Oklahoma's senior senator issues a statement on the potential federal government shutdown.

Senator James Lankford says senate Republicans want to keep the government open to continue negotiations on the budget, but Democrats are blocking that effort.

If a deal is not reached in the senate, the federal government will shut down at midnight Eastern time.

A Pryor couple is convicted for embezzling funds from a charity they ran from 2017 to 2023.

Jordan and Vanessa Parker were each convicted of two counts of embezzlement and one count of pattern of criminal offenses. The jury assessed the maximum punishment for each count, totaling 18 years in prison and $45,000 in fines.

According to legal affidavits, the Parkers used two donations from a Tulsa business totaling $600,000. These donations were intended for sober living services for recovering addicts through the non-profit, the Reckless Saints of Nowhere. Instead, the Parkers purchased a personal vehicle, motorcycle, timeshare, sports memorabilia, video games, rent for their home and more. The donations were received between April and June of 2021. The couple depleted the funds in a matter of months and the Reckless Saints of Nowhere had little to no tangible assets to show for it.

Multiple board members for the organization said they were unaware of the purchases and likely would not have approved the spending, due to their personal nature.

A Derby High School teacher has been suspended indefinitely following an arrest on child misconduct and several drug charges.

Sedgwick County Jail records show 29-year old Caleb Thornton was booked Monday evening on charges of child misconduct, child endangerment, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, and distribution or possission with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school.

The Derby school district confirmed Thornton is in his first year with the district, serving as an English, Reality 101, and homeroom teacher. Derby High Principal Gretchen Pontious says the district is working closely with the police during this time.

Thornton remained jailed without bond as of Tuesday morning.

One of the Coffeyville students who was injured in Friday's car accident has passed away.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, two 15 and 17-year-old sisters were injured in an accident caused by a vehicle being pursued by law enforcement.

Late this morning, the announcement came that the 15-year-old who received serious injuries has passed away.

USD 445 says the entire school community is grieving this tremendous loss.

District staff extend their heartfelt condolences to the student’s family and loved ones, and they ask our community to keep them in your thoughts during this very difficult time.

Counselors and support staff will continue to be available at school in the days ahead to provide care and support to students and staff as we process this loss together.

The accident stemmed from a high-speed chase that started in Owasso, Oklahoma and ended at 8^th and Patterson in Coffeyville.

The 17-year-old sister was sent home after treatment at the hospital.

Contributions to help the family can be sent via:

-Giving a contribution in person or mail in to Community National Bank & Trust located at 901 W 11th St. Coffeyville, KS 67337. 620-251-9400

-Giving a donation at any Community National Bank & Trust branch to the fund

-Giving through Venmo: @Oconnellfamilyfund (this will show up under Nicholas Davis) or Cash App under (Nick Davis)$Oconnellfamilyfund.

 The Montgomery County Commission holds a special meeting to approve the budget cuts needed to remain below the revenue neutral rate for 2026.

 The commission met this morning in a special session after learning at Monday's regular meeting of a procedural error that would not allow the county to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the coming year. The County had originally planned to raise the mill levy to 44.999 mills for 2026. However, County Clerk Ami Standridge discovered errors in the way the commission approved the hike. At the September 15th commission meeting, commissioners closed the public hearing before voting on the measure. By statute, the vote should have come prior to closing the hearing. The commission also failed to pass resolution to adopt the revenue neutral rate as required by Kansas law. This error meant that the county must remain at or below a mill rate of 39.989 for 2026. At that rate, the county would need to cut another $2.1 million from the budget.

 At today's meeting, County Administrator Jonathan Booe presented an amended budget for that rate. Booe outlined the cuts for the commission, including large reductions for the Bridge and Road Department. The county opted not to eliminate any positions within in the county nor did it cut any staff salaries, citing the need to remain competitive in hiring new talent.

 The commission unanimously approved the amended budget.

The City of Howard and the Greenwood County Hospital will host a Secure and Aware Medicare seminar on Monday evening.

The purpose of the seminar is to give older citizens information about common Medicare scams and how to avoid them. Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year due to fraud, errors, and abuse. The best way to fight fraud is to prevent it before it happens. Monday's seminar will help attendees learn to spot scams as well as helping them determine if traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage if the right program for their needs.

Monday's seminar begins at 5:30 in the Cox Building in Howard. A meal will be served. In order to reserve a meal, registration must be made by 5pm on October 1. To register, call 620-583-7451. There is no cost for the event.

The Hays Police Department releases the identity of the officer killed in the line of duty on Saturday night.

Police say Sergeant Scott Heimann was struck and killed by a single round fired from a Hays residence that was the scene of a domestic violence call. Heimann responded to the scene around 11pm opn Saturday night and was shot by the suspect as he set up a preimeter in the back yard of the residence.

Heimann was airlifted to a regional hospital but died from his wounds around 4am on Sunday. He had served as an officer at the Hays Police Department since 2018.

The suspect identified as 34-year-old Zane Wickham of Hays was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the residence.

The Parsons Police Department will host their 4^th Annual Parsons Public Safety Fair this Saturday.

The event is a family-friendly way for people of all ages to learn more about safety while meeting local first responders and getting an upclose look at emergency vehicles and equipment. There will also be hands-on demonstrations, activities, and informational booths. Attendees can also receive free child ID kits, receive free car seat safety checks, and learn about impaired driving awareness and firearm safety.

The Fair takes plce this weekend during the Parsons P-K Art Festival.

The 4^th Annual Parsons Public Safety Fair runs Saturday from 10am to 1pm at the Parsons Police Station at 217 North Central.

A major procedural error during the revenue neutral rate hearing for Montgomery County causes a major change to the mill levy and the 2026 budget.

The error was discovered by County Clerk Ami Standridge as she was certifying the county's mill levy late last week. Standridge has been on maternity leave but appeared before the Commission at Monday's meeting to clarify the matter. Standridge says she brought the matter to the attention of state officials.

Standridge says there were two issues of concern.

The error means the county will not be able to raise the mill levy for the coming year and will instead be required to stay with the rate of 39.989 mills. Commissioner Robert Bever asks Standridge about her actions after she found the error.

The change in the mill rate means the county must cut an additional $2.1 million from the 2026 budget and they must do it by October 1^st . Bever says deep cuts will have to happen.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet in a special session today at 9am to amend the 2026 budget.

The Fredonia Fire Department along with units from Wilson County Rural Fire conduct a water rescue mission on Fall River.

Around 3pm Monday afternoon, emergency crews were called to the scene at Mill Dam on Fall River, located about a mile southwest of the City of Fredonia. Upon their arrival, rescue crews found a vehicle that had gone into the water. Responders were able to use water rescue equipment to pull the car from the river. The Neodesha fire Department responded to the call as well, but were canceled before they arrived on scene.

No injuries were reported.

The Altamont City Council approves a measure that will allow the City to apply for a loan from the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund in order to make much needed repairs to the city sewer system.

The decision was made at the council’s most recent meeting that included a public hearing on the issue. City Administrator LeeAnn Myers summarized the issue for the council, stating that a recent sewer study from Midwest Engineering showed the needed repairs to the system would cost just over $8 million, an amount Altamont cannot afford. Myers says the City has pursued grant funding, but a loan is what is likely needed to fix the aging system.

Few citizens attended the meeting, but one that did say she agrees that the repairs need to be made.

The Council went on to approve Resolution 313 to allow the City to apply for a low-interest loan through the state Revolving Fund.

Three Girard residents are injured in a single-vehicle crash in Crawford County.

27-year-old Jaina Snyder was traveling eastbound on K-47 around 10:30 Sunday morning just east of Girard when she swerved to avoid hitting an animal in the roadway. The action caused her 2005 Honda Accord to leave the roadway to the right where it then struck a culvert. Her vehicle continued where it then struck a road sign and then an embankment. That sent the Accord into spin before it overturned and struck an electrical pole.

Snyder was taken to the Girard Medical Center with minor injuries. Two juvenile passengers in her vehicle also suffered minor injuries and were transported to the hospital as well.

The City of Independence approves the application for a loan that would cover the cost of water line replacement.

The move came at the most recent meeting of the Independence City Commission. The measure would allow the city to borrow up $9 million to replace water lines as required by federal law under the E-P-A's Lead and Copper Rule under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Consulting engineer Mike Younger with E-M-G engineering says water lines found in violation will need to be repleaced by 2037.

The replacement would follow the findings of the Lead Line Survey done by the City in 2024. Commissioner Tim Emert says he wants to know what the timeline and total cost will be.

City Enginner John Garris told the commission that costs would be covered over the next ten years with an increase in city water rates.

The Neodesha City Commission dicusses water meter options for those who do a lot of watering during the summer months.

At September 24 meeting, a Neodesha resident came to the commission with questions about the best way to make sure she was paying for the water she used during the summer without over paying during the winter. The woman told commissioners that her large flower beds and garden required a lot of water during the warmer months. Mayor Devin Johnson says, in the past, the city has handled that by installing a second meter.

City Administrator Brogan Jones says customers in that situation have the option of turning off the second meter during the winter.

The citizen provided a lot of information she had gathered as tohow other area cities deal with the issue. Johnson thanked her for her work and stated that the city would look for the best solution going forward.

Law enforcement is working to locate a missing teen in the Parsons area.

Police say they're looking for 16-year-old Freemon Compton, who went missing on Saturday, September 27^th. Freemon just moved to Parsons on Friday and is unfamiliar with the area. He has severe health conditions that require medication that he does not have with him.

Freemon is 5' 6" tall and weighs 133 pounds. He has blonde hair and green/hazel eyes. If you have any information regarding his disappearance, call the Parsons Police Department at 620-421-7060 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

A national fundraising event is coming up to benefit the A.W.O.L Humane Society in Independence.

Jordan's Way, the national tour founded by Kris Rotonda, is bringing its high-energy fundraising event to A.W.O.L this Thursday, October 2nd from 6 to 9 p.m. Rotonda says more than $16,000 was raised for the Independence shelter last year.

Rotonda's stop in Independence is part of a multi-state tour that includes Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. He says the one-of-a-kind live fundraiser will feature lots of high-energy fun.

The fundraiser will be streamed live on Facebook, allowing supporters near and far to participate by donating and sharing the event link. Every dollar raised will go directly toward the care, medical needs and adoption programs for the animals of A.W.O.L. at 116 S 23rd St in Independence.

The Independence Community College Cosmetology Department is hosting a free haircut day.

On Wednesday, October 8^th, community members can make appointments from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Salon West at the ICC West Campus. Program Director Chelsea Bailey says students get to refine their technical skills, interact with clients, and experience what it’s like to manage a busy salon.

Salon West is operated by ICC Cosmetology students under the guidance of licensed instructors. Services like haircuts, color, and styling are offered throughout the year at discounted rates, with Free Haircut Days being a special way to thank the community for its support.

The Nowata County Commission hears an update about the county's communication project. District Two Commissioner Brandon Wesson says everything is up and running in Wann.

Chairman Paul Crupper says that crews are working to provide power to equipment that has been stored inside another tower in New Alluwe. The radio tower project across Nowata County will provide first responders a more effective way to communicate in the field across the county.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Atlanta public water supply systems located in Cowley County.

Customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water instead. Dispose of ice cubes from trays and automatic ice makers. If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

 Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled, but supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a water line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.

 The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

On Saturday morning, Neewollah Headquarters in Independence officially opened for 2025.

Tickets for Neewollah 2025 events are now on sale. This year’s events include the Queen Neelah talent and coronation, the musical Annie, the Buckets and Boards comedy percussion show, a chili cook off at Riverside Park, and the downtown carnival, and food vendors. Tickets can be purchased at ICC West and merchandise is available at Neewollah headquarters at 311 North Penn.

Neewollah runs from October 17^th through the 25^th in Independence.

A juvenile suspect is in custody in connection to a bomb threat made against the Hutchinson Regional Airport.

Authorities say an unidentified male caller made the threat over the phone around 8am on Friday morning. Hutchinson Police responded to the scene and determined there was no bomb at the airport. With help from the Wichita Police Department, the juvenile suspect was identified and taken into custody.

The suspect has been charged with aggravated criminal threat and the charges have been forwarded to the Reno County Attorney’s Office.

A Hays police officer is dead following a response to a domestic violence call.

The incident happened just before 11pm Saturday night when the officer responded to a report of domestic violence at a Hays residence. When the officer arrived on the scene, the suspect fired a single shot from inside the home. The officer was struck and air lifted to a hospital, where they succumb to their injuries. The suspect, who has been indentified as 34-year-old Shane Wickham of Hays, was pronounced deceased at the scene due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to handle the case. The name of the fallen police offcicer has not yet been released.

The City of Sedan completes its 2025 Safe Routes to School plan.

The Safe Routes to School program comes through the Kansas Department of Transportation with the purpose of promoting walking, biking, and rolling to school with the goal to improve student health and safety. Over the past 50 years, the number of students who walk or bike to school has fallen from 50% to just 15%. The Safe Routes program is part of a statewide effort to reverse that trend.

Sedan was awarded a Safe Routes grant in July 2024 to identify problem areas in the city and to develop a solution to those issues. While there have been no major safety incidents involving Sedan students in the past five years, one major area of concern the City found was a lack of proper sidewalks. Changes have been designed to help solve that problem. The City has also embarked on a safety and education campaign as well as changing school pick-up and drop-off procedures to improve student safety.

By completing the SRTS plan, the City may now be eligible to receive implementation grants to help cover the costs of making those changes. A similar plan was completed in Coffeyville in 2017.

An Ottawa man who was the subject of a manhunt last week surrenders peacefully to police.

Authorities in Franklin County, Kansas, say 53-year-old Lester Caleb was located last week following an incident at his residence involving Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies. Authorities say Caleb fired on deputies after law enforcement was called to his property west of the City of Ottawa on September 21st. Caleb then disappeared from view and law enforcement was unable to find him. Officers finally made contact via telephone with Caleb early last week and he agreed to surrender without incident.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has not released any details as to any charges that may be filed against Caleb.

Cherryvale will honor the Cherryvale High School 1975 State Runner-Up football team at their upcoming October 17 game.

That historic team had a record of 12 wins with their only loss coming in the 2A Championship game against Beloit. There will be a half-time ceremony to recognize the team during the home football game against Bluestem at the Logan Park Stadium.

The school is looking for any former players, coaches, cheerleaders, and managers who were a part of the 1975 team to contact Cherryvale High School to help plan and be a part of the event.

A recent graduate of Neodesha High School earns a national honor for his academic career.

Tucker Leck has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2025 Presidential Scholar. Leck is one of 161 students chosen nationwide for the honor. The award honors high school graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, citizenship, service, and contributions to their school and community. Leck was chosen as one of 20 Career and Technical Education Scholars out of more than 6,000 eligible students. As part of this recognition, Leck named Neodesha High School teacher Amber Botts as his most influential teacher.

Leck graduated from N-H-S in May and was the Class of 2025 valedictorian.

A Webb City woman faces charges of child endangerment.

Kelli Marie Newberry was charged Friday in Jasper County with two counts of child endangerment after an investigation reported finding children living in her home in what is being called unsafe conditions. Investigators from the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division and Webb  City police officers say Newberry acted with criminal negligence and created a risk to the children’s health and safety. Court documents claim to have found children in the woman’s home sleeping on deflated air mattresses that were covered with cockroaches and the presence of marijuana use, excessive alcohol consumption, and domestic violence in the home.

The children have been removed from the home and Newberry has been ordered by the court to have no contact with them at this time.

The Montgomery County Commission will hear the results of its 2024 audit at today’s meeting.

Representatives from the Chanute-based CPA firm Jared, Gilmore & Phillips will be on hand to report on their audit of the county’s finances last year. The report will provide a comprehensive view of the county’s financial health, the auditor’s findings, and additional details supporting the main financial statements.

Commissioners will also hear a quarterly reports from Live Healthy Montgomery County.

In other business, County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson will appear along with Jeremy Hunsucker of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to provide an update on cell phone plan options for county employees.

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.

Coffeyville Public Schools is providing an update on the students injured in Friday's car accident caused by a vehicle being pursued by law enforcement.

As of last night, one of the students remains hospitalized in critical condition, while the other is home after receiving medical care.

District leadership says their focus is on supporting the students, their families, and all who are impacted. Counselors and support staff will be available at school to provide care and assistance to students and staff members.

The school is asking the community to keep these students and their families in their thoughts during this very difficult time.

Another Old Iron Days has come and gone in Fredonia.

Event Organizer Mike Olson estimates between 1,000 and 1,500 students had come by as of Friday afternoon and says the event went quite well. Several young people helped exhibit during the week, including High Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club Vice President Tatum Francis, who enjoys teaching visitors new things but also says he learns a lot at the show.

Blacksmith and Knife Maker Tyler Manahan was an exhibitor this year and says a modern TV show inspired him to learn the skill.

Manahan says blacksmithing was essential to the pioneer days and is still important today.

Old Iron Days is organized by the Wilson County Old Iron Club and takes place during the last full week of September.

A high speed chase ends in a crash in Coffeyville.

The car chase started in Owasso traveling north on Highway 169 at speeds of more than 100 mph at times.  According to witnesses, the car went to turn at the intersection of 8th and Patterson and hit another car.  KGGF correspondent John Vest reports live from the scene of the accident.

According to law enforcement, the incident began when an officer with the Owasso Police Department confronted shoplifting suspects at a Target store. When the officer tried to pull one of the suspects out of the car, the suspects drove off, dragging the officer.

The pursuit went northbound on Highway 169, where Owasso Police were joined by officers from the Collinsville, Oologah and Talala Police Departments, as well as the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, game wardens and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, with the OHP eventually taking the lead.

The pursuit ended when the suspect's Jeep failed to yield at a stop light, striking a Chevy Tahoe on its passenger side.  The Jeep left the road and overturned on its side while the Tahoe overturned and came to rest on its roof.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the driver of the Jeep fleeing law enforcement was identified as 38-year-old Tenisha Mayberry of Blue Springs, Missouri.

Two girls from Coffeyville were in the Tahoe that was hit by the Jeep.  Passenger 15-year-old Serafina O'Connell sustained a suspected serious injury and was transported to a Tulsa Hospital, while the 17-year-old driver, Maria O'Connell, received a suspected minor injury and was taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

Mayberry, along with her 19-year-old passenger Cortez Wasson of Blue Springs were also taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center with suspected minor injuries.

Tthe officer who was dragged by the vehicle was also taken an area hospital.

Top Photo: John Vest

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

Independence Police and Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies respond to a rollover accident north of Dearing.

A single vehicle crash occurred just before 10am Friday morning, September 26 on County Road 3900 about 4 ½ miles north of Dearing. The SUV left the roadway to right and rolled, coming to rest on its side in a field on the west side of the road. Reports indicate some minor injuries to the vehicle's occupants, but none were life-threatening.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

A 17-year-old boy is dead following a collision with a semi truck in Mitchell County.

The accident occurred just before noon yesterday on K-14 near the intersection with V Road or about 14 miles south of the City of Beloit. Austin Jablonski of Lincoln, Kansas, was driving a 2003 chrysler Town and Country when he crossed the center line and collided with a Kenworth semi driven by 29-year-old Trey Mosier of Ellinwood, Kansas. Both vehicles went into the ditch and then caught fire. Jablonski suffered fatal injuries while Mosier was unharmed in the accident.

The Independence City Commission approves a measure to repurpose an old building and bring new housing units to the city.

At last night's meeting, commissioners approved a measure that would transfer ownership of the old Mercy Hospital bulding at 811 West Laurel to a redevelopment company to covnert the strucutre into residential and commercial units. City Manager Kelly Passauer says the agreement was made with the DeSoto, Kansas-based company the Rural Redevelopment Group.

Commissioner Dean Hayse says he has long hoped to see the building put to good use.

After Mercy Hospital closed its doors in 2015, the building served as the location for offices for the City of Independence. The building has been unused for the past two years since the City moved back to the renovated City Hall location on north 6^th Street.

The Kansas Coporation Commission approves a settlement agreement allowing Evergy to increase rates in order to recover costs to replace aging equipment.

The agreement was unanimously approved on Thursday morning by the K-C-C. K-C-C General Counsel Brian Fedotin says the agreement will allow Evergy to raise rates.

The new rates will take effect beginning with the October billing cycle. Fedotin says residential customers will see an increase.

K-C-C commissioners found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers.

The dates for Kansas residents to submit free applications to the state's higher learning institutions is quickly approaching.

October 6-8 are Kansas Apply Free Days. For the three days, any Kansas resident regardless of age or income, can apply free at any of the 7 public universities as well as at any of the stae communities colleges, technical schools, or institutions that are members of the Kansas Independent College Association. Application fees will be waived for general applications, certificfate programs, and associate and bachelor degree programs. Graduate programs or other mid-degree programs do not qualify.

Kansas Apply Free Days encourage more Kansans to continue their education in an effort to break down barriers to higher education.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announces that the state is taking steps to develop an application for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or C-M-S and aims to strengthen rural communities by improving the quality of and access to health care. Of the $50 billion authorized by the program, $25 billion will be distributed evenly among states with approved applications, while the remaining $25 billion will be allocated based on criteria outlined by C-M-S.

Kelly is forming the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance to develop and implement the state’s plan to apply for a share of this funding. Kansas must submit its application by November 5, and CMS will announce funding awards by December 31.

Kelly stated that while  the funds will not make up for the federal cuts to the Medicaid program, these resources will allow the state to make fundamental changes to the rural health care system to protect rural Kansans’ access to health care near their homes.

A chance to learn more about amateur radio will be offered next week at Independence Community College.

Ham radio—also known as amateur radio—provides an independent, non-commercial way to communicate when it matters most. Beyond being a hands-on hobby for licensed enthusiasts, ham radio enables technical experimentation, reliable connections during disasters when other networks fail, and a unique form of recreation and social connection. With no dependence on the internet or cellular service, it fosters practical skills, community, and a vital lifeline in critical situations.

Anyone interested in obtaining their entry-level technician license is encouraged to attend an upcoming workshop which will be offered nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. from September 30^th through October 3^rd.

The class will be led by instructor Alfred Crawshaw with help from members of the Independence Amateur Radio Club in Room AC200 at Independence Community College.

A link to sign up for the class is available HERE.

Wilson County Old Iron Days continues this weekend in Fredonia.

The event featuring more than 30 working farm and domestic demonstrations continues through tomorrow. Organizer Rod Meckley says the annual Parade of Power is always a worthwhile event.

The parade will take place tomorrow at 3 p.m. Demonstrations will take place today from 8 to 4 and 8 to 3 tomorrow. All kinds of food, including homemade pies, ice cream and lemonade will also be available. Admission buttons are $5, with children 12 and under free. All events take place at the old iron grounds in Fredonia near the intersection of US-400 and KS-47.

The City of Independence is transferring ownership of the old Mercy Hospital to a rural development group to turn it into a mixed-use structure with residential and commercial units. 

The Independence City Commission has approved an agreement with the De Soto, Kansas-based Rural ReDevelopment Group, LLC., to transfer ownership of the building, with the goals of creating new housing units.

The project will redevelop the existing structure at 811 W. Laurel into a mixed-use complex of commercial and residential units, directly advancing the Commission’s established goals to expand quality housing opportunities and encourage private investment in Independence.

Per the agreement, the City will convey the former Mercy Hospital building and adjacent lots to RRG. The purchase will be completed via a $500,000 second place forgivable note from the City to RRG. The City is not providing any cash to the buyer. Note forgiveness is strictly contingent upon RRG completing the development of apartment units in the building; otherwise, the note must be repaid. According to the plan, the project also will include development of commercial spaces on the property.

City Manager Kelly Passauer says the project is the result of extensive collaboration between the Independence Housing Authority, City staff, the City Attorney, Montgomery County Action Council and representatives of the Economic Development Advisory Board, all of whom worked closely with the developer to create a framework that benefits both the community and private investors.

The agreement stipulates that a construction timeline of 24 months will be allowed for completion of the housing units.

Full details tomorrow during KGGF News at 7 on The Mighty 690.

A Chanute woman is arrested and facing charges after a hit and run incident.

Yesterday, Chanute Police officers responded to the 700 block of West Cherry Street for a reported hit and run accident. After speaking to those involved, officers located and arrested 38-year-old Kayla Platt.

She is facing charges of driving under the influence, failure to stop at an accident, interference with law enforcement, endangering a child and disorderly conduct.

The Wilson County Rural Fire Department responds to two separate fires on back to back days.

At around 7:00am this morning, the Fredonia Fire Department was called for a structure fire at Dollar General. A Wilson County Rural fire unit was passing by the Dollar General at around the same time the fire had been reported. The unit stopped and found a refrigerator on fire. The fire was contained to the refrigerator but there was heavy smoke throughout the building. The Fredonia Fire Department arrived on the scene and supplied ventilation to the building.

At around 7:30pm yesterday evening, units were called for a vehicle fire along Highway 39 resulting from a vehicle roll over. The vehicle was a total loss and the drive was injured in the accident. According to witnesses at the scene, the fire department kept the fire from spreading too much from the vehicle.  

Multiple departments respond to a fire at the John Deere facility in Coffeyville

Around 10:40 this morning, the Coffeyville Fire Department responded to the Coffeyville Industrial Park to a report of a structure fire.

Initial reports indicate a dumpster was on fire underneath an awning separate from any main buildings.

Assistance was also requested from Coffeyville Resources Fire Department. The fire appeared to be brought under control by 11 a.m. No cause or injuries have been reported at this time. This is a developing story.

The Wilson County Commission held a brief meeting this week, and approved a pair of motions.

Commissioner Andrew Miller was not present at this week's meeting, and a pair of reports were given to Commissoiners Casey Lair and Jerry Scott.

County Coordinator Kris Marple says the first motion was regarding electrical outlets in the county courthouse.

Marple adds that an additional motion was approved for a satellite office location in the county.

The commission will hold a regular meeting next week on October 1st at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the courthouse in Fredonia.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes musical musician and storyteller Reid Miller to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

Miller brings his music to life with his Over Time program that blends reflections on love, life, and laughter with music performed on banjo, guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. With over 40 years of experience entertaining audiences of all ages, Miller creates a memorable experience that resonates with his audience through storytelling and song.

Miller will perform Tuesday on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

Fort Fest happens this weekend in Fort Scott.

The festival features live blues music and lots of other activities as well. There will be a car shopw on Saturday morning and a motorcycle show at noon, plus lots of kid-friendly fun including a petting zoo and bouncy houses. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets. Small coolers are also welcome, but please leave your pets at home.

Friday's Live Bands:

6pm Birigett & Her Bandoliers

8pm The Spooklights

Saturday's Live Bands:

1pm Maeza Joy

3pm Martin & The Dead Guys

5pm Amanda Fish

6pm Randy McAllister

It all happens tomorrow and Saturday at Riverfront Park in Fort Scott. Admission is free.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is currently working on two projects on US-59 in Parsons and Parsons Police are urging drivers to use caution.

KDOT is currently reconstucting a segment of north 16^th Street near the Parsons Walmart. Crews are also working on south 16^th Street near the Little Labette Creek Bridge. The road in both locations will be reduced to a single lane in each direction by utilizing the shoulder as a temporary lane. Both projects will create a smoother road surface for drivers.

KDOT and the Parsons Police remind drivers to use caution and follow speed limits and signage in these and all other work zone. Extra caution should be used at intersections in the work area in an effort to avoid collisions.

An Oswego traffic stop leads to the arrest of two people on drug charges.

Officers from the Oswego Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a 2007b Mercury Mariner early Wednesday morning at the intersection of 6^th and Commercial Streets. During the stop, a K-9 officer conducted an open air sniff. The dog indicated the presence of illgeal narcotics inside the vehicle. A search of the car revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and cash.

27-year-old Kenyon Best of Parsons and 24-year-old Ladonna Long of Columbus were arrested. They were booked into the Labette County Jail on multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Independence City Commission will discuss a proposed $9 million dollar loan to pay for water line replacement at tonight's regular meeting.

The loan would be taken by the City from the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund and would pay for the replacement of water lines in the City over a ten-year period. Federal regulations require the replacement of the lines based on the recent lead line survey. This is the last year of application for the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan fund that will receive federal funding to partially forgive the loan balance up to 51% for replacement of these water service lines. The City has the option of either a 20 or 30-year loan that would be paid for by future water rate increases. Citizens with comments or concerns on the issue are invtied to attend tonight's meeting and address the commission during the public hearing on the matter.

Also on tonight's agenda is a $25,000 addition to a C-D-B-G funded project at Riverside Park, the closure of downtown streets for Neewollah, and the placement of three charing units for electric vehicles on City poperty.

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.

Oklahoma State School Superintendent Ryan Walters announces his resignation.

Walters announced yesterday afternoon that he is stepping down from his role as the leader of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. He leaves to take a private sector position as the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance. The TFA is a non-profit organization whose stated purpose is to serve as a non-union alternative for teachers.

Walters has served as State Superintendent since being elected to the position in 2022. His replacement will be appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt.

A Frontenac man is injured in a three-vehicle crash near the Kansas/ Missouri state line.

The accident occurred just after noon yesterday at the intesection of K-126 and South 260^th Street in Crawford County, about 4 miles east of the state line. 27-year-old Navada Hultgren of Frontenac received minor injuries when his 2013 Honda Accord was struck by a large truck driven by 31-year-old Marcus Salas of Midland, Texas. Salas failed to yield at a stop sign before turning on to K-126 causing the two vehicles to collide. That accident then caused Hultgren's Accord to strike a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by 48-year-old Amy Shannon of Humboldt as it sat at the stop sign on the other side of the intersection.

Hultgren was taken to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg while Salas and Shannon were uninjured.

The Tulsa State Fair kicks off today for its 11-day run.

Now through October 5th, the fairgrounds will be open, showcasing the best that northeast Oklahoma has to offer.

Local 4-H and FFA members will be showing off their projects during the course of the fair, which will be on display during the entire event.

FFA students have already been busy at the fairgrounds, with members from the Jenks, Coweta, Owasso, Skiatook, Bristow, Drumright, Mannford and Pawnee FFA Chapters volunteering behind the scenes.

The fairgrounds are located southeast of downtown Tulsa.

Photo: Tulsa State Fair Livestock Exhibitors

Homecoming week festivities continue in Coffeyville.

Field Kindley students took to the streets of downtown Coffeyville for this year's homecoming parade.

Student athletes, marching band, cheerleaders and club members participated in this year's annual event, followed by a lip sync battle between homecoming royalty.  The full video of the parade is available here:

Homecoming interviews will continue tomorrow at 10:45 on Sonshine 98.9, with the NADO taking on Independence Friday night.  Pregame starts at 6:30, also on KQQF.

Two are arrested following a suspicious death in Vinita.

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Vinita Police Department requested OSBI's assistance in an incident.

On Monday, September 22^nd, Vinita Police responded to a property along South Foreman Street in Vinita. When officers arrived on scene, an adult male victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who determined the victim suffered injuries consistent with homicide. Based on this information and the evidence gathered from the scene, OSBI special agents identified two suspects as 43-year-old Renee Carpenter and 38-year-old Jacob Bailey. Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Craig County Jail on a Second-Degree Murder complaint.

The investigation will be provided to the Craig County District Attorney’s Office, who will determine official charges.

Two people are under arrest in Pittsburg after they are found hiding in a tent at a Tractor Supply store in Pittsburg.

35-year-old Allen Morris and 46-year-old Rosanna Closs were arrested on Tuesday morning after they were discovered inside an exterior storage tent around 3:30am. Police were called to the scene after reports of a burglary alarm. Officers found a large hole cut in a fence on the south side of the Tractor Supply property where they say the couple gained entrance. Several pieces of merchandise were found outside the tent. Employees say those items had been stored inside the tent the previous day.

Both Morris and Closs face charges of attempted burglary, attempted theft, criminal damage to property, and trespassing.

The incident remains under investigation.

Two people are now charged in the 2014 cold case murder of Dustin Ray Carver in Delaware County, Oklahoma.

A tip from an inmate in the Clinton County, Missouri, Jail has led to the arrest of 42-year-old James Larson Jr. and 40-year-old Penny Larson. The 20-year-old Carver was last seen at a residence in Kansas, Oklahoma, shortly before his disappearance in May 2014. When Delaware County Sheriff's deputies and agents from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation searched the property, they discovered a burn pile containing human remains.

Arrest warrants for the two suspects were issued on September 12 and Penny Larson was taken into custody on September 17 and booked into the Clinton County Jail. James Larson Jr. was already in custody through the Missouri Department of Corrections on an unrelated charge.

Both have been charged with 1^st Degree Murder in the case.

Dalton Defender Days is coming up on October 3^rd and 4^th.

Dalton Defender Days President Richard Elliott says there will be lots happening in downtown Coffeyville during the two-day event.

Reenactments of the historic Dalton Raid will happen at 6pm on Friday and then at 10am, 3pm, and 6pm on Saturday.

Clues for the Dalton Lost Loot will begin this Sunday. Purchase a $5 button at the Coffeyville Chamber Offices in downtown Coffeyville, find the loot, and win $500. The prize without a button is $25. The
Chamber Offices are located at 807 Walnut Street in downtown Coffeyville.

The Neodesha City Commission will meet this afternoon and address a light agenda.

Items for commissioners to consider on this week's agenda is the appoointment of a new City Treasurer. Mayor Devin Johnson is also expected to issue a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week. Commissioners will also discuss issuing another proclamation at the request of Mothers against Bullying.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invtied to attend in person or view the meeting online via the City's Facebook page.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is awarded the Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council or I-E-D-C.

Commerce received the award for the agency’s work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population. I-E-D-C singled out the Commerce Department's Community Impact Tour which highlighted many projects across the state to engage with local stakeholders and celebrate community progress during National Community Development Week. The tour made stops in Bartlett, Fort Scott, and Independence in southeast Kansas.

 Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland called the impact tour a chance to connect face-to-face with the people and organizations making positive change happen throughout Kansas.

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

The original advisory was issued on September 18^th  because of possible contamination due to loss of pressure caused by a water line break. Laboratory testing of the City of McCune water supply showed no contamination and the K-D-H-E has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

Homecoming continues this week at Field Kindley High School with a parade tonight.

The parade will start at 7 p.m. at the intersection of 8^th and Elm, and continue downtown on the normal parade route, turning on Walnut before finishing south of 9^th Street. School teams and organizations will show off floats and their NADO pride during tonight's event along with homecoming royalty.  The parade will be followed by a lip sync battle behind the old Granny J's.

A chance to meet local candidates for the Coffeyville School Board, Coffeyville Community College Board of Trustees and the Coffeyville City Commission is coming up this week.

This Thursday, September 25th, candidates will be available for a meet-and-greet at the Coffeyville Country Club. Coffeyville Chamber Director Candi Westbrook says it's a great chance to get to know each candidate.

USD 445 candidates include Shanna Motl, Delia Northup and Denise Gates.

Four candidates are running for three positions on the CCC Board of Trustees. They include Dickie Rolls, Joe Miller, Becky Barnhart and David Baldwin. Candidates will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

From 6:30 to 7:30, candidates for the Coffeyville City Commission will be available. They include William Kendall, Michael Golden, Deborah Maples and Don Edwards. While Edwards asked for his name to be removed from the ballot, the deadline had passed and he will remain on the ticket as the four candidates compete for three open positions. The final day to register to vote is October 15^th with the general election November 4^th.

The City of Coffeyville will not exceed the revenue neutral rate.

Finance Director Martin Cumings says notice was sent out of their intent to exceed it.  The Commission voted to not exceed the RNR as well as approved the budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year.

The budget for 2026 for the City will be $103,800,692 compared to the 2025 budget of 110,187,405.

An Independence man is arrested after a short foot chase and is facing a number of charges.

At around 1:40am this morning, a Montgomery County Sheriff’s saw a man, identified as Cornelius Williams driving a white Chevy Impala westbound on Main Street in Independence. Dispatch confirmed that Williams’ driver’s license was revoked. The deputy initiated a traffic stop in the Lamplighter Hotel parking lot. Upon stopping, Williams exited the car and fled on foot. After a short pursuit, the deputy apprehended Williams.

During the chase, Williams discarded a bag containing a crystal-like substance. Deputies recovered the bag, which later tested positive as methamphetamine with a weight of over 45 grams. A handgun was also located in Williams’ possession. Williams was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where he was booked on charges of distribution of methamphetamine, felony interference with a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm, defacing identification marks on a firearm, failure to use a turn signal, driving while revoked, habitual violator and no seatbelt.

Nowata High School is introducing a new mentorship program and are looking for people to be a part of the program.

Mentor applicants must be 21 years or older and pass a background check through Nowata Public Schools. Mentors are asked to commit to two hours per month, preferably over a one-year involvement period. Activities include one-on-one check-ins, goal setting, career exploration, job shadowing and attending school events.

The program aims to help students explore various career paths, enhance their skills and build the confidence needed for success after graduation.

Coffeyville Community College is participating in Kansas Week Without Driving with KANcycle.

From Monday, September 29^th to Sunday, October 5^th, Kansas will observe the annual Week Without Driving, a statewide campaign that encourages Kansans to think about what daily life is like without access to a car. To support the effort, KANcycle is offering free bike rides all week long with the promo code kswwod25.

At CCC, a KANcycle station is located on the west side of the Arts and Sciences Building. More details about the statewide initiative can be found at www.ksrides.org. For information about KANcycle, visit www.kancycle.org.

 While the dollar amount will not change, the look of the water bill in Caney will be changing soon. That was one of the topics discussed in yesterday's regular session.

 City Administrator Andrea Sibley says the difference will be in how water consumption is viewed.

 Mayor Josh Elliott says reading meters will be more accurate and cost efficient in the near future.

 In other business, the council accepted the resignation on Ward Two Councilman Nathan Reins, due to his relocation outside of Ward Two.

An Okmulgee who was injured in a dog attack two weeks ago suffers another setback.

31-year-old Janelle Scott was riding her bicycle to a friend's house along with her boyfriend when she was attacked by two pit bulls on September 17. Scott was severely injured in the initial attack that required doctors to amputate her right arm and one leg. Scott's condition deteriorated over the weekend, forcing the removal of her remaining two limbs, with more surgeries scheduled for this week. Relatives say Scott is trying to stay positive as she adjusts to her medical condition and hopes to be able to be eventually fitted for prosthetics.

Okmulgee Police are investigating the attack. Officers say one of the dogs was killed by Scott's boyfriend on the scene, but add that the second dog does not appear to have been involved. The owner of the animals was not home when the attacked occurred, but the person who was caring for them has been ticketed for violating animal codes.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Scott to help pay for medical bills.

The Mongtomery County Commission approves the 2026 budget for the Rural Fire Department.

At this week's meeting, County Administrator Jonathan Booe reported that the budget numbers commissioners were asked to approve would be slightly different than the actual budget. Booe says the commission will need to amend the budget in January.

The Rural Fire Department will be able to remain funded until 2026 due to carry-over funds from this year. Booe says the amendment will increase expenditures for the department but will actually lower taxes.

Commissioners unanimously approved the rural Fire budget.

A 6-year-old boy in western Kansas is injured after being struck by a car while riding his bike.

The accident occurred just before 5pm on Sunday night in the City of Dighton in Lane County, located about 40 miles northeast of Garden City. The driver of a pickup truck told Lane County Sheriff's deputies that the boy had darted out in front of him and he was unable to stop before hitting the child. The boy was injured in the accident and taken to the Lane County Hospital. The driver was tested for signs of impairment and showed no such signs.

The investigation continues to establish a timeline of events in the incident and to determine what, if any, charges will be filed.

Nowata County commissioners approve an application for a REAP grant.

The Rural Energy for America Program from the USDA provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Nowata Conty Sheriff Jason McClain says the $14,000 in grant funding would be used to pay for a study the Sheriff's Office.

In other business, Commissioner Paul Crupper says there has been good progress on the radio tower project in New Alluwe.

Maintenance on a radio tower in Wann will resume this week. The radio tower project will allow first responders in the field to communicate more effectively across the county.

Construction on the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska is causing some minor headaches when it comes to courtroom business.

Initially, construction crews didn't think court would be interrupted during the remodel of the Osage County Courthouse. As the remodel of the courthouse approaches, officials have decided that steps must be taken to avoid interruptions. District Judge Stuart Tate says preliminary steps have been taken.

The changes will be in effect until construction is complete.

A Bartlesville man faces felony assault charges in connection to a September 20 incident.

31-year-old Darrell Cooper has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault and battery. The charges stem from a September 20 incident where he allegedly punched one person and struck two others who intervened, causing visible facial injuries. Police say Cooper later returned to the scene with a baseball bat, threatening two victims while appearing intoxicated. He has a prior 2015 conviction for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Cooper is scheduled to appear in court on October 3, with bond set at $15,000.

Two Oklahoma men are in custody in Cowley County in connection to a string of vehicle break-ins last week.

On September 14, police in Arkansas City responded to reports of a suspicious person looking into cars in a residential neighborhood. An unknown suspect has broken into two vehicles in the area and taken items from one of the cars. Officers were able to obtain an image of the suspect from surveillance video.

When officers received reports of more burglaries in the same area an hour later, police identified 29-year-old Thomas Pritchard and 30-year-old Aaron Holt, both of Ponca City, as suspects. Both were arrested and booked into the Cowley County Jail and face multiple charges inclduing burglary, theft and drug possession.

The Native American Unity Gathering happens this Saturday in South Coffeyville.

The unity gathering is a day of cultural celebration and fellowship. NAFI's Kris Crane says there will be lots of activities to enjoy.

Crane says there will be demonstrations and displays to enjoy as well.

Everyone is invited to join the fun on Saturday from 10 to 2 at the NAFI grounds at 215 Oklahoma Street in South Coffeyville.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes Matt Watroba to the Spencer Rounds Theater .
 

Watroba is a community singer, educator, and Folk Alliance International Folk D.J. Hall of Fame inductee who offers a deep dive into the roots of American music. His program explores traditional styles including Native American music, spirituals, Appalachian folk, old-timey country, Cajun, and jug band, showing how these foundational sounds connect to the music we enjoy today. His passion for music, storytelling, and community shines through each presentation, blending education, performance, and humor in a way that resonates with all audiences.

Watroba will perform tonight at 6:30 in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is looking for public feedback on the agency's compliance with national law enforcement standards.

K-H-P maintains national law enforcement, academy, and communications accreditation through the Commission on Law Enforcement for Accreditation or CALEA. Part of the process to maintain accreditation is to give the public the chance to voice their opinions. The agency has set up an online public portal to give citizens the opportunity to do this. The purpose of this public portal is to receive comments regarding compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accreditation status. Using this portal, citizens can express concerns and make recommendations in order to provdie K-H-P with information to allow for improvement.

To enter the public portal, follow this link.

The Coffeyville City Commission will hold public hearings on the 2026 Budget and on the revenue neutral rate at tonight's regular meeting.

Coffeyville citizens with concerns about the budget will be able to address the commission during tonight's hearings. Commissioners will also discuss several resolutions for the City during new business. Among those items for discussion is a Land and Water Conservation Fund Project Agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for upgrades to the Hillcrest Golf Course Driving Range and a construction contract with Mongan Painting for the 2025 Pool Painting and Rehabilitation Project. There are also several resolutions concerning construction projects at the Water Treatment Plant and an agreement with CVR regarding the construction of a water line near the nitrogen plant.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 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 YouTube channel.

Wilson County Old Iron Days kicks off tomorrow in Fredonia.

The four-day event features more than 30 working farm and domestic demonstrations, including antique engines, food processing, broom making and more. Organizer Mike Olson says one of the primary goals of the event is to pass knowledge down to the next generation.

Around 2,000 children are expected to attend this year's event. Olson says there's always something new to check out.

Volunteer Rod Meckley says everything will be running during the week from 8 to 4 with events on Saturday as well.

Admission buttons are $5 and are good for each day of the event, with children 12 and under free. All events take place at the old iron grounds in Fredonia near the intersection of US-400 and K-47.

Storms are likely to develop overnight across the four-state area into early tomorrow morning.

According to the National Weather Service, southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma have the best chance of severe weather development, with Montgomery County on the edge between a slight and marginal risk of severe weather.  Winds up to 65 mph, ping pong-ball size hail and heavy rainfall are all possible.  Widespread rainfall between one and two inches is possible, which has prompted a flood watch to be in effect across the entire four-state region.

Timing for severe weather is expected between 1 and 8 a.m. on Tuesday, with the flooding potential lasting through noon.  KGGF will provide severe weather coverage as needed.

A Bartlesville man is facing felony charges after allegedly attempting to break into multiple cars.

22-year-old Carter Link was charged with two counts of attempted third-degree burglary and one count of third-degree burglary. Officers responded to an attempted burglary in the 1600 block of Smysor Drive. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Link was found crouching behind a vehicle near a fence at a residence. Officers recovered a flashlight, a mask and a charging cable.

According to BPD, officers saw Link on video footage attempt to open the passenger door of a vehicle. Link allegedly broke into a vehicle and stole change and other items. He was charged in April with two counts of third-degree burglary and knowingly concealing stolen property. Link will appear in court again on October 31^st at 9:00am. He posted a $10,000 bond.

Two arrested over the weekend in Chanute.

Yesterday, Chanute Police officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of  44^th Street and Santa Fe Avenue in reference to a theft that had just happened. After speaking to those involved, officers arrested 26-year old Rachel Haslett, of Parsons, for theft, criminal trespass, illegal tag display and unlawful acts involving theft detection devices.

On Saturday, Chanute PD officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Ash Street and Kansas Avenue. After speaking to those involved, officers arrested 35-year-old Joseph Markham, of Chanute, for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and failure to produce valid insurance.

 Montgomery County Public Works is moving forward on the widening of Peter Pan Road.

 The second phase of the project will pick up at the intersection with Oak Street and proceed north. Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins told commissioners that the project is still in the engineering phase, so it’s unclear at this time how far north the work will go. It will, however, widen the road and replace a bridge in an effort to improve road safety. Beurskins says the county will likely need to acquire more right-of-way.

 Commissioners approved the signing of a contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation on the project. Beurskins also informed commissioners about a low water crossing on County Road 6200 north of Cherryvale. The crossing has been closed for more than a year. Beurskins says the county has applied for state grant funding to pay for the project.

 Beurskins also told the commission that the bridge over Pumpkin Creek near Coffeyville has been completed and reopened.

The Chautauqua County Commission approves multiple motions during a brief meeting this week.

The commissioners approved both the proposed 2026 calendar of holidays for county employees, as well as the monthly Allied Health fee.

County Clerk Niki Collier says an area organization also had a unique request regarding their budget.

New Beginnings operates as a disability services and support organization, based out of Neodesha, but also serving Chautauqua, Elk, and Greenwood counties. Collier says this request was made to make the process easier.

The commission will meet one final time in the month of September, next Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. on the second floor of the courthouse in Sedan.

Police in Franklin County, Kansas, are looking for an armed suspect wanted in connection to an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

The incident began around 7:15 Sunday night when Franklin county Deputies were called to a rural residence located about 2 miles west of the City of Ottawa. A 9-1-1 caller reported that 54-year-old Lester Caleb had been firing a gun on his own property. When the neighbor contacted Caleb to check on his well-being, the neighbor says Caleb threatened him verbally.

When deputies arrived on scene, they were met with gunfire. Caleb was spotted walking on the property but then disappeared from sight. Authorities then called in a helicopter from the Kansas Highway Patrol to help search for the suspect. Nearby neighbors were evacuated from the area as the search continued.

Officers were unable to locate Caleb and continue to search for him. Anyone with information about Lester Caleb's whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1. Caleb is considered armed and dangerous.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating a Sunday morning incident in Miami that led to a police standoff and a deceased suspect.

The incident began with a traffic accident that occurred just before noon yesterday near the intersection of East Northwest and 4^th Streets. A crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle led to an altercation between the two drivers. At one point, the driver of the car pulled a gun and shot the other individual. The suspect then fled the scene. The victim received non-life threatening injuires and took themselves to a nearby hospital.

Police responded to the scene and located the suspect at a nearby residence. The man was given verbal commands and came out of the house with a gun to his head. He did not respond to verbal commands and then pointed the weapon at police and exchanged gunfire. The suspect was struck by the gunfire and later died from his wounds at a hospital. No officers were injured in the exchange.

The suspect's name has not yet been released.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a stream advisory for Cow Creek near the City of Pittsburg and US-160 to the Oklahoma State line.

The advisory was issued due to insufficient treatment of water at the Pittsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant due to operational issues. As a result, there may be elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in the creek. The City of Pittsburg is aware of the problem and is taking steps to address the issue.

Residents are advised to stay away from the stream and those who live or have activities nearby, should not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the water.

The advisory will remain in effect until the water is deemed safe by K-D-H-E.

The Kansas Board of Regents wants time to study a proposal that would allow universities to award reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees.

The Board has paused a proposal from Kansas State University to offer a 90-credit-hour bachelor’s degree in uncrewed aircraft systems to evaluate its potential impact on the broader higher education system. That requirement is shorter than the state’s standard 120-hour requirement for a bachelor’s degree. Concerns were raised about how such reduced-credit degrees might affect the value of traditional four-year programs, transfer agreements, employer recognition, and overall academic rigor.

In response, the Regents will form a task force to explore whether a systemwide policy should guide future proposals. While K-State emphasized the degree is intended for emerging, workforce-focused fields and not for traditional majors, critics warn that rushing such changes could erode trust in Kansas degrees. Nationally, reduced-credit degrees are gaining traction, but their long-term implications remain under debate.

A Lawrence woman is in custody after attempting to steal a Lawrence city bus.

Authorities say the woman forced her way into the driver’s seat at Central Transit Station near the University of Kansas campus around 11:15 on Friday morning and left the station in the vehicle. The woman traveled about three miles through city traffic, driving about 40mph until she was surrounded by police near 2nd and Michigan Streets. She surrendered without incident and was arrested.

No injuries were reported, but the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

College can be difficult to afford for many high school students from small towns in Kansas and elsewhere in rural America, but one local town is making good on its promise to students and the community.

The Neodesha Promise Scholarship provides financial support for graduates of Neodesha High School who are pursuing post-secondary education. The program began in 2019 and, since that time, more than 550 scholarships have been awarded to nearly 200 N-H-S graduates. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees at Pell-grant approved institutions, including both four-year and two-year colleges as well as vocational-technical schools.

The N-H-S Class of 2025 included the program’s largest class of recipients since the scholarship’s inception, with 36 graduates receiving funds.

The program’s impact continues to grow, proving that when a community invests in its young people, the returns go far beyond the classroom. For Neodesha, the Promise Scholarship isn’t just about covering college costs—it’s about opening doors, building futures, and showing that even in small towns, big dreams are more than possible.

A semi-truck hauling grain crashes on a state highway in southwest Missouri.

The accident occurred on Friday night on Missouri Highway 43 just south of the Elk River and about 2 miles from the Oklahoma state line. The truck was southbound when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and crashed into the ditch, where it overturned and came to rest on its roof. All of the grain in the truck spilled into the ditch. The Missouri Highway Patrol and McDonald County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene along Tiff City Fire and Freeman Ambulance.

The driver was not injured in the crash, but authorities are investigating the accident as a possible DWI.

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper is recovering in a hospital after a crash during a high-speed pursuit last week.

Trooper Hayden Darst suffered serious injuries last Wednesday during a car chase on US-77 in Carter County near Ardmore. The suspect had fled Ardmore Police around 5pm, heading east on US-70 when assistance was requested from O-H-P. Darst responded to the call and began to set up a tactical intervention when the suspect deliberately turned his vehicle into Darst’s cruiser. Both cars crashed and Darst’s vehicle then caught fire. Responding crews pulled the Trooper from his vehicle and he was transported to a nearby hospital.

The suspect was also taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked into the Carter County Detention Center where he faces multiple charges including causing great bodily injury while fleeing police and DUI.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Sign ups for the 2025 Independence Veterans Day of Honor Parade are now open.

Any business, organization, club, family, or individual that would like to march in the parade to honor those who have served our nation are invited to participate. Officials hope to fill the street of downtown Independence with red, white, and blue in celebration of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. To sign up to be in the parade, visit the Independence Chamber website, go to Events and the Veterans Day of Honor.

The Independence parade will take place on November 8th at 2pm in downtown Independence.

The City of Altamont will hold a special meeting on Thursday night to discuss options for improvements to the Sewer Collection System.

The Altamont City Council has been discussing options for the repairs for some time, with plans to replace the south and east lift stations in the city. The council has approved an increase in sewer rates for residential customers to help fund the repairs and are also considering an $8 million loan through the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. This special meeting will give residents the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and gather more information about the project.

Thursday’s meeting is set to begin at 7pm. Altamont residents are encouraged to attend.

***** Update: Dense fog advisory extended through 10 a.m. *****

Dense fog is impacting southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma this morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory now through 9 a.m. for most of southeast Kansas, including Montgomery County. The advisory also includes counties in Oklahoma along the Kansas state line. Visibility down to a quarter mile or less in spots will cause travel impacts through the morning commute.

In addition, some severe weather is possible late overnight through tomorrow morning. The greatest storm chances will be in south-central Kansas and north-central Oklahoma, but the four-state area does have a marginal chance of severe weather development, including 65 mph winds, half-dollar-size hail and heavy rainfall.

The City of Howard marks the passing of an influential local man by proclaiming a day in his honor.

Saturday was officially proclaimed as Jerry Harrod Day in Howard. Harrod was a long time Howard resident and business owner, who started Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in 1970. He and his wife Mary and their son Gary expanded the business to serve the needs of the people of Howard and the surrounding communities and helped small farmers and large companies alike. Harrod also served as member of the Howard City Council and was also mayor. In a proclamation issued by current Howard Mayor Richard Clark, it was noted that Harrod provided many acts of service to the community and lived his life with an air of quiet generosity.

Harrod passed away on September 16 and his funeral services were held on Saturday. During his services, Howard businesses remained closed in honor of Mr. Harrod.

The Parsons Police Department will host a public safety fair on October 4th.

The annual event will occur during the P-K Art Fest and will include resources about crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and public safety. There will also be free child ID kits available and information about domestic violence awareness.

The Public Safety Fair runs from 10am to 1pm on October 4th at the Parsons Police Department located at 217 north Central.

A Fort Scott man is seriously injured in a Saturday night accident in Bourbon County.

19-year-old Blaine Pitts suffered serious injuries over the weekend in a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of 265th Street and Quail Road, just west of the state line. Pitts was southbound on 265th Street as he approached the T-intersection in his 2006 Chevy Tahoe. According to the Kansas Highway patrol, he went through the intersection, off the roadway and crashed into a stand of trees. The Tahoe then caught fire. Pitts was taken to KU Medical Center for treatment.

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

At today’s meeting, commissioners are expected to approve Rural Fire’s budget of just over $700,000 with a revenue neutral rate of 2.739. District Rural Fire Chief Michael Smith will also present his quarterly report to the commission. County I-T Director Jason Clubine will also give the quarterly report from his department.

In other business, County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson will appear along with Jeremy Hunsucker of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will discuss cell phone plan options for county employees. Commissioners will also address several requests from citizens for neighborhood revitalization.

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.

Today is the start of Homecoming Week for Field Kindley High School.

Interviews with all five Queen and King candidates can be heard on Sonshine 98.9 KQQF, with two interviews playing each day. Interviews will play at around 10:45am each day. Today's interview will feature Maggie Dyrsdale and Johntae Bryd, tomorrow will be Charli Gath and Corrick Gherring, Wedesday is Erin Lopez and Alan Grandberry, Thursday is Kaylin Caron and Bennett Thompson and Friday we will wrap up the interviews with Jahziya Jeter and Keontaa Stephens.

The interviews are brought to you by Coffeyville Public Schools, Eggberts and Bartlett Coop. The Nado will take on rival Independence for their Homecoming game with coronation at 6:30pm and Kickoff at 7:00pm.

Update: Buckeye is now open

Buckeye Street in Coffeyville will be closed today as asphalt work continues.

According to the Coffeyville Public Works Department, Bettis Asphalt will be working on the road, with barricades located and Cline and Woodland, Stark and Buckeye and 1^st and Buckeye. Drivers should follow any directions from flaggers and use alternate routes.

A gas leak yesterday afternoon in the City of Andover prompts the evacuation of several businesses and homes.

East Central Avenue was shut down for several blocks after Andover City crews discovered natural gas coming from a large hole in the ground. Nearby homes and businesses were cleared as crews from the Kansas Gas Service were called to cut off gas to the area. The Andover School District was also notified.

City officials say the leak was caused by a work crew accidentally drilling into a 4-inch gas main. No injuries were reported.

The City of Galesburg will be celebrating this weekend with Galesburg Day.

Events begin tomorrow morning at 7am with a pancake breakfast. Other activities happening throughout the day include bingo at 10:30, inflatables and games for the kids in the afternoon, a parade at 4:30 and a street dance with the Big Smitty Band at 8pm followed by a fireworks show at 9.

It all happens tomorrow in Galesburg.

Two women are arrested following the vandalism of a memorial to Charlie Kirk in Bentonville, Arkansas.

24-year-old Kerri Rollo and 22-year-old Kaylee Rollo were arrested and charged with vandlism after destroying a temporary memorial to the late conservative icon who was shot and killed last week at an event in Utah.

A video of the vandalism shows to two women tearing up signs and kicking over other parts of the memorial as a verbal altercation ensued on Tuesday in front of the Benton County Courthouse. Both women are currently being held for a bond hearing.

An Okmulgee woman is seriously injured in a dog attack.

31-year-old Janelle Scott was riding bikes with her boyfriend when she was attacked by two pit bulls last week. Scott had ridden ahead of her boyfriend when the attack occurred. She managed to escape once, but was caught again and was bitten on the leg. Her boyfriend then arrived and helped fight off the animals before calling 9-1-1. Scott suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a Tulsa hospital. Her injuries were so severe that doctors were forced to amputate her arm and leg. Her doctors say Scott could still face more amputations.

There has been no word on the status of the dogs involved in the attack or if anyone will face criminal charges in the incident.

The Independence Optimist Club hosts their annual pancake breakfast fundraiser tomorrow morning.

The event will include free face painting, Plinko, and balloon animals. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says the fundraiser features the world record holder for the most flapjacks flipped in an hour, the world-fanmous Chris Cakes.

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. It happens from 8 to 11am tomorrow at Dickie's at 204 North Penn in Independence.

The Parsons City Commission approves the 2026 budget.

The Commission met on Wednesday night this week after they failed to achieve a quorum at Monday's regularly scheduled meeting. No public comments were made during the public hearing on the budget during the meeting. Mayor Verlyn Boulanger says the city's finances for the upcoming year are sound.

In other business, commissioners voted to move forward with the condemnation process on several structures in the city deemed dangerous and unsafe. Commissioners also approved street closures for a P-K event scheduled for October 4. Approval was also given to trade in one of the city's garbage trucks for a newer model.

The Cowley County Sheriff's Office is investigating a recent string of cattle thefts in the northwest part of the county.

Authorities say the thefts began in early August and several ranchers near the City of Atlanta have been victims of the crime. Nearly 60 head of cattle valued at around $120,000 have been stolen during that time. Area ranchers worry that the current high cattle prices mean that more thefts may occur in the future.

Police are currently investigating two incidents that occurred on September 12^th and 16^th. Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to contact the Cowley County Sheriff's Office at 620-221-5444.

Independence residents who have a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, or another condition that affects their ability to communicate when lost or disoriented can now find peace of mind through a new registry offered by the Independence Police Department.

The City of Independence, Kansas – Take Me Home Registry allows family members of vulnerable adults to sign up their loved ones in the event that that person is found wandering or needs assistance. Using the registry, officers can quickly access their photo and information to get them home safely.

Sign up is free, voluntary, and completely confidential. The registry is designed to give families peace of mind.

To register, follow this link.

The repair of a railroad crossing north of Cherryvale is set to begin on Monday.

South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad plans to close and repair its crossing on U.S. 169 in Cherryvale just northwest of County Road 5200 starting on Monday. US-169 will be closed to both lanes of traffic while repairs are underway. Traffic will be rerouted through Cherryvale.

The repair and the road closure are expected to take about a week.

The Fall Festival happens tomorrow in Altamont.

Festivities get underway at 12:30 with a trail ride that begins at the church. Horse and buggy rides will be available from 4:45 to 5:30pm. There will also be a potluck dinner at 5:45. Guests should bring a dish to share. The evening wraps up with an evening around the camp fire featuring musicians, singers, and cowboy poets.

It all happens tomorrow at the Western Way Cowboy Church at 12083 Ottawa Road in Altamont.

 The Bullpup Marching Band got the crowd fired up at the Caney Homecoming Parade last night.

 The parade featured many of the school's athletic organizations, including the track and volleyball teams, even the football teams from third and fourth and fifth and six grades. It also included the five homecoming queen candidates and their escorts.

 Homecoming interviews conclude this morning at 9:35 on U-S 98, with attendant Tula Grassi and escort Seth Ellis.

 Homecoming interviews this week have been brought to you by Totah Communications, Totel CSI, Lacey Hodges of Shelter Insurance, and Caney Family Dental.

 Homecoming coronation begins at 6:00, with kickoff against the Neodesha Bluestreaks at 7:00.

 Pregame on U-S 98 begins around 6:30, with kickoff at 7:00. All events will also be streamed on PupNation on YouTube.

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

Customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water instead. Dispose of ice cubes from trays and automatic ice makers. If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears. Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled, but supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure.

 The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes Matt Watroba to the Spencer Rounds Theater .
 

Watroba is a community singer, educator, and Folk Alliance International Folk D.J. Hall of Fame inductee who offers a deep dive into the roots of American music. His program explores traditional styles including Native American music, spirituals, Appalachian folk, old-timey country, Cajun, and jug band, showing how these foundational sounds connect to the music we enjoy today. His passion for music, storytelling, and community shines through each presentation, blending education, performance, and humor in a way that resonates with all audiences.

Watroba will perform Tuesday night at 6:30 in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

Skiatook's Pioneer Days is underway with a full weekend of events planned.

The festival kicked off yesterday, and will continue with the carnival open tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Skiatook's Central Park. A rodeo will be held at the rodeo grounds at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 

Also tomorrow, there will be a parade at 9 a.m. with the Ford truck show going on from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Skiatook Church of Christ. A kids' fishing derby will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Park pond. Music will begin playing at Central Park at noon. 

Country Artist Chris Janson will perform a free concert at Osage Casino Hotel Bartlesville this weekend.

This Saturday, September 20^th, Janson will perform a variety of his songs during the outdoor event. Janson is a Missouri native and moved to Nashville shortly after high school to chase his dream of writing and performing. In addition to selling more than 10 million albums as a solo artist, he has co-written hits for Tim McGraw, LoCash, Hank Williams Jr., and others.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. with opening act Brent Giddens. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets. No outside food, beverages or coolers will be allowed, but food and drinks will be available for sale with cash and card accepted. Chris Freund will also be live from the concert on US 98 from 3 to 5 p.m. It all happens at the Osage Casino Hotel in Bartlesville.

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

According to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, 36-year-old Amanda Smith was charged today with bail jumping.

Smith posted a $25,000 bond on April 12, and failed to appear for a court date on June 13. A $50,000 bench warrant was issued for Smith’s arrest. Smith was charged on March 18 for trafficking in illegal drugs. Smith will appear in court again on Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. Her bond is set at $5,000.

One person is seriously injured after being entrapped in a grain cart yesterday in Anderson County.

The incident happened around 11:30 yesterday morning when Anderson County emergency crews were called to a location in a rural part of the county, just west of the City of Garnett. The victim was found in the grain cart and was bleeding profusely. EMS personnel applied a tourniquet in an attempt to control the bleeding until the patient could be freed.

The individual was taken by ambulance to the Anderson County Hospital and later airlifted to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Kansas City to receive a higher level of care.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Labette Community College is named #1 in the state of Kansas by Registerednursing.org.

The rankings are based on the first-time pass rate of students on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Exam. The test  is a standardized exam required by U.S. and Canadian boards of nursing to determine if a candidate is safe to practice as a registered nurse.  In recent years, LCC’s ADN program has achieved perfect pass rates.

Since its establishment in 1968, LCC’s Nursing Program has graduated over 1,500 nurses who have gone on to pass the exam and serve communities across Kansas.

The Kansas Board of Regents approves a $16.3 million unified appropriations request to help fund the state's higher education system.

The funding is earmarked for the 2027 fiscal year and is $4.6 million less than was apprpriated in 2026. The money is slated to provide continued funding for student success initiatives as well as new funding for future energy needs.

The money will also provide resources for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy which focuses on practical approaches for postsecondary education to enhance educator tools for student success in the classroom. It will also go to support Washburn University's efforts in workforce development and to provide support for Kansans with existing college credits to return and complete their degrees.

The funding request was approved yesterday and will now be sent to Governor Laura Kelly's budget office and to legislative fiscal staff.

A suspect in an Oklahoma double homicide is found dead in Texas.

Authorities say 35-year-old Jeffery Scott Baker took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found deceased in Tuesday in Reeves County, Texas. Baker was a person of interest in deaths of his parents 71-year-old Fred Baker and 70-year-old Barbara Baker. The couple was discovered in their Clayton, Oklahoma, home late last week following a welfare check.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says no other suspects are at large and that the investigation into the case remains ongoing.

A northwest Arkansas man convicted this week in the DWI death of a 14-year-old boy receives his sentence.

47-year-old Gregory Payne of Garfield, Arkansas, received a sentence of 15 years in prison for the 2024 accident that killed 14-year-old Gavin Bivens of Pea Ridge. On Tuesday, a jury convicted Payne of leaving the scene of an accident causing death and driving on an invalid license. Payne told the court that he was sorry for the terrible tragedy and that, if he could change places with the victim, he would.

In addition to the 15 year prison sentence, Payne will also be required to pay a $1,000 fine and have no contact with the victim's mother.

Police in Columbus are investigating a new trend circulating among high school students via the social media platform Tik Tok.

The trend encourages individuals to post videos of themselves relieving themselves on public facilities. One user was seen on video committing this act on playground equipment at the City Park in Columbus. City officials call the trend a disgusting act that poses a health and safety risk to others. It is also a criminal offense.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the identity of the person who committed this act to contact the Columbus Police Department.

Independence Community College honors its September Student of the Month.

At this week's ICC Board of Trustees meeting, the school awarded Trashaun Combs-Pierce for his work in the classroom and on the basketball court. ICC Vice President of Student Affairs David Adams says Combs-Pierce is a standout both on and off the court.

In addition to his academic and athletic accomplishments, Trashaun also gave back to the sport by working as a youth basketball referee during summer tournaments. His dedication and discipline have garnered attention from several Division I programs, with schools in the SEC and Big 10 actively recruiting him.

Combs-Pierce’s achievements reflect the high standards of Independence Community College, both academically and athletically. As he prepares for the next steps in his academic and athletic career, he stands as a distinguished representative of ICC’s commitment to excellence.

The Health on Purpose Fair happens tomorrow in Independence.

The event will feature lots of free screenings and activities. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says it's all about focusing on physical and mental health.

Tomorrow's Health Fair runs from 7 to 11:30am at the Civic Center in Independence.

The Sedan City Council defeats a measure that would have allowed the City to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2026 budget.

The move came at Tuesday's regular meeting. There was some confusion as the meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian Blankenship. The first order of business was the resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate and a vote was immediately called with several council members voting yes in a roll call vote. Council member Adam Clark asked for a halt to the vote in order to allow discussion. Clark says there is a very good reason to vote “no” on the measure.

The City did not notify the public of its intent to exceed RNR in time to approve the measure. City Clerk Lana Robinson says there are consequences if the city exceeds RNR without the authority to do so.

If the City exceeds the RNR, any taxes collected above that rate would have to be paid back. The Council went on to unanimously defeat the motion.

The Coffeyville City Commission will hold a special meeting this evening.

The purpose of the meeting is to approve a change order for the B-Substation Tranformer Upgrade Project for the City of Coffeyville Electric Utility. The meeting will be held tonight at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall.

Coffeyville is one of 12 Kansas towns to receive grant funding for a public art project.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced on Wednesday that Genesis of Coffeyville has been awarded $6,808 from the Rural Mural grant program for a public art project symbolizing growth, renewal, and community transformation. Genesis is a food pantry that serves Coffeyville, Liberty, and Dearing and is located at 1312 West 8^th Street.

The funds are part of $75,000 shared by the other 11 cities and organizations. The Rural Mural grant program, offered through the Kansas Department of Commerce, helps communities celebrate their hometown pride and use local creativity to boost economic growth across Kansas.

The Cherryvale Public Works Department will shut off water service on west Main Street from Liberty Street to School street this morning at 8:30. The department continues work to repair a leak in the area. This work may also affect some customers on West 4^th Street near School Street.

Today will bring a marginal risk of severe weather for the four-state area.

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening across the region between 3 and 10 p.m. A few storms could strengthen to severe levels if conditions are right, with dime to quarter-size hail and 50-60 mph winds. Local rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is also possible, which could lead to flash flooding.

Coffeyville Police are working an injury accident this morning at the intersection of 4^th and Buckeye. The accident occurred around 3:45am. Drivers are advised to avoid that intersection to allow emergency crews to respond and clear the scene.

Over 300 people gathered outside of Bartlesville City Hall to remember the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

The vigil included hymns, prayer and messages from evangelical leaders from across the area.  Copan First Baptist Church Pastor Nick Sterner says they need refocus on their beliefs and reject changes in culture.

Cedar Vale First Baptist Church Pastor Caleb Gordon says Kirk loved Jesus.  Adams Blvd Church of Christ Preaching Minister and Ward Four City Councilor Aaron Kirkpatrick ended the evening with a prayer.

The vigil lasted about 45 minutes.

The measles outbreak in the state of Kansas has been resolved.

That's the latest from the Wilson County Commission meeting, in which Health Department Director Amy Lell gave an update regarding the state's measles outlook. There have been no new cases in any previously affected county over the past 42 days, leading to the resolved classification.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was the discussion of a vacant position for the county on the Advisory Board for the Area Agency on Aging. The commissioners also approved a Community Christmas Tree decorating contest to be held in the courthouse, which will be organized by the Chamber Board.

The Wilson County Commission will have a brief meeting on September 24th at 9 a.m. in Room 101 of the County Courthouse in Fredonia.

A 47-year-old Garfield, Arkansas, man is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving death and DWI in a crash that killed a 14-year-old boy.

A jury handed down the verdict for Gregory Payne yesterday. Payne was originally charged with negligent homicide in the crash that killed Gavin Bivens as he was riding his motorbike along a roadway on July 27, 2024. That charge was dropped for an undisclosed reason as Payne's trial began on Monday. Witnesses testified that Payne struck Bivens head-on. The boy was airlifted to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Witnesses also told the jury that Payne exhibited a strong odor of intoxicants and glassy eyes following the accident. Payne had been convicted of five DWIs since 2004.

He will be sentenced in a Benton County courtroom today.

Attendance at this year's Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson is lower than in previous years.

This year's attendance at the annual event was just over 300,000 people. That number is 28,000 fewer than last year though fair officials say parking issues caused by heavy rains last week may have contributed to the downturn.

The highest attendance in recent years occurred in 2023 when 330,000 visitors attended the Fair. There was no State Fair in 2020 due to COVID, but attendance numbers spiked by nearly 25,000 per year following the pandemic .

Next year's Kansas Sate Fair runs from September 11^th through 20^th.

A mother and her son are both facing charges in connection to an incident involving a stolen car in Pittsburg.

On Monday morning Pittsburg Police responded to the scene of an accident in which a Ford Fusion allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. While officers were on the scene, police received a report that the Ford Fusion had been stolen from a Pittsburg business earlier that morning. When officers questioned the driver of the Fusion – identified as 18-year-old Terrian Williams – fled the scene on foot. Police followed him to a nearby house, where Williams began throwing objects at officers and claimed to have a gun.

As officers attempted to convince Williams to surrender, his mother 39-year-old Denise Kimble-Hicks arrived and began yelling at officers.

Both Williams and his mother were eventually arrested. Williams has been charged with aggravated assault of a police officer, theft, criminal damage to property, criminal threat, and interference with law enforcement. Kimble-Hicks has been charged with interference.

They will both appear in court to face their charges on October 17.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is looking for two male suspects in an assault that occurred last weekend at a Missouri Lake.

Authorities say two men in their 60s were assaulted by two younger men in their late 20s. The victims were near the water at Pomme de Terre Lake north of Springfield on Saturday. A dog belonging to one of the men was in the water when the two suspects approached on personal watercraft. The victims say the two men began harassing the dog by circling the animal of their watercraft. Both victims then entered the water and a verbal altercation ensued. At that time, one of the suspects then struck both victims with his watercraft before both suspects fled the scene.

One of the victims received minor injuries while the other was seriously injured and was taken via life-flight to a nearby hospital.

The suspects are described as white males, one with shaggy, black hair and the other with red hair. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop D in Springfield.

The City of Altamont approves reimbursement costs for citizens who will be required to move their gas meters due to a city sidewalk project.

The installation of a new sidewalk in the city funded through a Transportation Alternatives grant from the state will require residents along the proposed path to move their gas meters. At the most recent meeting of the Altamont City Council, council members approved a measure that would reimburse citizens for the cost of the move. Council member Kyle Wiford says the money will come from a fund set aside for this purpose.

The City will send out mailers to residents who will be required to move their meters and a special council meeting will be scheduled in the future to allow citizens to ask questions and get more information about the process.

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees approves purchases and hears updates on the EMS program.

At this month's meeting, trustees gave their final approval for the exterior wrap for the Mobile Fab Lab Trailer. College President Dr. Jonathan Sadhoo says the school chose the low estimate for the job.

The Mobile Fab Lab allows the school to take its technology on the road to area high schools. Trustees also approved the purchase of new computers for the eSports team. Sadhoo says the old computers will move into campus classrooms.

Trustees also heard updates on the EMS program and on options for faculty and staff health insurance plans. The ICC Board of Trustees meets on the third Monday each month in the Fab Lab building on the ICC campus.

The City of Independence is marking Constitution Week.

The annual celebration commemorates the signing of the U.S. constitution on September 17, 1787. Congress officially adopted the occasion in 1956 at the request of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The local chapter of the D-A-R requested an official proclamation from the City of Independence. At the most recent City commission meeting, Commissioner Dean Hayse makes the official motion.

The celebration includes today, September 17^th, as Constitution Day to recognize the signing of the Constitution by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The week emphasizes the enduring nature of the Constitution as a bulwark against the abuse of power and a framework for a thriving democracy.

A three-vehicle crash in Cherokee County leaves three people injured.

The accident happened around 7:30 yesterday morning on K-171, about two miles south of Pittsburg. A 2006 Chevy Equinox driven by 43-year-old Nicole Lee of Fort Scott was stopped on K-171 while attempting a left turn onto North 240^th Street. Her vehicle was rear-ended by a 2014 Buick Encore driven by 36-year-old Randy Adams of Joplin. The collision forced Adams' vehicle into the oncoming lane of traffic where it collided head-on with a 2018 GMC Sierra driven by 46-year-old Mark Cochran of Oronogo, MO.

All three drivers received minor injuries in the accident.

Two people are arrested on burglary charges in Independence.

Officers from the Independence Police Department were called to the 1700 block of West Laurel Street Last Friday around 8:30pm after receiving reports of a break-in at a private residence. Police arrived on the scene to find two individuals 31-year-old Victor Moore and 33-year-old Mechelle Pearson. After an investigation, both suspects were taken into custody.

Moore faces charges of burglary, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal damage, and felony interference. Pearson was arrested for burglary, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a prescription drug, trafficking contraband, and felony interference.

Both are currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail.

Photo: Moore (left), Pearson (right), courtesy Montgomery County Jail

Efforts continue to clean up blight in Cherryvale.

At Monday's City Council meeting, a citizen spoke during public comments about vehicles in yards and unkempt properties. City Council members agreed that they'd like to be able to do more to address the problem, but say the city has to follow the legal process, which can take a long time. Code Enforcement Officer Nichole Ecret says it's a real challenge to track down owners and deal with code violations.

In other business, the council approved increasing rental rates for the Logan Park Community Building, approved submitting a grant application for rehab of a sewer lift station and approved a contract for employment software at just over $6,500. Twenty percent of the cost of the software will be paid by the school district, which will utilize the program as well. The council also scheduled a comprehensive plan workshop for Monday, October 6^th at 5 p.m.

Buckeye Street in Coffeyville will be closed today for asphalt work.

According to the Coffeyville Public Works Department, work between 6^th and 7^th Streets on Buckeye is scheduled today from 7 a.m. through 4 p.m. Crews will be working on two asphalt patches. The road should reopen by 4 p.m. this afternoon.

A Coffeyville man is dead after a two-vehicle accident this morning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patorl, 65-year-old Brian Griswold was driving a 2001 Buick La Sabre at the intersection of County Road 4300 and 2000 early this morning.  Griswold's vehicle was hit by a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by 41-year-old Cassandra Lukens of Coffeyville.  According to the KHP Report, Lukens failed to yield at the stop sign, striking Griswold's car.  Griswold sustained fatal injuries in the crash wall Lukens had no apparent injury.  Next of kin has been notified and both were wearing seat belts.  Crews were still working the scene as of 7 this morning.

This year’s Kansas State Celebrate Ag Weekend will take place on September 26^th and 27^th.

Dean of the College of Agriculture Dan Moser says there are events for those thinking about coming to K-State and those who have already graduated.  Moser says they'll be celebrating Agville on Saturday before the game against UCF.

Moser says the event will start four hours before kickoff and will wrap up an hour before. He says there will also be a pregame meal that will start three hours before kickoff.

The first ever Taste of Montgomery County is coming up on Thursday.

Montgomery County Action Council Director Melissa Johnson says this is a fundraising event for MCAC.  Johnson says the event will be at the Lakeside Cedar Lodge in Cherryvale from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

In addition to the food, Tracy and the Time Travelers will be providing live music during the event.

Corn harvest is underway in the four-state area.

With the weather mainly dry minus a few hit-or-miss showers, conditions have been decent for field work, especially in southeast Kansas where 33 percent of the crop has been harvested. Across Kansas, maturity is at 55% which is near the 59% average but behind 70% last year. Harvest is generally delayed when compared with last year and the average.

Condition was rated 63% good or excellent with 24% reported fair.

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

Emergency crews in Woodson County respond to a house fire near Toronto.

A three-story wood-frame home was destroyed in a fire Sunday morning near the area of 50^th Road and Fox Road or about 4 miles east of the City of Toronto. When firefighters arrived on scene, the house was fully engulfed in flames. Woodson County Emergency Management says the blaze was fully extinguished by 1:30 Sunday afternoon. The home is considered a total loss.

The house was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

An Independence man is facing a felony charge in Oklahoma for fleeing from police.

22-year-old Trevion Pouncil was charged in a Washington County courtroom on Friday with causing great bodily injury while eluding police, and driving with a suspended license.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Pouncil was pulled over by authorities for driving 81 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone. When the officer returned to his patrol vehicle, Pouncil fled. During a brief pursuit, Pouncil allegedly drove his vehicle off the road and crashed into an embankment, ejecting one passenger, who was then taken to a Tulsa hospital for treatment.

Pouncil will appear in court again on Friday. His bond is set at $100,000.

The Montgomery County Commission approves the 2026 budget and votes to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

In what has become a common scene during city and county meetings over the past few weeks, Montgomery County citizens came together at Monday's County Commission meeting to voice their disapproval at plans to increase property taxes. Those present discussed the issue in a respectful, yet firm manner as residents tell commissioners that taxes are too high.

In recent weeks, commissioners say they have trimmed more than $3 million from the 2026 budget in an attempt to keep the mill levy as low as possible. This year's levy is currently set at 44.999. Commissioner Mike Cordray says other taxing entities in the county also bear responsibility for increases.

Both Cordray and Commissioner Phil Clubine say they must do what is best for the long-term financial health of the county.

Both voted in favor of the budget and to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Commissioners did discuss the possibility of implementing a county-wide sales tax to help spread the tax burden, but that option would like not be cinsidered until 2027. Commissioner Robert Bever was not present at the meeting due to health reasons.

Emergency crews are working a possible fatality accident on a county road between Dearing and Coffeyville this morning.

The two-vehicle accident occurred just after 5am on County Road 4300 near the intersection with County Road 2000 or about a two miles west of Coffeyville's Fairview Cemetery. Drivers are advised to avoid the area to allow first responders to work the scene.

USD 446 and Independence High School will host an online safety seminar for parents and other adults tomorrow night.

The seminar will feature the President and Founder of the Stop Trafficking Project Russ Tuttle. Tuttle will discuss strategies parents can use to keep their kids safe in an online world. His presentation will provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting young people, share tips for keeping students safe, and provide apps and other practical advice for helping parents navigate the issues of online safety.

Tomorrow's seminar runs from 6:30 to 8pm at the Performing Arts Center at IHS. This seminar is for parents and other adults. The event is free to attend. K through 12 students in Independence will hear age-appropriate seminars during the school day on Thursday.

 The Caney City Council approves to exceed revenue neutral rate and approves the 2026 budget during last night's regular session meeting.

 The mil levy was set at 56 mils, up from 46.784 in the current budget. The 2026 budget was approved at close to $6.95 million.

 After an executive session, Mayor Josh Elliott announced the agreement to sell Caney Grocery to Hans Retail Caney, based out of Pittsburg.

 Of the $300,000, $80,000 will be in down payment form, with the rest of the deal paid out in two years with 4.5% interest. Also in the agreement is a deal to keep the store open for a minimum of five years.

 Caney Grocery has a debt of $750,000, but Elliott says the goal is to pay off the rest of the debt without using any money from residents.

 The council also approved to move forward toward pursuing a low interest loan of just over $2-millon for the water connection with the city of Coffeyville.

A Minnesota man is killed in a single-vehicle crash in western Kansas.

60-year-old Jay Brown of Minneapolis was traveling southwest on K-61 north of Pratt just after noon yesterday when his 2021 Jeep Wrangler went left of center. The vehicel then entered the ditch on the opposite side on the roadway where it struck an embankment and overturned. The Jeep came to rest on its roof.

Brown suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Kansas Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez is elected to serve on the  Board of Directors of the International Economic Development Council or IEDC.

The IEDC is the largest nonprofit organization of its kind, bringing together leaders from government, business, education, and other nonprofits to support fair and lasting economic growth. As a member of the board of directors, Godinez will help guide national and international plans for economic development, while making sure Kansas’ needs and viewpoints are heard. His role will give Kansas a greater say in important conversations about community growth, job training, support for rural areas, and infrastructure improvements.

Godinez was confirmed by the IEDC board during the organization’s annual conference in Detroit on Sunday. His two-year term will begin on January 1.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes musical historian Lee Murdock to the Spencer Rounds Theater .
 

Murdock brings a unique blend of music and storytelling focused on the lighthouses of America. His music features the heroics and tragedies of shipwreck rescues, the isolation and beauty of lighthouse life, and the people who live and work along the inland seas and oceans. Murdock uses both six- and twelve-string guitars, Murdock weaves together ragtime, Irish, blues, and folk styles with his storytelling.
 

Audiences are invited to experience the history, mystery, and romance of America’s lighthouses through Murdock’s dynamic program.
 

Murdock will perform tonight at 6:30 in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

Rental rates for the Logan Park Community Building are going up.

The building was the center of much discussion at last night's Cherryvale City Council Meeting. City Clerk Karen Davis says the current rental rates have been in place as long as she remembers.

The Council approved increasing the rates to $50 for the rental fee with a refundable $25 deposit.  The rate increase won't impact anyone who has already reserved the building.

Sharon and Wayne Blaes with the fair board addressed the Council regarding the floor in the building, saying they've tried several attempts over the years to improve it without much luck.

Blaes says estimates to epoxy or seal the flood came back at $28,000 and $21,000, respectively. All parties agreed that those costs were high and council members and City Manager Michael Hall agreed to look into other options for the floor, including possible grant funding.

In other business, the Council gave approval for Police Chief Jimmy Holt to explore a contract with the Sheriff's Department on a Flock camera contract in an effort to hold the yearly cost the city pays for its camera at $3,000.

North Buckeye in Coffeyville will be closed today for utility work.

According to the Coffeyville Public Works Department, the intersection of Buckeye and Woodland will be closed today, September 16th, from 9 a.m. through early afternoon for water pipe installation. The road should be back open by 1 or 2 p.m.

The Coffeyville Community College Board of Trustees hears an update on athletics at the college.

CCC Athletic Director Bryce Saia says they're going to be honoring a former team at the next home game.  Saia says the CCC volleyball team has made a lot of improvements this season.

In other business, the CCC board approved roof repairs to some of the building on campus and repairs to the hand rails at the student union.

Over 1500 people attend the 22^nd Annual Tyro Christian Church Car Show.

Organizer Linda Moon says there was over 180 cars that participated in the show.  Moon says they're already prepping for next year.

In addition to the car show, Tyro Christian School holds a breakfast and BBQ lunch fundraiser during the car show.

*Photo courtesy of Snap Wild Photography*

The Caney Fire Department responds to a house fire.

Caney FD along with the Montgomery County Rural Fire Department respond to a house fire in the 600 block of North Smith Street around 12:30pm. According to witnesses, crews had the fire almost completely under control by around 1:45pm.

Units were called back out at around 2:15pm to assist with hot spots.

The Chautauqua County commission renews a pair of annual agreements during a light agenda at this week's meeting.

First on the agenda was paper quotes for the county courthouse. County Clerk Niki Collier says there were a pair of companies that submitted bids.

The commission approved the bid from Galaxy for $1700.

Additionally, the county was due to renew the Allied claim for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioner Parker Massey made the motion.

Other items of business at this week's meeting was an update from the County Road and Bridge department. The Chautauqua County commission will meet next September 22nd at 8:30 a.m. on the second floor of the courthouse in Sedan.

Multiple individuals are honored in Independence for their life-saving efforts.

Nine people were recognized with life-saving awards from the City of Independence for their efforts in providing quick and effcient medical attention to a man who suffered a cardiac arrest on July 21. Independence Fire/EMS Chief Aaron Cook made the presentation at last week's city commission meeting. Cook says the work of everyone involved shows their commitment to the community.

Independence Mayor Scott Smith says those honored are a source of pride for the City.

Those who were presented certificates of award are Paramedics Chris Furr, Jonathan Johnson, and Aaron Cook, EMT Mikel Woldum, Nurse Practitioner Matt Bogle, Registered Nurses Ashley Goins, Michelle Vogts, Christine Bowman, and ER Tech Faith Knight.

The attending cardiologist at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital stated that the patient would not have survived without the efforts of these individuals.

A camper fire on the highway causes a road closure yesterday in southwest Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says US-54 was closed briefly just east of the City of Plains or about 23 miles northeast of Liberal. Witnesses say the propane tanks on the camper exploded, causing the blaze. The goose neck trailer was totally engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived on the scene. The camper was a total loss, but no injuries were reported.

US-54 was reopened after crews cleared the scene.

Photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol Troop E

The repair of a railroad crossing on US-169 between Coffeyville and Cherryvale begins today.

The South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad crossing will be undergoing work this week and will cause the closure of US-169 near Liberty in both directions. Local traffic will be allowed to detour on nearby county roads, while truck traffic will follow the detour on US-166 to US-75 to US-160.

SKO will begin a similar project next Monday north of Cherryvale.

Police in Oologah are investigating an accidental shooting at Oologah Lake.

Authorities say the victim and a witness were fishing on Goose Island at Oologah Lake over the weekend when the shooting occurred. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident. They say the victim’s family has been notified but the individual’s name has not yet been released.

A 70-year-old Spivey, Kansas, woman is under arrest following the death of her 94-year-old mother.

Linda Oeding was arrested late last week after her mother Betty died in hospice care on September 10. The Kingman County Sheriff’s Office says the older woman showed signs of malnourishment and neglect. Linda Oeding was booked into the Kingman County Jail on charges of first-degree murder, mistreatment of an elderly person, abuse and neglect, and interfering with medical care. Formal charges are pending in the case.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist.

Three 15-year-old students at Maize High School, a Wichita suburb located northwest of the city, are arrested following the discovery of a gun in a backpack.

The incident occurred last Thursday afternoon. No threats were made and the weapon was not brandished. Two of the suspects were taken into juvenile detention and a third was ordered to appear in court. Police were called to the school by office staff after reports of the weapon were made. Maize High School has an enrollment of 1,300 students but does not have metal detectors. The school was not placed on lockdown during the incident.

A 45-year-old Newton County, Missouri, man is charged with arson following an investigation into an April house fire.

Justin Thomas Crouch was arrested and charged with 2nd degree arson for the fire that completely destroyed a Wentworth, MO, home on April 11.  The Newton County Sheriff’s Office says two people were squatting in the home and the owners were in the process of evicting the pair when the fire occurred.

Crouch is currently being held in the Newton County Jail in Neosho.

Authorities in Crawford County arrest a suspect in connection to several burglaries around the county.

Timothy Allen Clinton was taken into custody last Thursday after surveillance video linked him to one of the crimes. Officials with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office say Clinton was found in possession of several thousand dollars worth of stolen property taken from locations in southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas.

Clinton has been charged with burglary and theft of property or services.

The results are in – your voice has been heard, and the Best of SEK results are now available. For the full list of this year's winners, CLICK HERE.

Labette Community College in Parsons celebrates its founding.

This past weekend marked the 3rd Annual Founders Day celebration for the college. The school opened in 1923, as Parsons Junior College, by founder Rees Hughes. The school was originally part of the Parsons Public School system and was housed in the top floor of Parsons High School. Director of the LCC Foundation Lindi Forbes says the celebration pay tribute to the past while looking forward to the future.

The weekend ceremony was held at the Cardinal Event Center on the LCC Campus and included the honoring of the oldest known living graduate of the school Kenny Ervin on his 100th birthday. The school changed its name to Labette Community Junior College in 1966 and finally to LCC in 1979.

A man is dead following a weekend in crash on US-169 near Talala, OK.

39-year-old Wesston LeGrand of Collinsville was killed in the accident that occurred around 2am Saturday morning just north of East 300 Road in Rogers County. LeGrand’s SUV was traveling southbound when it collided with a northbound semi truck. The truck driver was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Both vehicles caught fire and firefighters with Northwest Rogers County Fire Protection, Chelsea Fire and Nowata Fire responded to the scene. US-169 was closed in both directions for several hours until crews were able to clear the scene.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident.

A two-vehicle accident on Saturday near Fort Scott leaves two people with minor injuries.

The accident occurred at the intersection of 180th Street and Hackberry Road around 5:15 Saturday evening. A 2013 Hyundai driven by 19-year-old James Schofield of Irving, Texas, had pulled into the intersection after stopping at a stop sign. The vehicle was then struck by Dodge Ram 1500 driven by 58-year-old Ladonna Blanken of Pittsburg. Both Blanken and a passenger in the Hyundai 18-year-old John Denton, also of Irving, were taken to Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott with minor injuries.

The Cherryvale City Council will meet tonight, with a discussion on Flock safety cameras on the agenda.

Police Chief Jimmy Holt will lead discussion on the topic near the end of the meeting with no recommended action. There will also be discussion regarding the Logan Park Community Building flooring and rental rates. The Council will also consider a grant application for lift station rehab and approval of employment application software. Tonight's meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Cherryvale City Hall and the public is welcome to attend.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to hold public hearings today on the 2026 county budget and on exceeding the revenue neutral rate or RNR.

The public is invited to attend today’s meeting to give county commissioners their input on the 2026 budget for Montgomery County. The proposed budget for next year totals just over $34.4 million. Of that money, 29% goes to road and bridge repair in the county, while another 15% goes to the Montgomery County Sherrif’s Office and the Department of Corrections. Services required by the State of Kansas and the cost to support those services represents a total of 85% of the county budget or about $29 million. Today’s meeting will include a vote by the commission to either approve or deny exceeding the RNR and to either approve or deny the 2026 budget as presented. A breakdown of some of the budget elements can be found in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com

Also at today’s meeting,  Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will also be on hand to discuss a local bridge projects and cost share applications.

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. A complete breakdown of the County's 2026 budget can be found in the agenda packet for the September 15 meeting.

Southeast Kansas is well-represented at this year's Kansas State Fair.

Students from the Neodesha FFA Chapter helped care for exhibits at the fair on Saturday morning.  Chapter Secretary and Southeast District Vice President Delaney Bradford says it's takes a lot of people to keep everything running at the fair.

An educational display made by the Coffeyville FFA Chapter took reserve champion, while Cooper Springer entered a Santa Maria Grill and another Neodesha student competed in a 4-H style revue.  Many 4-H projects from around southeast Kansas including the Wildcat and Southwind received ribbons in everything from baked goods to produce.

Bradford says there's a lot of fun to be had at the fair as well.

The Kansas State Fair wrapped up yesterday in Hutchinson.

 Three big items are on the agenda for tomorrow's Caney City Council meeting, including the potential sale of Caney Grocery.

 A budget hearing will be held during the meeting concerning the 2026 budget and the mil increase from 46.784 to 56 mils for a total projected budget of close to $6.95 million. 

 Caney City Administrator Andrea Sibley says a mil levy increase is unfortunately needed for this budget cycle.

 The proposed budget for Caney Grocery for 2026 is $1.25 million, but if the sale of the store is approved tomorrow night to Hans Retail Caney LLC based in Pittsburg, Kansas, Mayor Josh Elliott says the budget could be amended and the mil levy increase may be able to be decreased.

 Also on the agenda, a submission from the city of Caney to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a low-interest loan of just over $2 million will be up for discussion and a public hearing.  The loan would be used to continue the water connection to the city of Coffeyville through the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund. 

 The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 at Caney City Hall's East Entrance at 100 East 4th Street. The meeting will also be avialble to view on the KGGF KQQF KUSN Facebook page.

The Coffeyville FFA Chapter is selling Blue & Gold for their annual fundraiser.

FFA Chapter President Bennett Thompson says they have three food items for sell.  A two and a half pound roll of sausage is $9.75, three pounds of thick sliced bacon is $19.75 and five pounds of chicken fritters are $26.50.

Police in Independence are looking for a suspect or suspects in an early morning break-in.

Police say around 5 o'clock this morning (September 12, 2025) a car drove through the glass store front of the Vape 100 store at 1802 West Main Street. The occupants of the vehicle caused considerable damage to the store and made off with an undisclosed amount of merchandise. Authorities are reviewing security footage in an attempt to identify the suspect or suspects in the case.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Independence Police.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is looking for a Clayton man in connection to the double murder of his elderly parents.

Early yesterday evening, deputies from the Pushmataha County Sheriff's Office in southeast Oklahoma conducted a welfare check on a residence located along State Highway 43 in Clayton. When they arrived on the scene, they discovered an elderly male and an elderly female deceased. Deputies determined they had both suffered injuries consistent with homicide.

An investigation revealed evidence that identified the victims' son 35-year-old Jeffery Scott Baker as a person of interest. Baker is considered armed and dangerous and is believed to still be in the Pushmataha or LeFlore County area. He is believed to be driving a gray 2013 Dodge Caravan with the Oklahoma license plate number M-P-U 474.

Anyone with information on Baker is asked to contact OSBI at 1-800-522-8017

The City of Neodesha is looking for compromise with the Fire/EMS Department when it comes to issues of scheduling and staffing.

The Neodesha Fire Department has been understaffed for several months, placing extra hours on personnel while costing the City in overtime hours. The Neodesha City Commission has been looking for a solution to the problem that would keep the department fully staffed while not placing a heavier burden on taxpayers. City Manager Brogan Jones says the City has two options.

Mayor Devin Johnson says he wants what's best for the city and for the firefighters.

A change in scheduling would reduce overtime costs to the City by about $50,000 over a two month period. Commissioner Ed Truelove adds that it's really a matter of finances.

The two groups came to a temporary agreement that is expected to receive official approval at the September 24^th meeting.

A suspect is in custody following a police chase yesterday in southwest Missouri.

Carthage Police say the pursuit began just after noon when an officer attempted a traffic stop on a suspected impaired driver. Instead of coming to a stop, the driver fled. Police pursued the vehicle along I-49 out of Carthage, but the car then changed directions, at which time the Missouri State Highway Patrol deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle. The male driver was then taken into custody. He faces charges of driving while intoxicated, careless driving, and driving on a revoked license.

His name has not yet been released.

The Independence City Commission votes to approve the 2026 budget and to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

At the September 11 meeting, Independence Finance Director Lacey Lies told commissioners that Montgomery County had set the City's revenue neutral rate at 50,643 mills. Lies says the 2026 budget will exceed that rate.

Commissioners unanimously approved the rate increase and the 2026 budget. Lies also reported on the City's most recent sales tax receipts. She says the numbers are trending in the right direction.

In other business, commissioners also approved $135,000 for the purchase of a new backhoe for the water and sewer department.

A Moran man is in custody after an incident yesterday morning at the Allen County Courthouse in Iola.

Authorities say 68-year-old George Arlyn Briggs was in the courthouse criticizing the local judicial system. However, the Allen County Sheriff's Department was called around 10:30 with a report that Briggs had made a direct threat to administrative staff. Briggs was taken into custody without incident and held without bond until he could appear before a judge. No violence was reported and no employees were harmed.

Allen County Sheriff Anthony Maness stated that the freedom to criticize the government is paramount but that threats of violence will not be tolerated.

Area firefighters assemble to pay honor to a fallen veteran.

Yesterday afternoon, firefighters from Elk County Rural Fire, Wilson County Fire, and Greenwood County Fire gathered along a stretch of US-400 to pay their respects to Sergeant Willis Rozelle Hall as his remains passed by on the way from Wichita to Altoona.

Hall was a tech sergeant in the Air Force serving in Vietnam in 1968 when his unit was attacked by North Vietnamese soldiers. Hall was one of eleven men killed that day, but his remains were not identified until this past June. His family has waited 57 years to bring Sergeant Hall home. His remains were flown into Wichita yesterday and then transported in a solemn procession to Altoona where he will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The assembled firefighters say they were honored to be able to help welcome Sergeant Hall home to Kansas.

Photo courtesy Elk County Rural Fire

Willis Rozelle Hall

1927-1968

A Bartlesville woman is facing a misdemeanor assault charge after a weekend incident.

According to Bartlesville Police, 18-year-old Swaeyy Floriant was involved with an altercation at the Bartlesville Sonic location on Saturday. Floriant is accused of slamming the victim's head into a vehicle and then into the ground.

Floriant was officially charged yesterday and will appear in court again on November 12. She was released on a $5,000 bond.

A Joplin man is injured in a rollover accident near Oswego.

46-year-old Joseph Eigenman was seriously injured yesterday morning in a single-vehicle crash in rural Labette County. Eigenman was driving a concrete hauler on Wallace Road about 9 miles north of Oswego when he dropped a tire off the edge of the roadway. He then over corrected, causing the truck to overturn into the ditch.

He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin for treatment.

A recent traffic stop in Independence leads to a drug arrest.

The incident occurred just after midnight on Wednesday morning, when an Independence police officer conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Main Street. After pulling the vehicle over for an illegal tag and defective headlights, the officer continued his investigation that led to the subsequent arrest of the driver 39-year-old Joshua Melton of Bradenton, Florida. Melton faces charges of driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 With the budget hearing set for Monday, the Caney City Council is set for a special session tonight to tour fire department facilities.

 The meeting will be held at the fire department, located at 127 North Spring, and the public is invited to attend.

 The public is also invited to attend the regular session meeting and 2026 budget hearing Monday at City Hall. On the agenda, a breakdown of the department numbers for the budget, and a discussion and possible vote to raise the mil rate from 46.784 to 56.

 Both meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Nowata County Free Fair continues this weekend.

Today, there will be a petting zoo open today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 4-H and FFA farm equipment operator contest will follow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farm hand Olympics will start at 5 with the free bean and watermelon feed from 5 to 7. The pedal tractor pull will wrap up the night at 7.

A full day of livestock shows will take place tomorrow starting at 9 followed by the horse show at 2 on Sunday.

The community of Independence will come together this weekend to help a neighbor in need.

The Caring 4 Kadels fundraiser will take place tomorrow to raise money for Mary Kadel who is suffering from medical complications.

Community members have come together to raise money for her medical expenses with a fun run starting tomorrow at 8:30 at Riverside Park, followed by a pickle ball tournament at the K en Brown Tennis Courts. Admission is a $20 donation and includes a free t-shirt.

Lunch will be available tomorrow from 11 to 3 at Patio 210 in Independence with donations welcome, and there will be a special mass at 4:30 at St. Andrew Catholic Church followed by a dinner and auction at at St. Andrew Parish Center. Organizers say there will be some great food available.

All events take place tomorrow in Independence.

Animals With Our Love in Independence receives funding for a “no-cost” spay and neuter program.

AWOL has been awarded funding through the Kansas Department of Agriculture Cost Share Assistance Program through the end of October. The Kansas Department of Agriculture program awards up to $4000 of funds with a 25% match required from AWOL. Funds recently received through Independence Area Community Chest will be used to provide the match, allowing lower income Montgomery County residents to receive the spay/neuter service at no cost.

AWOL will begin taking applications immediately, and all services must be completed before October 31, 2025. Anyone in Montgomery County who needs financial help to get an animal spay or neutered should send an email to AWOL at awolhumane@gmail.com, call 620-331-7931, or message through AWOL’s Facebook page. All applications will be considered based on financial need and on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of spots available.

A Chanute woman is arrested on assault charges.

Yesterday, Chanute Police officers responded to the 700 block of North Highland Avenue. After speaking to those involved in the incident, officers arrested 30-year-old Ashley Shreve for aggravated battery. 

The Salvation Army Community Service Volunteers are closing their food pantry in Coffeyville.

Organizers say it's getting too physically demanding as most members are at least in their mid-70s. The food bank will be consolidating with Genesis and their new food pantry. The Salvation Army Volunteers will continue to help them financially. The last day for the food pantry will be October 1^st.

Anyone with questions can call Terri Barrett at 620-252-9462.

The Fort Smith Police Department signs a cross-deputization agreement with the Choctaw Nation.

The agreement establishes mutual aid and cross-jurisdictional cooperation between F-S-P-D and the Choctaw Nation's Lighthorse Police Department. The move is intended to strengthen law enforcement coverage in from Fort Smith to land owned by the Choctaw Nation.

The two groups inked the agreement late last week.

The Kansas Education Commissioner announces his retirement.

Commissioner Randy Watson made the announcement yesterday (Wednesday) morning to the State Board of Education at the close of their two-day meeting. Watson, a Coffeyville native, has served as State Education commissioner since 2014 when he was appointed to replace Diane DeBacker. During his tenure, Watson pushed for Kansas students to learn workplace skills in addition to traditional academics.

His term as commissioner was not without controversy, as Watson was suspended without pay for 30 days in 2022 after making a comment about Native Americans during a virtual conference that some characterized as insensitive.

The role of the Kansas Education Commissioner is to serve as chief administrator of the State Board of Education.

Watson told the Board that he would remain in his position until a replacement is found.

The Elk County Tax Foreclosure Sale is coming up on Tuesday, September 16^th.

Tax foreclosure sales occur when a property owner fails to pay property taxes for three years. All real estate sold at the sale is without warranty as to the condition of the property. Those wishing to purchase property at the Elk County sale must be pre-registered by 4pm Monday.

Tuesday's sale begins at 1pm in the Cox Building in Howard.

For more information, go here.

The Independence City Commission will hold open hearings on the 2026 budget and on exceeding the revenue neutral rate at tonight's regular meeting.

The proposed mill levy for the 2026 budget is 53.757 mills which is equal to 2025's actuial rate. The estimated rate is expected to bring in just over $3.8 million for the city in the coming year. The public is invited to attend the meeting on comment on the budget and the RNR. In other business, commissioners will consider a 30-minute parking stall in the 100 block of West Myrtle, the purchase of a new backhoe for the Water/Sewer Department, and the approval of a new city ordinance to allow the use of ATVs and other utility vehicles for first responders.

The commission will also present a life saving award to an Independence paramedic and a firefighter.

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 Allen County Sheriff's Office is urging drivers to use caution as fatal car accidents on Kansas highways are on the rise.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 242 car crash fatalities so far in 2025, a 13% increase from a year ago. Drivers are reminded to practice defensive driving by watching for hazards and expecting other drivers to make mistakes. Maintain a safe following distance and obey the speed limit. Avoid distractions, drive sober, and always wear a seat belt. Safe, responsible driving habits help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.

Several area towns will commemorate the 24^th anniversary of 9/11 this morning.

In Coffeyville, there will be a Patriot Day Memorial at 11am at Ford Wulf-Bruns Chapel. The event will feature an appreciation lunch for local first responders.

In Independence, VFW Post #1186 is offering a free breakfast and lunch for first responders from 6am to 2pm.

In Howard, the public is invited to join American Legion Post #149 and the students of West Elk High School as they mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. Today's ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial in Jackson Park in Howard. That ceremony begins at 9am.

Tax revenues for the State of Oklahoma are down for the month of August but long-term trends appear to be holding steady.

State Treasurer Todd Russ released the most recent tax receipts yesterday that showed a 17% month-over-month drop in income tax revenues. However, that number was 5% more than in 2024. Other indicators that also fell in August include oil and gas taxes that were down 32% from July and motor vehicle taxes that declined by 9%. Total tax collections over the past 12 months reached $16.97 billion, up very slightly from the previous year.

Unemployment in Oklahoma is 3.1%, coming in well below the national 4.2% rate.

Russ attributes the drop to a seasonal slowdown and noted that Oklahoma's finances remain well-positioned for the fall and winter.

The complete August 2025 tax report can be viewed at this link.

Kansas Works will be hosting a virtual job fair this month.

The job fair will occur online from Friday September 26 through Sunday, September 28 and will be accessible through any digital device. The event is designed for jobseekers who are unable to attend job fairs during the standard work week. Those seeking employment will be able to fill out applications, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers. Training videos, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in are also available through the job fair online portal. Participants are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Registration is required. For more information or to register, go here.

Elk Falls is welcoming a new “Little Food Pantry” to town.

The Elk Falls City Council has partnered with the Elk County Community Foundation and the Moline Public Library to bring the pantry to a spot near the four-way stop in town, across from the post office. The public is invited to take and leave any non-perishable food items as needed. A new bulletin board has also been updated near the new pantry.

The Nowata County Free Fair continues today with events open to the public.

Exhibit judging will take place this morning, followed by the bake auction tonight at 5:30. A calf fry dinner will take place at 6:30 followed by a stick-horse rodeo and bucket calves at 8 p.m. The carnival will also be open tonight from 5 to 10 p.m. All events take place at the fairgrounds in Nowata.

The Parsons Police Department apprehends a suspect after receiving an alert from the Flock Safety license plate recognition system.

Monday at around 5:30pm, A PPD officer received an alert from the Flock system identifying a stolen gray Lexus traveling eastbound on Highway 400 near Jackson Road. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Midlothian, Texas. Officers located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn on Cattle Drive. When approached, the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Khaalid Rashard Lathrop-Ragland, attempted to evade officers on foot. After a brief pursuit through the wooded area near Tolen Creek, Lathrop-Ragland was taken into custody.

During the investigation, officers found two handguns inside the stolen Lexus, along with personal property linking Lathrop-Ragland to the vehicle. The firearms were secured. Lathrop-Ragland was arrested and booked on charges of possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

A number of concerned Wilson County citizens attend the budget hearing for 2026 Fiscal Year.

The main item of concern revolved around the mill levy increasing by over 40% on the forms that were sent out prior to the official hearing. County Clerk Kayla Busch says that number is a mistake.

The budget was approved as presented following the clarification surrounding the mill levy. Busch says the county is taking steps to ensure it won't happen again.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was the approval of the pilot project for Sunflower Skies, which is scheduled to begin construction at the end of October.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will close on lane of traffic on US-169 near the Allen/ Neosho County line starting today.

The closure is due to a planned bridge repair project in the location. Traffic will be guided in the one lane by traffic signals. Slight delays may occur. The project is expeted to be completed by the middle of next week, weather permitting.

A Salina middle school teacher is under arrest after being accused of providing alcohol and drugs to students.

Salina Police says the investigation into 47-year-old Amanda Freeman began last weekend after the parents foa 16-year-old student reported suspicious text messages between the student and Freeman. Freeman served as a Language Arts teacher at South Middle School in Salina.

She was booked into the Saline County Jail on Sunday where she faces multiple charges , including aggravated child endangerment, distribution and possession of marijuana, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Police say other juvenile may have been involved in the case and the investigation remains ongoing.

Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Department

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issues a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation after heavy rains soak parts of in north central and south central Kansas on Monday.

Kelly issued the proclamation yesterday morning after nearly seven inches of rain fell in the Salina area and between 3 and 6 inches is other counties in the area. The declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance. The Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson closed all of its on-site parking lots due to flooding yesterday as well.

Additionally, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management partially activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to monitor flood activity, assist counties with their potential needs, and coordinate state resources.

The Neodesha City Commission will continue its discussion on the City Fire and EMS budget at today's meeting.

Commissioners have been looking for a budget solution that would allow the Fire and EMS Department to continue operating without cuts to staffing and limiting an increase in taxes. That discussion will continue at today's meeting as the commission prepares to approve the 2026 city budget. Also on today's agenda is the consideration of a contract agreement with Western Consultants and Governmental Assistance Services. There will also be a discussion of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Crowder Park.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm at City Hall in Neodesha.

A head on collision yesterday in Allen County leaves one person dead and four others injured.

Around 5:30 last night, 29-year-old Morgan Wakefield of Mound City suffered fatal injuries when his 2011 Chevy Malibu crossed the center line on US-169 and struck a Ram pickup truck head on about 6 miles south of Humboldt. The driver of the pickup 52-year-old Shawn Petterborg of Stockton, Kansas, received serious injuries and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Three passengers in the truck – 50-year-old Angie Hale, 31-year-old Caitlyn Hale, and a juvenile female, all of Independence – suffered minor injuries and were transported to the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute for treatment.

A car crash in Crawford County leaves one man with serious injuries.

The early morning accident occurred around 6:30 yesterday on US-69 about four miles north of the City of Arma. A 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by 59-year-old Lester Moore of Arcadia, Kansas, was attempting to make a left turn off of US-69. The vehicle was rear-ended by a 2009 Ford Fusion driven by 38-year-old Gregory Prince of Leawood, Kansas. Prince was taken to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg with serious injuries while Moore was unharmed in the crash.

A new web series is launched to focus on murdered and missing people in the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee 4-1-1 has launches the new series, titled Murdered and Missing Cherokee People in order to highlight one of the most urgent crises facing Cherokee families. Each episode of the series will focus on interviews with friends and family of the victim and the details of each individual's case. The first episode of the series tells the story of Erik Lane, a Cherokee citizen from Talequah who disappeared in July and who was later found deceased.

The series can be watched on YouTube.

Coffeyville Public Schools celebrate students at its 33rd Annual Honors Banquet.

At last week’s banquet, USD 445 honored the academic excellence of 29 students in 7th through 12th grades who achieved a 4.0 GPA for the entire 2024-2025 school year. A total of 10 student from Roosevelt Middle School received a certificate of achievement from Principal Julie Dunham while Filed Kindley principal Travis Stalford handed out 19 certificates to high school students.

Students and their families then heard from the evening’s guest speaker Coffeyville Fire Chief Mike O’Connor.

The night closed with proud families, inspired students, and a community reminded that the future is in very capable hands.

This is the biggest garage sale weekend of the year in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

The Kan-Okla 100 Mile Highway Sale starts tomorrow and runs through Saturday. Towns participating include Independence, Coffeyville, Nowata Bartlesville, Caney and towns in between.

Independence Chamber Director Lisa Wilson says Independence maps should be available to pick up this afternoon.

Wilson says the maps will be available at select Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

Maps for sales in Coffeyville will also be available at the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the Kan-Okla Sale, Fabulous Finds on Kansas 99 will take place Friday and Saturday from the Oklahoma to Nebraska border, which goes through several southeast Kansas towns including Chautauqua, Sedan, Moline, Howard, Climax and Severy.