Communication equipment and County employee wages are two of the topics of discussion during the last Nowata County Commission Meeting of the month.

Emergency Manager Lauria Summers says radios are a top priority for all first responders.  Commissioner Brandon Wesson says wages for county employees should be another top priority.

In other business, the Commissioners continued to discuss courthouse improvements, which included the replacement of compressors and the addition of dehumidifiers.

The Montgomery County Action Council is partnering with the County in an effort to market Montgomery County.

County Administrator Jonathan Booe says a company called the Viewpoint Project will create a documentary of the County.  Booe says they will have some creative control over the content in the documentary.

MCAC and the County would evenly split the $29,300 cost of the project. The County Commission gave Booe the go-ahead to proceed with the Viewpoint Project.

Severe storms moved through the area last night.  Here's a summary of rainfall totals over the last 24 hours:

KGGF Coffeyville Studios: 1.02”

Independence: 1.38”

Cherryvale: 0.20”

Howard: 0.93”

Peru: 1.93”

Sedan: 1.53"

Altoona: 0.05”

Parsons: 1.19"

Erie: 0.26”

Oswego: 0.30”

Cherokee: 2.50"

Columbus: 1.28”

Foraker: 0.43”

Copan: 1.15”

Bartlesville: 2.54”

Nowata: 2.01”

Talala: 2.57”

Vinita: 0.44”

Miami: 0.01”

Jay: 0.02

Carthage: 0.55”

Decatur: 0.33”

 The city of Caney extends the deadline for shooting fireworks in the city limits to Saturday, July 5^th, at 11:59 p.m.

 Mayor Josh Elliott and Police Chief Ike Dye say that with the holiday falling on a Friday this year, many families and residents have weekend plans, and the city wants to support activities in a safe and responsible manner.

 Dye says city guidelines, however, still need to be followed.

 Residents can call the Caney Police Department at 620-879-2141 with questions or concerns.

People of all ages attend the Coffeyville, Independence and Parsons Amateur Radio Club Field Day Event.

Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club President Public Information Officer John Vest says the age range was pretty impressive.

The club's new emergency communications trailer was deployed for the first time and Vest says operators made contacts across the United States and the world using emergency power.

The trailer was funded through private grants and donations and is expected to be used frequently at public events going forward.

The clubs made a total of 316 contacts, using voice, Morse code and digital modes. Licensed amateurs spoke to hams in 52 states and Canadian provinces including Puerto Rico and Hawaii in addition to Belize. ARRL Field Day takes place on the 4^th weekend of June to showcase amateur radio to the public.

- Below is a map of the contacts made -

Photo: Frank Shedden, Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club

 A Bartlesville man faces a charge of domestic abuse by assault and battery after an incident earlier this month.

 The Washington County Sheriff's Office says 34-year-old Joseph Naylor was charged Thursday for the offense.

 June 8^th, Naylor allegedly got into an altercation with the victim and shoved them into a table, breaking the table and knocking over a lamp. The victim allegedly had injuries consistent with their story.

 Naylor has previous felony convictions in 2017 and 2021 for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and was previously charged with domestic abuse in January 2025.

 Naylor's bond is set at $25,000; his next court appearance is set for July 9.

 A turtle in the road leads to a one-vehicle accident in Cherokee County.

 Just before 7:00 Saturday night, reports of a crash came in to 911 near the intersection of NW 80th and Scammon Road.

 Officials say the female driver swerved to miss a turtle as her Jeep Cherokee was traveling east on Scammon Road. Her vehicle went off the left side of the road, overturning upside down in a corn field.

 The driver and her two puppies in the vehicle were not injured, and the turtle was also unharmed.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol reminds drivers not to swerve to miss animals in the roadway, because swerving could lead to bigger events like losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road, or accidents with oncoming traffic. They suggest to slow down as much as possible and keep your vehicle from swerving from the middle of your lane. KHP says it is safer to hit an animal than to swerve and cause more danger.

 West Mineral Fire, Cherokee County Deputies and EMS responded to the accident.

 A Joplin man faces multiple charges after breaking into a Webb City home... naked.

 43-year-old Justin Anderson was arrested Wednesday night on charges of felony drug trafficking, trespassing, stealing, and sexual misconduct. Anderson broke into the home around 2:00 a.m. The homeowners woke up when their dogs started barking. Home security cameras showed the naked Anderson tampering with the security cameras and entering their garage.

 While on the phone with 911, the female victim confronted Anderson in their laundry room. Anderson asked her to shut the door because he was naked. He then fled the residence.

 Police found Anderson a short time later in the neighbor's yard, trying to cover himself with a baseball cap. A pair of sweatpants were found nearby, with meth and fentanyl in one of the pockets.

 Anderson admitted the sweatpants were his, but the drugs were not.

 Anderson plead not guilty in court Thursday; he is being held in the Jasper County Jail on $25,000 bond.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued a statewide Silver Alert on behalf of the Olathe Police Department for a missing Olathe man.

 The whereabouts of 75-year-old Alan Denney are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

 Denney was last seen on foot near his residence in Olathe early this morning.

 Denney is a white male who is 6 feet 0 inches tall. He has brown eyes and white hair with a slivery white beard. He was last seen wearing a blue jeans and a shirt, unknown what color. Denney has Alzheimer's.

 If you see Alan Denney, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today with several public works items to start the meeting.

Some bridge repair bid results will be shared in addition to a cost-share update for County Road 1400 relocation.

County Administrator Jonathan Booe will present information on a partnership with the Montgomery County Action Council on their Project Viewpoint, and there will be discussion on a regional water study. The meeting starts this morning at 9 a.m. in the Judicial Center and the public is welcome to attend.

Montgomery County is making more changes to South Buckeye.

Following the recommendations outlined in a recent engineering safety study, and in response to storm-related damage, the County has made the decision to permanently close the curve at the intersection of Buckeye Street and James School Road. To improve long-term safety and traffic flow, this section of roadway will be reconfigured into a standard T-intersection. Interim safety measures have already been implemented, including the installation of signs and barricades to guide drivers and ensure public safety.

The full removal of the curve and completion of the T-intersection will be included as part of a future road improvement project. The County says they appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as they work to enhance roadway safety. For any questions, contact the Public Works Department at (620)330-1170.

A recently graduated Dewey High School senior and FFA member receives a $10,000 scholarship from Dominos. Scholarship Recipient Jacob Simpson says it was a long road to get to where he is today.

Simpson heads to basic training for the Oklahoma Army National Guard in August. Then, in January, he will start at Oklahoma State, where he plans to pursue a degree in Agriculture Education. Simpson says this scholarship isn't just an investment in him but also in the future of the kids he will teach.

Simpson was one of 10 students to receive a $10,000 scholarship from Dominos. A full list of scholarship recipients by state can be found here.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is pushing back a bridge project in Montgomery County.

Originally scheduled to start the week of July 7^th, a bridge repair project on U.S. 160 over Big Hill Creek about two miles east of U.S. 169 will now begin the week of July 21^st.

KDOT says the repair work will extend the bridge's useful life. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane at a time. Traffic will be controlled by signals at each end of the work zone. Drivers should be prepared for stops and potential delays of up to 15 minutes. Weather permitting, crews hope to be finished by the end of April 2026. Wildcat Construction of Wichita is the prime contractor on the $1.76 million project.

Multiple suspects are in custody in connection to a shooting in Girard.

According to the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, Sunday just before 4 a.m., a shooting was reported at the Maple Tree Apartments in Girard. Deputies found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen, identified as 36-year-old Antaun R Sams, who was transported to Girard Medical center with non-life-threatening injuries and later transferred to a higher-level trauma center.

Less than a half hour after the shooting occurred, units responded to a home in Frontenac and arrested several suspects with help from the Frontenac Police Department, including 61-year-old Rickey Burns Sr., 33-year-old Rickey Burns Jr., 34-year-old Cody G. Hammond and 41-year-old Demitra A. Durden. The four were transported to the Crawford County Jail in Girard.

Charges include attempted murder, felony interference with law enforcement, felony in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana.

This incident is still under investigation by the Crawford County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information should contact the Crawford County Sheriff's Office at 620-724-8274. Callers may remain anonymous.

***** Update 5 p.m. *****

Storms are developing northeast of Wichita this afternoon and are moving to the southeast.  Additional storm devlopment is possible for southeast Kansas including Montgomery, Wilson, Chautauqua and Elk Counties.  If storms develop, up to 60 mph winds are possible along with quarter-sized hail.  After 10 p.m., another round of storms may develop and move through southeast Kansas and could produce winds between 50 and 60 mph.

**** Original Story *****

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the KGGF listening area through 9 p.m.  A marginal risk for severe weather will exist across portions of northeast Oklahoma and far northwest Arkansas late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Severe weather threats will focus on damaging winds, but severe hail may also be a concern with a few storms. Heavy downpours can be expected as well, with a localized flash flooding threat. Remain alert for changing weather conditions if you have outdoor plans and be prepared to seek immediate shelter indoors if thunderstorms threaten.  The counties included in the watch are: 

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEN                BOURBON             CHAUTAUQUA
CHEROKEE             CRAWFORD            ELK
LABETTE              MONTGOMERY          NEOSHO
WILSON               WOODSON

.    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

CRAIG                NOWATA              OTTAWA

 MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              CEDAR
CHRISTIAN            DADE                GREENE
HICKORY              JASPER              LAWRENCE
MCDONALD             NEWTON              POLK
ST. CLAIR            STONE               TANEY
VERNON

A motorhome is destroyed in a fire north of Fredonia.

According to Wilson County Rural Fire, yesterday around 6 p.m., their units along with the Fredonia Fire Department were paged to a report of an RV on fire with possible entrapment at the junction of U.S. 400 and Highway 39. Upon arrival, occupants were found to be out of the motorhome. The fire was put out but the RV and pickup it was towing was a total loss.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire

The annual Elk City Freedom Festival takes place this weekend.

Events run in town beginning in the afternoon and continuing through a fireworks show in the evening. Organizer Kyle Johnson says there is plenty of fun to be had.

The fireworks show will be in a slightly different location than the cornhole tournament and food and craft vendors. Johnson says, however, there is an easy way to get to the different locations.

Freedom Fest will also have a farmers market and swap meet, which will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Elk City Park Ball Fields.

 A Grove man and woman were killed yesterday in a three-car collision.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 70-year-old Randall Wagner crossed the center line of the eastbound lane of US-59, about three and a half miles east of Afton around 5:45 p.m., and struck a 2020 Kia Soul, driven by 69-year-old Debbie Lee. Both Wagner and Lee died at the scene.

 The accident caused a vehicle driven 34-year-old Kayla Getz, of Seneca, to swerve to avoid Lee’s vehicle and struck a vehicle driven by 61-year-old Olivette Wagner.

 Getz was not injured. Wagner was admitted in fair condition to Mercy Hospital with trunk and arm injuries.

 The crash is under investigation.

 One person is injured after a fight between two men at a Joplin residence.

 The Joplin Police Department says officers responded to a reported shooting just after 10:00 Wednesday night at 1329 Grand Avenue. The caller reported that her ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Steven Williams, of Joplin, came to her home and was causing a disturbance.

 When the woman and 24-year-old Teegan Hasty went outside to see if there was damage to the property, Williams and Hasty got into a physical altercation. It is alleged that Williams assaulted Hasty, and then Williams was shot.

 He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

 JPD is looking to charge Williams for assault, domestic assault, vandalism, and trespassing. Williams is not in custody.

 There are no charges against Hasty at this time, as the shooting is determined to be in self-defense.

 A swim advisory has been issued by the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Environmental Department for Elk River and Sycamore Creek in Ottawa County due to elevated E. coli bacteria levels.

 Officials urge the public to avoid swimming or water contact in those waters. Recent testing shows bacteria levels have exceeded safety limits set by the State of Oklahoma for high-use recreational waters. E. coli, a fecal indicator bacteria, can signal the presence of other harmful pathogens in the water. Health risks associated with exposure include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and in rare cases, vomiting or fever.

 Officials say consumers should avoid swallowing water or swimming with open cuts or if you're feeling ill. Bathe thoroughly after swimming or any water contact, and refrain from swimming or engaging in water activities in Elk River and Sycamore Creek until further notice.

 The advisory does not currently apply to Grand Lake or Buffalo Creek, however, the Environmental Department is monitoring those areas.

 The advisory will remain in place until test results show bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.

 A come-and-go meeting last night at Coffeyville City Hall gives residents the plan and a chance to ask questions about improvements to two streets on the west side of town.

 6^th and 7^th Streets from Fresno to just east of Cheyenne are set for major reconstruction this summer. Coffeyville Director of Engineering Thomas Osborn says drivers will definitely notice the change.

 Osborn says residents don't need to worry about access to their houses or driveways.

 The project, under a 90 calendar day timetable, should begin sometime in late July or early August.

Another Mexican Restaurant is expected to open soon in Coffeyville.

A banner on the former Los Amigo's Mexican Restaurant on 11^th Street is advertising that "Super Taco" is coming soon.

Coffeyville Tourism Director Wyatt Starnes says the Chamber of Commerce doesn't have all the details right now, but they're looking forward to having another business in town. Starnes says there's more in the works, even the possibility of re-opening Coffeyville's Chinese restaurant.

No opening date has been announced for either business yet.

Multiple departments respond to a fire in Fredonia

According to Wilson County Rural Fire, yesterday around 11:30 a.m., units responded to a fire in an industrial building south of the post office in Fredonia. The fire was able to be contained quickly, however, the building received smoke damage and some fire damage to a room.  Wilson County Rural Fire and the Neodesha Fire Department assisted the Fredonia Fire Department on the call. No injuries were reported.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire

The City of Erie is preparing for a planned power outage.

According to Erie City Clerk Jessica Altman, there will be a planned power outage this Sunday, June 29^th starting at midnight. Altman says this outage is necessary due to scheduled maintenance being performed by Evergy on their infrastructure outside of Chanute. The outage affecting is expected to last 1 to 2 hours.

Over 40,000 marijuana plants and 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana is seized in Mayes and Craig County.

35-year-old Qi Wei Chen, a Chinese national, faces charges in Craig County for aggravated manufacturing of a controlled dangerous substance, trafficking of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.

10 different agencies assisted in the investigation and drug bust. ICE detained 15 individuals for deportation who were found working in the facilities. Authorities confiscated six handguns and three silencers. The sting operation culminated from an investigation that began earlier this month when several vehicles with out-of-state license plates appeared to be hauling untagged processed marijuana from various sites in Vinita.

A Tennessee man is arrested on charges of distributing drugs near a school.

Earlier this week, a Chetopa Police officer was checking a vehicle at 1029 Maple Street in Chetopa. After making contact with the driver, the officer noticed something was off and called for K9 assistance. An Oswego K9 officer and his K9 Partner Tupac, along with the Labette County Sheriff's office, arrived on scene for assistance. Tupac alerted on the vehicle and a search was done.

Almost three pounds of methamphetamine was found hidden in the trunk. The driver, 45-year-old Jon Anthony Solberg from Big Sandy, Tennessee, was taken into custody and charged with the distribution of drugs within 1000 feet of a school.

A bridge in Neosho County collapses.

At around 11:00am this morning, the Neosho County 911 center received a report that the Neosho River bridge on Veterans Road, south of 80^th Road, had collapsed into the river. Neosho County Sheriff’s deputies and Neosho County Road and Bridge personnel responded to the scene.

The three-ton bridge appears to have collapsed from a large tree dropping onto the south end of it. The road will be closed indefinitely. There were no injuries.

KGGF/KUSN/KQQF will provide the soundtrack for this year's summer celebration.

Starting on the morning of July 12^th, Open Line will be broadcast live from the Coffeyville Fairgrounds from 9 to 11 a.m. on The Mighty 690, KGGF.

Then in the evening, KGGF staff will host another live remote on US 98 between 6 and 8 p.m.

This year, the soundtrack for the fireworks will be heard beyond the range of the speakers near the stage as the music will also be carried live on US 98, which will start shortly before the fireworks are set off. So don't forget to tune in to 98.1 FM in your car, or bring a radio with you to listen in the park while the fireworks light up the sky.

Summer Celebration is in its 9^th year and will feature a full day of family fun at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville. So far, more than 110 vendors are now signed up to participate.

 A McDonald County, MO man is accused of killing his brother as he took him to work.

 McDonald County Sheriff Rob Evenson says deputies responded to the reported shooting around 8:30 a.m. yesterday morning on Canning Factory Road south of Anderson.

 56-year-old Brian Hole was arrested and charged with voluntary Manslaughter and armed criminal action. Investigators say Hole went to take his brother to work when an argument took place. The argument turned physical.

 After initial questioning, Hole asked for an attorney, which ended the interview.

 This is an ongoing investigation; KGGF will bring you more information as it becomes available.

 A Baxter Springs man is arrested this week on child abuse and assault charges.

 24-year-old Jase Bush was arrested in Miami Tuesday on four charges of child abuse and a complaint of domestic assault and battery.

 The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office says a third party made the allegations, and when following up on the call, they observed the mother of the children with bruises on her body. She claimed Bush had assaulted all four children, who were under 10 years old. Bush denies the allegations.

 Bush was arrested in 2015, but charges were dropped.

 He is free on $25,000 bail, and the Sheriff's Office says Bush is not charged at this time.

 An Afton, Oklahoma woman is arrested on animal cruelty charges.

 33-year-old Kyleigh Estes is charged with putting a dog in a kennel and throwing it into Grand Lake.

 The Grand River Dam Authority Police Department says they responded to a call May 25^th for a call of a dog found dead inside a kennel near the Isles End Cove area.

 Estes says she is overwhelmed with multiple dogs and is going through a divorce. She also says her acts were not in retaliation for the divorce.

 Authorities say Estes admitted to the charges, believing the dog was at his end-of-life stage. She also says the dog was older, urinating all over the house, tearing things up, and being territorial with her other dogs.

 Estes' next court date is set for July 11^th. She has been released after paying $10,000 bond.

One of the premier events of the summer in Cherryvale returns this weekend.

The Fourth of July Freedom Fest takes place Saturday at Lake Tanko, with activities beginning at 7 a.m. and continuing throughtout the day until the fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Cherryvale City Administrator Michael Hall says Freedom Fest has become so much more than a fireworks show.

The Freedom Run 5k is open to all ages and begins with check-in at 6 a.m. and the run beginning at 7. The softball tournament begins 8 a.m., with teams made of seven men and three women. There will also be a free lunch at noon, kids games by 4H at 1:30, and food trucks and vendors at 5.

For more information, visit the Cherryvale Community Center Facebook page HERE.

 The city of Pawhuska continues the process of cleaning up from last week's major windstorm.

 City Manager Jerry Eubanks says the Tuesday night storm came in two waves, and while he was able to get crews out in town and pick up a majority of the debris from the first wave, then the second wave hit.

 Eubanks says he and the electric crews tried to be fair about whose power was restored first.

 Eubanks says it will be a long road to recovery.

 Eubanks thanks crews who came from out of town to get power restored and city crews for their hard work as well.

The Fredonia Police Department is entering a new era.

That's the word from Fredonia City Administrator Evan Bolt. It came down to two final candidates, but David “Tyler” Decker has been named Chief of Police for Fredonia. Decker has been with the department since 2022 after relocating to the area in 2021 from leadership positions within Nebraska's agriculture industry.

Bolt says there are good things ahead for the department.

Decker takes over from former Chief Bradley Pflueger who left the department to pursue another job. Bolt says there's going to be an emphasis both physically and financially with a new police station in the works and more capital improvements.

The plan is to renovate a building at 515 Madison in Fredonia for a new police station.

This will be the first Independence Day in Kansas under new rules allowing year-round fireworks sales in Kansas for permanent retailers.

Kansas State Senator Virgil Peck says Jake's Fireworks started in Pittsburg and is the largest retailer of fireworks in the country, so it made sense to allow them to be sold year-round.

Peck says sales are allowed for seasonal fireworks retailers now through July 7^th, although local governments are still allowed to restrict sales.

Local governments can also restrict the discharge of fireworks in addition to sales.  In Coffeyville, Fireworks can only be sold and shot off between July 1st and 4th.  Fireworks in Independence can be sold between now and July 7th, but can only be shot off between July 1st and 5th.

The City of Chetopa is asking residents to reduce electric usage during the peak heat of the day. Peak time is from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

The City says they want to be transparent and upfront with residents to explain the situation with their power grid. At the end of April, when Liberty Utilities shut off power and went to energize the system to turn the power back on, some problems came up. One of the control panels that runs the reclosure it was connected to would not work. They sent that panel off for repair. Chetopa was told it could be repaired but there was no guarantee. They were recommended an upgraded panel, which they purchased.

During the first week of June, they lost another control panel, which caused a power outage in part of town. They reached out to other cities that are in KMEA and one city gave them a reclosure and control panel at no charge. That was picked up today. They also have the new panel that arrived. Those will be installed soon and along with an additional new one that will be here in the coming weeks. They are currently running the entire town on two reclosures instead of four. The power outage this past Sunday caused some more damage to their grid. The City is doing everything they can to resolve the issues and upgrade their substation as quickly as possible. In the meantime, they are asking residents to help out by conserving electricity during those peak times.

The Johnson O'Malley program will be handing out school supplies in Nowata.

JOM will be at Nowata High School tomorrow from 3:30pm to 5:00pm to hand out supplies for the 2025-2026 school year to eligible JOM students. Supplies will be handed out at the high school entrance.

The program is designed to provide educational and cultural support to Native American students in public schools.

The Independence Rotary Club is looking for donations for their upcoming fireworks show.

Incoming Club President Cody Oats says they are getting close to their goal.  Oats says they've met their goal every year, so they can't let this year be the one they don't.

A link to donate can be found here. Donations can also be made to the Community Foundation for Independence with “fireworks” in the memo line or by contacting any rotary member.

The Independence Community Crisis Team is getting ready for their second Christmas in July. Team Member Sam Hilger says last year they had a ton of success.

Applications to be sponsored can be picked up and turned in at the Community Access Center in Independence. Those applications are due by Saturday. Hilger says they have already begun pairing up sponsors with the families that applied.

Hilger says for those interested in sponsoring or anyone looking for additional information can call or text (385)240-0432 or email them at communitycrisisteam0@gmail.com.

A potential decision in Allen County regarding landfill usage may cause problems in Wilson County.

Wilson County sends trash to Allen County for disposal. County Coordinator Kris Marple says, however, that a potential decision based around wind may cause problems in the county.

While a decision hasn't been made at this time, Wilson County is exploring potential options in the event of Allen County landfills being unavailable for multiple days or weeks at a time. Marple says there is one option in a different county.

Road and Bridge Director Kary Tatum also provided an update at this week's comission meeting. There will be no meeting next week, due to the Fourth of July holiday.

 A manhunt after a pursuit leads multiple law enforcement agencies through several counties.

 According to Galena Police Chief Chad Allison, around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, Galena PD received a call from Joplin PD about a stolen truck. The truck was spotted around 7th and Mineral, and in an attempt to stop it, the driver lead officers on a pursuit back into Missouri, through Jasper County into Newton County.

 Allison says the pursuit ended near Wildcat Glades, when the truck stalled. The driver then fled on foot, but was apprehended a short time later.

 The suspect's name has not been identified as of yet. Galena PD says K9 officers and a drone from the Newton County Sheriff's Office aided in the apprehension of the suspect.

 A box truck collided with a railroad bridge yesterday afternoon, closing the highway for a brief time.

 The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident took place around 3:00 p.m., when the box truck struck the Burlington Northern railroad overpass on K Highway near Seneca. The box truck was traveling north and struck and broke off the protective I-Beam. The beam was laying on the top of the box truck. The truck suffered damaged on the top of the vehicle; the height of the underpass is listed as 10’10” high.

 Burlington Northern Railroad inspected the bridge and it was deemed safe for train and vehicle traffic. The driver was cited and placed out of service during the ongoing investigation.

 MSHP, Seneca Rural Fire and Newton County Deputies responded to the accident.

Wheat harvest continues around the area, with progress varying by region.

According to the Kansas Wheat Commission, yields are showing improvement in some areas, while scattered showers and heavy rains have slowed harvest in others. Test weights remain steady overall, though some growers continue to face challenges from wheat streak mosaic virus.

In Wilson County, farmer Randy Small began harvesting around June 12, with a short pause before getting back into the fields on June 19. Now nearing the finish line, he expects to wrap up within the next couple of days if everything goes to plan. Test weights have been averaging around 57 to 58. While the recent moisture could have caused delays, Small says conditions have remained favorable overall. He planted three different wheat varieties this season and reports that all have performed consistently across the board.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, winter wheat harvested in southeast Kansas is currently at 18%, which is just behind the statewide average of 20%.

 A former McDonald County school custodian, accused of invasion of privacy, requests a change of venue in his case.

 Yesterday morning, the attorney for 53-year-old Rodger Copeland requested the change from McDonald County Judge Charles Genisio. There was no objection from the special prosecutor.

 Because the county has less than 75,000 residents, defendants in any criminal case in Missouri is granted a change of venue without showing cause.

 Copeland is charged with five counts of invasion of privacy; authorities say students found a hidden camera in a girl’s locker room at McDonald County High School in September. No inappropriate images were found on the camera. Copeland was a custodian at the high school at the time of his arrest.

 Copeland's next court date is scheduled for July 29th. If a new location hasn't been selected by that date, a decision for the new location would be made then.

 The Pawhuska city council passes the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget during last night's meeting.

 The budget shows five job cuts from city employees, including two from the street department, one admin, one job from the fire department and one from the police department.

 City Manager Jerry Eubanks says there is an alternative to cutting city employees.

 Councilman Mark Buchanan stated he thought a budget could be made without anyone getting laid off.

 Council members Rachel Prather and Ellen Weigant said they didn't want anyone to get laid off, but they believe some things need to change. Mayor Steve Tolson agreed, saying it is important that the city begin correcting financial errors from the past.

 The budget passed by a 3-2 vote, with councilmen Buchanan and Rodger Milleson voting against it.

 A Bartlesville man with two pending felony cases this year has been arrested again.

 19-year-old Markell Scott was arrested Friday afternoon on misdemeanor charges of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

 BPD officials say Scott was involved in two accidents Friday; he fled the first accident and was apprehended after the second crash. Deputies allegedly detected an odor commonly associated with alcohol from Scott and observed red watery eyes. He admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests.

 According to the affidavit, deputies observed a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, observed poor balance and slow reaction time.

 Scott will appear in court July 11^th; he posted $25,000 bond.

A chance to learn all about emergency communications and cutting-edge technology is coming up with weekend.

The Coffeyville, Independence and Parsons Amateur Radio Clubs will hold a joint field day exercise as part of ARRL Field Day held across the nation. Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club President Jacob McCallie says there will also be something new at this year's event.

A new communications trailer was funded through private grants and by a large grant from ARRL, which is the National Association for Amateur Radio.  The trailer will feature all-new radios and digital communications methods that allow the ability to send large amounts of data without the Internet, plus emergency power.  McCallie says this trailer could be utilized around the area in a local communications emergency, and Field Day is a good practice event.

Across the nation, clubs and individuals will set up portable stations all weekend long. The local clubs will set the trailer up at Oakcrest Lodge in Coffeyville across from the Aviation Heritage Museum this Saturday, June 28th.  The stations will be in operation for 24 hours from 1 p.m. on Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday. The public is welcome to attend and can register for the chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card.  More information HERE.

The City of Coffeyville is getting closer and closer to being able to hire a new animal control officer. City Manager Ben Brubaker says the position has been open for several weeks.

A company from Ohio, who specializes in code enforcement and animal control, is coming out at the end of July to do training for the new employee and the two current code enforcement employees. Brubaker says even with these changes it won't fully solve the stray dog issue.

Brubaker says they've had multiple meetings with the Coffeyville Friends of Animals Shelter to discuss ways the city might be able to help further with what they already accomplish.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation intercepts a package containing an illegal shipment of marijuana products.

Last week, KBI agents in the K-9 unit investigated a suspicious package that was shipped across state lines. The package was found to contain several jars of a THC concentrate weighing around 26 pounds. The estimated value of the marijuana concentrate, if sold, would be over $300,000.

The transportation, shipping or mailing of marijuana, cannabis or other THC products across state lines is a violation of federal law. This shipment also violates Kansas marijuana laws. At this time, no arrests have been made. This investigation is ongoing.

 The 4^th of July is just over a week away, and some people have already purchased fireworks.

For those living in Bartlesville, Fire Chief H.C. Call says fireworks can't be shot off within the city limits.  Chief Call says if residents need to report illegal fireworks use, do not call 911, but instead call the non-emergency line at (918)338-4001.

There are three permitted public firework shows within the city. On July 3^rd, Hillcrest Country Club will have fireworks, July 4^th will be the Kiwanis Club of Bartlesville Freedom Fest at Sooner Park and July 5^th there will be fireworks at Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium for the Glen Winget Memorial Baseball Tournament. 

Harvest season is here, and that can mean more farm equipment on roadways.

Wildcat Extension District Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Adaven Rohling says this will include tractors and other heavy equipment.

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Rohling says it is important to slow down and have some patience with tractors and combines.

Rohling says this time of the year, corn crops have grown high and can obstruct what would otherwise be a clear view at an intersection. She says to slow down in those areas and be extra cautious looking for oncoming traffic. 

The Neodesha City Commission will meet tomorrow afternoon for a regularly-scheduled meeting.

On tomorrow's agenda includes an ordinance and resolution on structures at 127 Mill and 1305 N 8^th. The commission will also discuss the 2025 audit, consider a conditional offer letter from Casey's General Store, look at a renewal agreement fro the NHS Clay Target Team, appoint a person to the Rankin Memorial Library Board and set a special call meeting for the 2026 budget. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. in Neodesha and the public is welcome to attend.

 Scammers are upgrading their old techniques with new real-sounding technology.

 The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch out for a newer type of rouse... “emergency scams”. These scams include phone calls, voice mails, and voice messages that sound like a friend or family member in distress. The use of AI aides scammers to clone voices with just a few seconds of audio, from a social media post or a voicemail greeting.

 The BBB says warning signs you can listen for include unusual pauses, a voice that sounds a little “too” robotic, or words or phrases said that the person you know wouldn’t normally use.

 The BBB says it’s always important to just stop and verify. Hang up the phone, call the person back, or another family member who can verify where that person is. The BBB also suggests using a secret word for friends and family to verify their identity over a call and hang up if that word is not said.

 A former Neosho school counselor and choir director pleads guilty to child sex crimes.

 Newton County, Missouri, Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch says 41-year-old Jacob Oakes plead guilty yesterday morning in Newton County Court on charges of second-degree statutory rape.

 Oakes admitted to having sex with the juvenile victim when she was younger than seventeen years old.

 The victim stated the abuse took place from 2021 until March of last year, when Oakes was placed on leave from the school district. She stated the abuse always occurred at Oakes’ home.

 Oakes’ sentencing date is set for August 25th.

 The Osage County Sheriff's Office will be taking over dispatching services for the Pawhuska Police Department.

 The contract was signed during yesterday's Osage County Commissioners meeting. The contract calls for the absorption of Pawhuska dispatch into the county.

 Sheriff Bart Perrier says the topic had been discussed before, and he believes it can be beneficial for both the county and the City of Pawhuska.

 In other business, the commission renewed a contract to continue supplying dispatch services to the City of Hominy.

 A Broken Arrow man faces drug charges after allegedly possessing meth.

 39-year-old Joshua Krepps was charged Monday with possession of a controlled dangerous substance after an incident June 22^nd.

 Bartlesville Police says Krepps was pulled over for having a defective passenger brake light. He allegedly did not stop when police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, and was seen moving items with another individual in the car.

 The BPD officer initiating the traffic stop allegedly saw a crystal-like substance crushed in the passenger floorboard, and two plastic baggies in the floorboard on the driver's side. The substances tested positive for meth and weighed 4.5 grams.

 Krepps will appear in court again July 30; he posted a $1,500 bond.

 A project to remove lights at the north intersection of U.S. Highways 400 and 75, northeast of Sycamore, begins tomorrow.

 The Kansas Department of Transportation says the project will include shoulder and single lane closures, depending on where workers are located. The ramp may also be closed for a short time.

 It is a one day project, weather permitting.

 Motorists may face delays and stops of up to 15 minutes. KDOT asks drivers to pay attention and follow posted signs in all work zones.

 For current road conditions and work zones, you can visit kandrive.gov or call 511.

 Phillips Southern of Wichita is the contractor in charge of the project.

Wheat harvest is in full swing across much of southern and central Kansas.

That's the word from the Kansas Wheat Commission as wheat harvest continues.  Wheat streak mosaic virus continues to challenge growers in parts of the state, impacting yields and test weights. After rains and humidity have slowed harvest progress, farmers are getting back into fields but still dodging muddy areas.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Kansas wheat harvest is only 20 percent complete, well behind 49 percent complete last year and behind 31 percent on average. Winter wheat conditions were rated 23 percent poor to very poor, 32 percent fair and 45 percent good to excellent.

Kansas Wheat's Hannah Blodgett says Olson Farms in central Kansas began harvest on June 12^th.

Some disease pressure and weather have presented challenges in central Kansas, but some wheat varieties including KS Mako and KS Providence took the wheat streak very well according to producers.

The Coffeyville Public Works Department is holding an open house meeting regarding a couple of streets on the west side of town.

The open house will concern upcoming construction on West 6^th and 7^th Street between Fresno and Cheyenne.  Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker says this will be a come-and-go event for residents to learn more about the project.

Anyone interested in attending can come to the Commission Meeting Room in City Hall this Thursday between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to learn more.

The Montgomery County Commission votes to eliminate compensatory time for county employees.

County Administrator Jonathan Booe says the reason for this is that it will simplify things when it comes keeping track of comp time.  Booe says employees who currently have comp time built up they will be compensated.

Booe says the two departments that are affected by this the most are the sheriff's department and public works. He says both Sheriff Ron Wade and Public Works Director Brandon Beurskens are on board with this decision.

One girl is dead and another seriously injured after a train collides with a car in Mayes County.

The crash happened just after 7:00pm on West 430 Road just off Highway 69, about a mile south of Adair. A 2022 Kia Sorrento, driven by 16-year-old Isabella Glaze-Logos of Adair, failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by a Union Pacific train. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by MESTA EMS. A 15-year-old passenger in the SUV, also from Adair, was flown by Tulsa LifeFlight to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She was admitted in poor condition with multiple injuries.

None of the crew on the UP train were injured in the collision. The crash remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe has been set up for funeral expenses for Glaze-Logos.  A link to that can be found here.

Highway 169 in South Coffeyville is being shut down after an accident involving a semi.

The accident was reported just before noon today and a semi is reported to be on its side at the intersection of 169 and Broadway, which is near the Dollar General.

Please avoid the area to allow first responders to do their work.

KGGF Text Alert subscribers got this information first. Click here to sign up for local news, traffic and weather text alerts.

One is dead after an accident near Frontenac.

This morning just after 7 a.m., Crawford County 911 received a call about a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of US 69 and 160.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a Ram 2500 was traveling south on 69 when the driver failed to stop for a red light.  

The vehicle hit a Kia Soul driven by 21-year-old Matthew Jeffrey Westhoff-Strode of Girard who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other driver sustained no injuries and refused transport to the hospital.

Emergency personnel from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, Frontenac Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Crawford County EMS, Arma Fire Department, and Frontenac Fire Department responded to the scene.

 Pittsburg State University has a new president.

 The Kansas Board of Regents approved Dr. Thomas W. Newsom during a special meeting Friday.

 Newsom is currently the President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma.

 Previous experience includes serving as Vice President of Student Success at Texas A&M-Commerce and as President of Mesalands Community College in New Mexico, achieving statewide and national recognition for growth and student success.

 Newsom currently serves as chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma President’s Council and treasurer of the Oklahoma Council of Presidents.

 A native of Sherman, Texas, Newsom holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Vicky, have three children.

 Newsom takes over for Interim President Doug Ball. He will be introduced to the community during a press conference this afternoon.

The Coffeyville Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying an individual.

A middle-aged woman with long brown hair is pictured wearing a pink shirt, white shorts and white shoes. Police say she is a person of interest in an active investigation.  Anyone with information should message or call the Coffeyville Police Department at (620)252-6160.

 An Arkansas man is dead after being hit by a semi on a southwest Missouri interstate.

 The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the incident took place at 4:00 yesterday morning. A 24-year-old male from Belle Vista, Arkansas, was walking in the roadway when he was struck by a southbound Volvo semi, three miles north of Sheldon on Interstate 49.

 The pedestrian was pronounced dead by the Vernon County Deputy Coroner; the 42-year-old semi driver was uninjured.

 A six-year-old boy is found in a Springdale park.

 Springdale 911 received the call around 8:15 Saturday night to a possible drowning at Shaw Family Park. The caller said a child was in the pond near the splash pad.

 Springdale Police and Fire/EMS responded to the scene and began life-saving measures. The child was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

 Springdale Police say no further information will be given during this active investigation.

 A Bartlesville man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly providing improper care for a child.

 28-year-old Matthew Lenard was charged Friday with two counts of child abuse.

 According to the Bartlesville Police Department, officers responded to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa March 9^th for an injured child. The victim had fractures in the right arm, left leg and a right rib, plus multiple bruises and scratches.

 In an interview, Lenard told authorities that the victim would fall out of his lap, and he would catch the child with one hand. Lenard allegedly caused bruising on the victim's face when he squeezed them to force their mouth open and feed them.

 BPD says the victim was returned to Safe Haven Child Development Center May 28^th, with bruising and purple marks on the victim's hands, and marks on the victim's neck and jaw.

 When admitted to St. Francis May 30^th, doctors raised concerns regarding the child's weight.

 Lenard will appear in court again July 11^th; he posted a $50,000 bond.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet this morning with several public works items on the agenda.

Several bid results are expected to be presented, including chemical bids and the 913A Bridge Design bid results for one of the bridges on CR 1800 east of Coffeyville.

The Commission will also revisit a resolution for the elimination of compensatory time, which was tabled at last week's meeting. Approval is also expected on a neighborhood revitalization application at 501 N Penn in Independence. Today's meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence and the public is welcome to attend.

 A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge and multiple misdemeanor charges after allegedly possessing a sawed-off shotgun.

 24-year-old Alex Boston was charged last Friday with possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia, and driving without a valid driver's license and other traffic infractions, after the June 16^th incident.

 Bartlesville Police says Boston was pulled over for having a brake light out. While the officer was conducting the traffic stop, officers allegedly located marijuana and a glass pipe. Further search of the vehicle found two boxes of shotgun shells and a sawed-off shotgun. The cut was allegedly approximately three inches under the legal limit.

 Boston will appear in court again July 11^th; his bond is set at $5,000.

Free cancer screenings will be available this weekend in Coffeyville at the Masonic Lodge.

Organizer Tim Russell says the Kansas Masons have been involved in cancer research since the mid-70s.  Russell says they have been offering these free cancer screenings for over 20 years.

The cancer screenings are this Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm at 2001 Woodland Avenue. All ages are welcome and no appointments are needed.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds to two fires over the weekend.

The first happened around 4:30 on Friday when county units were paged out to a wheat field on fire southwest of Fredonia.  Due to the muddy conditions, a smaller one-ton unit was used to navigate the excessive mud that the larger trucks were having a hard time getting around in.  There was no loss to the standing wheat or combine.

Then on Sunday, units responded to a tree on fire west of Neodesha.  The fire department wants to remind everyone that as Independence Day approaches, it's not a good idea to shoot fireworks at trees and caution should be exercised when using fireworks around wheat fields.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire

The Kansas Department of Transportation is warning about a new text message scam.

The text claims to be from KDOT and demands payment for outstanding traffic tickets. KDOT does not collect money for traffic tickets and will never request or collect payments through text messages. These messages are not legitimate.

Do not click or open any links within these scam texts. Clicking on these links could expose personal and financial information to scammers. Never share sensitive personal or financial details via text message or by clicking on unknown links.

These text messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Anyone receiving these should delete the text and report it as junk.

Two are injured in a two vehicle crash in Montgomery County.

The crash happened at around 11:30am on Saturday along Highway 169, about a mile south of Cherryvale. A 2011 Ford Super Duty F250, driven by 33-year-old Joshua Caleb Allen of Coffeyville, was stopped on the northbound shoulder. Allen attempted a left turn onto County Road 4800 and entered the path of a northbound 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, resulting in a collision in the northbound lanes.

The driver of the Camaro, 21-year-old Brianna Elena Lopez-Hernandez of Pittsburg suffered suspected serious injuries and was transported to Labette County Health. Two passengers in the vehicle, 21-year-old Jason Alexes Morales and a 1-year-old, were also taken to the hospital. Morales had suspected serious injuries, while the child was reportedly unharmed. Allen was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

 A 12-year-old Erie boy, missing since late last week, has been found.

 Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor says he was notified by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks just after 12:30 this afternoon of a possible child's body in the Neosho River, at the KGE dam, approximately two miles south of US-400 in Labette County. Upon arrival, several agencies were already on scene, including KDWP personnel, Labette County Sheriff's and EMS and multiple first responders from surrounding agencies. First responders were able to successfully retrieve the body of 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter.

 His body has been turned over to the office of the Neosho County Coroner.

 Sheriff Taylor thanks everyone who gave their time and effort to find Showwalter.

Two are dead after a domestic violence incident in Parsons.

Saturday at around 1:30am, Parsons Police officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Richard Avenue. Multiple 911 callers reported hearing screams followed by two gunshots. Upon arrival, officers began speaking with witnesses and canvassing the area. They discovered a deceased female with a gunshot wound.

The victim's son reported that his mom and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Steve Antone McDonald, had gotten into a fight. The son told officers that McDonald hit him in the head during the argument, prompting his mom to leave. As she ran down the street, McDonald followed and fired two shots, killing her. Following the shooting, McDonald returned, took the victim's car keys, and fled the scene in a white 2000 Cadillac Escalade.

Law enforcement in Wilson County spotted the vehicle and Greenwood County deputies assisted in attempting a felony stop. During a short car chase, McDonald crashed the car. Deputies found McDonald with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Emergency aid was rendered on the scene, but McDonald died from his injuries.

McDonald had a history of domestic violence. On April 24^th he was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated domestic battery, aggravated kidnapping, criminal threat, criminal damage to property, and endangering a child. He was released on bond on May 15^th.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. The Parsons Police Department is committed to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies.

Parsons Police Department Domestic Violence Unit: (620) 421-7060

Safehouse Crisis Center 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-794-9148

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788

Website: www.thehotline.org

The search for 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter of Erie has been suspended after another day of searching today.

Showwalter and 16-year-old Arthur Pollries of Walnut were hit by a train late last week as they were trying to get off a railroad trestle bridge over the Neosho River.

According to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor, first responders have utilized drones, planes, helicopters, boats, sonar systems, divers, law enforcement K9s, cadaver dogs and shoreline search crews over the last several days without luck.  Taylor says this has been a disheartening experience and that water levels began to rise and the current increased this afternoon, causing the search to be suspended. 

Taylor says their thoughts and prayers are with both families of this tragedy and are still hopeful that the child will be found once the river drops to a favorable level.

A memorial fund has been set up to help the families.  Anyone interested in donating can contact any local Commercial Bank branch within the next month. 

Photo: Anderson County Fire

 The Kansas Highway Patrol reminds drivers to pay attention and obey speed limits as you hit the highways this summer.

 This reminder comes after a Troop A officer stopped a driver and cited him for traveling 143 mph in a posted 75 mph zone. The driver cited being late for work as his reason for excessive speed. KHP officials say calling ahead to let someone know you're running late is better than not showing up at all.

 Remember, use responsible driving behaviors, such as avoiding impaired driving, obeying speed limits, and always wearing your seat belt.

 A Bartlesville man faces a felony conspiracy charge after allegedly orchestrating a check fraud scam.

 Bartlesville Police say 22-year-old Dakota Cox allegedly orchestrated the check fraud plot with another suspect, identified as Isaiah Williams. December 5, 2024, Williams allegedly produced and processed a $5,000 fraudulent check, allegedly taken from an account owned by a business owner and into an account owned by a juvenile. The juvenile states that he was introduced to Williams by Dakota Cox.

 Cox posted $5,000 bond. He will appear in court again on July 25^th.

 A car – semi accident near the Vinita exit on I-44 yesterday causes an explosion, but only injures one.

 The accident happened when the driver of the car, 21-year-old Nurbin Remigio Hernandez-Guzman, lost control and struck the semi. The semi-truck left the roadway and went off a bridge onto Highway 60. The semi caught fire; the driver sustained only minor injuries.

 Hernandez-Guzman fled the scene on foot but was found and arrested in a nearby wooded area three hours later.

 He was booked into the Craig County Jail on charges of leaving the scene of an injury crash, reckless driving, obstruction, and driving without a license and current insurance.

 The crash remains under investigation, with the case submitted to the Craig County DA’s Office for review.

 Two former Pittsburg daycare operators are sentenced after an infant was found unresponsive under their watch last year.

 Madison Thompson was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated endangerment of a child, two counts of endangerment, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

 Whitney Henderson was charged with three counts of endangerment of a child after the incident, in which Pittsburg Police, Crawford EMS, and Pittsburg Fire responded to a 911 call reporting an infant not breathing. Emergency responders arrived and found the child unresponsive. The child was given aid and transported to Ascension Via Christi before being moved to Children's Mercy in Kansas City.

 Thompson received a 60-day jail sentence, while Henderson received a 30-day jail sentence. Both Henderson and Thompson will have to pay over $106,000 to the infant's family.

 The search continues for the 12-year-old Southeast Kansas boy hit by a train on a trestle bridge near Erie Wednesday morning.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol says 16-year-old Arthur Pollries, of Walnut, Kansas, and 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter, of Erie, were hit as they were trying to get off the bridge over the Neosho River. Arthur's body has been recovered, but Kollin's is still missing.

 Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor tells KOAM News that Kansas Task Force 4, along with emergency personnel from Neosho County, Chanute Fire, Pittsburg Fire, Anderson County Search and Rescue, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and the Kansas Highway Patrol are using every available method to locate Showwalter.

 The search continues today.

 A Bartlesville woman is arrested after allegedly hitting someone's car with a shovel.

 65-year-old Twila Cupp was charged yesterday with assault and battery on a police officer and assault with a dangerous weapon.

 The Bartlesville Police Department says the incident took place Wednesday. Cupp allegedly struck the hood of the victim's car with a shovel. Officers on scene noticed dents on the hood of the vehicle and a shovel laying near the front door of the residence. BPD says Cupp seemed angry and was yelling at police, allegedly kicking dogs inside the residence when police or the victim would approach the front door.

 Cupp's bond is set at $15,000. Her next court appearance is set for July 11^th.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is announcing that a guard fence project will begin soon on U.S. 400 in Greenwood County.

The project will replace a guard fence for over 15 miles from the highway’s east junction with Kansas Highway 99 east to the Wilson County line. Work is expected to start the week of July 7th and should completed by the end of December. During construction, traffic will be managed by flaggers and a pilot car. Drivers should be prepared for stops and potential delays of up to 15 minutes.

Barkley Construction of Wichita is the prime contractor on the nearly $1.2 million project. KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

Wheat harvest continues across the area, with warmer temperatures and drier weather a good sign going forward.

According to the Kansas Wheat Commission, harvest was off to a rapid start in southwest Kansas yesterday with temperatures topping out around 100 degrees. There will be more information available on how yields and quality will compare to average by the beginning of next week when reports start to come in.

In central Kansas, harvest came to a halt after Tuesday’s rainfall but will pick back up by the weekend with high winds and nearly triple-digit temperatures in the forecast. Farmers report challenges due to heavy rain and high winds. Derek Sawyer who farms in McPherson County estimates they've lost 25% of the yield potential. Some fields are in standing water and may not be able to be harvested. Rain has also caused some substantial harvest delays.

After the rains in Rice and Ellsworth counties, test weights have decreased slightly but are still around average.

The InterState Legends Classic is this weekend at the Coffeyville Fairgrounds.

The event, which honors four people who made huge impacts in 4-H and the livestock industry in the area, gets started with the Brian Little Memorial cattle show tomorrow night. Then on Saturday is the Dwayne Messner and Patty Anderson Memorial swine shows followed by the Ray Pirtle Memorial sheep and goat show on Sunday. Organizer Brett Anderson says this is a nationwide show.

The cattle show starts at 6:00pm tomorrow night, the first swine show will start at 9:00am on Saturday with second one starting immediately after and the sheep and goat show starts at 9:00am on Sunday. Ray Perryman with Short Round Ministries will provide a message prior to the sheep and goat show starting at 8:00am.

Multiple fire departments respond to a structure fire in Lenapah.

This afternoon just before 3 p.m., the South Coffeyville and Wann Fire Departments were called to provide mutual aid with Lenapah Fire Department on a fully-involved structure fire at 67 N Peoria in Lenapah.  Ranchers in the area tell KGGF they were able to observe the smoke from north of town.

Around 3:20, CVR Fire was called to provide additional manpower on the fire.  Just before 4 p.m., CRMC EMS was called to provide mutual aid.  There's no official word on injuries at this time.  The house is believed to be a total loss.

A Caney woman is facing felony charges after allegedly hitting someone with a baseball bat.

43-year-old Mistie Nihart was charged with first-degree burglary and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Nihart confronted the victim and hit the door of the home multiple times with the bat before forcing her way inside. She was pushed back outside by the victim before allegedly hitting them in the face with the bat.

Nihart has an extensive criminal history that dates back to 2002. She will appear in court again on July 11^th. Her bond is set at $50,000.

Today marks Juneteenth, and in an exclusive feature, we explore Montgomery County's unique African American heritage and the history of the Votaw Colony.

Wilson County has approved a road agreement pertaining to the Sunflower Skies solar project.

The county commission unanimously approved a motion to continue forward with the road agreement between Wilson County and Savion Energy. The decision was reached following a 30-minute executive session with attorney Jacob Bielenberg of Fisher Patterson Sayler & Smith, who has served as the commission's lead council during the Sunflower Skies process.

The roads affected by the agreement are 900 Road, Scott Road, and south to 800 Road. Construction of the solar project facilities will take place on the impacted roads, with no timetable for a start date known at this time.

Additional items of business at this week's commission meeting were updates from County Coordinator Kris Marple, and County Health Director Amy Lell.

 Washington County Emergency Management is assessing damage from the storms that produced strong winds and heavy rain Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.

 Washington County Emergency Management is reporting multiple trees and power lines are down as a result of these storms. Washington County Emergency Management Deputy Director Melissa Mayes reminds drivers to be cautious of downed power lines.

 Many roads are either washed out or affected by flooding, including N 4030 Rd. between W 3600 Rd. and W 3700 Rd. is closed due to a washout. Detour routes are available via W 3600 Rd. to N 4040 Rd. and W 3700 Rd. to N 4040 Rd.

 A Miami man is dead after a two vehicle collision yesterday afternoon.

 The Oklahoma State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred a little after 4:00 p.m. 39-year-old Keith Jones was traveling on a motorized bicycle westbound on East 110 Road, around 3 miles east of Miami, when he was struck by another vehicle.

 OHP investigators say inattentive driving led to the collision. The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.

 If you see law enforcement officers that look familiar on a national TV show, you may be right.

 The McDonald County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office is joining the nationally televised series “On Patrol: Live” beginning tomorrow night.

 Legal analyst and host Dan Abrams gives viewers with a real-time look at daily activities of law enforcement officers across the country, with experts offering commentary during the broadcast.

 McDonald County Sheriff Robert Evenson says the department welcomes the opportunity to give residents and a national audience a clearer understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community.

 The show airs live on REELZ every Friday and Saturday night from 8:00 p.m. To 11:00 p.m., and can be found on satellite and several streaming services.

 The Neosho County Sheriff's Department releases more information on the train accident involving two juveniles.

 Sheriff Greg Taylor says his office responded to a call around 12:40 p.m. yesterday afternoon to the railroad trestle bridge over the Neosho River near 115th Road. Two juveniles were walking along the bridge and were unable to outrun the train. The KHP says both of the juveniles, 16-year-old Arthur Pollries, of Walnut, and 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter, of Erie, died on the scene, and while one boy has been found, the other is still missing.

 Authorities have notified the families. The Sheriff's Office says the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Kansas Highway Patrol are assisting with a drone and boat, a helicopter and search dogs. A specialized swift water team is also aiding in the search.

 The Neosho River is rising and expected to reach minor flood stage by 1 p.m. this afternoon, making search efforts more challenging. Taylor asks that the public avoid the area to allow search efforts to continue.

 The Neosho County Sheriff’s Office and EMS, along with members of the St. Paul Fire and Erie Fire, and Union Pacific Railroad responded to the accident.

A section of 6^th in Cherryvale is going to become a one-way street to reduce traffic on the residential street.

Residents on the east side of Cherryvale have asked the city to convert a short section of 6^th Street from Pine to Olive to a one-way street, with travel being east to west.

Resident Jim Clay says he believes the increased traffic and large vehicles driving down the narrow street is due to GPS routing traffic through the area.

Clay says he's had his yard torn up by large vehicles not being able to get around the curve at the end of 6^th Street and Pine.

The City Council approved the change to a one-way street and has also ordered some signage to help direct traffic to and from Big Hill Lake on main roads.

Today is Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

In Parsons, today kicks off an entire weekend of events to mark the occasion. Juneteenth Organizer Sontana Johnson says events will start with a parade this morning.

Johnson says there will be a lot of local talent on display.

Events continue tomorrow with a walk down Central at 10 a.m., an artwalk at the Arboretum and a community picnic from 5 to 8 p.m. at Glenwood Park.

Johnson says there will be many family activities on Saturday starting at 10 at Glenwood Park.

The weekend wraps up with Church in Forest Park at 10 on Sunday. It all happens in Parsons.

The 2025 Interstate Fair and Rodeo Fun Pass One Day sale starts tomorrow. Promotions Chairman Katie Greer says Fun Passes are $30 for just tomorrow and then go up to $40 on Saturday.

Fun Passes can be bought online at fairandradio.com or at the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce. Greer says you won't want to miss a night of Grandstand entertainment.

Without a Fun Pass, tickets for each individual night can be bought at the gate for $15 each night. For more information about this year's Interstate Fair and Rodeo, visit their Facebook page.

Two juveniles are allegedly hit by a train south of Erie and the search continues for one of the victims.

The Neosho County Sheriff's Office says their office responded to a call around 12:40 p.m. this afternoon.   Sheriff Greg Taylor says two juveniles were walking along the railroad trestle bridge over the Neosho River and were hit by a train.  One juvenile's body was recovered and authorities are searching for the second juvenile.  As of 8 p.m. this evening, the search continues.  Authorities have notified the families.  The Sheriff's Office says the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Kansas Highway Patrol are helping in the search.

The Neosho River is rising and expected to reach minor flood stage by 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon, making search efforts more challenging. Taylor asks that the public avoid the area to allow search efforts to continue.

Nowata County is hit with their third severe storm this Spring bringing heavy rains and high winds. Emergency Manager Laurie Summers says they keep playing catch up when it comes to storm damage.

The western parts of Nowata County and moving further north, including the areas of Wann, Lenapah and Delaware, are the areas most affected. Summers says drivers need to remember to be cautious.

According to the Nowata County Emergency Management Facebook page, multiple roads are closed due to either flooding or downed trees.  

For businesses looking for new employees or if anyone is out there looking for a job the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce might be able to help.

Membership & Events Coordinator Madison Bowman says their job board is open to all chamber members.  A link to the job board can be found here. Bowman says the job board is just one of the benefits of being a chamber member.

Bowman says for those businesses unsure about becoming a chamber member the summertime is a great time to give it a try. She says they have some opportunities for a discounted rate during the summer.

Flood warning continue for the Neosho River in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

Forecast crests are now below previous estimates, with minor flooding expected for Chanute around 1 a.m. tomorrow morning as the river is expected to reach 23 feet.  In Erie, the river should crest just over 29 feet, which is also minor flooding.  The forecast for Parsons is 22.9 feet, which is near the moderate flood stage category.  

In Oswego, the river is expected to crest at 20 feet tomorrow at 7 p.m. and start going down Friday afternoon.  If the level in Oswego rises to 21 feet, Xavier Road north from the river gauge bridge floods and 13000 road along the north side of the river bank floods.  West of Faulkner, homes along 120th Street between Star Road and Clem Road also begin to flood.  This is not currently expected to happen, but could if river forecasts change.

Flooding is expected to be worse in Commerce, where the Neosho River is expected to reach moderate flood stage by 1 a.m. tomorrow and crest at 19.3 feet.  At 19 feet, low lying areas around Miami become cut off from easy access.  Riverview park will experience moderate flooding and State Highway 125 near the fairgrounds will be threatened.

Also in Oklahoma, the Caney River near Ramona is expected to crest at 26.9 feet, which is minor flooding.  Further south at Collinsville, moderate flood stage will be reached by 7 tomorrow morning, with impacts to farmland and rural roads expected.

A link to check river levels is available here.  Stay tuned to KGGF for further updates, and turn around if you encounter a flooded roadway.

Interns for the Wildcat Extension District are putting together classes and workshops for kids this summer.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Agent Adaven Rohling says Madelin, the intern for the Independence Office, has three classes scheduled for next week.

Rohling says Delany, the intern in the Fredonia office, is also offering several classes and workshops for kids in the Wilson County area. That information can also be found on the Wildcat Extension District Facebook page.

 McDonald County, Missouri, first responders perform a water rescue to save two women on Elk River.

 The McDonald County Sheriff's Department and Pineville Fire Department say the call came in around 10:30 yesterday morning between Pineville and Noel near HH Highway.

 Both women were caught in a raft by swift water and were pinned against a tree. They used a cell phone to call 911 with their location. Both were rescued unharmed.

 Deputy Chris Allison with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office says Elk River has come down, but swift water makes some spots harder to see, but blamed the downed tree across the river as the major cause of the incident. MCSO and area businesses will work to have the tree removed as soon as possible.

 A portion of a major Joplin street was closed for several hours yesterday afternoon as crews repaired a major gas leak.

 The leak was reported around 3:45 p.m. and was caused when a construction contractor hit a gas line, near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Chris Lane.

 Connecticut Avenue was closed from 15th to 20th street out of precaution, as Joplin Fire, Public Works and Spire crews worked to fix the leak. Natural gas levels were checked in area homes, and one house was evacuated for a short time.

 No injuries were reported.

Independence Community College continues to make progress on a collection of photo and video archives that honor the life and career of William Inge.

Inge was born in Independence in 1913, and attended ICC before receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Kansas. Inge would later author two novels, nine films and TV shows, and more than two dozen plays, winning a Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award as well.

ICC Library Services Director Sarah Owen says the college has hundreds of materials to work with.

Website design has been delayed due to the loss of a previous grant for the project. Owen says there is still quite a bit done to this point.

ICC has the most extensive collection of Inge material, with more than 400 total interviews, manuscripts, programs, and more.

USD 461 Neodesha is looking to fill multiple positions in the district for the 2025-26 school year.

The district is searching for a lead teacher for the After School Program at Heller Elementary. The program runs from the end of the school day until students are dismissed at 5:15.

Additionally, USD 461 is looking for a Head or Assistant High School cheer coach, and an assistant High School boys basketball coach.

Those interested can pick up an application at the Board of Education office at 522 Wisconsin Street in Neodesha.

The National Weather Service in Wichita KS has issued a Flood Warning in Kansas.

This includes the Neosho River at Iola affecting Allen County, the Neosho River near Chanute affecting Allen and Neosho Counties, the Neosho River near Erie affecting Neosho County, the Neosho River near Parsons affecting Labette and Neosho Counties and the Neosho River at Oswego affecting Labette and Cherokee Counties.

A link to check river and lake levels can be found under the news tab at kggfradio.com.

The Coffeyville Police Department receives recognition for traffic safety.

CPD is awarded the 2025 Kansas Department Of Transportation Community Traffic Safety Award. There were 47 law enforcement agencies recognized, and Coffeyville was one of 16 agencies to receive the gold award.

The KDOT Community Traffic Safety Award has been presented annually to Kansas law enforcement agencies since 2011.

The USD 445 Board of Education votes to approve the republished 2024-2025 budget.

The board also approved the second reading of two new policies and eleven updated board policies and chose to table approving one updated policy while they gather more information.

In other business, the board hired TauJai Wesley as a teacher for Community Elementary School and recently graduated Field Kindley Senior Kevin Magna-Gonzalez as a custodian.

A former Coffeyville City Commissioner will remain on the ballot despite recent resignation.

Don Edwards, who resigned from the city commission earlier this month, will remain on the ballot for the upcoming November election. In his letter of resignation, Edwards said he would reach out to the County Clerk about removing his name from the November ballot. According to the county clerk's office, Edwards did not reach out to have his name removed. The clerk's office says no names can be added or removed after the June 2^nd deadline passed.

There are three open spots on the commission. Joining Edwards on the ballot are current Mayor Deborah Maples and two new candidates, William Kendall and Michael Golden.  Pam Jones was nominated by the City Commission to fill the remainder of Edward's term.

Wheat harvest is now underway in Kansas.

Harvest moved into southern Kansas about a week ago, but since then it has been slow going. Scattered showers and high humidity mean that most days, combines can't get rolling until the late afternoon. According to the Kansas Wheat Commission, there are a few reports that farmers have gotten into dry fields along the I-135 corridor as far north as Mitchell County.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Kansas wheat harvest is only 3 percent complete, well behind 25 percent complete last year and behind 11 percent on average.

Farmers Coop Gran Association General Manager Chris Stevens says harvest began last Monday, June 9^th in the Conway Springs area, but it has been hit or miss. They’ve only taken in about 10% of the bushels they expect, but should be halfway complete by now. So far, it’s too early and too spotty to tell how test weights are going to average, but they’ve heard yield reports from 26 to 50 bushels per acre, which would be an average crop.

Delays are expected to continue as the National Weather Service in Wichita is forecasting thunderstorms across the harvest area this afternoon. Winds up to 80 mph, hail up to tennis ball size and heavy rainfall are all possible.

A pair of positions with the Independence Community College Board of Trustees were renewed during the most recent board meeting.

The ICC Board unanimously elected to renew both Board Secretary Dr. Jonathan Sadhoo, as well as Board Treasurer Lori Boots. The renewal runs for an additional calendar year, expiring next summer.

Additional items of business at this month's ICC board meeting was the renewal of Athletic Insurance at no increase from last year, as well as an update on the Inge Archive project from Library Services Director Sarah Owen.

The ICC Board will be having a special meeting on June 30th to approve insurance policies prior to the July 20th intent deadline. The special meeting will also include further discussion on the potential merger with Coffeyville Community College.

 A motorcycle rider was killed in a two-vehicle accident yesterday afternoon, a mile northwest of Coffeyville.

 The accident was reported just before 4:00 p.m. on County Road 4300 just north of Morning Lane Road. The Kansas Highway Patrol says a 2012 Freightliner semitrailer was southbound on County Road 4300 and was attempting to turn left into a driveway when it collided with a northbound 1998 Honda V75 motorcycle.

 The motorcycle rider, 22-year-old Wyatt Johnson, of Coffeyville, was transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. KHP says Johnson wasn’t wearing a helmet.

 The driver of the semi, 38-year-old Derek Taggart, of Altamont, was uninjured. Taggart was wearing his seat belt.

Hours at City Hall in Cherryvale will soon be getting shorter.

City Administrator Michael Hall says that this change is coming in response to office staff reductions as they will be losing an employee in the city clerk's office, leaving only the city clerk and deputy clerk until a new employee can be hired.

The new hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. City staff will work before and after public hours to allow them to catch up on work without distraction. The new hours go into effect on Monday, July 7^th.

 A theft at a fireworks store leads to the arrest of two southeast Kansas men.

 Sunday, Crawford County Sheriff's deputies were called to Jake's Fireworks in Girard for a Burglary/Criminal Damage report. When deputies arrived, they found that a fence had been cut and multiple different styles of fireworks, tools, and other miscellaneous items were missing.

 Sheriff's officials were able to identify the suspects, and search warrants for three separate properties in Pittsburg and Frontenac led to the reported stolen property.

 Arrested for possible involvement in the case was 55-year-old Andrew Habjan and 54-year-old Richard Todd Lee. Lee has been charged with burglary, theft, and interference with law enforcement.

 Job seekers and employers searching for talent have another chance to find each other.

 The KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair is happening Wednesday, June 25^th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

 This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a job-seeker training video, a list of participating agencies and channels for attendees to register and log in. Job-seekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

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

 Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

 The Dewey City Council adopts a new budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

 The total budget is approximately $4.7 million. Of that amount,

around $1.6 million was approved for the general fund, $958,000 was approved in special revenue funds, and $2.1 million was approved for the public works authority.

 Also in the meeting, Dewey Fire Chief Terry Young discussed the possibility of re-inspection of multiple buildings in town.

 The next scheduled meeting for the Dewey City Council is July 7^th.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.:

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the four-state area through 4 a.m. including the following counties:

    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEN                BOURBON             BUTLER
CHAUTAUQUA           CHEROKEE            COWLEY
CRAWFORD             ELK                 GREENWOOD
HARPER               LABETTE             MONTGOMERY
NEOSHO               SUMNER              WILSON
WOODSON

    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ADAIR                ALFALFA             BLAINE
CADDO                CANADIAN            CHEROKEE
CLEVELAND            CRAIG               CREEK
CUSTER               DELAWARE            DEWEY
GARFIELD             GRADY               GRANT
HUGHES               KAY                 KINGFISHER
LINCOLN              LOGAN               MAJOR
MAYES                MCCLAIN             MCINTOSH
MUSKOGEE             NOBLE               NOWATA
OKFUSKEE             OKLAHOMA            OKMULGEE
OSAGE                OTTAWA              PAWNEE
PAYNE                POTTAWATOMIE        ROGERS
SEMINOLE             TULSA               WAGONER
WASHINGTON

MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              CEDAR
DADE                 JASPER              LAWRENCE
MCDONALD             NEWTON              VERNON

ARKANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BENTON               WASHINGTON

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: Montgomery county is now included in the "moderate" risk of severe weather, which is a level 4 out of 5 risk according to the Storm Prediction Center.  All modes of severe weather are possible, including tornadoes.

Stay tuned to KGGF for further updates and live team severe weather coverage if needed.

Timing for northeast Oklahoma is expected between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., although storms could start as early as 9 and even earlier than that in Southeast Kansas.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 10:00pm. This includes Allen, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties in Kansas and Osage, Washington and Nowata Counties in Oklahoma.

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

Showers and thunderstorms are moving across the Flint Hills this morning, bringing severe thunderstorm warnings for south central Kansas and north central Oklahoma. The primary threats include 60 – 70 mph wind gusts and heavy rain.

Another round of severe weather is expected this afternoon through evening across all of Kansas. Southeast Kansas will see an enhanced risk of severe weather, with tennis ball-size hail possible in addition to 60-80 mph wind gusts and a few tornadoes possible as well. This second round is more likely to develop after 3 p.m.

In addition, a flood watch is in place for southeast Kansas through Wednesday afternoon.

KGGF will provide severe weather coverage today as needed.

The Coffeyville Community College Board of Trustees extends the President's contract.

The CCC board voted unanimously to extend Dr. Marlon Thornburg's contract by one year. Dr. Thornburg is the ninth president in the over 100 years of the college's history and has served in this role since January 1^st, 2020.

In other business, the board had final action on the amended 2024-2025 budget, approved the renewal of property, athletic and health insurance and purchased two new cars and a CDL Truck.

Solutions North Bank in Coffeyville is holding a retirement reception next week for retiring CEO, Mike Ewy.  

Ewy, who came to what was then Community State Bank 25 years ago, will be retiring in July.  He has served as the past Chairman of the Board of the Kansas Bankers Association and of the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce.   In looking back at his time at the Coffeyville bank Ewy says he is proud of the growth of the bank.

During his time in Coffeyville, Ewy has also been very involved in the community and says he is gratified by his role in helping to bring new housing to the community

The public is invited to wish him well at the retirement reception from 9:00am to 5:00pm next Wednesday, June 25 at Solutions North Bank at 11^th and Buckeye in Coffeyville. 

The Montgomery County Commission approves an application for a Kansas Department of Transportation Economic Development Grant.

County Administrator Jonathan Booe says the county is applying on behalf of Spears Manufacturing in Caney.  Booe says this grant would help Spears with the construction of a railway spur.

The commission voted unanimously for the application to be submitted. In other business, the commission decided to table the decision on the resolution for the elimination of compensatory pay.

USD 445-Coffeyville will hold a special meeting tomorrow at 8:00am for the purpose of republishing the 2024-2025 budget.

There will be an open budget hearing during the meeting for any residents to make comments. Assistant Superintendent Michael Speer will speak on the republished budget as well as have the second reading of the updated and new board policies.

The board will consider the superintendent's recommendation to adopt the republished budget and new and updated board policies. In other business, the board will consider the recommendation to hire a new teacher and custodian for Community Elementary School.

The meeting is located in the board office. Their next meeting will be July 14th at 4:00pm.

 The Coffeyville Police Department is warning businesses and residents about counterfeit bills being circulated in the area.

 CPD says the fake $100 and $20 Hollywood/Prop Money are popping up around town, with the words “For Motion Picture Purposes” on them.

 Authorities warn to look for sharp, detailed printing, embedded security threads, and watermarks. They suggest to compare suspect bills to known genuine ones and consider using a UV light or counterfeit detection pen to verify authenticity.

A short agenda is released ahead of tonight's Cherryvale City Council Meeting.

Police Chief Jimmy Holt is expected to share information on a request from residents on the designation of a one-way street within city limits. Approval is also expected on converting to a new software provider for city operations. There will also be an open discussion on city hall hours.

Tonight's meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall in Cherryvale. The public is welcome to attend.

A Labette County Sheriff's Office K9 is receiving some protective gear thanks to a donation from a national non-profit organization.

K9 Benny has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest is embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Eada-Daisy-Jackson-Nikki-Jesse”. The vest has a value of $1,800.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

 A light agenda is expected in tonight's Caney City Council meeting.

 The council is expected to approve the 4^th quarter 2024 treasurer's report and hear a report from Caney Saddle Club's John Harrington their event coming up July 5^th.

 A strategic planning workshop and a condemnation ordinance briefing will follow the city council meeting.

 The Caney City Council meets at 6:30 at Caney City Hall, 100 West 4^th Avenue, on the east side of the building.

 A 38-year-old woman is the latest addition to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond's 10 Most Wanted.

 Heather Lynn Harjo is wanted for the April 28 death of 21-year-old Summer Cheyenne Martin, of Ada.

 Investigators say Martin was visiting a friend at his Ada residence when Harjo and another man arrived at the home. An argument between the women escalated into a physical fight. Martin allegedly tried to hit Harjo with a power tool, and after being stopped by a witness, Harjo fatally shot Martin. She then fled the scene.

 Harjo also goes by the aliases Heather Thompson and Heather Lynn Brown, should be considered dangerous.

 To learn more about the other fugitives still at large, go to the Attorney General’s 10 Most Wanted page. 

 A $5,000 reward is being offered for the capture of Harjo.

 The Kansas Corporation Commission holds its final public hearing on Evergy’s rate increase request tonight in Topeka.

 Evergy filed an application with the Commission in January seeking a $196.4 million or 8.62% rate increase. If approved as filed, the new electric rates would take effect in September 2025, with an average monthly increase of $13.05 for residential customers.

 The hearing will allow customers to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission. The public is invited to attend in person or view the hearing on the KCC YouTube channel.

 The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at Washburn Institute of Technology, located at 5724 SW Huntoon Street.

 The Commission accepts written comments through 5 p.m. on July 14^th, and an order on the application will be made on or before September 29, 2025.

An alleged law enforcement pursuit takes place near Fall River with a Galena man hospitalized.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, yesterday around 12:45 a.m., troopers were pursuing an allegedly stolen 2012 Honda Pilot driven by 32-year-old Joshua M Walker of Galena. The vehicle was traveling southbound on HH Road, about five miles east of Fall River in southern Greenwood County. At the end of HH at the intersection of 1600, The vehicle proceeded off the roadway southwest of the intersection where it became disabled after striking a tree and a metal rail.

Walker was taken to Fredonia Regional Hospital with suspected minor injuries, then jailed after his discharge. Formal charges are pending at this time.

 A pending agreement would blur the line between Galena, Kansas and Missouri agencies along the state line.

 An approval for an updated mutual aid agreement is on the next Galena City Council meeting agenda, and Mayor Ashley Groves says this updated agreement would make sure Galena and neighboring agencies would be on the same page with when and how to respond.

 The agreement would be with communities like Columbus and Baxter Springs, but also with agencies in Missouri like Joplin and Carl Junction. The agreement would be for more than police; it would include first responders as well.

 Groves says city leaders and first responders from all communities will meet and work out the details once the agreement is approved by the city council.

 A one-vehicle accident Sunday night sends a man to the hospital with serious injuries.
 The accident took place around 9:45 p.m. on I-44 westbound near Mile Marker 12.6. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the westbound Dodge pickup struck the right guardrail at a higher rate of speed, causing the truck to overturn several times.

 The 58-year-old male driver was transported high priority to a Joplin area hospital. Joplin Fire and Police, Joplin EMS and MoDOT Emergency Management responded to the accident.

 The investigation is ongoing.

The Montgomery County Commission will look at possibly eliminating compensatory time at this morning's meeting.

County Administrator Jonathan Booe will speak with the commission about a resolution for getting rid of compensatory time for county employees. Comp time is paid time off that an employee earns instead of overtime pay for working extra hours.

Other items on the agenda, include an update from Merchant McIntyre's Will Hoing and Mary Ellen Golcheski and the commission will look at approving an application for a Kansas Department of Transportation Economic Development Grant. Montgomery County Action Council's Melissa Johnson and Geoff Collins will speak with the commission on this. Johnson will also join the commission in an executive session to discuss confidential information relating to financial affairs or trade secrets.

The commission meets this morning at 9:00am in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is invited to attend. The meeting is also streamed online at the County's website.

A unique ministry event for anyone interested in horses is coming up this week in southeast Kansas.

Western Way Cowboy Church in Altamont is bringing in Paul Daily from Wild Horse Ministries to relate horse training with faith. Organizer Jim Cerne says Daily will be provided with a horse that has never been ridden as part of the event.

Due to the wet weather, the event will be held at the Labette County Fairgrounds under the covered arena in Oswego on Wednesday, June 18^th at 6 p.m. It is free and those attending are welcome to bring a lawn chair. Food will be available with proceeds to the youth group.

The Coffeyville Community College Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing for the amended budget.

After the public hearing the board will have final action on the proposed amended 2024-2025 budget. The CCC Board of Trustees will tackle a lengthy agenda approving renewals for health, athletic and property insurance. The board will also look at purchasing two new cars and a new CDL truck.

The CCC Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 4:00pm in the Board Room of the Arts and Sciences Building.  The full agenda can be found here.

As temperatures rise, people may start to notice termite and ant swarms around their yard and buildings.  

K-State Crop Entomologist Jeff Whitworth says there are environmental conditions that lead to these seasonal sightings.  Whitworth says it's important to be able to tell the difference between the two.

The presence of termite swarmers indicates an existing termite colony in or around a home. While the swarmers themselves are not immediately dangerous and are unlikely to establish a new colony indoors unless they find moist soil, their appearance should prompt further investigation. Homeowners worried about possible termites should look for pencil-width tubes running along foundation walls or wooden structures and check wood framing, paneling and trim for areas that appear to be filled with mud.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center receives grant funding to purchase a new fetal monitor.

CRMC was one of only 13 Southeast Kansas organizations to receive a Women’s Giving Circle grant from the Rita J. Bincknell Women’s Health Fund. This helped fund the purchase of a new fetal monitor for CRMC Women’s Health Services. Additional funds were provided by the CRMC Foundation. This monitor will provide critical information to staff as they care for mothers and babies during labor and delivery. The new monitor recently arrived at CRMC and is now in use in Women’s Health Services.

CRMC director of Women’s Health Jennifer Winjten says healthcare equipment is very expensive, so grants like this one enable them to purchase what they need to ensure the very best care for their patients. The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund supported women’s health initiatives in southeast Kansas by awarding a total of $59,205 in grants in 2024.

A Parsons man is arrested for multiple violations of the offender registration act charges.

The Parsons Police Department has arrested 35-year-old Arthur Lee Scott and he is facing one count of aggravated violation of offender registration and nine counts of violation of offender registration. Scott is a lifetime registered Sex Offender due to two separate sexually motivated convictions. He was convicted and sentenced in 2011 of unlawful voluntary sexual relations with a child between the ages of 14 and 16, and in 2014 of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child under 14. Both convictions require Scott to remain registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life. He is currently on parole for both offenses, as well as for a prior conviction in 2013 for violation of offender registration.

While Scott had been registering quarterly as required, the PROP investigation identified that he had failed to comply with several other registration requirements. At around noon today, a PPD officer made contact with Scott at his residence to address the compliance issues. Scott initially resisted and fled on foot, but stopped after a short distance and complied with officers’ commands to surrender.

The Bartlesville Police Department is investigating a five-vehicle crash.

Bartlesville Police, Fire and EMS responded to the crash in the 1700 block of Washington Boulevard at around 7:15am this morning. According to BPD, traffic had slowed in the area and a truck towing a trailer with two horses failed to stop in time. This triggered a chain-reaction involving five vehicles.

Three people were taken to Ascension St. John Jane Phillips Hospital with minor to moderate, non-life-threatening injuries. The horses did not appear to be injured. As a result of the incident, all southbound lanes were temporarily closed while crews worked to clear the scene and ensure public safety. The roadway has since been reopened. BPD is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The Cherryvale Police Department is looking for information in a possible stolen fuel investigation.

During a routine patrol last night, Cherryvale PD officers discovered a gas can and a siphoning hose that appeared to have been used in an attempt to steal fuel. Officers believe someone was actively siphoning gasoline from vehicles in Cherryvale.

If anyone notices any missing fuel from a vehicle or has security footage showing suspicious activity from last night, contact Cherryvale PD at (620)336-2400 with any relevant information. Cherryvale PD says community help is vital in keeping it safe.

The Grand River Dam Authority is continuing its efforts to find a man who fell into the waters of the Illinois River near Talequah on Tuesday.

The missing man has been identified as 32-year-old Jordan McConnell of Westville. Witnesses say he jumped into the water late Tuesday night and never resurfaced. Authorities say the incident happened near the Chewey Bridge in Adair County.

Authorities say the search for the missing man is ongoing.

A state senator from Overland Park announces her bid to be the Democrat candidate for Kansas Governor.

Cindy Holscher announced her candidacy yesterday, becoming the first Democrat to enter the race. Holscher says she plans to focus on what she calls “kitchen table” issues such as education and the state's financial future, as well as reproductive rights, Medicaid expansion, and medical marijuana. Holscher began her political career in the Kansas House in 2016 and then moved into the state Senate in 2020.

While Holscher is the only Democrat to announce her candidacy so far, she joins several Republicans who are seeking the nomination of their party. Those include Secretary of State Scott Schwab, former Governor Jeff Colyer, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O'Hara, businesswoman Stacy Rogers, conservative podcaster Doug Billings, and Wichita School Board member Joy Elkins.

Kansans will head to the polls to select a new governor on November 3, 2026.

A Webb City teen is injured in a single-vehicle car accident after the car hydroplanes and hits a tree.

The accident occurred just before 4pm yesterday afternoon on K-171 in Cherokee County. A 2012 Mercedes driven by 34-year-old Jessica Mealman of Webb City was eastbound on K-171 when the accident occurred. Both Mealman and her 15-year-old passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The teen suffered minor injuries in the accident.

The City of Neodesha welcomes a new member to its city commission.

Ed Truelove was sworn in a City Commissioner at this week's meeting of the Neodesha City Commission. Mayor Devin Johnson says the swearing in ceremony was their first item of business.

Truelove then took the oath of office as administered by City Clerk Stefanie Fyfe.

Truelove is no stranger to the Neodesha City government. He served as City Administrator for more than 8 years before leaving to take a similar position in Lyons, KS, where he retired in September 2024. Truelove has also served as a police officer in Wichita and as Chief of Police for the City of Sterling. He was appointed to fill the commission seat left vacant when Chris Jabben resigned in April. Truelove will finish that term, which expires in January 2028.

Photo: (left to right) Commissioner Duane Banzet, Mayor Devin Johnson, Commissioner Ed Truelove, City Clerk Stephanie Fyfe

The Cowley County Sheriff's Office announces that human remains have been found near where a missing Overland Park woman's abandoned car was discovered last month.

81-year-old Jerry McConnell was last seen on May 15^th when her car was spotted by a FLOCKS camera entering Cowley County. Her car was then found abandoned in a rural area of the county just north of US-160, about 15 miles west of Moline. Multiple searches were conducted, but those efforts were officially called off on June 5 after no evidence of McConnell was found. Cowley County asked homeowners in the area to continue searching outbuildings and other locations.

On Wednesday, one of those homeowners found property belonging to McConnell. The investigation led to the discovery of human remains nearby. An autopsy is pending to confirm the identity as McConnell.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Fulton public water supply in Bourbon County.

The original advisory was issued on June 5^th because of possible contamination due to a waterline break. Laboratory testing of the City of Fulton water supply showed no contamination and the K-D-H-E has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinds the stream advisory for the Walnut River just south of El Dorado in Butler County.

The original advisory was issued on June 5^th for the Walnut River from US-54 south to Turkey Creek. The advisory was issued due to a damaged pipe that was discharging untreated wastewater into the river. The damaged pipe has been repaired and the K-D-H-E has deemed the waters safe for wading and livestock use.

A $50,000 grant from the Kansas Residential Opportunities on Main Street or ROOMS program will help add apartments in a historic building in downtown Independence.

The grant money will fund a project that will add two, one-bedroom units to the upper floors of the Stanford building, located at 113 East Main Street. Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell says the purpose of the ROOMS program is to create livable spaces in downtown areas.

Sewell adds that there are requirements for projects to qualify for the program.

Independence joins the cities of Atchison, Emporia, Marysville, and Ottawa in sharing a total of $250,000 in total grant money. The five projects are expected to generate almost $9 million in private investment while helping alleviate the shortage of housing across the state.

Hometown days gets underway in Neodesha this weekend.

Events get started this evening with the Amazing Race at 6 with registration at 5:30 p.m. Tomorrow will feature a fun run and a last mile run at Bluestreaks Stadium at 8 a.m. At 11 the Vendor fair and food booths open at the stadium. Then, at 5:30 there will be a community photo in the stands. The evening will wrap up with music and a street dance starting at 6. Sunday's events include church in the park at 10 a.m. It's all happening this weekend in Neodesha.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office receives an award for traffic safety enforcement.

The Sheriff's Office has been awarded the Bronze Community Traffic Safety Award for their work during the 2024 Special Traffic Enforcement Program campaign. This recognition reflects the efforts of the sheriff's deputies who continue to prioritize roadway safety through enforcement, education and community engagement.

Sheriff Ron Wade says their deputies work tirelessly to make Montgomery County a safer place for all who live and travel here. He says this award is a direct result of their commitment to service and public safety and he couldn’t be more proud of the work they do every day.  

The Parsons Police Department is searching for Marcus Marquell Williams, who is wanted for multiple counts of Violation of the Kansas Violent Offender Registration.

Williams is currently non-compliant with his registration requirements. This case is part of a Parsons Registered Offender Program investigation, which focuses on ensuring compliance and community safety through offender accountability. Williams was last known to have been released from Jackson County, Missouri, in January and failed to register in March.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Williams, should contact PPD at (620)421-7060 and reference case number 25-0469.

An Oklahoma teenager is sentenced to life in prison.

Heidi Dutton was sentenced for the killing of her grandparents near Dewey. After Dutton opted to enter a guilty plea, the two first-degree murder charges will sentence her to life in prison. Dutton was also convicted on two felony charges of desecration of a human corpse and a felony count of conspiracy. The other three counts will run concurrently with the life sentence.

Her boyfriend, Lucas Anthony Walker, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his role in the 2022 murder. Walker was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder in Indian Country.

The grant application for improvements and expansion of the Coffeyville Fairgrounds is denied.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says they will move on to Plan B.  Brubaker says, despite being denied this grant, they are going to continue to look for ways to make improvements.

The grant application that was denied was for a CDBG program for a Community Facilities Large Grant category. The Coffeyville City Commission approved the application at the May 29^th meeting.

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

The advisory was issued due to possible contamination of the city's public water supply following a water line break. Customers of the City of Chautauqua public water supply should boil water for at least one minute prior to consumption or use bottled water instead. Dispose of ice cubes from trays or automatic ice makers and disinfect dishes and food preparation surfaces. Water is safe for bathing, but young children should be supervised to prevent accidental ingestion

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The City of Coffeyville announces plans to expand fiber internet access.

Executive Director of Electric Utilities Chris Weiner says fiber is already available in some parts of Coffeyville, and they hope to have most of the town by the end of the year.  Weiner says they offer three packages for residential internet and four for businesses.

There is a $125 installation fee and customers can either buy a router or rent one from the City. The bill for internet is added to customers' utility bills. To check fiber availability in the area, call Utility Billing at (620)252-6100.

The Independence Masonic Lodge is hosting an all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday morning.

From 7 to 11am, get biscuits & gravy, pancakes, sausage, and eggs for just $10. Kids 10 and under eat free with a paid adult. Dine-in and carry-out are available at the Independence Masonic Lodge at 2000 West Laurel.

All proceeds support local charities and operations

The Independence City Commission makes quick work of a lengthy agenda at this week's meeting.

Commissioners considered a request from a resident to vacate a portion of North 5^th Street north of Sycamore. Assistant City Manager David Cowan says that part of the street is no longer in use and is becoming a problem in the neighborhood.

Commissioners voted to vacate the roadway while maintaining an easement for utility access.

In other business, commissioners approved several appointments to fill vacant seats on a variety of boards. Those appointments included Anita Chappuie to the Planning and Zoning Appeals Board; Tanner McClure to the Rec Commission; Steven McBride and Edward Epp to the Park Board; Carolyn Torrance to the Library Board; Amy Hilyard and Leslie Woods to the Tree Board; Jeri Hammerschmidt to the Land Bank Board; and April Nutt, Lisa Wilson, and Tabitha Snodgrass to the Farmers and Makers Market Board.

Coffeyville Police and EMS respond to an early morning accident on US-169 just south of South Coffeyville.

The two-vehicle accident occurred around 4am this morning just north of John Deere Road. Two vehicles collided, leaving the roadway and coming to rest in the ditch on opposite sides of the highway.

No injuries were reported.

A Commerce man is sentenced to 20 years in prison in the death of an infant.

30-year-old Michael David Gregory received the sentence this week in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, after pleading guilty in March to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country in the death of 10-week-old Amaya Mae Robison. Gregory also entered a guilty plea of assault resulting in serious bodily harm for the assault of the infant's twin sister.

Gregory was the caregiver for the two infants on December 1, 2022, when he called his girlfriend who was the children's mother to tell her that one of the twins had stopped breathing. Doctors later discovered the baby had suffered severe brain and eye injuries that led to her death.

In 2023 Gregory was also indicted in a federal court because the two victims were native. As a part of the plea agreement, that federal charge was dropped.

The City of Altamont is marking a big celebration on Saturday.

Altamont Mayor Richard Hayward says it will be a big event.

Saturday's events include a parade at 9am in downtown Altamont, plus a Touch-a-Truck event at 9:30, and live music from Split Sanity and a free BBQ dinner at noon.

From 9 to 4, there will be food trucks and vendors, including games and inflatables for the kids.

It all happens Saturday in downtown Altamont.

Altamont Flag Day

Schedule of Events

9:00am – 4:00pm

9:00 Parade

9:00 – 4:00 Craft & Food Vendors

9:30 – 11:30 Kiddie barn, small inflatables, coloring t-shirts

9:30 – 12:30 E-sports

9:30 – 11:30 Touch-a-Truck

9:30 – 4:00 Big inflatables

10:00 Street games: Turtle race, hula hoop, balloon toss, sack race, Cozy coupe races for age 10 and under, and more!

11:00 -12:00 Farm Bureau-sanctioned tractor pull

12:00 – 2:00 Music – Split Sanity – 80s and 90s music

2:00 – 4:00 Open Mic

2:00 – 4:00 Street games: Yard Yahtzee, Inflatable Golf, Connect 4, cornhole, Yard Pong

A Burlington man is seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Greenwood County.

30-year-old Dillon Brown was traveling westbound on K-58 just east of AA Road or about 25 miles north of Eureka, yesterday evening. At around 7:15pm, Brown was coming out of a curve in the road, lost control of his motorcycle, and ran off the road. Brown was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment for his injuries.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Toronto in Woodson County.

Laboratory testing of water samples from the City of Toronto public water supply

indicates no contamination. The original advisory was issued on Monday and was due to a water line break.

The K-D-H-E has determined that all issues that placed the system at risk have been resolved. However, the boil water advisory issued for a portion of Wilson County Rural Water District #9 remains in effect. Customers of that water supply system should continue to practice safety precautions.

The stump of a beloved tree that once stood in Riverside Park in Independence gets new life as a carved statue.

The giant Elm tree had stood on the playground in Riverside Park for more than 100 years until Dutch Elm Disease killed it in 2023. The community was saddened when park officials were forced to remove the landmark tree that had provided shade for multiple generations of Independence kids.

Now, the remains of the tree have a new life as a recently unveiled carving of a lion and a cub. The carving stands near the location of where the tree once stood on the main playground in Riverside Park and was created by artist Chauney Poe.

The carving can currently be seen at the playground and officials say a dedication plaque will be added soon.

As the Fourth of July is less than a month away, the Independence Rotary Club is approaching the halfway mark in its fundraising efforts for this year's fireworks.

This is the third year that Rotary has taken over the fundraiser and organization of the event, and member Fred Meier says they're looking to raise $21,000.

While the price may seem high, Meier says the fireworks create a special atmosphere like nothing else.

As of Tuesday, $9,311 has been raised so far. Anyone interested in donating can mail a check payable to the Community Foundation for Independence with “Fireworks” in the Memo line to PO Box 41 in Independence. Donations can also be submitted online HERE.

There's just a little over a month until one of the biggest events of the summer in Coffeyville.

The 9^th Annual Coffeyville Summer Celebration is all day Saturday, July 12^th, at Walter Johnson Park. Event Organizer Gail Smith says events get started early that morning.  Smith says this is growing into more than just a Coffeyville event.

Smith says they currently have 88 vendors signed up to participate in the Summer Celebration. Anyone interested in setting up as a vendor can call Smith at (620)252-8688 or Mike Bradley at (620)988-0038. There is no charge for setting up as a vendor.

A suspect in a burglary is arrested and a large amount of illegal drugs are seized after an investigation by the Parsons Police Department.

On Monday, a PPD officer responded to a report of an aggravated burglary in the 2700 block of Grand. The homeowner reported that the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Eric Francis Matthews, unlawfully entered the residence and encountered the homeowner's 13-year-old son. Matthews allegedly exchanged words with the child, continued searching the home, and stole $80 in cash before fleeing the scene.

Yesterday, detectives conducted surveillance on a residence in the 2500 block of Broadway where Matthews was believed to be located. Detectives observed him exiting the residence. When officers approached Matthews to arrest him, he initially complied but then resisted. After a brief struggle, Matthews was taken into custody. A previously obtained search warrant for the residence on Broadway, related to an ongoing narcotics distribution investigation, was executed later that same day. During the search, detectives recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, multiple prescription pills, marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia, including smoking devices, digital scales, and packaging materials for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.

Video surveillance provided by the homeowner at the Grand residence confirmed Matthews' presence inside the home and corroborated the victim's account of the burglary. Matthews remains in custody pending formal charges by the Labette County Attorney's Office.

Coffeyville Community College releases it's honor roll for the 2025 Spring Semester.

There are four different categories on the honor roll those include President's 4.0 and 3.75 and Vice President's 4.0 and 3.4. Placement on the President’s Honor Roll requires a minimum of 14 hours of graded academic work with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher and no grade below a B. The Vice President’s Honor Roll requires a minimum of 12 hours of graded academic work with a grade point average of 3.4 or higher and no grade below a B.

There were 32 students from Coffeyville who made the honor roll including 17 on the President's 4.0. South Coffeyville has 11 students on the honor roll, Independence has 14, Caney 12 and Cherryvale has three.

A full list of Honor Roll students can be seen below.

PRESIDENT’S 4.0 HONOR ROLL

Alabama

• Fort Smith: Karys Washington

Florida

• Apopka: Taylor Cline

• Saint Augustine: Michael Wynn

Georgia

• Lawrenceville: Darryl Walton Jr

Illinois

• New Berlin: Noah Wilson

Indiana

• Evansville: Harlen Summers

Kansas

• Arkansas City: Blake Bucher

• Baxter Springs: Keaton Bales, Will Mann, Josiah McDonald, Noah Sparks

• Caney: Cassidy Comstock, Monya Elsheimer, Marayah Gulick

• Chetopa: Karla McCumber

• Coffeyville: Jimmy Bradshaw, Chiquisia Clemons, Evalen Crafton, Paxton Crawford, Heyi Gao, Isaac Gonzalez, Eli Hargis, Lindsey Hayden, Caleb Jackson, Haden Johnson, Michael McCullough, Triana Morris, Joseph Neuenschwander, Cody O'Connell, Melanie Rodriguez, Garrett Vannoster, Anna Washburn

• Columbus: Syler Schuberger

• Garnett: Garrison Martin

• Independence: Katie Alexander, Alexandrea Blattner, Ashley Hernandez Jimenez, Audrey Hoggatt, Elizabeth Kippenberger, Hannah Kippenberger, McKenna Mata, Maricsa Medrano, Chad Rincker, Lori Summer

• Junction City: Mariah Jeter-Parrott

• Marion: Jack Lanning

• Riverton: Jayden Hendry-Cain

• Topeka: Raya Eilert, Amari Sharpe

Kentucky

• Nicholasville: Haylee Hoffman

Missouri

• Lee’s Summit: Jamarcus Sessions

Oklahoma

• Bartlesville: Jennifer Hines

• Edmond: Garret Wilson

• Lenapah: Wyatt Hannah

• South Coffeyville: Lyndi Giesen, Nicholas Long, Mylissa McWhorter, Jessica Meyer

• Tuttle: Ty Chaddrick

• Vinita: Tierany Trail

• Yukon: Wyatt Pace

Texas

• Mansfield: Haden Arterburn

International

• Brazil: Bruna Carvalho Velozo de Melo, Atila Chagas, Julia Giuriatti, Fabrizio Kasperiski

• Costa Rica: Alejandro Sevilla Castillo

• Ghana: Bernita Baafi

• Japan: Konoha Isa, Shintaro Kawabata, Tsubasa Nakamura, Kaketo Sonoda, Kanata Takahashi

• Malaysia: Asheesh Nanua

• Portugal: Hugo Martins

• Serbia: Relja Nagulic, Konstantin Popovic

• South Africa: Christopher Barrows

• United Kingdom: Frank Saunders, Lucy Staines

PRESIDENT’S 3.75 HONOR ROLL

Florida

• Jacksonville: Darrian Mays

Kansas

• Caney: Libby Stapleton

• Cherryvale: Dylan Plumley

• Coffeyville: Brynn Balentine, Hannah Johnson, Isabelle Judd, Bode Stotts

• Columbus: Ross Jones

• Independence: Ana Esquivel

• Leawood: Christopher White

• Longton: Andy Lupton

• Sedan: Jeremiah Prince, Triston Wade

• Wichita: Hayden Dumcum, Ti'Nya Summers, Nathan Tajchman

Missouri

• Mount Vernon: Allison Schubert

• Neosho: Cesar Piedrasanta

Nebraska

• Grand Island: Ethan Foley

New Jersey

• Mays Landing: Royanah Farmer

Oklahoma

• Alva: Omar Ruiz

• Bartlesville: Tomas Ramos, Amber Ramsey, Kayley Ray

• Bixby: Connor Kirby

• Dewey: Kayah Weathers

• Enid: Cooper Jarnagin

• Sand Springs: Caleb Peek

• Shawnee: Presley Tully

• South Coffeyville: Kylie Conley

• Tulsa: Samuel Terilli

Virginia

• Madison Heights: Lawrence Brown Jr.

Washington

• Vancouver: Liam Cassidy

International

• Colombia: Daniel Arias Alvarez

• Kenya: Sosten Singoei

• United Kingdom: Katie Weir

VICE PRESIDENT’S 4.0 HONOR ROLL

Alabama

• Huntsville: Christian Burrus

Iowa

• West Des Moines: Jaxson Trine

Kansas

• Caldwell: Adley Mayo

• Caney: Ace Koester, Addison Regis

• Cherryvale: Kolbyn Hooper, Nicholas Valverde

• Coffeyville: Kinley Cook, Lauren Detar, Gracie Eden, Anna Elliott, Terry Gregory, Halle Hayes, Kaden Lemos, Wesliann McCartney, Melissa Ortiz, Kenedi Redden, Damaris Smith, Cory Turner, John Twitchell, Cane Wheeler, Robert Whittle, Rayna Witwer, Delilah Wright

• Columbus: Elizabeth Welch

• Edna: Nathaniel Lumley, Cutter Weil

• Hesston: Kori Kramer

• Independence: Shelby Hendrickson

• Liberty: Kari Bever, Paige Strimple

• Pittsburg: Easton Renn

• Wichita: Jack Martens

Oklahoma

• Barnsdall: Rebecca Ware

• Broken Arrow: Hallie Kitchen

• Collinsville: Lacey Keeling

• Lenapah: Ashtyn Thomas

• Pocasset: Brady Shackelford

• South Coffeyville: Hunter Fox

• Welch: Jessica Bates, Rachael Ehmke

Texas

• Whitewright: Emma Nelson

VICE PRESIDENT’S 3.4 HONOR ROLL

Alabama

• Demopolis: Jamaris Johnson

Florida

• Port Saint Lucie: Lunel Davids

Georgia

• Lithonia: Timothy Birt

Kansas

• Arkansas City: Hayden Lucas

• Baxter Springs: Ashton Slimp

• Caney: Kaelynn Brewer, Jackson Griffin, Isaiah Jennings, Haylee Osborn, Rachael Regis, Casey Wiswell

• Chetopa: Cassandra Heideman

• Coffeyville: Mersela Alonzo, Brayden Burki, Jeremiah Counsil, Jonathan Counsil, Landon Graham, Sydnie Lanning, Amelia Maulsby, Bryan McDaniel, Jacy Meyer, Peyton Pauzauskie, Manuel Strickland, Riley Wintjen

• Columbus: Hudson Asher

• Dearing: Anna Powers

• Edna: Kendall Green

• Elk City: Lexie Reed

• Garnett: Alexis Overstreet

• Hutchinson: Olivia Patterson, Rosie Jasso, Allison Leiker, Jasmine Reeves

• Liberty: Jayden Camp

• Neodesha: Caidi Beaubien

• Niotaze: Laci Ast, Kiersten Spencer

• Olathe: Yale Griffiths

• Oswego: Owen Jackson

• Parsons: Brandon Jones, Sadie Thompson

• Riverton: Josie Harper

• Wichita: Jaysha Herrera

Louisiana

• Baton Rouge: Germari Wyre

Maryland

• Cockeysville: Aaron Lippman

Missouri

• Lee’s Summit: McClure Armstrong, DeAndre Beasley, Roan McCarthy

• Saint Louis: Da'Shaun Anderson

• Springfield: Kaylee Henderson

Ohio

• Chesapeake: Daniel Ntambwe

Oklahoma

• Afton: James Wise

• Barnsdall: Kelley Hutton

• Broken Arrow: Julius McVay

• Enid: Dallas Goodpasture

• Henryetta: Winter Beaver

• Nowata: Travis Dick, Kathryn Roehrs-Claxton, Tiffany Stover

• Okmulgee: Jadyn Roberts

• Owasso: Emelia Shaw

• Sapulpa: Roderick Humphrey

• Skiatook: Jessica Kelly

• South Coffeyville: Marissa Chick, Kate Eveleigh, Emma Lemos, Delaney Pippin, Madison Rogers

• Tulsa: Calisse Papen

• Wann: Khaterinae Riel

Texas

• Anna: Ethan Valdez

• El Paso: Jalile Bost

• Victoria: Nicholas Alfaro

International

• Greece: Apostolos Paziotopoulos

• Spain: Rosa Forero Calabuig

• Dominican Republic: Rebeca Melo Salas

The Cherokee Nation has announced plans to take over operations of the Claremore Indian Hospital on October 1^st.

Part of the plans for the facility include a discontinuation of inpatient services. The Cherokee Nation says it will build a new $255 million outpatient facility with an emergency room. This will replace the current inpatient hospital that is currently under the operation of the Indian Health Service. It is the only federally run healthcare facility for Native Americans in the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Nation Health Services plans to offer current employees at the facility jobs with the Cherokee Nation. Layoffs are not planned for the facility.

The new outpatient facility is slated to open in 2027.

May tax revenues fall slightly for the state of Oklahoma.

That's the word from the Oklahoma Office of the State Treasurer. Tax revenues for May totaled $1.28 billion – a 36% decline from April. State Treasurer Todd Russ stated that the decrease is to be expected following tax season, but that the overall outlook for the Oklahoma economy remains strong. The May tax report shows that sales tax remains the largest single revenue source, indicating that household spending habits are steady. The gross production tax from oil and gas increased slightly by 2.1%, which is good news for the state's energy sector.

Like many U.S. states, Oklahoma is seeing flattening revenues as the economy cools in response to Federal Reserve interest rate policies and static inflation. However, Oklahoma remains well-positioned due to its balanced budget requirements and sector diversity.

To see the full May 2025 Tax Revenue Report, follow this link.

The Grand River Dam Authority is investigating a drowning in Adair County.

Authorities say a man has gone missing along the Illinois River near Talequah. G-R-D-A began searching the river in the area of the Chewey Bridge around 5pm yesterday evening. So far, no evidence of the missing man has been discovered.

Authorities have not released the identity of the missing man as the search for him continues.

The State of Oklahoma announces it will not seek the death penalty against Richard Glossip in a 1997 murder-for-hire case.

Glossip was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Oklahoma City motel owner Barry Van Treese. In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Glossip's request for a new trial, citing concerns about due process and newly uncovered evidence that had not been presented at the original trial.

State prosecutors have announced that they plan to move forward with a new trial for Glossip, but will no longer seek the death penalty should he be convicted.

A bond hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether Glossip will remain in state custody as he awaits his new trial.

The Neodesha City Commission will officially swear in a new city commissioner at today's regular meeting.

Ed Truelove will be sworn is as commissioner at today's meeting. Truelove was recently appointed to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Chris Jabben. Also on the agenda will be the presentation of the 2024 audit of the City's finances by a representative of C-P-A firm of Jared, Gilmore & Phillips.

Today's meeting begins at 2pm in the commission Room at City Hall. It is also available for online viewing via the City of Neodesha Facebook page.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight and discuss the appointment of individuals to multiple city boards.

On tonight's agenda, commissioners are expected to fill vacant seats on multiple city boards, including the Planning and Zoning Board, the City Rec Commission, and the Library Board. Commissioners will also consider an ordinance that would place a temporary moratorium on the Systems Development Charge or SDC. The SDC is a one-time fee for all housing units assessed at the customer's request for a water meter installation. The purpose of the moratorium is to create a more favorable environment to develop residential housing in the city.

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

 Despite the loss of grant funding, Caney USD-436 is looking to continue the ACES program for the 2025-2026 school year and into the summer of next year.

 A.C.E.S is a kindergarten through 6^th grade after school program that provides academic and relationship building skills after the normal school day. Students have the opportunity to work on homework and receive help from certified teachers, para-professionals, community volunteers and tutors.

 USD-436 Superintendent Blake Vargas says the program will happen in one form or another in the upcoming school year.

 The ACES program is in cooperation with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas. Vargas says the program goes beyond just child care.

School officials are currently working to secure grant funding for the ACES program, and expect to give an update on the status of the program during the July USD-436 board meeting.

 Summer heat is signified by busy city pools, and Live Healthy Montgomery County is helping families have some pool time this month with Free Swim Days.

 Emily Lewis of Live Healthy Montgomery County says parents are welcome to come as well.

 Free Swim Days begin tomorrow in Caney at the city pool from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by the Independence Free Swim Saturday at the Independence Aquatic Center from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Sunday, June 22^nd, the free swim will be held at the Coffeyville Aquatic Center, also from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

 For more information, check out the Live Healthy Montgomery County website or their Facebook page.

Summer projects continue at South Coffeyville Public School and the gym now has a new look.

After quite a bit of work and planning, the old wooden bleachers have been removed and new, modern bleachers have been installed. They feature red plastic seats and school staff plan to secure seat backs that can be rented out during games. There's more space between the rows and the capacity is still 300 people, which will allow the school to host tournaments. Improvements will continue across the school as new scoreboards are currently in the works after being approved last month.

The Democratic Governors Association releases a statement condemning the Trump Administration's use of the California National Guard and the U.S. Marines is response to the ongoing anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.

The letter calls the move ineffective and dangerous and an alarming abuse of power. The 22 Democrat governors who signed the statement said they stand with California Governor Gavin Newsom's stance that violence is unacceptable but that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without interference and intimidation by the federal government.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also signed onto the statement. Kelly serves as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

Here is the full text of the statement:

Statement from Democratic Governors on Donald Trump’s Use of California’s National Guard

DGA Chair Governor Laura Kelly, DGA Vice Chair Governor Andy Beshear, Governor Tony Evers, Governor Bob Ferguson, Governor Josh Green, Governor Maura Healey, Governor Katie Hobbs, Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Tina Kotek, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor Dan McKee, Governor Matt Meyer, Governor Janet Mills, Governor Wes Moore, Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Jared Polis, Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor Josh Stein, Governor Tim Walz, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement:

“President Trump’s move to deploy California’s National Guard is an alarming abuse of power. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guard and the federal government activating them in their own borders without consulting or working with a state’s governor is ineffective and dangerous.

“Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.

“It’s important we respect the executive authority of our country’s governors to manage their National Guards — and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation.”

A former Coffeyville City Commissioner is appointed to fill the commission seat left vacant by the resignation of Don Edwards. Vice Mayor Ann Marie Vannoster says they wanted to appoint someone with experience.

The commission voted unanimously to approve Pam Jones to fill the vacant seat. Jones last served on the commission in 2023 when she finished the term of former Commissioner Justin Doane, who resigned after moving to Oklahoma.

The commission approved Edwards' resignation as part of the consent agenda.

The 71^st Annual Ben Johnson Days starts this week in Pawhuska at the Osage County Fairgrounds.

After Thursday's Uncorked Party, festivities at the fairgrounds get underway starting at 9:00am on Friday. Ben Johnson Days Committee Chairman Cody Garnett says there is everything from trade shows to rodeos.

The John Israel Trade Show opens at 1:00pm on Friday and 10:00am on Saturday and the WRCA Ranch Rodeo starts at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Garnett says there are some big names at this year's event.

Garnett says there is something for everyone this weekend during Ben Johnson Days. Tickets can be purchased at the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum, The Buckin Flamingo, at the gate or online at benjohnsoncowboymuseum.com. More information can be found at the event's Facebook page. 

Authorities in Sedgwick County are looking for a suspect in a weekend break-in at a Mulvane veterinary clinic.

The burglary occurred sometime between 10:30pm and midnight on Sunday night at the Mulvane Animal Clinic located near 103^rd Street South and Rock Road. Video from a surveillance camera shows a young male suspect. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office says the suspect fled the scene on what appears to be an electric bicycle, headed north on Rock Road.

Anyone with information on the crime should contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.

A recently recaptured convicted murderer from Arkansas is transferred to a supermax prison.

56-year-old Grant Hardin escaped custody from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on May 25 and was recaptured about two miles from that facility on the afternoon of June 6. Hardin was serving sentences for convictions of first-degree murder and rape when he walked out of the Calico Rock prison wearing a makeshift prison employee disguise.

After being recaptured over the weekend by the U.S. Border Patrol, Hardin was transferred to the Varner SuperMax facility in Gould, Arkansas, where he will be housed moving forward.

The Independence Children's Summer Theater kicks off its season this weekend with a performance of Charlotte's Web.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Parent Volunteer Jennifer Lasater says all the proceeds go right back into funding the theater group.

Show times for Charlotte's Web are 7pm on Friday and Saturday with a Sunday afternoon 2pm matinee. All performances take place in the William Inge Theater on the Independence Community College Campus.

Photo: cast of Charlotte's Web

A Copan is charged with multiple crimes stemming from a domestic incident from November 2024.

47-year-old Steven Long faces charges of domestic assault and battery by strangulation, domestic abuse by assault and battery and malicious injury to property as a result of an incident that occurred at a residence on November 16. On that date Long is accused of being involved in a physical altercation in which he kicked and strangled the victim. An arrest warrant in the case was issued for Long in December.

Long posted bond and will appear in court again on June 13.

A Tulsa man is facing felony charges in Bartlesville after he allegedly stole a firearm.

18-year-old Imani Harper was charged yesterday in a Washington County courtroom with second-degree robbery and possession of a firearm after deliquent adjudication.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, on Saturday, Harper allegedly stole the gun from a victim at Washington Park Mall in Bartlesville. When confronted by police, he allegedly claimed that he had given the stolen gun to another person.

Harper will make another court appearance on June 13. His bond is set at $50,000.

***** Update 6:44 *****

169 is now fully open to traffic.

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

An early morning traffic accident on US-169 at the US-160 junction is affecting traffic in the area.

Preliminary reports indicate a semi truck accident occurred around 5am in the northbound lanes of US-169 just south of Cherryvale. Law enforcement is on the scene and northbound traffic is being re-routed through Liberty.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible by finding a different route or be prepared for delays.

The Coffeyville City Commission meets tonight for the first time since Commissioner Don Edwards resigned.

Recently added to the agenda is accepting Edwards' letter of resignation in addition to the discussion to fill his vacancy on the commission.

Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker says the commissioners will need to vote on someone to fill Edwards' remaining six-month term.

The last time a commissioner resigned, the commission took applications before appointing someone to finish the term. Edwards' term is set to expire before the first meeting of January 2026, so whoever is appointed will finish that term.

The agenda for tonight meeting includes a presentation from the Montgomery County Action Council, a resolution for demolition of 11 structures in town and a couple of resolutions for construction contracts. There is also an executive session for attorney client privilege.

The meeting starts at 6:30pm in the Commission Room at City Hall and can be viewed online at the City's YouTube channel.

A bond issue will be before South Coffeyville Voters in August for repairs at the school.

At last night's meeting, the South Coffeyville School Board approved a $1.2 million bond issue to go before voters in August. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says this bond will address some needed repairs.

If passed, the average property with a home value of $68,000 will see a monthly increase of $5.75 in taxes. The special election will be held on August 12^th and requires a 60% majority to pass.

In other business, the board hired Hali Titus as the new high school secretary. After the meeting, some board members were shown some classroom issues that could be corrected with money from the bond.

***UPDATED at 8:00 am****

Crews from Independence Fire and EMS along with Dearing Fire, responded to a structure fire early this morning at the corner of 18th and Myrtle in Independence.

The initial reports came in around 4:15 this morning. Fire crews arrived on the scene to find a garage fully engulfed in flames and extending to a vehicle parked near the structure. Firefighters pulled two hose lines and had the blaze under control in about 15 minutes. Reports indicate that one dog perished in the fire, but there were no injuries to residents or firefighters.
 

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by Independence Fire/EMS and the Independence Police Department.

Photos Courtesy Independence Fire/EMS

ORIGINAL STORY:

Crews from Independence Fire and EMS along with Dearing Fire responded to a fire early this morning at the corner of 18^th and Myrtle in Independence.

The initial reports came in around 4:15 this morning. Witnesses at the scene report a structure fully engulfed in flames. There are currently no reports as to the amount of damage or if any injuries were involved.

This is a breaking news story, and KGGF will provide more details as they become available.

Photo by Stephen Durant Price

What to do with the pool? That is the question for the USD 445 Board of Education. Assistant Superintendent Michael Speer says the board has two decisions to make with three different options.

The estimates to fix the facility are around $2.2 to $2.4 million and the rough estimate for just demolition would be around $1 million.  There was no action taken by the board during this meeting a decision could be made at the July meeting. There will be a time for the public to speak during the July meeting.

After last week's storms, Nowata County declares there second disaster of the year.  Commissioner Troy Friddle says road improvement techniques have gotten better, which has improved road conditions despite heavy rainfall.

The first disaster declaration came after a round of severe weather at the end of April. In other business, the Nowata County Sheriff's Office expressed the need to hire a full-time investigator. Emergency Manager Laurie Summers says there are benefits in hiring a new one.

The commissioners also continued their discussion from last week on the new general fund budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, opened bids for road oil and awarded a bid for Redi Mix concrete.

The City of Miami joins Coffeyville as Grand River Dam Authority customers who have to raise electric utility rates.

The rate increase is due to a rise in the costs of producing electric power passed down by GRDA, who implemented an 11% increase for 2025 and will add another four point one percent increase in 2026. Miami Special Utility Authority electric utility rates have not been increased since 2021. MSUA customers will see an increase of 12% starting this month and a five percent increase starting in July 2026 and 2027.

The three-year rate plan means an MSUA residential customer using 1,000 kWh would see an increase this month of $9.96 and pay $136.75 for 1,000 kWh, and another increase of $10.06 in total on July 2026 and pay $146.81 per 1,000 kWh. The average MSUA residential customer uses 865 kWh and for that usage, the bill would go from the current amount of $111.46 to $120.37 in 2025, to $129.62 in 2026, and $136.10 in 2027.

The City of Coffeyville recently approved an increase of two percent starting next month, then five percent in January of 2026 and finally a seven percent increase in 2027 and 2028. A graph comparing utility rates in the area can be seen below. With the upcoming increase, Coffeyville ranks as the lowest price per 1,000 kWh.

The weather held off for the spectators at this year's Brian Knisley Memorial Demolition Derby over the weekend in Coffeyville, but the mud made for some interesting demo action.

Team Mayhem of Kyle Freeman, Allen Winters and Justin Stephen took first place in the full-size division, cashing in a $15,000 payday. Justin Stephen found himself in a dog fight late in the feature against eventual runner-up Nathan Sharp of Team Slayer and third-place finisher Jimmy Hadley of Team Tall Boys.

Team FSU earned a $6,000 payday and a BKM Compact title for Travis Beery, Chance Beery and Kooper Smith.

Kooper Smith was able to outlast Tracy Miller of Plum Crazy, and eventual third-place solo driver Anthony Smith of Pretty-in-Pink.

In the Bonestock division, Michael Coats collected $2,000, against eventual runner-up and first-time driver Lori Dixon. Rounding out the Bonestock solo podium was veteran Augustus Farthing.

Heston Kavanagh was named Full-Size Maddog along with his CGR teammates winning a $1,000 prize.

Compact Maddog went to Tyler Meats of Team NRO with another $1,000 prize as well.

In the Bonestock division, Tyler Vincent set the pace for the field before getting hung up late in the single heat.

The Knisley Family thanks all who attended and braved the mud for the event.

Photo: Brian Knisley Memorial Derby LLC

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reminds Kansans that it is currently fawning season in the state.

During this time of year, residents can expect to see newborn deer over the next several weeks. For those who might encounter a fawn in their yard or other location, it is important to know what to do and what not to do. Anyone finding a fawn should not touch it. It is completely normal for a newborn fawn to be found alone this time of year. Does will leave their newborn fawns alone for several hours per day, returning periodically to feed it.

Anyone who finds a fawn they believe is injured or that the mother is deceased should contact a game warden. It is illegal to take in a fawn and attempt to rehabilitate or raise it in Kansas.

Only certified wildlife rehabbers are permitted to work with injured or abandoned wild animals. To see a list of these providers in Kansas, see the onlineversion of this story at kggfradio.com

Montgomery County Commissioners hear updates from several county departments at this week's meeting.

County Environmental and Zoning Director Matt Debo appeared before the commission at today's meeting with some minor changes to the County Solid Waste Plan. The changes mainly involved changing names to reflect several personnel changes that occurred in the past year. Debo also says his department has been busy with inspections, though the recent rains have made things difficult.

Debo says his department has completed several site and soil inspections.

In other business, commissioners approved a request from Building Maintenance and Facilities Director Jeff Phelps to send an employee to receive HVAC certification that would allow that individual to work on small units. The request from Rural Fire to approve bids for the purchase of equipment was tabled until next Monday's meeting.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Toronto in Woodson County.

The advisory was issued due to possible contamination of the city's public water supply following a water line break. Customers of the City of Toronto public water supply should boil water for at least one minute prior to consumption or use bottled water instead. Dispose of ice cubes from trays or automatic ice makers and disinfect dishes and food preparation surfaces. Water is safe for bathing, but young children should be supervised to prevent accidental ingestion

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The USD 445 Coffeyville School Board will meet this afternoon.

The board is expected to approve purchases of reading curriculum packages for elementary and middle school classes as well as receiving the resignations of two Community Elementary teachers and two Field Kindley teachers. The board will also hear updates on the Field Kindley pool and natatorium.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm at the District Office. The public is invited to attend.

The USD 446 Independence School Board is set to meet tonight, with the topics of meal prices for the upcoming school year on the agenda.

Board members are expected to discuss meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year as well as classified and transportation handbooks. There will also be a continued discussion regarding the appointment of a new member to the Recreation Commission Board.

Other items of business include accepting the resignations of several district employees while approving the hiring of 15 new faculty and staff members, including 7 new teachers and coaches.

Tonight's meeting starts at 7pm in the library at Independence High School and is open to the public.

The USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer School board will meet tonight and continue its discussion of construction options for a new track at Logan Park.

Board members recently approved the construction of a new track for Cherryvale Jr/Sr High School and work on the project is expected to begin later this year. One decision the district has to make is the color of the track surface. Options include standard red, black, blue, or blue and gray. The last two options would be the school colors. However, those choices will be more expensive. A lengthy discussion is expected before a decision is made.

Also on tonight's agenda is the approval of the USD 447 Audit Contract for Fiscal year 2026.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7pm in the library at Cherryvale High School. The meeting is open to the public.

The four options for the color of the surface of the new track at Logan Park

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued public health advisories for several eastern Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Lakes placed under a warning include Gathering Pond in Geary County near Junction City. Also included in the warning are Atchison City Lake “#9 and Atchison State Fishing Lake in northeast Kansas. Frazier Lake in Grant County in the southwestern part of the state is also included.

K-D-H-E has placed several lakes under a watch advisory as well. These include Augusta Santa Fe Lake in Butler County and Marion Reservoir in Marion County.

Harmful algae blooms in water can look like foam, scum or paint floating in the water and may be colored blue, bright green, brown, or red. Toxins produced by the blooms can be ingested, inhaled, or even absorbed through the skin. Contact with water in hazard areas should be avoided until advisory is lifted by the K-D-H-E

An Oklahoma man is dead after slipping into the waters of Keystone Lake west of Tulsa on Friday night.

Troopers from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol say  58-year-old Ian Galloway of Edmond stepped off the back of a boat or dock just before midnight on Friday and fell into the water. Witnesses report that the man never resurfaced. Galloway was not wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A fight that occurred at an apartment complex in Hutchinson late last week leads to an arrest for attempted murder.

Officers from the Hutchinson Police Department responded last Thursday to reports of a domestic disturbance at the Clusters Apartments. When they arrived on scene, police discovered that an altercation had occurred between two men, leaving one of them injured. The second man had fled the scene. The victim was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment for a wound on his hand.

Police later located and arrested the second man, who has been identified as 36-year-old Albert Hon Jr. of Hutchinson. He has been booked into jail on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, domestic violence-strangulation, domestic battery and criminal restraint.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

The Labette County Sheriff's Office releases the data from its Memorial Day Click-It-or-Ticket campaign.

The campaign ran from May 18 through June 1, covering the Memorial Day Weekend and focused on unrestrained drivers. L-C-S-O reports 131 vehicle stops during that time that resulted in 43 seat belt citations and 2 child restraint citations. The Sheriff’s Office also issued 14 speeding citations along with another 20 citations for various other traffic infractions, including 3 DUI arrests.

Labette County Undersheriff Greg Haraughty stated that he hopes those who were stopped and cited learned from the experience and will refrain from unsafe driving behavior to make all roads safer for Kansas drivers.