A Parsons man is arrested on sexual assault charges.

The Parsons Police Department received a report from a female victim saying that she had been sexually assaulted. Two search warrants were issued, the first authorized the search of the identified suspect, Kenneth Akkerman's, residence, while the second allowed for the collection of DNA evidence from Akkerman. PPD officers executed the first search warrant and collected evidence from the residence.

Akkerman was transported to PPD, where he agreed to an interview and was taken into custody on allegations of rape. Later that evening, the second search warrant was executed, authorizing the collection of DNA samples from Akkerman. The case remains under active investigation. Akerman remains in custody and his bond was set at $1,000,000 in this case for two counts of rape and one count of aggravated criminal sodomy.

Akkerman has a long history of criminal activity and is a registered sex offender stemming from a 2007 conviction in Montgomery County for electronic solicitation of a child. He was also convicted in Labette County in 2021 for aggravated battery.

The sound of the countdown to the Sunken Garden Fountain at Pfister Park being turned back on during the grand reopening.

Coffeyville Mayor Deborah Maples says the original idea for the fountain was presented to the city commission on December 11^th, 1934.  Maples says 90 years later they honor and celebrate the grand reopening of this historic fountain.

Also speaking during the ceremony was Representative Ron Bryce and Theta Theta Sorority's Lisa Brookover. Over 75 people attended the grand reopening.

It's Labor Day weekend, and many Americans will be hitting the road today for some holiday travel.

Shawn Steward with Triple-A Kansas says one of the ways to avoid some extra stress is to avoid peak travel times.

Steward adds that drivers need to pay extra attention to construction zones.

Nearly 148 million Americans will be on the road this weekend, so if you're traveling, make sure to buckle up so that everyone has a safe holiday trip.

A new ruling from the Kansas City Immigration Court says that illegal immigrants detained in Kansas are no longer eligible to be released on bond.

All three immigration judges in Kansas City have agreed to apply the policy announced by the federal government in July. The policy means that individuals who crossed into the United States illegally must remain in custody until their cases are decided by an immigration judge, regardless of the severity of the offense.

Part of the reasoning behind the ruling has to do with what is referred to as “catch and release.” One study by the Center for Immigration Studies reports that 43% of all aliens released before trial failed to appear.

Under the new ruling, detainees must remain in custody until their cases can be heard.

The Kansas Attorney General's Office fines the City of Haysville for violating the Kansas Open Records Act.

The State AG's Office investigated the Haysville City Council after a citizen requested copies of a set of photographs and city employees declined to release them. The photos were then used in court as part of a jury trial. The attorney general's office determined that a $250 fine was appropriate to remind city officials of their obligations under the Kansas Open Records Act.

Known as KORA, the Kansas Open Records Act ensures the public has access to most records maintained by government agencies in the state. Signed into law in 1984, KORA promotes transparency by allowing individuals to request and obtain public records unless those records are specifically exempt for privacy, security, or legal reasons. A new state statute also details that any fees for such records must be tied to the actual cost of meeting the request.

Fire officials in the City of Derby say a Thursday evening house fire was started by an unusual source.

The culprit? A dog trying to eat some banana bread. The homeowners were not home at the time the fire started around 7pm last night. Investigators say the family dog was trying to get to a loaf of banana bread on top of the stove and accidentally turned on one of the stove's burners. The bread was wrapped in aluminum foil and caught fire, filling the house with smoke. There were no injuries, and no damage was done to the house, but the banana bread was completely burned.

There is no word as to whether or not the dog ate any of the bread.

Photo: Not the actual dog

A southwest Missouri city impeaches it mayor and removes him from office.

This week, the City of Carl Junction Board of Aldermen voted to remove Carl Junction Mayor Mike Moss from office. The vote came following several nights of an impeachment hearing to address complaints against Moss of workplace harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Several City employees gave testimony during the hearings, stating that the Mayor's behavior took a toll on their mental health, morale, and their ability to work. Moss' legal team maintained that the hearings were not about harassment, but were instead about removing an elected official from office.

A resolution was passed that immediately removed Moss from office. The office will remain vacant until the Board of Aldermen appoints a replacement. A special election will be held in April to find a permanent replacement for the Mayor.

The Independence City Commission gives its approval to several Public Works initiatives at this week's meeting.

City Engineer John Garris requested Commissioner approval for two projects involving the City's water infrastructure. The first was for routine maintenance of the Laurel Street Water Tower. Garris says the preventative maintenance costs the City less in the long run.

Commissioners also approved $42,000 to replace a pump at the city water plant. Garris says that, while it is not an emergency, the replacement is needed to keep the water flowing.

In other Public Works announcements at last night's meeting, Garris reported that repairs to an air conditioning unit at Memorial Hall would cost $4,000 instead of the projected $48,000 replacement cost.

Two people are injured following an accident near the intersection of US-400 and US-99 near Severy.

The accident happened just before 8 yesterday morning when a Freightliner box truck collided with a Ford Transit van while making a turn off of US-400. The Freightliner struck the van on the driver's side of the vehicle. Of the seven people who were in the van, two were seriously injured. Those individuals have been identified as 46-year-old Amparo Puentes and 23-year-old Marian Sandoval, both of Wichita. Both women were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. A 17-year-old male passenger in the van also received minor injuries in the accident.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will host a series of town hall-style meetings this fall in order to gather public input on proposed fee increases at Kansas State Parks

The five events will take place in various locations throughout the state from September 3 through December 3. The meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Among changes under consideration by Wilfelife and Parks is an increase for overnight camping permits from $9 to $15 and an increase for the State Park Passport from $15 to $30. The state agency is also considering the elimination of the Annual State Park Camping Permit.

KDWP State Parks Director Conner O'Flanigan cites a nearly 45% increase in utility and operational costs for the parks system since 2016 as the reason for the possible fee increases.

Meetings will be held in El Dorado, Dodge City, Hays, and Manhattan. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3, at the Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range in Paola. Fees remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments will require a vote of approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

Proposed Fee Changes:

• Camping Permits
  • Eliminate the Annual State Park Camping Permit, which has become unsustainable due to rising operational costs and significant revenue loss.
  • Increase overnight camping rates:
    • Overnight Camping Permit from $9 to $15
    • One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11
    • Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13
    • Three-Utility Site Fee from $12 to $15.
  • Increase the 14-Night State Park Camping Permit from $110 to $165, maintaining the discount equal to three nights off the standard daily camping rate.
  • Streamline the Seasonal Camping Program into a single statewide tier, offering a $100 discount based on the utility site type:
    • One Utility Site Fee of $680
    • Two Utility Site Fee of $740
    • Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
• Vehicle Permits
  • Increase the Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $25 to $40.
  • Adjust the State Park Passport (available with vehicle registration) from $15 to $30 (maintaining the $10 discount).
  • Increase the Senior/Disability Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $12.50 to $20.
  • Raise the Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $5 to $8.
  • Raise the Senior/Disability Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $2.50 to $4

Meeting Schedule:

• September 3 | 5:00 p.m.
  Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range
  26719 Toe Rd, Paola, KS 66071
• September 23 | 5:00 p.m.
  El Dorado State Park Shooting Range
  2980 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
• October 24 | 6:30 p.m.
  Mariah Hills Golf Course
  1800 Matt Down Ln, Dodge City, KS 67801
• November 3 | 7:00 p.m.
  Fort Hays State University Memorial Union 208 – Black and Gold Room (Second Floor)
  700 College Drive, Hays, KS 67601
• December 3 | 6:30 p.m.
  Flint Hills Discovery Center
  315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502

An Oklahoma state lawmaker pleads guilty to charges of domestic abuse and misdemeanor assault in Pawnee County.

State representative Ty Burns received a one-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to three misdemeanor charges involving family members that occurred on two different occasions. The 46-year-old Burns has taken full responsibility for his actions and is currently undergoing treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As part of his sentence, Burns will be required to complete a Batterers Intervention Program.

Burns plans to continue serving in the Oklahoma State House but says he will step down from his position as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee.

Burns has represented House District 35 since 2018.

An Independence man faces multiple charges following an incident earlier this week.

Just after 10 on Wednesday morning, officers from the Independence Police Department were dispatched to the 1600 block of North 10^th Street. Upon arrival, they found evidence of criminal damage. An investigation led to the arrest of a suspect in the case, identified as 43-year-old Derek Patton. Patton was taken into custody and faces charges of criminal damage, assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, and interference with a law enforcement officer.

He is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail in Independence.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are launching a new campaign aimed at increasing seat belt use across the state.

The state's Never Skip the Click campaign is about turning the small act of buckling up into a habit. Oklahoma ranks 44^th in the nation in the use of seat belts and falls well below the national average of 91% usage among drivers and passengers. Males aged 16 and older are especially at risk because seat belt usage in that demographic group is around 77%. Statistics show that nearly half of all fatal crashes involve someone who was not wearing a seat belt.

ODOT, OTA, and law enforcement agencies across the State of Oklahoma remind all travelers to buckle up this holiday weekend and to protect themselves and their loved ones on every single car trip.

For more information and statistics on seat belt use, go here.

Today is the deadline to get on some city maps for the Kan-Okla 100 Mile Highway sale.

If you want to be included on the map produced by the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce, stop by today before 5 p.m. to purchase your garage sale permit for $5 and get on the map. In Independence, today is the deadline to get your garage sale permit for free.

This year’s sale will run from Thursday, September 11th, through Saturday, September 13th and runs through several towns in Kansas and Oklahoma, from Independence to Bartlesville, with group sites planned in Dewey, Caney, Bartlesville and Copan. Sales can always be listed during Open Line for free.

A few flood warnings continue this afternoon after heavy rains fell across the four-state area.  Here's a summary of area rain gauges:

Coffeyville KGGF Studios: 4.56”

Independence: 2.15”

Cherryvale: 1.09”

Sedan: 0.73”

Howard: 1.86”

Parsons: 0.77”

Cherokee: 0.69”

Nowata: 3.06”

Copan: 1.96”

Bartlesville: 0.99”

Foraker: 1.19”

Vinita: 4.81”

Miami: 1.25”

Neosho: 1.11”

Anderson: 0.68”

Bella Vista: 1.68”

Decatur: 0.71”

Public Works will be on the agenda at tonight's Independence City Commission meeting.

The department is expected to request the purchase of a new diesel engine replacement for a pump at the City Water Treatment Plant. The engine for the pump failed on August 3, and approval was given to replace it at the August 14^th commission meeting. Commissioners are expected to approve the request for just over $42,000 to replace the engine.

An additional request will be made for $238,000 for a maintenance project on the Laurel Street water tower.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the City's website.

The City of Miami approves a settlement with the Grand River Dam Authority over ongoing flooding issues that occurred in 2007.

At this week's meeting, the Miami City Council approved a $10.5 million settlement with G-R-D-A over the floods that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the city and Ottawa County. Miami Mayor Bless Parker says the settlement was a win for those damaged by the floods.
 

The City claimed G-R-D-A's Pensacola Project caused the flooding and the damage to property. This case was the first to be settled in the dispute. The Cty of Miami is still involved in federal litigation over G-R-D-A's relicensing. Parker says, in the aftermath of the lawsuits, the flooding situation has improved.

The settlement funds will be divided between the injured parties in the case, with about a third of the total going to attorneys' fees.

Firefighters in Baxter Springs respond to a structure fire at a vacant house.

The blaze occurred just before 5:30 Wednesday morning in the 500 block of West 8^th Street. Fire crews arrived to find the vacant house showing both smoke and flames. After determining that no one was inside the house, crews began work to extinguish the fire. Authorities say the fire appeared to be mostly confined to the attic. The house had been recently condemned by the City and was set to be demolished. When the fire was out, crews from Baxter Public Works began the process of demolishing the house.

No injuries were reported.

Roads were closed in Parsons yesterday after a vehicle crashed into a fuel pump at a city gas station.

The accident occurred at the Pete's location at 32nd and Main Streets. Roadways and entrances to the convenience store were closed while emergency crews responded to the accident that caused a fuel spill in the area. The Parsons Fire Department and the Labette County Sheriff's Office responded quickly to the scene, and the threat was quickly neutralized, allowing the store and the nearby streets to reopen.

No injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy Parsons Police Department

The Neodesha City Commission approves a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for 2026.

The approved budget will increase the mils from 61.34 to 65.64, an overall increase of about 4 mils. Several members of the Neodesha Fire Department were at the meeting to address issues of funding and staffing for Fire and EMS services. Mayor Devin Johnson says the City has functioned adequately with staffing at current levels.

During a lengthy public comment period, firefighters demanded answers from the commission. Commissioner Ed Truelove says, the commission just does not have those answers at this time.

City Manager Brogan Jones and Commissioner Duane Banzet have met previously with the Fire Department to discuss the issue. One firefighter asks why Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Truelove have not done the same.

The final vote was unanimous to approve the budget at the increased mil rate. Commissioners told the firefighters that a more complete discussion on department funding, scheduling, and staffing would occur in the coming weeks.

A Wann man is convicted of first-degree manslaughter in a 2023 DUI crash with a UTV.

37-year-old Jesse Thornton was convicted yesterday in a Washington County Courtroom for his role in the accident that killed 58-year-old Shelly Beaston on July 15, 2023. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Thornton had been drinking before driving the Ford F-150 that struck Beaston's UTV side-by-side head-on. Thornton was driving in the wrong lane of traffic when the accident occurred. Beaston's husband Mike, was also injured in the accident. Toxicology reports following the accident showed Thornton's Blood Alcohol Content was .11.

Thornton will face sentencing on October 17.

An 18-year-old Claremore man is dead following a high-speed motorcycle accident in Rogers County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Joseph Bethea was traveling westbound on East County Road 450, just north of Claremore, yesterday evening when he struck the back of a 2013 Nissan Quest driven by 33-year-old May Chang of Collinsville. Authorities say Bethea was traveling at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Chang was also injured in the accident.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Two Independence men are seriously injured in a crash on US-160.

The accident occurred around 11:15 Wednesday morning about two miles east of Independence.  A 2024 Chevy Trax driven by 45-year-old William Wullenschneider was stopped in traffic while attempting to make a left turn onto north County Road 4500. His vehicle was rear-ended by a 2017 Ford F-150 driven by 28-year-old Colbie Sanders of Parsons. Sanders received minor injuries and was taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Wullenschneider and his 52-year-old passenger Timothy Lefever were both seriously injured and were taken to Labette Health.

All involved were wearing seatbelts when the crash occurred.

Some electric customers are without power this morning due to ongoing storms.

According to Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power, customers in the Industrial Park area as well as customers near Casa Del Sol on the far west side of town are currently experiencing outages caused by overnight storms.

Linemen are in the field and working as safely and quickly as possible around the weather to restore power.

***** Update 6:28 a.m. *****

A flash flood warning has been issued for northeastern Chautauqua County and southern Montgomery County through 10:30.  This includes Coffeyville, Independence, Caney, Dearing, Elk City, Tyro, Havana, Boltaon, Independence Airport, Elk City Lake, Elk City State Park and Hale.

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

A flood warning is now in place for Chautauqua and Montgomery County through 2 p.m. today. At 5:33 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Up to 4 inches of rain has fallen overnight, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible this morning.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in the immediate KGGF listening area where minor flooding is forecast:

Verdigris River at Altoona affecting Wilson County.

Verdigris River at Independence affecting Montgomery and Wilson Counties.

Neosho River near Chanute affecting Neosho and Allen Counties.

Fall River at Fredonia affecting Wilson County.

Verdigris River near Lenapah affecting Nowata County.

A flash flood warning has also been issued for much of northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas through 9:30 this morning, including Nowata County and northern Washington County.

After a successful first Coffeyville Proud event, preparations begin for the second one.

Chamber President Candi Westbrook says they are looking for ideas for the next event.  Westbrook says they are also looking for volunteers.

Westbrook says the are currently working at finalizing the official date for the next Coffeyville Proud event in November.

Some of the animals at the Coffeyville Friends of Animals Shelter will get to take a trip outside the shelter.

CFA Board Chairman Becky Barnhart says they'll be at Tractor Supply next Saturday, September 6^th.  Barnhart says they had some adoptions the last time they did an event like this.

The CFA Shelter is open from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday, and 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Minor flooding is expected as The National Weather Service in Wichita KS has issued a Flood

Warning for the following rivers in the immediate KGGF listening area:

Verdigris River at Altoona affecting Wilson County.

Fall River at Fredonia affecting Wilson County.

Verdigris River at Independence affecting Montgomery and Wilson Counties.

Neosho River near Chanute affecting Neosho and Allen Counties.

Verdigris River near Lenapah affecting Nowata County.

The Verdigris River at Altoona is expected to crest at 19.6 feet, which is just above the flood stage of 19 feet.  Expect flooding of agricultural fields and the gravel road near the river bridge off of Highway 47.

In Independence, the Verdigris is expected to rise above flood stage of 30 feet Friday Morning and crest at 34.8 feet early Friday afternoon.  This should be below the point at 36 feet where some flooding of low-lying areas and bottom land can be expected.  The river should fall below flood stage late Friday evening.

Fall River at Fredonia is expected to rise above flood stage late tomorrow morning to a crest of 24.8 feet tomorrow evening, above flood stage of 17 feet.  Minor flooding is expected. It will then fall below flood stage Friday morning.

In Oklahoma, the Verdigris near Lenapah will reach flood stage of 30 feet with minor flooding expected.

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

The National Weather Service in Wichita KS has issued a Flood Warning for the Neosho River near Chanute affecting Neosho and Allen Counties.

The warning will be in effect from tomorrow evening to Friday evening.  The river is expected to rise above flood stage late tomorrow evening to a crest of 23.8 feet early Friday morning. It will then fall below flood stage Friday morning.  Flood stage is 23 feet.  At flood stage, the right bank overflows and agricultural flooding can be expected.

As September nears, an annual tradition in Fall River will not be happening.

According to a statement from the Fall River Booster Club, the annual free barbecue that normally takes place on the third weekend in September will not take place anymore.

Organizers cite rising costs, decreasing donations and a lack of manpower as reasons why the event will not continue. The event has been hosted each year since 1965.

Old Settlers' Day is coming up in Elk City and event organizers are looking for donations of pies and cakes.

The baked goods will be part of the Pie Auction and Cakewalk. Proceeds from each go to support the annual two-day event that takes place at the Elk City baseball field. Organizers have also announced that there will be a refrigerator on site this year to allow them to accept cold pies, like cream and custard pies as well as meringue. Donations can be dropped off from September 4 through the 6^th. 

For more information, contact Holly McElwain for cake walk donation drop offs and Missy Brammell (Britain) for pie auction donation drop offs. All pies and baked goods should be dropped off between September 4th-6th, specifically Thursday evening, all day Friday, or Saturday by 4:30pm. You can also visit the Old Settler's Days Facebook page.

Old Settlers' Days in Elk City takes place September 5^th and 6^th.

A fifth Arkansas school district is added to a lawsuit filed in June that would block a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in public school classrooms.

The Conway School District, located northwest of Little Rock, has joined districts from Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, and Siloam Springs in opposition to the measure that went into effect on August 5. A decision from a U.S. District Judge issued on August 4 blocked the measure, calling it plainly unconstitutional. However, that ruling only affected schools in the original four northwest Arkansas districts. If the addition of the Conway district to the lawsuit is approved, any displays of the Ten Commandments currently displayed in district classrooms would be required to be taken down.

A Leavenworth man is found guilty of sexual battery after kissing a police officer on the neck during his arrest.

44-year-old Cleo Williams entered a no contest plea to the charge that stemmed from a December 2024 incident in which Williams was arrested after a domestic disturbance. During the arrest, Williams kissed the arresting officer's neck, leading to the charge.

Williams will be sentenced in a Leavenworth County courtroom on September 26.

The fallout over the recent multiple firings and resignations of police officers in the City of Okemah, OK, continues.

Residents turned up in force at this week's city council meeting in the small town located about 17 miles west of Henryetta to protest the firing of one of the City's police officers and the Chief of Police.

The issue began when Officer Trey Jordan responded to a call of two people trespassing. One of the suspects was an Okemah City Code Enforcement employee, who is also the sister of City Manager Kristy Lesly. Following the call, Officer Jordan was fired along with Jordan's wife, who served as an Okemah School Resource Officer. Police Chief Patrick Williams was also fired. Three other police officers then resigned. City Manager Lesly has stated that there were other complaints about Officer Jordan that led to his termination.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond has sent state agents to the city to help with law enforcement duties until more officers can be hired. The officers who were fired from their jobs have said they do plan to file a lawsuit against the city.

A Joplin man enters a plea of not guilty in connection to a non-fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred in June.

Gilberto Alejandro entered the not guilty plea to charges of second-degree assault on Tuesday. Alejandro turned himself in at the Carthage Police Department on June 1, telling officers that he was the driver of the black Ford F-150 that hit the victim, Derek Dailey in the incident. Alejandro told investigators that a verbal altercation occurred between the two men in a parking lot, during which Alejandro says he saw a handgun in the waistband of Dailey's pants. Alajandro left the area but later returned to find Dailey still at the scene. He claims Dailey reached toward his waist as Alajandro drove toward him, prompting him to swerve and strike Dailey before fleeing the area.

Dailey suffered multiple abrasions and lacerations in the incident.

Alejandro is expected back in court on November 3.

A police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department is killed in the line of duty.

26-year-old Officer Hunter Simoncic was killed early Tuesday morning while deploying stop sticks in response to a fleeing suspect. Authorities say the suspect drove toward Simoncic, struck him with his vehicle, then continued to flee. Simoncic was taken to KU Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Police have arrested 31-year-old Dennis Mitchell the 3^rd of Kansas City. He has been booked into the Wyandotte County Jail on multiple charges, including suspicion of first-degree murder and vehicular homicide.

Simoncic was a native of Galesburg in Neosho County and a graduate of Pittsburg State University. He is survived by his mother, father, and brother.

The City of Neodesha is expected to vote this afternoon to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for 2026.

The Neodesha City Commission will hold a public hearing at this afternoon's meeting to discuss the 2026 budget. The City is expected to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the coming year. One of the major issues of concern is the City's ability to fully fund the Neodesha Fire Department and EMS services. Commissioners have asked for public input on the budget.

Also on the agenda is the expected approval of an ordinance to issue bonds for the final phase of the water project. City officials are also expected to announce the receipt of a Community Development Block Grant for the Brown Hotel Development Project.

This afternoon's meeting begins at 4pm in the commission room at the Neodesha City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Human remains found along the Neosho River in 2023 are identified as those of a missing Erie man.

The Neosho County sheriff's Office announced on Monday that DNA testing has confirmed the remains to be those of 60-year-old Jay Shumate, who went missing in January 2016. An extensive search was made to find Shumate at that time, after his elderly mother was discovered sitting in a pickup truck outside a local business. The woman had been there for some time when she was discovered by law enforcement. She told officers that her son had left on foot and never returned.

Shumate's remains were discovered in February 2023 by individuals searching for deer antlers along the banks of the Neosho River. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation assisted on the case.

The cause of death remains unknown.

Two rounds of thunderstorms are likely through tomorrow, with a chance of heavy rainfall and flooding.

The first round of rain will be this afternoon and evening and will bring a lower risk of flooding. The second round will be late this evening through tomorrow morning, and will bring a better chance for widespread heavy rainfall and flooding. Isolated hail chances are also possible during the second round of rain.

Southeast Kansas and a portion of northeast Oklahoma now have at least an 80% chance of more than 2 inches of rain through tomorrow. Isolated rainfall between 5 and 6 inches is possible with these upcoming storms.

Coffeyville Community College introduces three new career and tech programs.

Vice President for Career & Technical Education Heather Pollet says they added HVAC, plumbing and power sports.  Pollet says the instructors for HVAC and Plumbing are from Coffeyville businesses.

With the addition of these programs, CCC now has 15 programs that are on the State of Kansas high demand occupation list.

The Kan Okla 100 Mile Highway Sale is coming up in a couple of weeks.

Coffeyville Tourism Director Wyatt Starnes says anyone wanting on the Coffeyville map should contact the Chamber.  The sale starts Thursday, September 11^th and will go until Saturday, September 13^th in towns in both Kansas and Oklahoma.

Drivers heading east out of Coffeyville will see a detour on Highway 169.

Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker says there was incident involving a semi and the railroad bridge going over the highway.  Brubaker says there is a detour in place.

Brubaker says the Coffeyville Police Department and Public Works Department responded to the scene and assisted the semi in getting unstuck from underneath the bridge.

The City of Coffeyville is working on changing and updating ordinances.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says they have a long list of ordinances that they are going to be looking at.  City Clerk Melissa Carter says any ordinance being updated or changed will also be updated on the City's website.

Brubaker says changes were made to a couple of ordinances during tonight's Coffeyville City Commission meeting and residents can expect to see more in the future.

Drivers heading east of Coffeyville could see delays and a detour around 11^th Street.

Coffeyville Public Works is asking drivers to avoid Highway 169 eastbound under the railroad trusses. A semi hauling an empty grain bin got stuck underneath the structure. The impact knocked the truss off its mounts. Crews will need to re-position it on the bridge and complete required safety protocols and the estimated time of repair is about one week. Traffic is being re-routed to 8^th and Patterson streets.

Subscribers to KGGF's text alerts were the first to find out about this incident. A link to sign up for text alerts can be found here.

 A special meeting of the USD-436 Caney school board leads to an update on the current structure and stability of the football stadium.

 A presentation by Dudley Williams and Associates Vice President Jon Lucas focused on preliminary factors that could tell how much deterioration has taken place since the latest repairs were made.

 Lucas says the structure itself seems to be able to handle the upcoming football season, but water and drainage issues are causing the structure to weaken. He says major repairs need to happen sooner than later, if the stadium remains in operation, but also states that major updates need to be made for ADA accessibility.

 Caney Superintendent Blake Vargas, who was not given any information before the special meeting, says he is pleased with the in-depth information.

 Vargas says the difficult part of the project will be balance of history and safety.

 The discussion about the findings on the stadium, as well as the 2026 budget are on the agenda at next month's meeting, set for Monday, September 8^th at 6:00 p.m. At the Board of Education Office, 700 East Bullpup Boulevard in Caney.

Labor Day weekend is coming up, and with it comes a busy travel weekend.

More than 148 million Americans are planning to travel this weekend, with many of them planning just a short trip to the lake or beach or to visit friends and family. Shawn Steward with Triple-A Kansas says, no matter the length of the trip you're planning, make sure your vehicle is ready to go.

Even if you can't get your car into the shop for a check-up, Steward says to cover the basics before you begin your trip.

Steward says the best time to travel during the busy weekend during the mornings in order to avoid heavier traffic.

The suspect in a weekend hit-and-run accident in Garden City is arrested following a brief scuffle with police.

Authorities say 22-year-old Jorge Cardenas was arrested around 10:30 on Saturday night. He was located by officers from the Garden City Police Department after being identified as the driver of a pick-up truck that struck a tree and then fled the scene on foot. When he was approached by officers, officers say Cardenas became combative and struck several officers before being taken into custody.

He was booked into the Finney County Jail in Garden City where he faces multiple charges, including battery, assault, transporting an open container, and duty to report an accident.

No officers were injured during the arrest.

Radio transmission towers and courthouse improvements are topics of discussion at this week's Nowata County Commission meeting.

New Alluwe Fire Chief Tommy Gibson spoke at the meeting. He told commissioners that the communications tower at Oklahoma Union is now live and operational. However, other county towers may be in need of repairs. Commissioner Brandon Wesson says the tower in Wann has some leaks.

In other business, commissioners discussed ongoing courthouse improvements and received an estimate of just over $8,000 from Oklahoma Roofing and Sheet Metal, based out of Oklahoma City. The board also discussed replacing air filters in the courthouse.

The Nowata County Commissioners will meet again next Tuesday, September 2. They also announced that the Nowata County Courthouse will be closed next Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

The courthouse annex project in Osage County is seeing delays.

That was the word at this week's Osage County Commission meeting in Pawhuska. Commission Chair Charlie Cartwright told his colleagues that delays to the project are happening because of change orders. These delays are, in turn, resulting in a shortened timeline to move county offices to their new locations. Project Manager Dalton Higgins says the process has been something like musical chairs.

The current plan includes moving the county treasurer's office by October 29. Higgins says that date tightens the timetable for his office because work will continue there starting in November.

Higgins added that his team is willing to do whatever is needed to meet that schedule. Commissioners also decided that any further change orders on the project will require commission approval.

College campuses at Kansas State University in Manhattan and the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville are both victims of “swatting” incidents on the first day of classes.

The campuses of both schools were briefly locked down yesterday after 9-1-1 dispatchers in Manhattan and Fayetteville received reports of active shooters. The K-State incident was reported at Hale Library, while the U of A incident was reported at that school's David W. Mullins Library.

In both instances, officers responded to the campus and found no indication of violence or threats to students' safety. Both reports were determined to be hoaxes. The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as the act of placing false calls to emergency responders, often reporting a false and severe ongoing crisis at a specific location. The goal of swatting is to provoke a significant law enforcement response, creating chaos and potentially resulting in violence.

Similar hoax reports were made at other major universities in the previous days.

While classes continued as normal at Kansas State following the incident, officials at U of A canceled classes for the remained of yesterday, with normal operations resuming today.

Independence High School is ranked as one of the top twenty high schools in the State of Kansas by U.S. News and World Report.

The national magazine rankings include data on more than 24,000 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The schools were ranked based on six factors, including graduation rates, proficiencies in basic skills, and college readiness.

IHS is listed as 3,284^th overall with an 87% graduation rank. Other area schools in the top 100 in Kansas are Chanute at #38, West Elk in Howard at #45, Caney at #69, and Baxter Springs at #77. Five of the top 10 schools in the state are in the Overland Park/Blue Valley school district.

To see the full list and rankings, go here.

As Montgomery County continues efforts to complete its 2026 budget, taxpayers are feeling the burden of property taxes.

At this week’s county commissioner meeting, one citizen addressed the issue with the commissioners. The man noted that the recent publishing of unpaid property taxes in Montgomery County listed nearly 4,000 parcels owing more than $3 million. The man says there is one word to describe the state of property taxes in Montgomery County: That word is oppressive.

Commissioner Robert Bever says there are a lot of reasons why people end up on that list, including that some people simply forget to pay. The county must also balance the services it provides with the taxes it takes in. He says not all of the county’s expenditures are optional.

A recent move by the State Legislature to eliminate property taxes on watercraft, ATVs, and trailers has removed another $350,000 from county coffers. Bever says it’s left the commission looking for more ways to cut the budget.

[The man says he and other taxpayers realize the county is in a difficult situation.

No action was taken regarding the budget or property taxes at this week's meeting as commissioners continue to work through the budget process. In other business, a bid was approved to purchase pipe for the repair of the intersection of South Buckeye Street and James School Road south of Coffeyville.

A Bartlesville man faces multiple felony charges following an August 22^nd incident.

37-year-old Ruben Morris was charged on Monday with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to perform an act of violence after two or more felony convictions. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Morris allegedly attempted to run over the victim and the victim’s children with his vehicle near Jane Phillips Medical Center on August 22^nd. The victims in the case also claim Morris made threats involving a weapon.

Morris' next court appearance is set for September 5^th. His bond is set at $500,000.

This Friday, the City of Coffeyville will host the grand reopening of the historic fountain at Pfister Park.

The fountain, which is also known as the Sunken Garden Fountain, was originally built in 1935 as part of a Works Progress Administration or WPA project. The Coffeyville landmark has been carefully restored over the summer months in order to preserve its beauty and to provide a lasting legacy for future generations of Coffeyville citizens.

In order to honor this part of Coffeyville history, the City will hold a Grand Reopening and Ribbon-Cutting ceremony this Friday. The public is invited to attend the celebration that will feature comments from Coffeyville Mayor Deborah Maples, State Representative Dr. Ron Bryce, and Park Advisory Board member Lisa Brookover.

Friday's ceremony begins at 11am at Pfister Park.

Independence Community College announces that the school has named a new Director of the William Inge Center for the Arts.

The college has chosen Ashley Hovell to lead the center named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Independence native William Inge. Hovell is an accomplished actor, director, and theater educator with more than a decade of experience in the performing arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance from the university of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts from Randolph College. She has performed in and directed productions at several theater companies across the country and has several film credits to her name.

Hovell called The William Inge Center for the Arts a cornerstone of both ICC and the Independence community, and that the center carries forward a legacy of one of America’s greatest playwrights

After a cool start to the week, rain will enter the forecast starting tomorrow.

Much of eastern Kansas has more than a 90% chance of at least 1 inch of rain, with Coffeyville seeing a 74% chance of more than 2 inches of rain. Showers are expected to start tomorrow morning.

Across the four states, there is about a 15% chance of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding Wednesday into Thursday, as multiple rounds of rain are expected.

A revamped gift shop and a surprise new ICEE flavor is coming.

Coffeyville Tourism Director Wyatt Starnes says they have spent the last several months refreshing their gift shop.  Starnes they have completely reworked the gift shop not just what's in it but the look of it as well.

Starnes says the new flavor will be hinted at in a post on the Visit Coffeyville Facebook page tomorrow. The new flavor will be available on Monday. The Chamber is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Coffeyville Community College holds its budget hearing during their Board of Trustees meeting.

Two residents spoke during the hearing asking the board if the budget could be lowered.  Resident Max Williams says he loves CCC but they are getting a little pricey. 

The board voted to approve the budget as published.

Genesis of Coffeyville celebrates the grand reopening of their food pantry.

Over the weekend, Genesis gave tours and celebrated the opening of their new warehouse and changes in how they are able to distribute food to those who need it. Director Linda Follet says they serve the Coffeyville, Dearing and Liberty areas.

Follet says there is no income requirements to come pick out groceries at Genesis.  Genesis is located at 1312 West 8^th Street in Coffeyville and is open 9:00am to 11:45am, Monday through Friday. Follet says they are always looking for volunteers to help out at the pantry.

Photo courtesy of Snap Wild Photography

 A special meeting is scheduled for tonight for the USD-436 Caney school board, with the football stadium being the topic of conversation.

 A feasibility study has been conducted to determine the state of the stadium's structure, and those results will be given tonight.

 Caney Superintendent Blake Vargas says no one from the district will have prior knowledge of any information given by the company doing the structural analysis, good or bad.

 The stone stadium was constructed with funds and labor provided by the Works Progress Administration in 1938. It was completed in 1939.

 The meeting will be tonight at 6:00 pm., at CV West, located behind Sonic on Highway 75 in Caney.

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo is in the books after another successful year.

With lots of people attending fair events and the carnival, odds are that some people may drop some important things. Coffeyville Chamber President Candy Westbrook says, if you think you lost something at the fair, the Chamber may have it.

For those who lost something at the fair, you can call the chamber at 620-251-2550 or stop by their offices at 807 South Walnut in Coffeyville.

A northwest Arkansas man is accused of killing his husband with a screwdriver after an argument about drugs.

39-year-old Gregory Whitt Jr. of Fort Smith was arrested late last week in connection to the first-degree murder of Kevin Whitt on August 21. Authorities say the incident occurred while the two men were camping in a wooded area southeast of Van Buren. Court documents indicate Gregory Whitt told investigators that he had killed the other man after an argument over drugs escalated into a physical fight.

Gregory Whitt Jr. is currently being held on a $1million bond.

Photo courtesy Crawford County, AR, Detention Center

One man is killed and two women are injured in a weekend car accident in Nowata County.

The crash occurred around 5:45pm Friday at the intersection of State Highway 10 and US-169 just east of Lenepah. 60-year-old Scott House of Delaware was westbound on Highway 10 when he failed to yield at a stop sign at the intersection. His vehicle was struck by 55-year-old Cindy Antle oc Coffeyville as she traveled south on US-169.

House was pronounced dead at the scene. Antle and a passenger in her vehicle both suffered undisclosed injuries.

A small plane crash in north central Kansas kills one.

76-year-old David Kadel of Concordia was killed Sunday when his fixed-wing, single-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Concordia Airport. The small plane left the airport just after 7pm when a possible mechanical issue occurred. The plane then lost altitude and nose dived into the ground.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

A motorcyclist is dead after striking a guardrail on I-235 in Wichita.

51-year-old Jess Chavez was traveling on I-235 through the City of Wichita near West Street around 11:30 on Friday night. His Harley-Davidson motorcycle entered the median and struck a guardrail, throwing Chavez from the bike, causing his to impact another guardrail and a fence. The motorcycle continued driverless into the oncoming lanes of traffic before striking another fence.

Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a culvert replacement project in Cherokee County between Scammon and Columbus just after Labor Day.

Preparatory work on the project on K-7 at Star Valley Road will begin on September 2. Starting on September 15, K-7 will be closed at the intersection with Star Valley Road to repair drainage and improve traffic flow in the area. The $578,000 project will be conducted by Heck and Wickler, Inc. of Parsons and is expected to be completed by the end of September.

KDOT reminds drivers to stay alert and follow posted signage in this and all work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.

The Howard Chamber of Commerce is collecting items from area businesses to be included in the City’s “Welcome to Howard” bags.

Businesses in the Howard area that would like to contribute give-aways, promotional items, or business cards may drop them off at the Howard City Hall at 110 North Pine Street. The “Welcome to Howard” bags are given out to new residents when they set up utilities with the City. The City has partnered with the Elk County Community Foundation for the project.

The City of Independence Emergency Preparedness is asking those with storm shelter to register them with the city.

The City is updating its storm shelter registry to add new shelters to the list. This list will allow first responders to quickly locate those who might be inside a storm shelter in the event of a community emergency. Those with questions can contact the City of Independence Emergency Preparedness Director David Cowan at 620-332-2528 or davidc@independenceks.gov

A Friday night crash in rural Stafford County claims the life of a Hudson man.

33-year-old Adam Bellendir was killed Friday evening while traveling on Northeast 160th Road about 14 miles southeast of the City of Great Bend. Bellendir’s Ford Focus left the road to the right for an unknown reason before rolling multiple times. Bellendir was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The City of Coffeyville is making good progress on the restoration of the Pfister Park Fountain.

The historic fountain was originally built in 1937 and has undergone a significant amount of work over the past few months to bring it back to working order. Earlier this summer, crews were busy sandblasting the old paint away and removing grime from the fountain’s surface. Last week, crews sealed the fountain and applied a durable, bright blue epoxy paint, specially chosen to match the fountain’s original color.

Repairs continue at Pfister Park in hopes of having the fountain up and running soon.

The Neodesha City Commission will hold a special call meeting tonight to discuss the 2026 budget.

The meeting will focus on community engagement and the current issues with funding the City Fire and EMS Department. Citizens are encouraged to attend and make their opinions and concerns heard regarding spending and taxes for the upcoming year.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6pm at City Hall in Neodesha.

One woman is dead and two others are injured following an accident on US-400 just north of Fredonia.

The accident occurred around 2:30 Saturday afternoon at the intersection of US-400 and Harper Road. A 2014 Chevy Traverse driven by 82-year-old Shirley Martin of Buffalo was traveling southbound on Harper Road and failed to yield at the stop sign. Her vehicle was struck by a 2021 Jeep Wrangler driven by 36-year-old Brittany Sweet of Wichita. Martin suffered fatal injuries in the accident, while Sweet was seriously injured. A passenger in Sweet’s vehicle, 28-year-old Mariah Tucker of Belle Plaine, also sustained serious injuries. Both were taken via helicopter to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment. A third female in Sweet’s car was uninjured.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today to discuss the 2026 budget for the Rural Fire Department.

At today’s meeting, commissioners will hold a budget hearing concerning Montgomery County Rural Fire District No. 1. This will be the opportunity for taxpayers to voice any objections they might have to the way Rural Fire is spending its allotted money. Also at today’s meeting, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will be on hand to review bids for C-M-P pipe. Commissioners will also hear a quarterly report from Juvenile County Corrections.

Today’s meeting begins at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the County’s website.

The Kansas Senate president joins a crowded group of republican candidates for governor.

Senator Ty Masterson says what separates him from the other candidates is that he's closer to the people.  Masterson says he understands that the biggest issue facing Kansans is property taxes.

Masterson joins seven other candidates for Kansas Governor, including former Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Scott Schwab and State Insurance Commissioner Vicki Scmidt. The primary election is Tuesday, August 4^th, 2026.

The Coffeyville Water Department is honored by Atmos Energy.

Damage Prevention Manager Chris Fry says Atmos is giving the Water Department the Gold Safe Digging award.

This award is rare, with only two given out in the entire state of Kansas. Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker says he is proud of the Water Department for being recognized for this award.

A mobile home is destroyed in a weekend fire.

Sunday around 11:40 a.m., the Dearing Fire Department and Tyro Rural Fire were dispatched to a report of a structure fire on CR 2600 about three miles northwest of Dearing.  

Upon arrival, units found a mobile home on fire.  The fire was put out, but the structure is a total loss.  Some pets perished in the fire, although after live-saving measures, one pet was saved.  No other injuries were reported.

Coffeyville Fire and Independence Rural Fire also assisted on the scene in addition to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

The Parsons Police Department is teaming up with Labette Community College to create a new scholarship for students who plan to pursue careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, or civic leadership.

The Parsons Police Department has committed $5,000 to launch the endowment for the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship. The endowment will receive a 50% match from the LCC Foundation’s Hughes Matching Fund, increasing the initial principal balance to $7,500.

This fund marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by the Parsons Police Department’s Legacy Fund to strengthen the scholarship for future generations.

For more information about the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship or to contribute to the scholarship endowment, contact the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060 or LCC Foundation Executive Director, Lindi Forbes, at lindif@labette.edu or 620-820-1212.

Officials at Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence announce the passing of a beloved zoo animal.

Zoo officials say the zoo's red fox named Bubs passed away on Wednesday. Bubs was 14 years old and was experiencing advanced kidney failure. His prognosis was extremely poor and the decision was made to humanely euthanize the animal. Bubs had been living at the Independence Zoo since 2011.

Red foxes are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in a variety of habitats, and their diet consists of small animals, insects, and fruit. Foxes produce a skunk-like odor that they use to mark their territories. The average lifespan of a red fox in captivity is 10-15 years old.

The damaged spillway gate at the Dardanelle Lock and Dam in northwest Arkansas is finally closed.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says crews managed to close the malfunctioning gate around 9pm last night. The gate was opened for routine maintenance on Tuesday morning, but became stuck in the open position. Crews quickly went to work to fix the problem, which is thought to have been caused by friction, heat expansion, or mechanical binding.

The Dardanelle Dam sits across the Arkansas River, and the malfunctioning gate prompted officials to halt barge traffic above the dam until repairs can be completed. Downstream traffic has been diverted to the Mississippi.

The Corps of Engineers has also been working with the Southwestern Power Administration to manage water flows with hydropower generators to ensure an adequate water supply for Arkansas Nuclear One, the state's only nuclear power plant.

Until repairs are completed, all boat access ramps and boat docks on Lake Dardanelle will remain closed due to changing water levels.

The City of Sedan and the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter accept a use agreement between the two parties.

The agreement was reached at this week's Sedan City Council meeting and comes after nearly a year of back-and-forth between the two groups. The agreement will allow the City to help fund the Shelter while giving Sedan a place to house stray animals. As part of the agreement, the City will increase the amount of money it gives to the shelter by 5% each year through 2031. Council member Adam Clark says one of his concerns with the agreement was the City's ability to keep its financial promises to the Shelter.

In the event of future budgetary constraints, the City does have the option of terminating the agreement. Clark says that would be a measure taken only as a last resort.

Financial issues were a large part of the reason for the previous disagreements between the City and the Shelter. Council member Kathy Miller told the group she had attended the most recent meeting of the Shelter board and found their financial records open and in good order.

There will be a food distribution event on Wednesday in Parsons.

The Labette County Emergency Assistance Center will hold an Emergency Food Distribution Program event beginning at 9am on Wednesday. Items will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until 11am or until all boxes are gone. Guests will be asked to show an I.D. or a utility bill with a current address. There is a limit of one proxy per person, limit two per vehicle.

The event begins at 9am on Wednesday as 2301 Main Street in Parsons.

The City of Iola is getting tough with repeat nuisance offenders.

A city ordinance is set to be up for discussion by the Iola Council next week. The ordinance would strengthen compliance measures and give the City more authority when it comes to getting residents to clean up their yards. The measure would add a clause to the existing ordinance that would allow city workers to go onto a resident's property, clean up any debris, and then bill the property owner should the resident not comply with a court order to do the clean up themselves.

City officials say that fines alone are not enough to ensure compliance for some repeat offenders. If the property owner does not pay the bill for the clean-up, the ordinance would also place that debt on the property.

The ordinance will be up for a vote at the Council's next meeting in Iola.

A female inmate who escaped custody in Bartlesville earlier this week is back in custody.

22-year-old Kelsie Thomas was apprehended yesterday evening by Bartlesville Police around 5:15 near Virginia Avenue and Frank Phillips Boulevard.

Thomas had been on the run since the early morning hours of Sunday, August 17, when she fled from a transport vehicle outside the Washington County Detention Center following a medical visit. At the time of her escape, she was being held on both misdemeanor and felony charges.

She was taken into custody without incident and is scheduled to appear in Washington County District Court on Friday, August 22.

A deceased person is found in an abandoned building in Bartlesville. 

According to a release from the Bartlesville Police Department, BPD discovered an open door at an abandoned building in the 200 block of West Hensley Boulevard early yesterday morning.

Upon clearing the building, officers located a deceased individual inside. The body appeared to have been there for an undetermined period of time. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and will determine the cause of death.

The BPD says no foul play is suspected and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says the measles outbreak in southwest Kansas is officially over.

KDHE officials say two full incubation periods or 42 days, have passed since the last confirmed case was reported. The outbreak was first reported in March of this year with a total of 90 confirmed cases of the illness. KDHE says 89% of those cases occurred in children and more than 90% of those who contracted the illness were not vaccinated. A total of eight people were hospitalized over the course of the outbreak.

Since there is not an active outbreak in southwest Kansas, KDHE is no longer recommending the early measles, mumps and rubella vaccination dose for infants 6-11 months old. As the new school year begins, officials are urging parents to make sure their children are protected by ensuring their families are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

Two off-duty officers help rescue a man from the wreckage of a burning car accident along I-40 east of Sallisaw on Wednesday.

Assistant Police Chief for the City of Stigler John Vail and Oklahoma Corporation Commission Transportation Division Enforcement Officer Hayden Cantrell both happened upon the scene of a single-vehicle accident on Wednesday. The driver of the vehicle had been traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed through multiple trees in the median before coming to a stop. When Vail reached the vehicle, a fire had already begun in the engine. Vail tried and failed to remove the driver from the vehicle and retrieved a fire extinguisher when he was joined by Cantrell. Vail worked to douse the fire while Cantrell pulled the man from the burning vehicle, saving him from the blaze.

The victim was flown to a hospital for treatment for his injuries.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission says it will award the 23-year-old Cantrell with a special citation to formally recognize his courage at a future commission meeting.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation finds no criminal wrongdoing in the case of a Dodge City Community College athlete who collapsed during hot weather.

The 19-year-old female student is a member of the Dodge City Community College cross-country team and was discovered unconscious in a field near the school on August 7^th. The woman was unconscious when she was found and taken to a local hospital. She was then flown to a Wichita hospital to be treated for heat-related injuries.

The Ford County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the K-B-I on August 12 when aspects of the incident appeared suspicious. After an investigation, agents concluded that there was no evidence that a criminal act had occurred.

The student remains in serious condition at a Wichita hospital.

Genesis of Coffeyville is celebrating their grand reopening tomorrow.

Director Linda Follet says they're celebrating the expansion of the services they can now offer.  Follet says they have several activities planned during the event.

The event is from 10:00am to noon at 1312 West 8^th Street in Coffeyville.   

It has been a record breaking August for the Coffeyville Stockyards.  After breaking four barn records earlier this month, the stockyards just broke five more barn records and a U.S. record in their last sale.

Owner Tylen Layton says seeing the stockyard perform like it has means a lot to them.  Layton says prices for cattle are at an all time high.  Layton says any producers interested in selling their cattle through the Coffeyville Stockyards should reach out.

The U.S. record the Coffeyville Stockyards broke was 500 head at 700 pounds selling for $399.25 per hundredweight, setting a new U.S. record for 7-weights in a 100-head or larger group. The National Beef Wire says this will be a sale that will go down as one of the greatest in feeder cattle history.

USD 446 and the City of Independence met last night at Memorial Hall for a joint work session regarding the usage agreement of the Central Park Sports Complex.

The City is asking for the district to pay $70,000 per year for 15 years, with a reserve fund for replacement. The agreement would also give Independence schools priority use for home athletic events.

City Finance Director Lacey Lies says they determined the number by evaluating the football stadium agreement with ICC.

No action was taken regarding the usage agreement. USD 446 Vice President Marty Reichenberger says he feels the district deserves a facility they can be proud of.

The school board will continue discussing the usage agreement at the September board meeting.

Fire crews respond when alarms go off at Eisenhower Elementary in Independence.

Firefighters and police were on the scene quickly when alarms went off just after 8am this morning. Responding crews quickly determined that the alarms had gone off in error and that there was no fire in the school building that is home to students in kindergarten through second grade.

Students were in the building when the alarm sounded, but all children and staff were safely evacuated until given the all-clear by firefighters.

All students and staff are safe, and no injuries were reported.

Crews from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are at work in northwest Arkansas after a gate on a dam over the Arkansas River gets stuck open.

Officials say the gate at the Dardanelle Lock and Dam got stuck in the open position during routine maintenance on Tuesday morning. When workers tried to lower the gate, it would not move, and it has remained in the open position since that time. While crews from the Corps of Engineers continue efforts to close the gate, they are also working with the Southwestern Power Administration to manage flows with hydropower generators to ensure an adequate water supply for Arkansas Nuclear One near Russellville.

A spokesperson for the Corps of Engineers says public safety is their top priority. Navigation on the Arkansas River was temporarily closed while the repair effort is ongoing, but access will resume when repairs are complete.

The City of Independence is marking today as National Senior Citizens Day.

The day is set aside to honor and appreciate the contributions of older citizens. Mayor Scott Smith made the proclamation at the most recent Independence City commission meeting.

National Senior Citizens Day was established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. Independence Diversity Task Force Representative Kathy Shepard says the day recognizes the unique contributions made by older Americans.

National Senior Citizens Day helps create a more inclusive and supportive society for all ages.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office reveals the identity of a man killed on Tuesday after being struck by a car.

Authorities say 48-year-old George Shaw the Third was pronounced dead at the scene on a roadway north of Mulvane near the Kansas Turnpike. Shaw had stopped on the roadside and exited his vehicle in order to turn off the power to an irrigation pivot on the opposite side of the road. Police say Shaw then slipped and fell on the road, where he was then struck by a passing car. Witnesses to the accident say it was raining heavily at the time, and visibility was reduced.

The crash remains under investigation, but law enforcement does not believe impairment played a role in the crash

The City of Erie will lose its only grocery store at the end of this month when the current owner's lease expires.

The Erie Market has been operated by River Grocery for the past year, but recently notified staff that the store will close at the end of August, when the one-year lease is up. River Grocery took over operations of the store that was purchased by the City of Erie in 2020 in an attempt to maintain a local grocery store. The closure will leave Erie residents with few choices when it comes to groceries, with local options being the Dollar General store and a Pete's convenience store. The other option is to drive to Parsons or Chanute.

The City of Erie maintains ownership of the store but it is unclear what steps it may consider in light of the announcement.

A rollover crash on I-70 leaves one man dead and twelve others injured.

The single-vehicle accident occurred just after 8am yesterday, about 25 miles west of Topeka, when a 2022 Ford Transit van blew a rear tire. This caused the driver, 43-year-old Blake Franklin of Columbus, Ohio, to lose control of the vehicle. The van then entered the grass median of the interstate and overturned multiple times. 23-year-old Isaiah Adkins was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled and suffered fatal injuries as a result. Seven other occupants of the van suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in Topeka. Two were transported via helicopter.

All of the men in the vehicle are from Ohio. Several were not wearing seatbelts when the accident occurred.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the deaths of five dogs found shot and dumped near McTaggerts Dam in Liberty last month.

No suspects have been arrested or identified in the case since the bodies of the dogs were discovered on July 9. The Sheriff's Department says the office has received several tips in the case, but all have turned out to be unfounded.

A reward of $1900 is still being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 620-330-1000 or message the Sheriff's Office via their Facebook page.

Residents in Sedan will soon be seeing an increase in their water rates.

The City of Sedan has announced the increase due to a recent rate adjustment by the City's water supplier, Public Wholesale Water Supply District #20. P-W-W-S-D 20 has raised the cost of water purchases, which directly affects operating expenses for its municipal customers. City Treasurer Raven Darnall says the City has been losing money on water utilities for some time.

Prior to this increase, the City has been losing about $1,000 a month in water purchases. The new rates that the City Council has set at $5 on the minimum cost will help offset those losses. The new rates will be effective on September 20.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the City of Sedan at 620-725-3193.

Coffeyville residents are working hard on home improvement activities as property owners take advantage of several local grant programs.

The City of Coffeyville says several initiatives aimed at helping improve homes, revitalize the downtown area, and support new home buyers have been fully utilized as of the month of August. Those programs include the Paint the Town Program, Weatherization & Emergency Repair grants, Historic Downtown Revitalization Grants, and the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Program.

Oppotunities remain for housing and development opportunities, including New construction Programs for both Single and Multi-family housing and Developer Incentives. Community Development Officials also say more grant opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

To apply or to get more information, follow this link.

The Oklahoma Opiod Abatement Board awards grant funding to fight narcotics abuse in multiple communities across the state.

The funding includes $12.9 million to be shared by 31 Oklahoma cities and counties, including Delaware, Mayes, and Rogers Counties, as well as the City of Miami and the Talequah Hospital Authority.

Grant funding totaling $3.7 million will also be distributed to 16 Oklahoma School Districts, including Adair, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Moore, Ponca City, and Talequah.

The grants will fund treatment and recovery programs, mental health assistance, opioid abuse education and strategies to decrease the supply of narcotics across the state. Grant recipients are expected to implement their programs over the coming months, with the Abatement Board monitoring their progress and outcomes to ensure maximum impact in the fight against opioid abuse across Oklahoma.

Montgomery County crews are making good progress on the resurfacing of a major county road.

That was the word this week from County Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins. County Commission Chair Mike Cordray asked Beurskins about progress on the resurfacing project on County Road 3900 that runs through Dearing between Independence and Coffeyville. Beurskins says the contractor on the project has taken full advantage of the recent paving-friendly weather.

The project began on August 4 with plans to resurface the roadway from US-166 to the State Fishing Lake turn off, just south of Independence. Completion of the work appears to be on schedule.

An area hardware store chain is being sold. Olson’s Ace Hardware in Coffeyville and Parsons isz being sold to Kansas City Westlake Ace Hardware. Westlake announced the agreement to buy the area stores on Wednesday afternoon. and says the acquisition will be effective on November 2^nd.

Following the acquisition, the stores will be rebranded as Westlake Ace Hardware and remodeled later in 2026. The terms of the sale ensure a smooth transition, with the majority of current employees being retained and minimal disruption in day-to-day operations.

Charlie and Rosie Olson founded Olson’s Ace Hardware in 1956 in Parsons, Kan. Ben and Beth Ryan purchased the business in 2007. In 2019, Olson’s Ace added a second location in Coffeyville.

Westlake Ace has been part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959. From its headquarters in the Kansas City area, the company currently owns and operates more than 175 stores in 13 states. Westlake Ace is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ace Retail Holdings. A division of Ace Hardware Corporation, Ace Retail Holdings currently owns and operates more than 250 Ace hardware stores nationwide..

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating an individual who may have stolen or assisted in the theft of an E-bike in north Tulsa.

The individual is a male and he was seen wearing a black shirt and jeans. Anyone with information regarding this case should call the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at (918)287-3131.

The Chanute Police Department has made three arrests in separate incidents over the past week.

Yesterday, officers responded to the 3300 block of Blue Comet Drive to serve an arrest warrant. Following a brief foot chase, police arrested 24-year-old Matric Scott, of Kincaid. Scott was taken into custody for the warrant along with several additional charges, including felony interference with a law enforcement officer, criminal use of a weapon involving a firearm, criminal carry of a weapon, criminal use of an explosive and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

In a separate case on Tuesday, Chanute Police arrested 21-year-old Dakota Pearson, of Chanute, following an investigation that began in March into allegations of sexual abuse. Pearson was booked on charges of rape of a victim less than 14, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

On Sunday, officers responded to the 600 block of West Beech Street for a domestic disturbance. Police arrested 46-year-old Jimmy Perguson of Chanute for domestic battery.

A Galena man is arrested in Cherokee County.

Monday, a warrant was issued for 45-year-old Teddy Bogle. He was taken into custody for the warrant and transported to the Cherokee County Jail where he was booked for aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

On August 7^th, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a case involving inappropriate relations between an adult and juvenile victim. Detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office immediately began investigating the crime and presented the case to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 429-3992.

The Fredonia City Commission will meet tonight to discuss sewer repair and dangerous intersections.

Commissioners will discuss the purchase of more than $5,000 of materials for the immediate repair of 250 feet of a main sewer line along Robinson Street. Police Chief David Decker will also be on hand to discuss safety options for several dangerous intersections in the city. The commission is also expected to approve several end-of-year events at the City swimming pool.

Commissioners will also review the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

A Mulvane man is dead after being struck by a vehicle after slipping and falling in a roadway yesterday afternoon.

The accident happened at an intersection just east of the Kansas Turnpike in southern Sedwick County around 3:45 yesterday afternoon. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash and says it appears the 48-year-old victim stopped his own vehicle on the road in order to shut off an irrigation system. The man slipped and fell in the street, but was struck by a vehicle when he tried to get up. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No names have yet been released.

Walmart is recalling some packages of frozen shrimp sold under the Great Value label after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns of the risk of radioactive contamination.

The Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp was sold at Walmart locations in several states including Oklahoma and Missouri. The product was important by an Indonesian Company and may be contaminated with a radioactive isotope known as Cesium-137. The element is produced by nuclear fission and is used in nuclear reactors and weapons as well as some medical devices.

The product should not be consumed and should be thrown away. Customers can contact the store where they purchased the product to receive a refund.

The lots are:

1. Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 

2. Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 

3. Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027. 

The FDA says no products have yet tested positive for the isotope, but that the agency issued the warning after a single shipment from the importer tested positive for the substance.

Representatives from USD 446 and the City of Independence will meet tonight in a special work session to discuss the school district's use of the baseball and softball fields at the Central Park Sports Complex.

At issue is a use agreement between the District and the City that would allow baseball and softball teams from Independence High School and Middle School to use the city-owned fields. The City has proposed a 15-year agreement that would charge USD 446 $70,000 a year and give the district priority use. The funds would help the City cover costs of maintenance and upkeep of the facility, and the agreement is similar to the USD 446-ICC agreement over the use of Shulthis Stadium.

The City is also offering to lower the yearly fee to $40,000 for the first ten years of the agreement in exchange for 33 acres of unplatted land near Jefferson School and another 22 acres of land outside the city limits.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6pm in the Civic Center at Memorial Hall.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is providing more details about a Monday afternoon crash that killed a worker for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and seriously injured another.

The accident occurred on I-44 near Miami around 1:15 Monday afternoon, when a semi truck veered off the roadway and struck an O-T-A pickup truck parked on the roadside. O-T-A worker 36-year-old Zachary Rinehart of Vinita, was working outside the truck, picking up debris along the roadside when the accident occurred. He was killed instantly in the crash, while 25-year-old Colton Armstrong of Welch remained inside the vehicle. Armstrong suffered critical injuries and was taken to a Joplin hospital.

According to the O-H-P, the driver of the semi had dropped a device in his cab and was attempting to pick it up when he drifted off the roadway, causing the accident. The driver was uninjured in the accident and is cooperating with the investigation.

O-H-P officials called the accident a preventable tragedy. Troopers continue to investigate the incident to determine if any charges will be filed in the case.

The State of Missouri has a new attorney general, and for the first time ever, the new A-G is a woman.

Yesterday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Former Missouri House Speaker Cathernine Hanaway as the state's 45^th Attorney General. Hanaway is a former federal prosecutor and Republican candidate for Missouri Governor. She served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri from 2005 to 2009. Hanaway was also the first and only female Speaker of the Missouri House a Representatives, a role in which she served from 2003 to 2005. Her most recent work was as a private practice attorney for a St. Louis law firm.

Hanaway replaces former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who recently resigned to take a position in the FBI with the Trump administration.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after allegedly failing to appear for a court date after posting a bond.

44-year-old Freddie Pendergraft, Jr. was charged Tuesday with bail jumping.

According to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, Pendergraft posted a $2,500 bond on April 10 after being charged with a felony. He then allegedly failed to appear for a court date on June 13, and a $5,000 bench warrant was issued.

Pendergraft's next court appearance will be on Friday. His bond is set at $10,000.

A Bourbon County motorcyclist is injured following a collision with a deer.

The accident happened around 7:30 Tuesday night on K-31 about 16 miles north of Fort Scott. 56-year-old Ronald Burton of Mapleton, KS, was traveling northbound on his Harley-Davidson when he collided with a deer that had entered the roadway.

Burton suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to an Overland Park hospital for treatment.

The first Coffeyville Community College Humanities Project performance of the season has been announced for next week. Chicago-based indie folk musician Ryan Burns will be performing at the Spencer Rounds Theater on the campus next Tuesday, August 26^th.

Burns music blends the tradition of Midwest Folk with storytelling and is inspired by the likes of John Prine, Steve Goodman, Paul Simon and Jeff Tweedy and Indie favorites Wilco and Fleet Foxes. He’s noted for his soulful voice and intricate guitar and banjo work.

The performance is free to the public and gets underway at 6:30 next Tuesday evening in the Spencer Rounds Theater.

A Wann, Oklahoma man is scheduled to appear in court again this morning facing a misdemeanor charge after allegedly threatening to shoot someone.

33-year-old Cody Wry was charged on Monday with threatening to perform an act of violence.  According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, on June 20, Wry allegedly got into a verbal altercation with the victim.  Authorities were notified in the afternoon on June 20 after Wry was spotted by another person at the residence laying down with a gun on his chest. Wry allegedly stated he was going to shoot the victim.

Wry was previously convicted of obstructing an officer in April of 2024.

 A truck accident on Sunday evening leads to the arrest of a repeat offender.

 Around 8:20 p.m., PPD attempted a Special Traffic Enforcement Program stop on a red GMC Sierra. Before the stop was initiated, the officer observed the pickup strike a power box and a mailbox near the intersection of North 26th Street and Northern Boulevard.

 The driver, 38-year-old Justin Cooper, initially claimed that a medical issue caused him to lose control of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, however, inconsistencies in his statements prompted officers to expand the search. An open-air sniff around Cooper's vehicle led to the discovery of illegal substances, including marijuana, methamphetamine, and prescription pills. Cooper admitted to recent drug use and was taken into custody without further incident. He was booked into PPD as part of a DUI investigation.

 Cooper was identified as a registered violent and drug offender stemming from a conviction on a 2010 voluntary manslaughter and manufacturing of methamphetamine case. He was again convicted in April 2024 for the distribution of narcotics. PPD is seeking charges for Driving under the Influence, failure to maintain Insurance, Possession of Narcotics, Marijuana, a Controlled substance, and Paraphernalia, and Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

 This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email tips@parsonspdks.gov.

 Replacing aging infrastructure and covering the costs of the grocery store are reasons why the Caney City Council is looking to raise the mil levy for the 2026 fiscal year.

 In a budget workshop held after last night's regular session meeting, city officials and council members discussed raising the mil rate from its current rate of 46.784 to 56 mils. One mil in the city of Caney is equal to around $12,000.

 Officials say all avenues of grant funding are still being pursued to help the cost for the water connection to Coffeyville, as well as replacing water pipes, transitioning to digital water meters and adding a new water storage facility.

 Officials add that negotiations continue for the sale of the grocery store, and the budget can be amended when the store changes to a privately owned business.

 Actions taken during the regular session included approval of ordinances for future RV parks, furthering the condemnation process for a property in the 200 block of North State Street, and the approval of a Business License for Body Builder Wrecking Service, to be located on Highway 75.

 The next regular session meeting and budget hearing will take place Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Caney City Hall.

A new walking trail along the Verdigris River in Independence will soon have new signs marking the way.

The Independence City Commission approved the signage for the Verdigris Vista Walking Trail. Part of the trail passes under the railroad trestle near the Central Park Sports Complex on Park Boulevard. City Finance Director Lacey Lies says the city also needs to request permission for land use from the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad to legally access the path.

Project leader Brittney Holum says the trail follows part of the historic Inter-urban Route.

The rest of the trail leads south past the City Water Plant along the banks of the River. To learn more about walking trails in Independence, visit the website indytrails.org.

The City of Altamont is considering taking out a long-term loan to pay for some much needed repairs to their sewer system.

At the most recent meeting of the Altamont City Council, Austin Masters with the Midwest Assistance Program was on hand to provide input on the City's loan application for the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. Masters says, if the city decides to apply for the $8 million dollar loan, it is likely they would be approved.

The funds would be used to replace the south and east lift stations in the city's sewer system. Mayor Richard Hayward says the system is in need of the repairs.

Altamont has until October 15 to submit the loan application. In other business, the City Council agreed to establish an endowed fund with the Parsons Area Community Foundation for parks and recreation and for city beautification.

An announcement was also made that the city plans to exceed the revenue neutral rate for 2026. A rate hearing was scheduled to occur at the August 28^th council meeting.

A 3-year-old boy from Tuscumbia, Missouri, drowns after falling into the water at the Lake of the Ozarks on Sunday afternoon.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the toddler was on a pontoon boat when he fell off the back of the boat and went under the water. The boy did not resurface. His body was later recovered from the water.

This is the second child to drown at the Lake of the Ozarks in a week, after a two-year-old girl wandered away from her home and was later discovered in the water on August 13.

An Oklahoma Turnpike Authority worker is killed and another injured after being struck by a semi while working alongside the Will Rogers Turnpike near Miami yesterday afternoon.

37-year-old Zac Rinehart was picking up trash along the highway around 2pm when a semi truck veered off the roadway, striking him and his work truck. Rinehart was pronounced deceased at the scene. He had been employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator for O-T-A for the past two years, and also served as a volunteer firefighter in the City of Vinita.

Another worker who was in the truck at the time of the accident sustained critical injuries and was taken via ambulance to a Joplin hospital.

A woman is in critical condition after being rescued Sunday from a house fire in east Bartlesville.

According to the city of Bartlesville, fire crews responded to reports of a possible structure fire at 1300 Southeast Greystone Avenue, where they arrived to find light smoke emerging from the eaves of the home.

Bartlesville Fire Chief H.C. Call says firefighters deployed a handline and entered the residence, encountering thick smoke that reduced visibility to knee level.

Firefighters then heard a victim calling for help. Despite near-zero visibility, they was able to locate the occupant and safely remove her through an exterior door. The female victim was treated on scene before being transported in critical condition by Bartlesville Ambulance to a Tulsa hospital.

The state fire marshal does not believe the cause of the fire to be suspicious, but the case remains under investigation.

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

On this week's agenda was a 2007 fuel dispenser to be declared as surplus property and disposed of from district two's equipment list. Commissioner Steve Talburt says the dispenser served its purpose and has been replaced by a new piece of equipment.

In other business, commissioners signed two utility permits, and they also approved the 2026 holiday schedule for county employees.

The Board of Osage County Commissioners meets every Monday at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds in Pawhuska.

Police in Bartlesville are looking for a female inmate who escaped custody.

Washington County Sheriff Scott Owen says the female inmate ran from a transport vehicle on Sunday morning.

Sheriff Owen says a search warrant was executed Monday afternoon at a residence in west Bartlesville. However, Thomas was not located. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.

Thomas was being held on misdemeanor and felony charges. Anyone with information on Thomas' location is asked to call police at 918-332-4000 or CrimeStoppers (918-336-2583).

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees has good news for taxpayers.

At this week's trustees meeting, board members heard the second reading of the school's proposed 2026 budget. ICC President Dr. Jonathan Sadhoo says the budget will come in just under the current revenue neutral rate.

Trustee Patricia Snyder says the credit for the good financial numbers is due to Dr. Sadhoo.

In other business, trustees heard reports from the departments of biology, physical science and mathematics, theater, cosmetology, and English. The board voted to maintain those departments at their current funding levels.

The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office sends agents to the City of Okemah after five members of the City's police force were either terminated or resigned.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond sent the state agents at the request of the City of Okemah to assist with law enforcement duties in the town located about 20 miles west of Henryetta. The agents will maintain law enforcement operations in the small town with a population of just over 3,000 people until new personnel can be hired for the local police department.

The Attorney General's Office says it will work closely with city officials to transition back to local control.

The livestock judging team from Allen County Community College in Chanute finishes its summer practice schedule.

The six college freshmen spent the last week traveling to judging events across the Midwest to hone their skills for the upcoming year. The week began at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, where the team spent three days observing multiple livestock shows and studying judges’ critiques across species. They practiced on 13 classes of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs in a private session exclusive to Allen Community College. The group then took part in the judging contest at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville. The team then finished off their summer practice at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, where they participated in a collaborative workout with institutions from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. By the end of the week, the team had marked 32 judging cards and delivered four sets of oral reasons, demonstrating their readiness for future competitions.

 The Allen Community College Livestock Judging Team is made up of six freshmen: Candace Ashlock, Macey Lewis, Alexis Kincaid, Shaun McLaughlin, Colby Troxel, and Sheldon Weber.

Three people face drug charges in Independence following a recent traffic stop.

At around 3:45am last Saturday morning, August 16, Independence Police officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Hill and 1^st Streets. An investigation during the course of the stop led to the arrest of all three occupants of the vehicle. Taken into custody were 29-year-old Destiny Freeman, 24-year-old Regan Myers, and 39-year-old Jeremiah McKenzie. All face multiple charges, including possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is set to begin repairs on a bridge in Woodson County.

Work will begin today on a bridge deck on US-75 about two and a half miles north of the City of Yates Center. During the project, traffic on the highway will be reduced to one lane, and traffic flow through the work zone will be controlled by traffic signals. Drivers can expect some minor delays. The repairs are being made to allow for smoother traffic in the location. KDOT anticipates the project will be complete by September 1st.

KDOT reminds motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in this and all other work zones. For updates on road and travel conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.

USD 445 students through 9^th grade in Coffeyville are back in class today.

Drivers are reminded to proceed with caution and keep a watchful eye out for students as they make their way to and from classes today. Coffeyville students in 10^th through 12^th grade start school tomorrow. Other area school districts starting the new school year tomorrow include USD 484 in Fredonia and USD 503 in Parsons. Students in Cherryvale and Altamont are back to school on Thursday.

The Montgomery County Commission looks to examine the issue of Kansas residents with Oklahoma tags on their vehicles.

At today’s commission meeting, a Montgomery County resident asked the commission why it seems like so many county residents drive vehicles with Oklahoma tags. The man told commissioners that he had asked a similar question at a Coffeyville City Commission meeting and was told the County Attorney does not have the resources to deal with the issue. The man says it's both an issue of following the law and of lost revenue to the County.

Montgomery County Treasurer Nancy Clubine says a move to pursue such individuals is not without precedent. She says Coffeyville made a similar push several years ago and was very successful.

Commissioners agreed with the citizen and promised to raise the issue with the Montgomery County Attorney.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Girard Public Library team up to solve the mystery of a child’s stolen headstone.

The headstone was discovered last week in the back of a stolen truck in Crawford County. The broken grave marker was that of an infant girl who was the daughter of a couple with the last name Johnson. The child died in 1873. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office set out to find any information on the family so the headstone could be returned to the grave. Librarians at the Girard Library went to work and quickly determined that the parents of the child were Reverend Jonas M. and Martha Emerick Johnson. The Johnsons were a pioneer family that settled in southeast Kansas in 1867 and raised fourteen children, five of whom died as infants. The researchers believe the infant was originally interred in Walnut Cemetery, located about 10 miles east of Erie. Another of the couple’s children, George, is buried there, and they believe the two may have been placed in the same plot.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department says the headstone will be returned to the cemetery once the poison ivy near the gravesite goes dormant. The headstone will soon be returned to its rightful place, bringing a quiet measure of dignity to a child lost long ago.

A man is arrested on multiple felony charges, including homicide, after refusing to leave a Garden City hotel last week.

Garden City Police were called to the Emerald Inn and Suites last Wednesday evening after staff reported a man was refusing to leave the property. Upon arrival, officers identified the suspect as 61-year-old James Eaton and discovered Eaton was wanted for homicide in the state of Maryland. Eaton was taken into custody and booked into the Finney County Jail.

A 19-year-old man is arrested in connection to a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 14-year-old boy last week.

14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa died last Wednesday when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck a utility pole, causing it to hit the boy as he was standing on a nearby sidewalk. Jackson died at the scene on the same day he had finished his first day of high school.

Police arrested 19-year-old Gauge Brasher on Friday after he fled the scene of the accident. Brasher is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics at the time the fatal accident occurred. He has been charged with second-degree murder in the case.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the accident.

Law enforcement agencies across the state of Kansas are taking part in a special enforcement campaign to crack down on impaired driving.

The Coffeyville Police Department is taking part in You Drink, You Drive, You Lose going on through Labor Day, September 1st. The campaign is intended to remind drivers to take a moment to consider how it would be to begin every day with the memory of their decision if it resulted in injury or death. If you are driving impaired, you are not only more likely to crash, but that crash is more likely to cause serious injury or death. C-P-D urges residents to think about family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors and to choose not to drive after consuming alcohol or any other potentially impairing substance. Those who choose to indulge should plan to use a rideshare service, have a designated driver, or call a sober friend or family member for a ride.

Last year in Kansas, 83 people died and more than 1,100 people were injured in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

The Neodesha City Commission is working through the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year.

One of the main issues of concern for the City is the ability to cover the costs for fire protection and other emergency services. Recent financial issues have forced the City to reduce staffing for the Neodesha Fire Department. At the city commission's most recent meeting, Commissioner Duane Banzet proposed a possible solution to the problem. Banzet says he has given the issue a lot of consideration.

Bazet's initial proposal would see a modest increase in fees for all City services. He says such a move would generate just enough revenue to cover the shortfall.

Commissioners want to hear input from citizens regarding the issue. The public is invited to contact commissioners and attend the next Neodesha City Commission meeting, which will be held on August 27.

The 18th Annual Kan-Okla 100-Mile Highway Sale and City-Wide Rummage Sales are quickly approaching.

This year’s sale will run from Thursday, September 11, through Saturday, September 13. Coffeyville residents who would like their sale to be listed on the City map should register at the Coffeyville Chamber at 807 South Walnut. The cost to register is $5 and that includes on both the large and small print maps.

For Independence residents who wish to hold a sale, a permit is required. Permits are free and are currently available from the Independence Chamber of Commerce at 616 North Penn. They can be picked up between 8:30 and 5pm Monday through Friday. However, the Chamber offices are closed each day from noon to 1pm for lunch.

The Independence permit will get your sale added to the city map. In order to be added to the official Kan-Okla map, follow this link

Coffeyville Police are continuing their efforts to find a local woman who has now been missing for 18 months.

51-year-old Katherine Alcox last had contact with her family on December 31, 2023. Since that time, police have used numerous resources in an attempt to locate Alcox, including multi-jurisdictional search teams, K-9 search teams, and drones. C-P-D says officers have followed up on all the leads they have been given and have still not been able to locate Alcox.

Alcox is described as 5 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing about 135 pounds. When she first disappeared, it was thought she may have been headed to the Cushing, Oklahoma, area just west of Tulsa.

Anyone with information on Alcox is asked to contact Coffeyville Police at 620-252-6160.

A USD 503 Parsons school bus driver is honored for bravery and heroic actions during a house fire.

Bus driver Amber Klonowski was honored last week for her heroic actions during a house fire that occurred in Parsons on June 5, 2024. Klonowski was awarded the Citizen Life-Saving Award from the Parsons Police Department for her actions in assisting the victims of the fire on that day.

The blaze claimed the lives of 33-year-old mother of four Krysten Vargas and her 18-month-old daughter. Three children and an adult male escaped the fire and were helped on the scene by Klonowski and other passers-by before emergency crews arrived at the home.

Klonowski was recognized by the community for her extraordinary courage and selfless actions.

The Elk County Treasurer’s Office announces the date for this year’s Tax Foreclosure Sale.

The sale will be held on Tuesday, September 16, in the Cox Building in Howard. The sale will begin at 1pm. For those interested in purchasing property at the sale, pre-registration is required. The registration period will open on September 2 and run through September 15 at 4pm. The parcel list can be viewed on the Elk County website. Interested parties should be aware that owners will have the opportunity to redeem their property until September 15. The parcel list will be updated accordingly.

To view the parcel list, follow this link.

The Parsons School District USD 503 is offering a sneak peek of the new school year for elementary students and parents.

Tomorrow evening from 5 to 7, elementary school students in Parsions can drop in and meet their new teacher. Students and parents are also invited to explore their school, see their classroom, and drop off school supplies. Classes in USD 503 start for all students on Wednesday.

Students in USD 484 Fredonia also head back to class on Wednesday, as do USD 445 Coffeyville students in 10^th through 12^th grades. Younger students in Coffeyville begin classes tomorrow.

Montgomery County announces the temporary closing of the tag office location in Independence this week.

The Independence Tag Office will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week due to staffing shortages. The office will reopen on Thursday morning. During this time, the tag office location in Coffeyville will remain open for business from 8am until 4pm each day. The Coffeyville Tag Office is located at 128 West 8th Street.

Those needing to have titles processed will need to do so before 3pm each day.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today as they address a brief agenda.

At today’s meeting, County Administrator Jonathan Booe will request the formal adoption of a wage study by the Arnold Group to determine the pay scale for county employees. Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will also appear before the commission to discuss the Fall 2025 KDOT cost share program. The Country Treasurer is also expected to ask for the approval of Judicial Foreclosure and the Sale of Real Estate.

Today’s meeting begins at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the County’s website.

The phone system at City Hall in Coffeyville is being upgraded.

Because of this upgrade by the IT department, phones will be out of service for most of the day tomorrow, Tuesday the 19th. If you need to get in touch with a department, the city says to stop by in person or email. A list of email addresses includes:

Utility Billing: utilitybilling@coffeyville.com

City Clerk: mcarter@coffeyville.com

Code Enforcement/Permits/Licensing: sharrah@coffeyville.com

Public Works: sfriesen@coffeyville.com

The Livestock Premium Sale wrapped up the livestock portion of the Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

Former Exhibitor and now Volunteer Maggie McVey says showing at the fair has made a lasting impact on her life.  McVey says she encourages anyone who might be interested in showing to get involved with 4H or FFA.

106 animals from 88 exhibitors sold during the almost two and half hour sale, including 29 market barrows, 25 market lambs, 23 market goats, 23 market steers and six market broilers. 28 towns from all over Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma were represented during the sale from Bluejacket, Oklahoma to St. Paul, Kansas. You can listen to the full broadcast of the premium sale here.

The hot weather continues today across the four-state region.

Heat advisories remain in effect today for northeast Oklahoma, southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and parts of southeast Kansas.

In Kansas, no advisory has been issued for the central and southeast parts of the state, but highs today will remain in the upper 90s with heat index values in the triple digits through tomorrow. Crawford, Cherokee, and Bourbon counties join southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas in a heat advisory that remains in effect through 8pm tonight. The heat index in those areas is expected to reach 105. Northeastern Oklahoma is also under a heat advisory from noon to 8pm today with a heat index around 107.

Those who must be outside today are advised to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

Coffeyville Community College sponsors the son of an employee in the Kiwanis Buck-Out Challenge at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

CCC sponsored Cayden Lumley, son of CCC employee Amy Lumley. The event brought together mechanical bull riders of all ages from across the area for an evening of competition and community fun. CCC’s Rodeo Team served as event judges. During Lumley's ride he was able to stay on the bull until the very last second. His ride was so close to the eight-second qualifying time that officials had to double-check with the judges to confirm the result.

A recap of the Buck-Out as well as the results can be found here.

A recent Coffeyville Community College graduate wins a truck at a roping event in Oklahoma.

Son of the CCC Rodeo Coach and 2025 Graduate Cutter Weil competed in the All Star Team Roping Finals in Gutherie. He competed in the largest roping event of the week, featuring more than 1,500 teams. Weil placed third and fourth in the average and secured the title of High Point Roper winning him a brand-new 2025 Ford F-350 truck.

Weil completed CCC’s Automotive Technology program and plans to continue his education in automotive service this fall at Pittsburg State University.

Another demo derby has come and gone at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

Fans packed the stands for the final night of grandstand entertainment, which featured four classes of demo action.

In full size stock, Michael Coats took 1^st followed by Dillion Blundell in 2^nd and Ranelle Hadley in 3^rd.

For the limited-weld compacts, Wyatt Raida took 1^st, Cody Julich took 2^nd and Anthony Smith was awarded 3^rd place.

The new Hometown Showdown class featured cars with limited modifications and the increased speed and maneuverability was obvious. Kail Smith took 1^st followed by Dave Daniels in 2^nd and Tray Vinson in 3^rd.

A car ended up flipping over during the full-size limited-weld class, although the driver was reported to be fine. Jimmy Hadley took 1^st followed by Keaton Hennen in 2^nd and Gary Hadley in 3^rd.

Dave Daniels was named overall maddog.  The show was put on by Oklahoma Boys Promotions of South Coffeyville.

The South Coffeyville and Wann Fire Departments respond to a baler fire in Nowata County.

Saturday around 6:45 p.m., a round baler was reported on fire south of John Deere Road on NS 409 Road in Nowata County.  The two departments responded along with a tanker from the Dearing Fire Department.

The baler was a total loss along with some hay and between 1 and 2 acres of land was burned.  No other loss or injuries were reported.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

Tonight is the grand finale for the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

The much-anticipated demo derby takes center stage at the grandstand. Organizer John Reeves with Oklahoma Boys Promotions says he's adding a new class this year.

Reeves says he's received feedback and made the demo area a bit bigger this year. Gates open at 6 and the demo action starts tonight at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Coffeyville.

The gears are changing from rodeo to tractor pull at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo grandstand.

Organizer Ryan Rexwinkle says it should be a great show tonight.

Rexwinkle says that Coffeyville is in a good location to attract top talent.

The tractor pull starts tonight at 7:30 with gates open at 6.

If you have noticed a dark helicopter flying aroudn Montgomery, Labette and Wilson Counties today, you are not imagingin things, and it's nothing to be worried about.

Evergy is checking transmission lines in the area today and is using a helicopter to fly the routes. They will be doing this until 4pm this afternoon and will be over the cities of Fredonia, Neodesha, Parsons, Independence, and Coffeyville.

So, if you see a strange helicopter in the sky today over those cities, it's just Evergy, making sure everything is in tip-top shape.

With the hot weather comes the risk of heat-related illness, especially for those who work outside.

Children, the elderly, and those with health conditions are also susceptible to the heat. For those who plan to be outside, make sure to drink plenty of water, dress in lightweight clothing, and limit strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

Recognize the symptoms of heat illness, such as leg cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. If you experience any of those symptoms, move to a cool place, apply cool, wet cloths to the skin, and drink water in small sips. Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they do not improve.

Stay safe and stay cool in the hot weather.

Authorities in Sedgwick County are looking for a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed a 14-year-old boy.

Police say a BMW traveling at a high rate of speed hit a power pole and a utility box at the intersection of Harry and Rock Road around 6:30 on Wednesday evening. The collision forced the pole to hit 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa.

The 19-year-old driver fled the scene and was later treated for injuries at a local hospital. He has been identified as Gauge Brasher. Authorities believe he was driver impaired at the time of the accident. He is currently being sought as a suspect in the case.

About an hour before that accident, another fatal pedestrian accident happened at a Wichita-area truck stop. 47-year-old Travis Briscoe of Jenks, Oklahoma, was arrested in that accident that left a 57-year-old Georgia man dead. Police say Briscoe had been involved in an altercation with the victim. Briscoe has been charged with unintentional but reckless second-degree murder and is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Dollar General is voluntarily recalling three lots of its Clover Valley Instant Coffee due to the potential presence of glass in the coffee.

The recall is being initiated after a customer notified Dollar General employees about the potential issue. While no injuries have been reported to date, customers who purchased the product are encouraged to discard it and contact Dollar General for a full refund. The instant coffee was sold at Dollar General locations in multiple states, including Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas.

The following units are covered by the recall:

8-Ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee
Package UPC: 876941004069
Lot: L-5163 / Best By 12/13/2026
Lot: L-5164 / Best by 12/13/2026
Lot: L-5165 / Best by 12/14/2026
Customers can find the lot and best-by date information around the neck of the unit.

Customers can contact Dollar General either via email at customercare@dollargeneral.com or by phone at 1-888-309-9030 from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. CST seven days a week to request a full refund of the purchase price (including any tax).

A two-year-old child is dead after an apparent drowning in the Lake of the Ozarks.

The toddler wandered away from her home in Gravois Mills, Missouri, on Wednesday morning and was discovered around 10:30am floating in the water. The girl was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri, where she was pronounced deceased.

The Missouri State Highway responded to the scene with assistance from the Gravois Fire Department and the Morgan County Sheriff's Department.

Reports of a suspicious vehicle in Galena leads to a drug arrest.

On Wednesday afternoon, Galena Police received reports of a suspicious vehicle at a local gas station. Officers responded to the scene and made contact with the driver of a gray SUV. After an investigation, officers discovered a glass smoking device along with several plastic baggies containing a white crystalline substance. A search of the SUV also revealed bottles of pills, glass pipes, a bottle of synthetic urine, and suspected marijuana and methamphetamine.

The driver was taken into custody and taken to the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus. Formal charges are pending in the case.

The Independence City Commission approves a request from the Independence Housing Authority to commit four city-owned lots in an effort to secure a federal grant.
 

Executive Director of the Independence Housing Authority April Nutt spoke to the commission at their August 14th meeting. Nutt says the purpose is to help bring more affordable housing to the city.
 

Nutt adds that the purpose of the request is to show a commitment from the city to build new housing.

In other business, the commission also approved a downtown building grant for roof repairs at 113 West Myrtle.

A house fire in Miami leaves one person with minor injuries.

The Miami Fire Department responded to a call of a house fire on Thursday in the 1000 block of I Street Northwest. Firefighters quickly brought the small fire under control, leaving minor damage to the kitchen and one other room in the home. One adult female occupant received minor burns. She was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

No other injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy City of Miami

The Independence Baseball Club is holding tryouts this weekend for players aged 10 and under.

The tryouts will happen on Saturday at 9am and again on Sunday at 6pm at the Central Park Sports Complex in Independence. Players will be vying for a roster slot on the Spring 2026 traveling baseball team for players in Independence and the surrounding areas. The tryouts are open for youth born on or after May 1, 2015.

For more information, call or text 816-344-7038

One truck driver is dead following a head-on collision between two big rigs in Franklin County.

29-year-old Zachary Williams of Liberty, Tennessee, was killed in the accident that occurred yesterday morning on I-35 northeast of Ottawa. Williams was traveling northbound on the interstate when his vehicle drifted across the grass median and into the southbound lanes of traffic. There, it collided with another semi truck driven by 52-year-old Thomas Romero of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following the initial collision, Williams' truck caught fire and became fully engulfed. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Romero was seriously injured in the crash and was taken to KU Medical Center for treatment.

Several southeast Kansas agencies will share in part of more than $32 million in state grant funding intended to help adult and child survivors of crime.

Hope Unlimited in Iola and the Safehouse Crisis Center in Pittsburg will each receive more than $800,000 in funding through the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards Program. Those agencies provide support services, outreach, and training for those serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Both agencies will receive an additional $130,000 in Children's Advocacy Center funding to help investigate and respond to child abuse.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates programs in Allen, Bourbon, and Cowley counties will each receive about $15,000 to help with the continuation of those programs to help them recruit and train volunteers to advocate in court for abused and neglected children.

The awards were announced on Thursday by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. Kelly stated that combating crime is not only a safety issue, but it is a public health and quality-of-life issue for survivors.

The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo continues with a change-up in grandstand entertainment.

The 4-H and FFA judging contest will start the day at 9 a.m. followed by the Junior Market Livestock sale at 5, which will be broadcast on The Mighty 690, thanks to presenting sponsor Bartlett Co-op, major sponsor Coffeyville Tire and Auto, Muller Construction and Peck's Custom Butchering.  Other sponsors include Farm Bureau Agent Anna Lawless, Romans Outdoor Power and Coffeyville Feed and Farm.

The carnival opens at 6 along with gates for the tractor pull which starts at 7:30. It's all at the fairgrounds in Coffeyville.

Another PRCA Rodeo has wrapped up in Coffeyville.

Participants from around the country and the world gathered in Coffeyville for the two-day event. Toby Deudney was named all-around cowboy this year.

In bareback, Owen Brouillette stayed on top with 82 points, earning $1,098.

Hoyt Kraeger had the lowest time in steer wrestling at 3.6 seconds, earning a payout of $1,472.

In team roping, Jaxon Hill and Jessen James earned $1,654 each thanks to a time of 4.8 seconds.

In saddle bronc, John Allen and Joe Macqueen tied at 85.5 points, earning $1,358 each.

Cutter Weil of Edna did not place in tie-down roping, which was won by Ethan Hill with 8 seconds and a payout of $2,049.

Ivy Saebens of Nowata led the barrel racing with a time of 17.37 seconds and a payout of $1,117.

In the average for steer roping, Riley O'Rourke of Skiatook led in the first round and the average of 21.5 seconds on two head and a payout of $1,418.

Tate Pollmeier of Fort Scott earned a whopping $4,766 thanks to a score of 91 in bull riding.

Total payoff was $60,846.

Photo: Cutter Weil competes in tie-down roping

More than 50 total cowboys and cowgirls took part in the Kiwanis Club Buck Out at the 2025 Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

There were 52 total riders courtesy of 25 total sponsors for the event, one of four major events the Kiwanis Club puts on each year. The top 10 ride scores advanced to the final round and earned a $15 gift card to either Sonic or El Charro.

All funds raised for the 2025 Buck Out will go back to the Kiwanis Club, to help the organization continue their mission of providing service to the community through volunteer work and charity events. Club President Jana Kastler says the fair is just one of the ways they get involved.

In the finals, the top four riders received a champion buckle. Brody Woody took the top spot with a score of 90, followed by Chandler Pippin in second, Tucker Webb in third, and Britain Colby in fourth.

The beef show wrapped up the livestock shows for the 2025 Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

For the steer show, Pistyl Gosnell won grand champion and Stran Stacy won reserve grand champion. Ava George won senior showmanship and Daylnn Fesmire won junior showmanship.

In the heifer show, George won grand champion commercial heifer and reserve supreme heifer. Gemma Emberson won supreme heifer and reserve grand champion commercial heifer.

Josie Campbell won grand champion bucket calf and Rhett Hibbs won reserve grand champion.

The premium sale starts tomorrow at 5:00pm, with Gosnell and his grand champion steer leading off the sale.

A Parsons man is arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

The Parsons Police Department arrested 26-year-old Malik Monta Robinson on charges from a domestic violence incident. In late July, officers responded to a domestic violence call. During the investigation, Robinson had fled the scene. Evidence gathered led to charges of aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, criminal restraint and domestic battery. An arrest warrant was issued for Robinson.

Yesterday, at around 1:30pm, officers went to an address in the 2700 block of Briggs Avenue to serve the arrest warrant. Robinson fled on foot. During a search of the area, Robinson was located hiding in a shed. He attempted to flee again but was taken into custody. Robinson appeared in Labette County District Court today on the charges outlined in the arrest warrant, along with an additional charge of felony interference with law enforcement.

The Coffeyville Stockyards set several records during their first sale of the month of August.

The stockyards set four all-time barn records across key weight classes. A group of 12 head at 463lbs brought $465, setting a new high for 4-weights. In the 6-weight category, 11 head at 609lbs sold for $394, while 24 head at 805lbs brought $331, marking a new record for 8-weights.

The barn also posted its top two highest 9-weight sales ever, with 44 head at 925lbs selling for $318 and 15 head at 931lbs bringing $306.  

One family sits atop the pecking order during the poultry show at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

Brothers Logan and Luke Kiersey won grand champion and reserve grand champion market broiler pen during this year's poultry show at the ISFR.

The Kiersey's will join the rest of the grand and reserve grand champions along with several livestock exhibitors in tomorrow's premium sale at 5:00pm. The sale can be heard live on 690AM KGGF.

One of the best specialty acts in rodeo will once again be in Coffeyville tonight.

John Payne, better known as the One Arm Bandit, will perform at tonight's Inter-State Fair and Rodeo. Payne is from Schidler, Oklahoma and has had a long career despite several setbacks, including an electrical accident that resulted in the loss of his right arm.

Payne says he spends years training stock for his show, which includes a lot of expert riding.

Payne has won PRCA “Specialty Act of the Year” an unprecedented 15 times. While he's been to rodeos all over the country, he says he enjoys coming to Coffeyville.

Tonight's rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. at the grandstand. You can listen to the full interview with Payne and Rodeo Clown Dustin Jenkins HERE.

The Wilson County Commission convened at the courthouse to address a light agenda.

Following approval of the agenda and minutes, County Coordinator Kris Marple provided a report to the commissioners. He says a pair of residences in Fredonia requested landfill fees to be waived.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was an update from County Clerk Kayla Busch. There will be no meeting next week for the Wilson County Commission.

The next meeting will be August 27th at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the County Courthouse in Fredonia. The public is invited to attend.

A Dodge City Community College cross-country runner remains in critical condition after she was found unconscious in a field on the school's campus late last week.

The woman has been identified by family and friends at Delia Montes. Montes was taken to a Dodge City hospital along with another student-athlete last Thursday. The other student was treated and released, while Montes was flown to a Wichita hospital for a higher level of care. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the incident, though it has not been confirmed that the students' illnesses were caused by the heat.

Dodge City Community College has released a statement saying that the school's athletic department abides by the Heat Policy put in place by the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.

Coffeyville Community College Athletic Director Bryce Saia says CCC and all other schools in the conference follow the same policy and take the health and safety of their student-athletes very seriously.

Two people are killed after being struck by cars in two separate incidents in the Wichita area.

The first incident occurred at a truck stop on I-135 north of the city around 5:30 last night. The person was walking in the parking lot when the accident occurred. Police are investigating the incident and have questioned a truck driver in connection to the crash.

The second incident occurred only an hour later on the south side of Wichita near the intersection of Harry and Rock Road. In that incident, a boy between the ages of 10 and 14 was struck and killed while crossing at the intersection. Two suspects attempted to flee the scene but were later taken into custody. Police have arrested a 24-year-old and a 19-year-old as suspects.

No names have been released in either incident.

Health officials in Missouri confirm a case of a rare bacterial “brain-eating” infection in an adult.

Officials from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services have confirmed the case through laboratory testing. The unidentified patient is being treated in an intensive care unit for Naegleria fowleri. The organism is a single-celled amoeba that can cause a deadly brain infection known as Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis or PAM. Officials are still investigating the source of the infection, but say the patient had gone water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks just days prior to becoming ill.

PAM is an extremely rare condition. In the United States, only 167 cases have been reported since 1962. People can reduce the risk of infection by limiting the amount of water going up the nose.

There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive today in Howard.

The drive will be held at the Howard Community Cox Building, located at Wabash and Washington, in the main room. Donation times start at noon today and run through 6pm. This month, the Red Cross is offering donors a $15 gift card to their choice of merchants.

To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight to address a brief agenda.

At tonight's meeting, commissioners will hear a presentation from the Montgomery County Action Council regarding a request for funding from the 2026 budget. There will also be a presentation from the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program with a similar request for General Public Transportation. The City Treasurer will also present the 2^nd quarter report on City finances.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invited to attend or to view the meeting online via the City's website.

Night one of the PRCA Rodeo at the Inter-State Fair is over, with another evening of action on the way.

Leading the bareback riding was Owen Brouillette, who scored 82 points thanks to good form and a well-performing horse.

A majority of the steer wrestlers had penalties from breaking the barrier, but Hoyt Kraeger stood outu with a time of 3.6 seconds.

Cam Hoelting and Dawson McMaster led the team roping at 5 seconds. In saddle brong, John Allen and Joe Macqueen tied with 85.5 points each.

Barrel racing was another popular event, with Ivy Saebens taking first at 17.37 seconds.

In Steer roping, Riley O'Rourke was awarded $1,418 with an average time of 21.5 seconds.

There were no qualified rides in the bull riding.

Night two of PRCA rodeo begins tonight at 7:30.

The City of Neodesha officially opens its new power generation facility.

City officials, representatives from the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, and Foley Power Solutions, along with many Neodesha residents, gathered yesterday afternoon for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Neodesha's new power generation facility. KMEA General Manager Paul Mahlberg says the four new power generators will be a big asset for the security of the community.

Neodesha City Manager Brogan Jones says the investment in the generators will be an important power backup for critical infrastructure in the city.

The City began planning for the project in January 2023 under the leadership of then-City Manager Ed Truelove. Treulove was on hand at yesterday's ceremony, having recently been sworn in to fill a vacant seat on the City Commission. Yesterday's ceremony was followed by a reception at City Hall.

A look inside one of the four power generators

Three young bobcats are caught on a trail camera while hunting for prey near Nowata.

The images were recently posted on social media by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. In the video, the three young animals can be seen chasing and catching a small animal that appears to be a rabbit. Bobcats are plentiful in Oklahoma as they prefer habitats such as forests with woods and water. However, they can be found almost anywhere, including swamplands, deserts, and even in urban areas. Bobcats are roughly twice the size of a normal housecat, ranging between 10 and 30 pounds. Their elusive nature causes them to shy away from humans. They prefer to eat small animals such as rabbits, birds, and squirrels. Larger bobcats are frequently mistaken for the much larger mountain lion.

The video of the cats can be found on the ODWC Facebook page.

Back-to-School continues as more area students head back to class today.

Students in Caney, South Coffeyville, Nowata, and Sedan begin the new school year today. Drivers in those cities are reminded to use caution today as students of all ages walk, bike, and travel to and from school. Watch for students in crosswalks, obey speed limits in school zones, and do not pass school buses that are loading or unloading students. Using an extra bit of caution today will help students begin the new year in a safe and healthy manner.

The City of Independence is looking for applicants to fill a vacant seat on the city Tree Board.

The purpose of the tree board is to preserve local natural resources and to promote and protect public health by overseeing the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on public property. Applicants must be residents of the City of Independence and be willing and able to attend tree board meetings. Board members may also be asked to assist in educating the public about tree advocacy.

Applications are due to the city by August 27^th.

For more information, contact Scott Patton at ScottP@IndependenceKs.gov or 620-332-2512; or visit this link.

The Ron Stevenson Building at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is filled with rabbits and chickens, and some of the winners have been announced.

Serenity Garner is named grand champion in the senior showmanship division, with Magdelana McClung named grand champion and Tiffany McDaniel reserve in the junior division.

The rabbit show was sponsored by the Coffeyville Rotary Club.

The goat show at the Inter-State fair and rodeo saw good participation as the show stretched well into the evening.

Lia Gaches took grand champion with Maddix Small reserve champion. Jerika Mathes had the grand champion doe while Izzy Lewis was named reserve.

Winners of the Meat Goat Show include:

Class 1:

Winner: LaKyn Sutton

Runner up: Hunter VanCleave

Class 2:

Winner: Chase Taliaferro

Runner up: Tripp Taliaferro

Class 3:

Winner: Izzy Lewis

Runner up: Silas Good

Class 4:

Winner: Blakeli Callahan

Runner up: William Flanagan

Class 5:

Winner: Cooper Tellison

Runner up: Noelle Messner

Class 6:

Winner: Lia Gaches

Runner up: Maddix Small

Another Inter-State Fair and Rodeo Parade is in the books.

Organizer Shanna Motl says some of the first responders in the parade had to go on a call at the last minute, but she was still happy with the turnout.

Members of the Junior Advisory Council helped serve at the annual bean and watermelon feed after the parade.

The fair continues to bring in visitors from all over. Daniel and Monica Mason from Rising Sun, Maryland dropped their daughter off at Oklahoma State University and decided to stop by the fair. Monica says it's their first time in Kansas.

The fair continues today with the market steer show at 8 a.m., junior open heifer show at 1, bucket calf show at 6 and another night of PRCA rodeo at 7:30.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

Here is the video from last night's parade:

Several pets are rescued from a house fire in Coffeyville.

This afternoon just after 4 p.m., the Coffeyville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Madison Street on the south end of Coffeyville.  The structure at the corner of Madison and Brown was badly damaged in the fire.  The home was unoccupied, but several dogs were rescued from the structure.  No injuries were reported.

Dearing Fire, South Coffeyville Fire, the Coffeyville Police Department and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center EMS also assisted on scene.

Photos: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

The results for the 2025 Interstate Fair and Rodeo sheep show are in.

Daylyn Fesmire won overall grand champion and Joel Lalachear won reserve grand champion. In the wether dam show, Cooper Newby won grand champion and Blair Blocker won reserve grand champion.

Ava Geoge won senior showmanship and Eliena Henry won junior showmanship.

The bond election for South Coffeyville Public Schools fails by just one vote.

263 residents of the SCPS school district voted in the election, with 157 voting in favor of the $1.2 million bond and 106 voting against it. In order to pass the bond needed a super majority or 60% of the vote. Despite more voting yes than no the bond fell just shy of the 60% at 59.7%. One more yes vote or one less no vote would have seen the bond passed.

Had it passed, SCPS would have used the money for repairs to the roof, windows, sidewalks and brick siding on school buildings. The HVAC system would have also been replaced. The final tally of the votes will be certified Friday.

A joint operation in Washington County leads to multiple arrests in a theft investigation.

The Bartlesville Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Dewey Police Department executed a search warrant in the 600 block of North Johnstone Avenue.  The operation resulted in 10 arrests on a variety of charges, including knowingly concealing stolen property, smuggling contraband into a jail facility, possession of drug paraphernalia, local warrants and warrants from other jurisdictions.

This is part of an ongoing investigation stemming from the recent Holbrook Asphalt theft case.  The property where the warrant was served is well known to local law enforcement and has been linked to multiple theft investigations in Bartlesville and surrounding areas.

 A special meeting was set to hear the results of a structural analysis for the USD-436 Caney Football Stadium.

 Caney Superintendent Blake Vargas says no one from the district will have prior knowledge of any information given by the company doing the structural analysis, good or bad.

 The stone stadium was constructed with funds and labor provided by the Works Progress Administration in 1938. It was completed in 1939.

 The meeting will be held Monday, August 25^th at 6:00 pm., at CV West, located behind Sonic on Highway 75 in Caney.

Electric rates are going up in Chanute.

At Monday night's City Commission meeting, the governing body approved a $.0095 increase to the electric utility.

The electric increase is estimated to raise the average monthly electric bill 6.5%.  The anticipated revenue is to help offset the 2% increase to the 2026 general fund budget and help fund new radios for the police and fire departments.  The radios are part of the capital improvement project list for 2026 and are estimated at $2.2 million.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an incident involving two student athletes at Dodge City Community College.

The two students have both been hospitalized following what the school has described as a medical incident. One of the students was found unconscious on a field near the college last Thursday afternoon. That student and another were both taken to the hospital in Dodge City for treatment. One was treated and released, while the unconscious student was airlifted to Wichita and remains hospitalized in critical condition.

There are indications that suggest the students' illnesses may be heat-related, but Dodge City Community College has not confirmed if that is the case.

Police in Carl Junction are looking for suspects in a weekend vandalism spree.

Authorities say the incidents took place last weekend on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 3am near the Briarbrook Golf Course. Officers took reports of slashed tires and graffiti spray-painted on houses and vehicles. During the investigation, investigators were able to obtain surveillance footage of several possible suspects.

Anyone with any information about the incidents or residents in the area who may have captured video footage of the suspects are asked to contact the Calr Juntion Police at 417-649-7070

The search for the suspect in a shooting at a Wichita hospital ends with the death of the alleged gunman.

Police responded yesterday afternoon to a tip that 47-year-old Robert Shoenberger Jr was inside an apartment complex in the north-central part of the city. Schoenberger was wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of a woman outside Wichita's Wesley Medical Center on Monday. Multiple attempts were made by police and the crisis negotiation team to convince the suspect to surrender peacefully, but those attempts proved unsuccessful. Chemical ammunition was deployed inside the apartment and, when that failed, a drone was sent into the building. Schoenberger was then found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police say Schoenberger was on parole for an attempted indecent solicitation of a 14-year-old girl when he removed his ankle monitor, leading to the shooting on Monday. The victim in the shooting has been identified as Terri Stidham, a 46-year-old mother of six.

Citizens in Neosho, Missouri, have a chance to voice their concerns over the proposed sale of the City's water and wastewater systems to Missouri American Water.

Neosho's current water system was originally built during World War 2, and city officials say it experiences up to 50% water loss. The average water loss for municipal water systems in the United States is between 14 and 18%. The current proposal would sell the City's water system to the Missouri-based company for $34.5 million. City officials say the sale would help relieve Neosho of existing debts, while strengthening its finances, allowing the City to invest in other priorities without placing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Before any agreement can be finalized, the sale would have to be approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission. That process would take anywhere from six to twelve months.

Students in Independence and Neodesha are headed back to class today.

Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says drivers should take extra care to help make sure students can get to where they are going safely.

Drivers should be on the lookout for students walking and biking to and from school this morning and this afternoon, and remember that it is against the law to pass a school bus that is loading or unloading children. Pay careful attention near bus stops and crosswalks, obey speed limits in school zones, and avoid distrctions while driving to make sure students have a safe first day of school.

Students in Caney, South Coffeyville, Nowata, and Sedan return to class tomorrow.

The Parsons School District is set to begin a multi-year project to replace and repair the roofs of the district's school buildings.

The USD 503 School Board this week approved plans to begin work on the roof of Garfield Elementary by the end of the month. The roof of that building is the oldest and has several leaks. The guttering on the building has also been non-functional for some time. The contract for the job was awarded to S-I-C Midwest of St. Louis for $348,000. Work on the building will be able to take place while students are in class. Repairs on Lincoln Elementary are scheduled to begin next fall.

Classes in Parsons are scheduled to begin on August 20^th.

It's parade day for The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

This year's theme for the parade is “Luau” and will start one hour later than normal at 5 p.m. in downtown Coffeyville.

Several livestock events will take place today with the rabbit show at 8 a.m., the sheep show at 9, poultry show at 1 and goat show at 4.

Chandler Pippin from Independence is showing a pig and a steer this year through 4-H and says it's a lot of work.

Cooper Newby from Altamont is showing sheep through the Midwest Ranchers 4-H Club and says he hopes to qualify for the premium sale.

After this afternoon's parade, the bean and watermelon feed will be at 5:30 followed by the first night of PRCA Rodeo. The carnival will also be open tonight from 6 to 11. It all happens at the fairgrounds in Coffeyville.

Photo: LJ Jenkins Bull Riding from Tuesday night

Three dog parks are in the works for the City of Coffeyville.  Director of Community Development Amber Dean says they are looking at putting these parks in downtown, Sycamore Park and Walter Johnson Park.

The park in downtown will cost around $6,000, the Sycamore park location around $8,000 and the park at Walter Johnson Park around $11,000. Dean says this won't happen overnight and is a part of a bigger plan.

The commission unanimously approved the resolution for the installation of fencing and the development of the parks.

The cattle show wrapped up night one of the livestock shows starting with the Bred and Owned Heifer show followed by the Prospect Steer show.

For the heifer show, Maddix Small was named grand champion and Levi Goode was named reserve grand champion. In the steer show, Daylyn Fesmire won grand champion and Brady Olson took reserve grand champion.

The swine show results can be found here. The rabbit, poultry, sheep and goat shows all take place tomorrow.

The Swine Show got things started for the livestock exhibits for this year's Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

Grady Midgett and his cross won overall grand champion and Gatlin Scott with his Hampshire won reserve grand champion. It was a pair of Yorkshires that were named grand and reserve grand champion for the breeding gilt show, with Madelynn Parker taking grand and Bryn Wolken winning reserve. For the commercial swine show, Carson Cosby won grand champion and Grace Brader took reserve grand champion.

Parker Midgett won senior showmanship and Madelynn Parker won junior showmanship. The rabbit, poultry, sheep and goat show all take place tomorrow.  The results of the cattle show can be found here.

A Bartlesville woman is facing a felony drug charge after a traffic stop.

42-year-old Nicole Blevins was charged with trafficking in illegal drugs. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, on Sunday at around 1:30am, officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle playing music too loud, violating a city ordinance. Blevins was allegedly possessing a fanny pack that contained 34 ecstasy pills and about $840. The bag of pills weighed eight grams.

Blevins posted her bond and will appear in court again on September 5^th at 9:00am.

The former mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks at Coffeyville Community College.

Dan Meers was the featured speaker for CCC employees as the college kicked off its 103^rd year. For the past 32 years, Meers has served as KC Wolf, the mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs football team. He averaged more than 350 speaking appearances each year and traveled throughout the US and around the world entertaining fans of all ages. In 2006, Meers became the 1^st NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. CCC President Dr. Marlon Thornburg says several CCC employees had the opportunity to hear Meers speak last year and felt his life-changing message was beneficial and inspiring for employees.

CCC invited Coffeyville, Caney and Tyro Christian School employees, the Chamber, Leadership Coffeyville, CRMC and City leadership to participate in the speaking event as well.  

Multiple fire department chiefs and captains, representing Nowata, New Alluwe, Lenapah and Wann voice their concerns about communication systems in the county.

New Alluwe Fire Chief Tommy Gibson says they were told they were going to a new digital radio system.  Nowata County Commissioner Troy Friddle says he's glad this is being brought to their attention.

Gibson says the process to install the updated systems has taken almost three years.

LJ Jenkins Bull Riding kicks off night one of grandstand entertainment at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo tonight.

Bull Riding Commitee Chairman Lynn Dickson says they've got 30 riders ready to compete tonight.  Dickson says it's not just the bull riders competing for money.

Gates open tonight at 6:00pm with the bull riding starting at 7:30pm. For those without fun passes, tickets are $15 at the gate.

The USD 446 school board will be having a special meeting with the City of Independence regarding the Central Park Sports Complex.

That's the latest from this month's school board meeting, following discussion earlier this summer between the two parties regarding the district's access of use of the complex for school sports.

USD 446 Superintendent Jason McAfee says the special meeting has been scheduled for next week.

Additional items of business at the August board meeting was a unanimous approval to publish the proposed 2025-26 budget, which will be voted on at next month's meeting. The district also recognized incoming freshman Daniel Han, who was awarded for his art work from the Kansas Department of Education.

USD 446 meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library of Independence High School. The public is invited to attend.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after allegedly breaking into a Bartlesville residence.

33-year-old Cody Burkhart was charged on Monday with first-degree burglary after he allegedly kicked in the front door of a home on August 8^th. After a brief struggle with the resident, authorities claim Burkhart took the victim's phone and fled the scene.

 He has posted a $30,000 bond and will be back in a Washington County courtroom on September 19.

A manhunt is underway in Wichita as police are looking for the suspect in a homicide at a hospital yesterday evening.

Police say the incident occurred when a vehcle pulled up out side of Wesley Medical Center around 7pm yesterday evening. A woman exited the vehicle after what appeared to be a disturbance inside the car. As the woman got out of the car, a male in the vehicle began shooting at her and then fled the scene. The woman was taken into the hospital, where she later died.

Police are looking for the suspect who has been identified as Robert Schoenberger. He is described as over 6 feet tall with a slim build and has long blond hair and a gray beard. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and blue sneakers. Police say Schoenberger was on parole and had cut off his ankle monitor. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who has information on Schoenberger or thinks they may have seen him should not approach him and should call 9-1-1.

Voters in South Coffeyville head to the polls today to vote on a proposed $1.2 million school bond.

If approved, the bond money would go to replace and repair roofing that tends to pool and flood whenever it rains. The funding would also go toward replacing rusting windows, sidewalks, and brick siding on the school buildings. It would also replace the current HVAC system. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says the bond is an attempt to balance many needed repairs while not hurting taxpayers.

Voters in South Coffeyville can cast their ballots at their usual polling locations from 7am to 7pm today.

Authorities in Crawford County are looking for information on a stolen infant's headstone.

The headstone was recently discovered in the back of a stolen pickup truck. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office says they would like to get the headstone back to the family of the deceased child. The headstone in question is broken and appears to be old. It indicates that the deceased is a female infant and the child of J.M. Johnson. The birthdate is listed as March 20.

Anyone with information on the headstone is asked to contact Lieutenant Phil Backham at the Crawford County Sheriff's Office.

Montgomery County is considering the adoption of a set of rules and regulations for county-owned cemeteries.

These cemeteries include LeHunt, Poor Farm, Quaker, and Highland. County Administrator Jonathan Booe told the commission at this week's meeting that the proposed set of rules is ready for a vote pending approval by the county's legal advisors. Booe says the rules need clarification because cemeteries can be a sensitive issue.

Commissioners agreed that the rules were needed but suggested some additions to the proposal, including issues of fenced monuments, the number of cremation remains allowed per plot, and ground settling around monuments and plots. Booe says while these are old cemeteries, something needs to be done because, currently, there are no rules.

In other business, commissioners hear the quarterly report from Register of Deeds Marilyn Calhoun, plus a discussion of adopting a new compensation scale for county employees.

1. LeHunt Cemetery

2. Highland Cemetery

3. Quaker Cemetery

4. Poor Farm Cemetery

Two people are seriously injured in a three-vehicle accident yesterday morning near Iola.

The accident occurred just before 11am and involved a head-on collision between two passenger cars. As a result of that collision, one of the vehicles then struck the back of a semi truck. The accident prompted the closure of US-169 while emergency crews responded to the scene. Injured in the accident were 36-year-old Anthony Edmondson of Lawrence and 22-year-old Jonathan Reiss of Oak Grove, Missouri. Edmondson was taken via ambulance to the Allen County Hospital in Iola, while Reiss was taken via helicopter to an Overland Park Hospital.

The driver of the semi 51-year-old Harold Osborne of Clay Center had no apparent injury and refused treatment at the scene.

Photo courtesy Iola Fire Department

The City of Neodesha will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Power Generation facility tomorrow afternoon, August 13.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony that marks the beginning of what city officials call a major step forward in powering the City of Neodesha for many years to come. Citizens will be able to tour the new facility and get a first-hand look at how taxpayer investment is being used to plan for the city's future.

The ceremony begins at 2:30 at the Neodesha Generation Facility located at the corner of 4^th and Tank Streets. Refreshments will follow at City Hall.