HERE.

Coffeyville Community College announces its 2025 Summer Theater production: Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

This program is open to students from Coffeyville and surrounding areas who are interested in performing or participating behind the scenes. An information meeting will be held on Monday, April 28^th at 5:30pm in the Spencer Rounds Theater. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend to learn more about the camp, auditions, and performance schedule.

Auditions are Thursday, May 29^th, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Spencer Rounds Theater. Theater Camp is Monday, June 2^nd through Thursday, June 26^th, 1:00pm to 5:00pm each day. Performances will be Friday, June 27^th at 6:00pm and Saturday, June 28^th at 2:00pm.

Two women are suing the city of Bartlesville and four Bartlesville Police officers from two separate arrests.

Misty Armitage's arrest in April was met with community outrage. She was pulled over by Officer Reed Blackard for speeding towards the hospital with a bleeding grandchild. Video evidence in the case show Blackard and Officer Levi Johnson wrestling her out of the vehicle. Armitage has been charged with misdemeanor counts of eluding police and resisting an officer. The criminal case is still pending. Armitage's lawsuit against the city, Blackard and Johnson alleges false arrest and assault and battery.

Glenda Martin was pulled over by Blackard in May after she drove around a vehicle having mechanical problems near the intersection of Adams Road and Adams Boulevard. Blackard says Martin was driving under the influence and forced her to perform field sobriety tests, which she passed. Blackard says Martin had slurred speech and, according to the court document, used unnecessary force to place her under arrest for suspicion of a DUI. Martin took a blood test at the hospital, which came back negative, but she was placed in the Washington County jail overnight because she was not allowed to post bond the same day. The Washington County District Court found probable cause for Martin's arrest based on Blackard's affidavit, but the District Attorney's office declined to file charges based on the blood test results. Martin's booking photo was published and appeared online as being arrested for DUI. Martin's lawsuit against the city, Blackard and two unnamed Bartlesville police officers is alleging false arrest, assault and battery and defamation.

Armitage and Martin are seeking the courts to find the city, Blackard, Johnson and the two unnamed officers liable for damages. Armitage and Martin are each seeking $100,000 in damages plus and additional monetary damages for the legal action. No hearing date for the civil lawsuit has been set.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation announces a new nursing scholarship.

Each year the CRMC Foundation awards multiple scholarships to students who are pursuing degrees in the medical profession. This year’s application will include a new endowed scholarship by Barry and Carol Phillips. Barry was born and raised in Coffeyville and started his nursing career at CRMC in 1977. Carol graduated from nursing school in Tulsa in the early '80s. She began her career in coronary care and then became an ER nurse. Barry and Carol met while working in an emergency room in Fort Myers, Florida. They were married in 1988. In 1998, the Phillips moved back to Coffeyville. Carol worked in the CRMC emergency room and helped Barry establish his private practice. CRMC purchased Barry’s practice in 2011. Barry continued to work at CRMC until 2020 when he retired.

To apply for the $2,000 annual scholarship, applicants are asked to submit a 500 word reflective essay on why they chose to pursue a career in nursing. They must also submit school transcripts that reflect past grades and have letters of recommendation sent on their behalf. Multiple winners may be awarded. Applicants who have been awarded previously are encouraged to apply each year they are enrolled and will be considered for awards over multiple years. 

Students who are interested in applying for a scholarship through the CRMC Foundation may download an application on the hospital’s website at www.crmcinc.org/foundation/campaigns-scholarships/ or contact Amy Taylor, Director of Foundation and Guest Relations, foundation@crmcinc.org or 620- 252-1659. Completed applications must be received by May 31, 2025.

A school in the USD 446 district was recently recognized for being a recipient of the Challenge Award.

Jefferson School was honored during the April school board meeting, with Principal Noel O'Kane and Assistant Principal Haley Barker representing the school. Director of Learning Services Kellie Puderbaugh made the announcement to the board.

Puderbaugh says the Challenge Award recognized accomplishments from some of the best schools in the state of Kansas.

Additional items of business at the April board meeting was information regarding IHS Graduation, which is May 18th at 1 p.m. at Memorial Hall, as well as a Retiree Celebration on May 7th at 3:30 p.m. in the IHS Cafeteria.

A Florida-based produce company issues a voluntary advisory for Marketside celery sold at Walmart locations due to a possible listeria contamination.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 4 inch, 1.6 ounce Marketside Celery Sticks with best if used by date of March 23, 2025. The product may be contaminated with listeria. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Georgia store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.

Consumers who have this product in their possession, including in their freezer, should not consume and discard the product.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain.

The product was sold at Walmart locations in several states including Kansas and Missouri.

To read the original advisory, go here.

The Nowata County Commission approves bids for Public Works Projects.

At this week's meeting, commissioners  approved Right of Way Acquisitions for Guy Engineering on two low water crossings and a water line relocation project. They also carried motions on three bids involving road materials, asphalt and a lease purchase for a patching truck.

Commissioners also heard an update on some upcoming events from the Nowata County Extension Office.

Also on the agenda was a discussion of maintenance in the Nowata County Jail with improvements on walls and plumbing.  Commissioners announced that the Nowata County Courthouse will be closed on Friday in observance of Good Friday.

Commissioners from Washington County tour the county jail facility in Bartlesville.

The tour was part of an annual inspection of the facility and was led by Jail Administrator Lieutenant James Pendergraft. During the tour, he told commissioners that the county has moved to telephone and remote video visitation for inmates. Pendergraft says the in-person video visitation room has been repurposed to help those incarcerated to better themselves once they are released.

Among other changes made to the Washington County Jail include a remodeling of inmate cells to include new paint, fixtures and plumbing. The Jail has also changed regulations regarding body searches for inmates. Pendergraft says those whoo are booked into the jail now go through an x-ray body scanner instead.

The change is less invasive for both inmates and deputies. The jail also offers GED testing in addition to classes that allow inmates to get basic education requirements as well as courses on "Parenting in Jail" to help them become productive citizens upon release. There is also on-site staff from Grand Mental Health who assist with inmates who have mental health concerns, and an on-site medical facility for general health check-ups overseen by a medical doctor and nurse.

The building was constructed 15 years ago and combines the sheriff's office, county-wide dispatch and a 188-bed detention center. There are currently 113 inmates are in custody. The facility was designed to expand to 300 beds in the future.

Commissioners in Osage County, Oklahoma, are working to address problems with the plumbing at the county jail.

The main concern for commissioners was how to pay for repairs. Commissioner Steve Talburt says there are way to makes sure the issue is addressed.

Talburt then made the motion to use those funds. In other business, the board signed a contract with Source One to remodel the floor at the Ag building. That contract was signed for $19,500.  There was supposed to be an update from the leaders involved with the courthouse annex project, but that measure was tabled.

The next regularly scheduled Board of Osage County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for next Monday at 10 am at the fairgrounds in Pawhuska

The USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer School Board approves a proposal for the replacement of the track at Logan Park for Cherryvale Jr/Sr High School.

At last night's meeting, board members heard bid proposals from three area construction companies. Superintendent Travis Githens says the overall low bid came in at just over $900,000.

Other bids from Mid America Construction of Summit, MO, and Track Renovations of Pittsburg were both several hundred thousand dollars more than the Mammoth bid. The main choice for board members was the decision to approve the proposal for an asphalt track or for the more expensive concrete version. Board members Gina Booe and Kevin Crane agree on their assessment of the two options.

Board members voted to approve the bid from Mammoth Construction of Meridian, KS, to install a concrete-based track at a cost of just under $1.3 million. The measure will be funded without a bond issue over the course of the next three years. Construction on the new track is expected to begin this summer.

An Independence man is charged with aggravated assault and damage to property in connection to a February 2024 incident in which he is accused of driving a vehicle into the Independence Fire Department building.

57-year-old David Eytcheson Jr. is accused of driving his vehicle at high speeds through the parking lot of the former Mercy Hospital on Laurel Street on the morning of Sunday, February 25, 2024. At that time, Independence Fire/EMS staff who were on duty at the time, reported a full-sized pickup truck crashing into the fire station located behind the former hospital building.

Eytcheson was injured in the crash and was taken via Life Flight to a Wichita hospital. No firefighters were injured in the incident.

Eytcheson has been charged with eight counts of aggravated assault based on the number of firefighters who were in the building at the time of the accident.

The Kansas highway Patrol has released the identities of 8 people killed in a mutli-car pile up on I-70 on March 14 in western Kansas that left 8 people dead.

The accident or series of accidents began around 3:15 on the afternoon of March 14 on I-70 east Goodland, near the town of Edson. The Kansas Highway Patrol says the accident was likely caused by low visibility from a dust storm caused by high winds.

Those who lost their lives in the accident include 72-year-old Larry Smith of Sharon Springs; 20-year-old Dawson Hogan of Salina; 24-year-old Baiel Sharshembiev of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 48-year-old Carlos Arzate of Shattuck, Oklahoma; 57-year-old Manuel Alarcon of Dodge City; 61-year-old Stephanie Purcell of Evansville, Indiana; 31-year-old Mario Juarez of Garden City; and 60-year-old Giovanni Stefan of Troy, Michigan.

In addition to those killed in the accident, another 46 people were transported to area hospitals with various injuries.

The K-H-P has not identified those who suffered non-fatal injuries.

Independence is set to celebrate the town's baseball history this month.

Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there will be a special baseball event coming up in just a couple of weeks.

Wilson says one of the events that day will be a 10:30am baseball history walk.

There will also be an afternoon history presentation by Ken Brown, plus free train rides, carousel rides, and mini golf at Riverside Park. The celebration takes place on April 26.

 Results were canvassed yesterday during the Montgomery County Commission meeting concerning the recent school bond issue for Caney USD 436.

 Montgomery County Clerk Ami Standridge reads the final numbers, starting with totals from Montgomery County.

 During last night's USD 436 board meeting, the election results were briefly discussed, with an emphasis placed on why the bond issue failed by a wide margin. Reasons given by voters varied from the total cost of the project to the Trump Administration's tariff battle with China.

 A special session of USD 436 will be held Monday, May 5^th at 6:00 p.m. to go into more detail about the bond issue and how to move forward. Voters are encouraged to contact a board member or Superintendent Blake Vargas with more details on why they voted for or against the measure. An online survey will be created as well for voters to leave input. When that survey is created, a link will be given here.

A big fundraiser is coming up today for the Salvation Army.

The annual Festival of Salads is today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Organizer Terri Barrett says there will be a huge variety of salads available.

There will also be a bake sale at today's event. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door. Funds raised will help serve the local community. It all happens today at First Baptist Church at 9^th and Elm in Coffeyville.

Winter wheat continues to develop in southeast Kansas, with 81% jointed according to the latest crop progress and condition report. That leads the statewide average of 46%. Corn planting is also underway, with 57% planted in southeast Kansas.

Condition is rated 39% fair, 38% good and 5% excellent in Kansas, with very similar numbers for Oklahoma.

Topsoil moisture is rated 45% adequate in Kansas and 58% adequate in Oklahoma.

A Bartlesville woman is facing a felony charge after being in possession of drugs inside the Washington County Correctional Center.

28-year-old Xena Hedges was charged with bringing contraband into a jail. According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Hedges was in a pod within the correctional center with other inmates where fentanyl was present. The substance was in Hedges' bunk area. When police got involved in the situation, she said that she had fentanyl in her mouth and that she had flushed it. Officers located a white, powdery substance during a search of the pod.

Hedges will appear in court again on May 2^nd at 9:00am. Her bond is set at $50,000.

The South Buckeye Street Project in Coffeyville continues to face delays.

The project, which is under the administration of Montgomery County, was originally planned to be finished last December. However, a series of unforeseen incidents and bad weather means the project is still under construction. County Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins told the Montgomery County Commission this week that the contractor had planned to have the asphalt complete last week. But, Beurskins says, the project has faced yet another setback.

The fire at the Pittsburg asphalt plant means the contractor has had to find a new supplier. Beurskins says this means a longer trip to deliver the asphalt.

Beurskins says he hopes the project will be finished this week.

The City of Independence is officially celebrating National Public Safety Telecomminicators Week this week.

The week honors the 911 community for their dedication to the critical life-saving services they provide every day. Independence Police Department Dispatch and Records Supervisor Bridget Hammer says 9-1-1 dispatchers are the voice on the other end of the phone in the event of an emergency.

Hammer adds that Montgomery County has a committed staff of telecommunicators.

An official proclamation for the week was made by Independence Mayor Scott Smith at the city commission's most recent meeting. National Public Safety Telecomminicators Week was first recognized by Congress in 1991.

The Oklahoma Legislature will meet today in a joint session to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

 President & CEO of Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Kari Watkins; and former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating will be on hand for today's commemoration of the bombing of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City that occurred on April 19, 1995. On that morning, an ex-Army soldier and security guard named Timothy McVeigh parked a rented Ryder truck packed with explosive chemicals in front of the Murrah building in downtown OKC. The bomb exploded at 9:02am, killing 168 people, including 19 children. Many more were injured. Special Agent with the OKC FBI Office Barry Black was on the scene of the attack shortly after it occurred. Black says the devastation was terrible.

Today's ceremony will remember the tragic events and the loss of life that occurred that day. The session will begin at 1:30 this afternoon in the House of Representatives Chamber at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is in search of a suspect in a Saturday morning shooting at a Tulsa casino.

Authorities are looking for 18-year-old Malik Sampson as a person of interest in the shooting that left two people injured. Deputies say the suspect fled the scene on foot and may be heading toward Texas. Law enforcement warns the public that Sampson is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Malik Sampson is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 918-287-3131.

Photo courtesy Osage Coounty Sheriff's Office

The USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer School Board is set to approve a project contractor for the replacement of the track at Cherryvale Jr/Sr High School.

At tonight's meeting, board members will be asked to select a general contractor for the project from a list of companies that have submitted bids for the work. The proposal will be selected based on the overall pricing by each contractor as well as each bidder’s experience and service in completing such a project. The construction on the new track is expected to begin this summer.

Also on tonight’s agenda is a discussion of the out-of-district student capacity threshold numbers for the coming school year.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 7pm in the library at Cherryvale Jr/Sr High School. The public is invited to attend.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet this morning and the focus will once again be on Public Works.

County Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will be on hand to discuss an award letter regarding the High Risk Rural Roads Program and to discuss the low-water crossing on County Road 6200. Beurskins will also address two programs aimed at work on bridges in the county as well as requesting the approval of several bids for equipment and supplies.

Also at today’s meeting will be the Election Canvas for the USD 436 Caney School Bond Election.

The meeting begins at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. It is open to the public and available for online viewing via the County’s Facebook page.

An Ark City Police Officer can now add “cowboy” to his list of skills.

On Thursday morning, Officer Patrick Shook responded to reports of a cow on the loose. Officer Shook quickly found himself in hot pursuit of the unhappy bovine as the animal led the officer on a chase across several streets and through several yards as he attempted to direct the animal away from some nearby railroad tracks and a passing train.

According to the Ark City Police Department Facebook page, After a little bit of chasing (and probably some questioning of life choices), Officer Shook successfully helped corral the runaway bovine — adding cow wranglin’ to his growing list of skills.

The Department added: “We’re pretty sure this wasn’t covered in the academy… but when duty calls, even if it moos, our officers answer!”

Image courtesy Arkansas City Police Department

The Independence Police Department is asking for the public’s help in the search for a man missing since 2020.

I-P-D says it is renewing its call for public assistance in the investigation into the disappearance of Detreck Julian Foster. Foster was last seen in Independence on April 12, 2020. Foster was officially reported missing on May 12, 2020, after he failed to contact family members. Detectives from the Independence Police along with agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation have been unable to locate Foster despite the ongoing investigation.

Foster is a black male who was 40 years old at the time of his disappearance and was described as being 5’9” tall and weighing 190 pounds. Anyone with information about the disappearance of Detreck Foster is asked to contact the Independence Police at 620-332-1700 or the K-B-I at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online.

A suspect in a weekend shoplifting theft in Wichita is in critical condition after being struck by a car while attempting to flee from police.

Wichita Police say officers were called to the scene of the West Kellogg location of Walmart on Friday afternoon. Officers made contact with the male suspect, who then fled on foot and attempted to cross Kellogg or US-400. As he crossed the busy highway, he was struck by a vehicle. The man was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. No update has been given on his condition.

His name has not yet been released.

Two people are treated for smoke inhalation following a house fire in rural southwest Missouri.

The fire occurred just after 2am on Friday morning when Nevada and Compton Junction Firefighters were called to a residence in rural Vernon County. Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on the scene first and ha managed to bring the fire under control by the time fire crews arrived. Firefighters then made sure the blaze was completely extinguished. Two occupants of the home were treated on the scene and evaluated for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire was determined to be discarded smoking materials in a container that had either melted or caught fire. There were also no functioning smoke detectors in the home.

Photo courtesy Nevada Mo Professional Firefighters L3031

A suspect is in custody following a police chase in Cherokee County late last week.

The Baxter Springs Police Department says the chase began near Galena last Thursday as officers from their department monitored the pursuit by the Galena Police and Joplin Police. The chase soon led authorities into the Baxter Springs area, where officers from that department attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the suspect continued to flee.

 Law enforcement temporarily lost the vehicle but then located it abandoned near a wooded area on the east side of Baxter Springs. Officers then used drones and a K-9 officer to search for the suspect on foot. The individual was discovered hiding on the bank of the Spring River. The suspect fled again, running into the woods and then jumping into the river. He finally came out of the water and was placed under arrest.

The suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Michael Ashworth. Ashworth is currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus. He faces multiple charges including reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, and drug possession.

A Saturday morning car crash in western Kansas leaves two Scott City men dead.

The accident occurred just before 10am as 31-year-old Sye Michael Voth was traveling southbound on Eagle Road near the intersection with Road 160 in rural Scott County, about 35 miles northwest of Garden City. Voth failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection to a vehicle driven by 39-year-old Kenneth Crow, causing the two vehicles to collide.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

It was horse trailers as far as the eye could see as high schoolers and their families gathered in Coffeyville for a rodeo this past weekend.

Coffeyville hosted The Kansas High School Rodeo Association's event, and organizer Luke Carr says this is the 6^th year for the event in town.

Contestants from multiple states attended the event, including Manhattan Resident Cole Castor, who competed in saddle bronc and says he was introduced to the event on social media.

Visit Coffeyville helped sponsor the event with a $2,000 tourism grant.

Some locals placing on Saturday include Olivia Hartland of Buffalo placing 7^th in barrel racing and 5^th in goat tying, Sage McLain of Welch placing 5^th in breakaway roping, Taggart Bond of Edna placing 3^rd in calf roping, saddle bronc and steer wrestling and 7^th in team roping and Wyatt Martin of Dexter placing 2^nd in saddle bronc.

On Sunday, Makenna Goemmer of Nowata placed 2^nd in barrel racing, Olivia Hartland placed 3^rd and Paisley Nolte of South Coffeyville placed 10^th. Hartland also placed 4^th in goat tying and 2^nd in pole bending. Wyatt Martin took 2^nd in saddle bronc, and Taggart Bond took 3^rd in steer wresting once again. Finally, Dexton Hoelting of Olpe took 9^th in team roping.

Saturday's results HERE

Sunday's results HERE

There will be several Easter Egg hunts and Easter Bunny photo opportunities coming up. Here's a list for this weekend: 

Easter Egg Hunts:

Saturday April 12^th - 9 a.m. - TLC Nursery – 1000 S 10^th St, Independence

Saturday April 12^th – 10 a.m. - Medicalodges – 1000 Mulberry, Independence

Saturday April 12^th – 2 – 3 p.m .- L2 Realty – 4045B CR 3900, Independence

Saturday April 12^th – 4 p.m. - Grace Fellowship 2455 Woodland Ave, Coffeyville

Sunday April 13^th – following 10:45 church service – Coffeyville First Nazarene 2300 W 1^st, Coffeyville

Easter Bunny:

Saturday April 12^th noon -4 – CrazyKooky Candles – 232 W 9^th, Coffeyville

Sunday April 13^th 1 – 4

Saturday April 12^th 9-11 a.m. - Lavish Skin and Nail Boutique – 225 N Penn Ave

 Governor Laura Kelly announces $8.1 million in federal funds through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads Program for eleven rural roadway projects across the state.

 Locally, $1.7 million dollars will be used, with a Montgomery County $480,000 county match, to add shoulders and widen culverts on Peter Pan Road from County Road 4600 to County Road 4800.

 Also, $250,000 will be used, along with a $70,000 Labette County match, to install pavement markings and rumble strips and upgrade signage on 24000 Road west of Parsons.

 Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed says over 20% of fatal and serious injury crashes happen on county roads. He adds that strong partnerships between KDOT and local governments are necessary to achieve the goal of zero roadway fatalities.

The Neodesha Arts Center has a show planned this weekend for fans of a popular board game.

Performances of “Clue the Musical” continue this weekend with a performance tonight at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m. The plot concerns a murder at a mansion occupied by several suspects, with the audience playing a role in the ending. The Arts Center is located across from the library in Neodesha.

 A Fairland, Oklahoma man faces federal drug and weapons charges.

 63-year-old Jimmie Leroy Cox, Jr., is charged in the Northern District of Oklahoma with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 Officials with the U.S. Attorney’s office say Cox was arrested with seven firearms and a “massive amount of ammunition.”

 A search warrant served at the Fairland home found over forty pounds of methamphetamine and cash “arranged in a manner commonly associated with proceeds from the distribution of methamphetamine.”

 Cox pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2003.

 He is in federal custody; his next court date is set for June 2^nd.

 The Pittsburg Police Department gets the go-ahead for the purchase of thirteen in-car cameras for patrol cars.

 The approval from the Pittsburg City Commission came during Tuesday's regular session meeting. Deputy Police Chief Major Ben Henderson says the purchase, covered by the public safety sales tax, will help with transparency and earning public trust. He says the technology will mesh with body worn cameras already utilized by the department.

 The equipment, hardware, and software costs around 114 thousand dollars and should arrive in two to three months.

It has been a busy week of competitions for the Coffeyville FFA Chapter.

Yesterday, a group of students traveled to Mound City to compete in Envirothon and another group traveled to Fort Scott to compete in District Livestock. Envirothon Team One tied for 4^th in Current Issues, placed 4^th in Soils and Land Use, and finished 6^th overall. Envirothon Team Two placed 4^th overall, 2^nd in Soils and Land Use, and 4^th in Aquatics Ecology, Current Issues, Forestry, Rangeland and Wildlife.

Today, students traveled to Allen County Aggie Days and competed in various Aggie Days contests against schools from across the state. The Agronomy A team placed 5^th overall in their District Contest.

A Copan man is facing a misdemeanor charge after punching an inmate at the Washington County Correctional Center.

46-year-old Raymond Turner-Conley was charged with assault and battery. According to the Washington County Sherriff's Office, Turner-Conley got into an argument with another inmate and punched him in the face, breaking the victim's nose and cheekbone.

Turner-Conley is also an inmate and faces felony charges of two counts of child abuse, child sexual abuse, aggravated assault and battery and two counts of possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. He will appear in court again on July 11^th at 1:30pm.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after attempting to pawn a firearm.

44-year-old Freddie Pendergraft, Jr. was charged with possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Pendergraft Jr. attempted to sell a gun at a pawn shop in Bartlesville. According to court records, he was convicted of a felony in 2002 for larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

Pendergraft Jr. will appear in court again on May 2^nd at 9:00am.

Moo Do Martial Arts Academy is hosting a pancake feed fundraiser.  Owner Jesse Moley says they are raising funds to support kids who are going to the National Karate Tournament.

The pancake feed is next Saturday, April 19^th, from 7:00am to 11:00am at the Moo Do Martial Arts Academy located at 118 West 8^th Street. Each plate is $8 and includes two pancakes, a choice of sausage or bacon and either coffee or orange juice.

It was a busy winter for Coffeyville's Touch of Life Warming Shelter.

The shelter provides a warm place to stay when temperatures drop below freezing. Operator Alicia Melton says it was open 24/7 for four weeks during the winter. Melton says Touch of Life will be expanding its services this summer.

Melton says they could not do what they do without the help and support of the City of Coffeyville and the community.

The Bartlesville Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a burglary suspect.

This person is connected to a series of vehicle burglaries that have happened across town. Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation should contact BPD at (918)338-4001.

 A short pursuit Wednesday night leads to the arrest of a 34-year-old woman.

 According to the Pittsburg Police Department's Facebook page, a white minivan was stopped, and after providing her photo ID, Britani Poort-Winberry fled, leading to a short pursuit by Pittsburg police. A tire deflation device was deployed, and she was taken into custody.

 Poort-Winberry has been charged on charges of felony fleeing and eluding by engaging in reckless driving.

Her wheelchair-bound passenger was released from the scene and given a ride to a local hotel.

 A report of a stolen vehicle leads to a multi-county vehicle chase.

 The chase began when deputies from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office were notified of a reported stolen vehicle from Chanute entering Cherokee County on Highway 400 from Missouri.

 After attempting to stop the vehicle, it fled from Cherokee County deputies, and the pursuit started.

 Cherokee County officers followed the vehicle through Baxter Springs as the pursuit continued west on Highway 166 and eventually into Labette County. Chetopa Police deployed tire deflation devices, which deflated the passenger-side tire. As the vehicle continued west through Chetopa, Labette County deputies also deployed tire deflation devices, which deflated the driver's side front tire. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Highway 59, and the driver was arrested.

 Formal charges are awaiting the 33-year-old Chanute man. He is being held in the Cherokee County Jail.

 A 31-year-old Sabetha man has passed away after a pickup sideswiped his vehicle on a highway in northeast Kansas yesterday morning.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol says the accident happened around 6 a.m. on U.S. 36 a quarter-mile east of Hiawatha in Brown County, when a westbound Chevy Silverado went left of center and sideswiped an eastbound Nissan Altima.

 The Altima, driven by DeAndre Harris, then left the roadway and came to rest in a ditch, while the Silverado, driven by a 98-year-old man from Highland man, went into a ditch and struck a KDOT fence. 

 Harris was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the 98-year-old Highland man was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center for treatment of potentially serious injuries.

 Harris was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

The Coffeyville Public Library is hosting a book sale this weekend.

The sale starts today and continues through Saturday. Books are available for browsing the community room in the library and can be purchased at the circulation desk.

The library is open today from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m.

 Coffeyville Municipal Light & Power receives three prestigious national honors from the American Public Power Association for providing safe, reliable, and efficient electric service.

 The Reliable Public Power Provider Platinum, or RP3 designation, is awarded to utilities that demonstrate excellence in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

 CMLP was recognized for delivering reliability, with a reliability rate of 99.998% in 2024. On average, CMLP customers experienced just 10.13 minutes of power outage time over the entire year—compared to a national average of 149 minutes.

 Executive Director of CMLP Chris Weiner says the awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire team, and they are proud to be recognized at the national level and remain committed to delivering reliable and safe power to the Coffeyville community.

 Governor Laura Kelly signs the state’s budget bill, allocating funding through Fiscal Year 2028.

 Senate Bill 125 adds a $6 million annual investment to safeguard Kansas’ water supply, including $1.75 million to increase state matching dollars to local conservation districts, $1 million for sorghum research, and $3 million for a pilot project to manage sedimentation in the John Redmond Reservoir to secure the water source.

 The budget also fully funds K-12 education for a seventh consecutive year, invests an additional $10 million in special education state aid, and $1.25 million to expand rural child care access. It adds more than $34 million in additional funding for community and technical colleges and increases funding for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) waiver by allocating $14 million to offer services and allocating $10.5 million to increase reimbursement rates for I/DD waiver providers in Fiscal Year 2026.

 Governor Kelly says she has concerns but appreciates that the budget includes funding for programs that improve state resources for Kansans.

 Kelly did line-item vetoed certain aspects of the budget. Those vetoes and her messages can be found here.

After a successful Junior Advisory Council Steer and Heifer Jackpot, another event is coming to the fairgrounds in Coffeyville this weekend.

The Kansas High School Rodeo will feature contestants from across Kansas, Nebraska,

Missouri, Colorado and Oklahoma meeting in Coffeyville this weekend to compete.

Coffeyville Tourism Director Wyatt Starnes says the event is organized by the Kansas High School Rodeo Association and it's an honor for Coffeyville to be selected again this year.

The rodeo is free to the public and concessions will be available on site. Events start Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.

A cowboy prom will take place Saturday night at 7, and cowboy church will be Sunday morning at 8 a.m.

KGGF microphones will be there during Open Line on Saturday from 9 to 11 bringing you a taste of the event as well.

 Voters in Galena overwhelmingly approve a $7.5 million bond issue for multiple issues throughout the district.

 More than 83 percent of voters said yes to the bond, which will fund multiple projects, including classrooms designed for special education students, a new early childhood preschool center, modular unit replacements at Spring Grove, and adding a storm shelter.

 Upgrades will also take place at Liberty Elementary through replacing HVAC units, building repairs and the construction of a storm shelter. Officials say it will increase safety features to the connector on the high school.

 Galena USD 499 superintendent Toby VanCleave says the district appreciates the support from the community and district. He adds that meetings with an architect and construction manager for planning will happen soon.