A district court judge dismisses a lawsuit filed by a Coffeyville city commissioner against the City.

The case was brought by Commissioner William Kendall, who sought to block the City’s planned $600,000 loan commitment to the Friends of the Charlesworth Natatorium LLC, the group supporting improvements to the Field Kindley High School indoor pool roof.

Court records show the City argued the lawsuit was premature, stating that while a letter of commitment had been approved in November, no funds had been issued and no finalized loan agreement had been executed at the time the complaint was filed. The judge dismissed the petition without prejudice, which allows it to be refiled. The City was represented by City Counselor Paul Kritz, while Kendall represented himself.

A Parsons man is arrested following a report of harassment and violation of a court-order.

Officers responded to a report involving Anthony Hon. According to police, earlier that morning Hon, who had recently been released from the Labette County Jail, began contacting a female victim by phone and text message. The victim reported that Hon said he was out of jail and intended to come to her residence. She had applied for a Protection from Abuse order the previous day and told officers she feared for her safety due to prior threats and continued contact. Police coordinated with Court Services and confirmed that Hon was prohibited from contacting the victim as a condition of his probation.

Officers established protective surveillance near the victim’s residence while searching for Hon. Officers located him in the 1500 block of Clark Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Labette County Jail on allegations of violating probation conditions and unlawful contact.

The City of Neodesha will be seeing some changes to the curb areas along Main Street.

The City Commission recently agreed to a program from the Kansas Department of Transportation to install curb extensions along Main Street at the intersections with 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 10^th, and 11^th Streets. Commissioner Ed Truelove says residents may wonder exactly what a curb extension is.

City Manager Brogan Jones says the extensions will be just the basics.

The project to install the extensions will like ly begin in 2027 or 2028

A suspect in a Winfield shooting is arrested northwest Arkansas.

According to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department, the suspect was discovered during a traffic stop by an Arkansas State Trooper on Tuesday afternoon. Police arrested 29-year-old Joshua Paul Pourciau in connection to a shooting that occurred at the Walnut Towers apartments in Winfield in December. He now faces a charges of attempted first degree murder.

Pourciau is the second suspect arrested in the case. The other suspect, 31-year-old Rocky Leroy Brown was arrested in January and also charged with attempted first degree murder. Brown entered a no contest plea in Cowley County earlier this week to aggravated battery. He will be sentenced in March.

One person is dead following a small plane crash in northwest Arkansas.

Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff's Department responded to reports of a plane crash in the waters of Beaver Lake located east of Rogers yesterday afternoon. Rescue boats deployed to the scene by the Highway 94 East Fire Department and the Benton County Sheriff's Dive team were able to locate the pilot.

61-year-old Kim Sweet was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At this point, investigators do not know what caused the crash. The accident remains under investigation by the FAA and the NTSB.

Auditions are coming up in March for the Independence Children's Summer Theater.

The Theater group will stage one play and two musicals over the summer. The productions are Ramona Quimby, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, and Newsies Jr. There is a $40 fee per participant. Auditions for Ramona Quimby begin on March 26^th with rehearsals set to begin in April.

To complete an audition form, visit indykidsonstage.com

The Independence City Commission votes to move on with demolition of 8 structures in the City deemed dangerous and unsafe.

The move came at last night's meeting. Commissioners adjourned hearings on four other structures to dates later this year to give the property owners time to continue with improvements. The hearing on the Girl Scout House on Park Street was adjourned until December after it was announced that work was underway to have the building placed on the list of state historical sites as well as relocating it to another part of the City. In other housing news, the Independence Housing Authority received approval for the construction of a 3-D printed house at 401 North 10^th Street. Construction on the home is expected to begin in April.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is conducting training activities today in the Cherryvale area.

There will be a large police presence in that area throughout the day. Training signs will be posted. Residents should not be alarmed as there is no actual emergency.

Two southeast Kansas men face felony charges of stealing in connection to a stolen goose-neck trailer in southwest Missouri.

Jasper County Sheriff's deputies and officers from the Oronogo Police Department arrested 42-year-old Ryan Payne of Frontenac and 34-year-old Raymond Weaver of Arcadia after the pair were pulled over while hauling the stolen trailer in Barton County, Missouri, yesterday morning. Both men were taken to the Jasper County Detention Center in Carthage where they await formal charging in the case.

Downtown Independence will soon be getting a new look.

At this week's City Commission meeting, Director of Riverside Park and Zoo Scott Patton informed commissioners of a recent decision made by the Tree Board. The Board decided this month to replace the downtown trees with foliage that would be less likely to attract birds. Patton says this has been on ongoing issue for some time.

The Tree Board decided to swap out the old trees with new, slimmer trees that will be aesthetically pleasing to humans while less attractive to birds. Patton says this won't solve the problem, but it will make it better.

The new trees will be installed in three phases over the next three years, beginning at the intersection of Penn and Main.

Area students get the chance to show off their business skills at the Montgomery County Area Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The contest and trade show was held on February 24 at the Civic Center in Independence. Numerous students in grades 7 through 12 from Montgomery and Wilson County schools set up booths to show off their own businesses and sell their wares to the public. The contest and trade show are a part of the Life Skills Academy. Students were judged on their presentation and business ideas and cash prizes were awarded to the top four winners.

Madison McClelland placed 1^st and earned a $1,000 prize while Maria Perez finished 2^nd ($750),  with Logan Curtis in 3^rd ($500) and Brooklynn Clerk in 4^th ($250). All four finishers are students at Cherryvale High School.

Click here for the audio version of this story.

Photo: McClelland, Perez, Curtis, and Clerk. Courtesy USD 447

Maria Perez explains her products to a potential customer

The Wilson County Rural Fire Department responds to their fourth grass fire in four days.

Units responded to a grass fire this afternoon in the northeast part of the county. According to reports, crews were paged out at around 12:30pm for a fire that began as a controlled burn. The fire jumped a fire break and spread into nearby grassland.

Responding units were able to quickly bring the fire back under control. No injuries were reported.

The Kansas Corporation Commission approves an agreement allowing Atmos Energy to increase its rates by 12 million dollars.

According to the KCC, the rate adjustment will allow the company to recover costs already incurred to support safe and reliable natural gas service for Kansas customers. The new rates will take effect on Sunday. The average residential customer will see an increase of about $5.69 a month. That represents an increase of about six point eight percent.

A portion of the increase is tied to a change in the fixed monthly customer charge, which will rise from $19.75 to $23 a month. Atmos Energy says the adjustment reflects infrastructure and service-related costs already in place.

The Sedan City Council approves a major street project at this week's special meeting.

Council members met Wednesday to discuss a bid from Jeff Hull Paving & Seal Coating. Several of the main roads in downtown Sedan are in need to repaving and council members considered several options as to how to approach the project. Council Member Adam Clark says doing the entire project simply isn't economically feasible for the City.

The council decided to focus on the most needed areas to repair. Mayor Kathy Miller makes the motion to pay just over $216,000 for the project.

The next regular meeting of the Sedan City Council will be on Tuesday, March 3.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College  offers a taste of the Old West as it welcomes musician Bob Bovee to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

Bovee presents a family-friendly one-hour program on the Old West featuring guitar, banjo, harmonica, autoharp, singing, and yodeling. While the cowboy is often a mythical figure, Bovee shares the real stories of their hard, sometimes humorous lives through songs of work, love, outlaws, and trail drives, mixed with old-time tunes from ranch dances and the mountains and plains.

Since 1971, Bovee has traveled the country performing at festivals, fairs, concerts, schools, libraries, and music camps. His performances combine historical insight, spirited tunes, and entertaining stories, keeping the traditions and spirit of the frontier alive for modern audiences.

Bovee will perform Tuesday night in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation makes an arrest in a officer-involved shooting in Manhattan on January 3^rd.

38-year-old Brian J. Lovgren was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after being released from K-U Medical Center where he was being treated for injuries sustained during a confrontation with police more than a month ago.

On January 3^rd, deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Department were called to a residence located just east of Manhattan after reports of gunfire. Officers on the scene then heard more gunshots and observed a man later identified as Lovgren exit a nearby residence armed with a hand gun. One of the deputies fired multiple shots, striking Lovgren and leading to his injuries.

Lovgren faces  two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and was booked into the Wyandotte County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Housing issues take center stage at tonight's meeting of the Independence City Commission.

On tonight's agenda are public hearings on 13 properties deemed dangerous and unsafe, including the Girl Scout house on Park Boulevard. Commissioners will also consider and agreement with See-Kan Development and 3-D Homes Inc, to build a 3-D printed home at 401 North 10^th Street.

Commissioners will also consider prohibiting parking on the south side of Oak Street between 10^th and 21^st Streets as well as an amendment to an ordinance on City Code to allow for basement water meter installation.

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 Osage County Commission discusses the coming roll out of the Sand Springs data center.

At this week's meeting, County Assessor Ed Quinton Jr. was on hand to discuss the coming project spring for the center. Quinton says he will be available during the process.

In other business,  there were two utility permits signed for district one. The board also approved 4Paws animal shelter in Pawhuska to use the agriculture building for three events in 2026 at a reduced rate. 

Commissioners also held an executive session to discuss a current lawsuit against the county, with no action taken.

Nowata County Commissioners continue their discussion of emergency radio by county first responders.

At issue is the use of radios in areas of the county where the signal is weak. Nowata County Undersheriff Doug Sonenburg says it's become an issue of safety.

In other business, the board also awarded rock bids and approved an agreement for work on private property in district two.

The commissioners tabled items regarding the county's drug and alcohol testing policy and a resolution for road and bridge funding priorities.

The Nowata County Commissioners meet every Monday morning at 9am at the Nowata County Annex.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after allegedly possessing a 3D-printed firearm.

23-year-old Dylan Golightly was charged yesterday (on Wednesday) with possession of an imitation firearm while on probation.

According to the Oklahoma Probation and Parole Office, authorities visited Golightly's residence on February 24^th and located a 3D-printed replica of a pistol. Authorities say the weapon was a 3D copy of a Glock model pistol with a functioning slide and detachable magazine with several 3D-printed bullets inside.

Golightly was convicted in 2025 with possession of a firearm after delinquent adjudication.

He will appear in court again on March 6^th. His bond is set at $10,000.

The Montgomery County Commission hears quarterly updates from the County Treasurer's Office and from Juvenile Community Corrections.

Treasurer Mandi Hargis appeared before the commission this week to report on current work in her office. Hargis says certain fees at both the Coffeyville and Independence tag offices are in effect to help offset financial shortfalls

Director of Juvenile Corrections Kenneth Fecke also updated commissioners on some pending updates to state laws. Kansas House Bill 2329 is currently making its way through the law-making process. The bill would increase the criminal penalties for juvenile who use a firearm in the commission of a crime. Fecke says a recent amendment to the bill would also prevent juvenile offenders from being housed in foster care with juvenile victims.

The Montgomery County Commission meets every Monday at 9am in Independence.

The rest area on US-75 north of Yates Center will remain closed for repairs.

The Kansas Department of Transportation originally closed the rest area on February 13^th to make repairs and conduct maintenance on the facility. The area and its parking lot were supposed to be closed for a week for the project. However, due to the discovery of additional necessary repairs, the completion date has been extended to April.

The rest area and parking lot, located about 5 miles north of US-54 on US-75, will remain closed until the project is complete.

A small aircraft makes and emergency landing in a cornfield near Emporia.

The incident occurred just before 10am on Monday morning. The fixed-wing, single-engine Grumman American was en route to an unknown destination when the propeller on the plane stopped working. The pilot 41-year-old Joseph Glover of Florida attempted to land the plane at a private airstrip near K-99 and 400 Road – about 20 miles north of Emporia - but was forced to down the plane in the field instead.

Glover and a male passenger in the aircraft were uninjured in the crash.

Two earthquakes are reported in Kansas and Oklahoma yesterday.

The first happened just after 2 p.m. yesterday afternoon northeast of Prague, Oklahoma. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was a 2.5 a magnitude earthquake at a depth of 4.5 miles and did not cause any damage.

A few minutes later around 2:15 p.m., 3.5 magnitude earthquake, at a depth of 3.6 miles, south of Salina, KS in rural Saline County.

Several Kansas residents reported tremors being felt across the area.

Earthquakes of this magnitude, ranging between 2.5 and 5.4, are often felt but only cause minor damage.

Photo: USGS

A search warrant leads to two arrests in Independence.

According to the Independence Police Department, officers arrested 26-year-old Chase Andrew Vankirk and 38-year-old Christopher Dwayne Feliciano on multiple charges. Officers received information that a man with multiple outstanding warrants was staying in a garage behind a residence in that area. Officers responded and confirmed the suspect was possibly inside. After making contact at the garage, officers say the man refused to open the door. A search warrant was applied for and granted.

During execution of the search warrant, officers located and arrested Vankirk on outstanding warrants. Feliciano, who was also inside the garage, was taken into custody on an out-of-state felony warrant.  During the search, officers reported locating illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Both men were additionally charged with possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine. Vankirk was also charged with interference with law enforcement.  Both individuals were transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. Bond on the additional charges was set at $2,500 each with bond supervision.

Wilson County Rural Fire work to contain a grass fire along Highway 400.

Crews were dispatched to a pasture fire in the area. Due to rough terrain and conditions within the pasture, firefighters conducted back burns along the outer edges to help contain the spread. Authorities say the fire will continue to burn as crews monitor the situation.

Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Fredonia and Neodesha Fire Departments.

A Parsons man and repeat offender is facing possession of a weapon charges.

According to the Parsons Police Department, officers responded to the area of South 31^st Street and Frisco Avenue. Officers made contact with Kevin Bellamy, who was in possession of a machete, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Police confirmed Bellamy was on parole at the time and prohibited from possessing weapons. During transport, officers reported Bellamy manipulated his restraints and ingested an unknown item. EMS was contacted, and officials say his vital signs were stable. A review of in-car camera footage later showed Bellamy removing a small white object from his waistband and placing it into his mouth. A subsequent search of the patrol vehicle located a green coin purse believed to have contained additional marijuana.

As a result of the investigation, Bellamy was booked into the Labette County Jail on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement for destruction of evidence.

Authorities in Christian County, Missouri, release the identities of two deputies killed by an armed fugitive earlier this week.

30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez was killed in the line of duty on Monday during a traffic stop. The suspect – identified as 45-year-old Richard Dean Bird – then fled the scene, leading police on a manhunt that ended in a shootout. During the shootout, a second deputy – 40-year-old Michael Hislope was also shot and killed.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety called the two deputies heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice because of their desire to serve.

The suspect in both shootings, Bird, was also killed during the shootout.

Photo: Deputy Gabriel Ramirez (left), Deputy Michael Hislope (right). Courtesy Christian County Sheriff's Office

The Coffeyville City Commission approves the first reading of an ordinance that would increase fiber internet speed and increase rates at the same time.

Director of Electric Services Chris Weiner presented the proposal to the commission. Under the new fee schedule, the lowest tier for residential rates would increase from $60 to $65 per month. Commissioner Alec Hendryx says, even with the increase, it's a good deal for customers.

City Manager Ben Brubaker added that the City must be fiscally responsible, even if that means facing some hard truths. He says the City will have to replace some expensive infrastructure over the next 25 years.

The first reading passes with only Commissioner Mike Golden voting no.

In other business at last night's meeting, commissioners approved the purchase and installment of a new gas breaker near the CVR Nitrogen plant. The company will reimburse the City for the cost.

Firefighters from Wilson County Rural Fire respond to an evening grass fire.

The call came in around 9pm Tuesday night. Units responded to burning grass in a field located northeast of Fredonia. Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour and were able to bring the blaze under control. Crews noted that the winds had died down as they were fighting the fire, allowing for an easier attack.

Authorities remind citizens to use extreme caution during the current warm, dry weather and to avoid any actions that might spark a fire.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

A 19-year-old Joplin man is dead following a single-vehicle accident near the Missouri state line in Cherokee County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Braxon Gough was traveling westbound on Southeast 110^th Street near the intersection with Turkey Creek Road – or about three miles north of Galena - around 7:45 Tuesday night, February 24, 2026. Gough's vehicle crossed the center line, where it then struck a tree and caught fire. Gough was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The Neodesha City Commission will meet today to discuss several items of business.

On today's agenda, is the request for approval to purchase a new lawnmower for the cemetery and the replacement of garage doors at the City electric shop. Commissioners will also be asked to approve the repair of a sewer line for just over $9,000. Also up for consideration is a program through the Kansas Department of Transportation that would provide for curb extensions to be installed at several intersections along Main Street.

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

The Wilson County Commission will meet today for its regular weekly meeting in Fredonia.

On today's agenda is an update from Road & Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum. County Clerk Kayla Busch will also update commissioners on the workings of her department and County Coordinator Kris Marple will also present a report.

Today's meeting begins at 9am in Room 101 of the Wilson County Courthouse in Fredonia. The meeting is open to the public.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announces the agency has opened applications for two initial grants under the Rural Health Transformation Program or R-H-T-P.

The R-H-T-P is a state-wide initiative designed to strengthen health care access in rural communities. Eligible rural health providers are able to apply for the $44 million Regional Partnership Grant and for the $15 million Rural Emergency Hospital/Capital Investment Grant. Applications for the first are due on April 3^rd and the second on March 20^th.

Kansas recently received federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a $221.89 million annual budget to implement the R-H-T-P’s five initiatives. Those initiatives are improving rural health outcomes, strengthening provider sustainability, expanding the workforce, advancing innovative care models, and increasing access through technology.

The R-H-T-P is part of a national $50 billion effort to improve rural health nationwide.

A convicted sex offender living in Bartlesville is facing an additional felony charge.

18-year-old Tiffany Booker was charged Tuesday with failure to register as a sex offender and residing within 2,000 feet of a school as a sex offender.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Booker admitted to authorities on February 23rd that she had been living in Bartlesville for two weeks prior to her registration and was residing within 2,000 feet of a school.

A registration officer in Kansas notified the Bartlesville Police Department that Booker did not complete paperwork notifying authorities that she was moving, nor did she check in during January of 2026.

Booker was convicted in January of 2022 for aggravated indecent liberties with a child in Butler County, KS.

Booker will appear in court again on March 6 at 9 a.m. Her bond is set at $25,000.

Osage Nation citizens went to the polls on Monday to narrow down the field in the upcoming election for assistant chief and principal chief. Three candidates ran for each position, and the two candidates received the most votes and advance to June's general election. 
 

Joe Tillman and Scott Bighorse received the most votes for principal chief, while John Shaw and Scott Johnson received the most votes to become assistant principal chief. 
 

The general election is set for June 1. 

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements through March 1 for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers that are assisting in providing relief from the wildfires impacting parts of Kansas.

According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the emergency proclamation waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers under the conditions of providing direct assistance during an emergency for up to 14 days from the date of Governor Kelly’s verbal state of disaster declaration that was signed on February 15^th.

Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation, but fees associated with these permits have been temporarily waived.

A Bartlesville woman is facing a felony charge after allegedly attempting to strangle another person.

30-year-old Charity Tatum was charged on Monday with domestic assault and battery by strangulation. Tatum also faces a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer.

The charges stem from a February 21^st incident in which Tatum and the victim were allegedly involved in a brief altercation over Tatum's personal belongings.

According to police, the victim had redness, bruising and deep scratches in the neck area, while officers observed dried blood on Tatum's hands and fingernails.

Tatum will appear in court again on March 6, after posting a $5,000 bond.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident that damaged a road sign near Riverton.

The damaged KDOT sign is located neat the Riverton roundabout on Route 66, just east of US-400. Sheriff's deputies have contacted an elderly man who is believed to be the driver who struck the sign.

Authorities say the man was not injured in the accident, though his vehicle did sustain some damage. The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.

The Galena Police Department is looking for the public's assistance in an animal cruelty investigation.

The investigation involves multiple puppies that were dumped inside the city limits. G-P-D is looking for any information that might help them identify the individual or individuals who may have dumped the animals.

Anyone with information on the puppies, when they were dumped, or who may have dumped them, is asked to contact the Galena Police.

Photo courtesy Galena Police Department

Firefighters from multiple departments respond to a grass fire near Thayer.

Units from Neosho County and Wilson County Rural Fire were called to a location in rural Neosho County, west of Thayer around 3:30pm Monday, February 23, 2026. Firefighters were called to the area for a large grass fire that expanded from burning brush piles. Responding units were on the scene for about an hour.

Authorities remind residents that brush piles can smolder for days and that anyone who has been burning during the past few weeks should check on the fire location to ensure fires do not rekindle.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight with several purchase resolutions on the agenda.

Director of Electric Services Chris Weiner will appear before the commission to request the purchase of maintenance services for the city water system to help maintain water pressure and softening capacity. Weiner is also expected to request the purchase of a new gas circuit breaker to replace a faulty one near the CVR Nitrogen plant. Director of Public Works Jim Wright will also ask the city to approve $31,000 for the purchase of a building cover for the sand and salt storage facility.
 

Commissioners will also consider a resolution to adjust fiber internet rates as listed on the City's Fee Schedule.
 

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.

The suspect in the shooting death of a Missouri deputy is killed in a police shootout.

Authorities in Christian County, Missouri, - located between Springfield and Branson - say 45-year-old Richard Dean Bird was shot and killed last night during a shoot out with law enforcement near Reeds Springs, MO. Authorities sought Bird in connection to the shooting death of Christian County Deputy Gabriel Ramirez following a traffic stop on Highway 160 on Monday afternoon.

Police tracked Bird to Reeds Springs, where he abandoned his pickup truck and fled into some nearby woods while armed with a rifle. During a shoot out with police, a second sheriff's deputy was killed and two other were injured. Bird was was also shot and killed during the exchange of gunfire.

The identities of the additional wounded deputies have not yet been released.

Photo: Richard Dean Bird, courtesy Missouri Highway Patrol

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics seizes more than 40,000 marijuana plants in a raid on an alleged illegal grow operation in Ottawa County.

On Friday, O-B-N Marijuana Enforcement Teams served two search warrants at locations near Miami as part of an ongoing investigation. As part of the investigation, agents are also looking into allegations of a fraudulent straw ownership scheme.

During the service of the warrants, O-B-N agents seized more than 40,000 marijuana plants along with nearly 700 pounds of process product. Three people were also arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As the investigation continues, more arrests are expected.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics

The Wilson County Commission hears an update on Road & Bridge projects and approves a travel request for the Health Department.

At the commission's most recent meeting, County Road & Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum discussed a patching project on 410 Road. Tatum also recommended the submission of a bridge at 2000 and Wichita Road and another at 410 and Udall Road for funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Commissioners approved the submission.

In other business, Wilson County Health Department Administrator Amy Lell requested $1,200 to allow her and another individual to attend the Governor's Public Health Conference to be held at the end of March in Wichita. Her request was approved. Additionally, Dr. Jennifer McKenney reported on the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program in which Kansas will receive $221M over the next three years for new rural healthcare services.

The next meeting of the Wilson County Commission will be tomorrow at 9am in the courthouse in Fredonia. The meeting if open to the public.

The Montgomery County Commission discusses the effectiveness of last week’s burn ban.

A burn ban was put in place on February 18^th  and was allowed to expire on February 21^st. District Fire Chief Michael Smith says there were no serious incidents reported during that time.

County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson confirmed that Sheriff’s deputies did issue several citations for violations during the dry, windy conditions. Though no precipitation fell over the weekend, the high winds did die down, allowing the ban to expire. Commissioner Phil Clubine says the county will remain vigilant as the time approaches when farmers and ranchers will want to burn.

Smith adds that bans will be put in place only when conditions warrant them.

Although there is no current burn ban in place, residents are urged to remain extremely cautious with outdoor burning as conditions remain dry.

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce is conducting a membership blitz this week.

Chamber Director Candi Westbrook says one of the goals of the event is to raise awareness of what the Chamber does.

Westbrook says the Chamber continues to evolve and is providing more services than ever before.

Westbrook says the Chamber exists to support and foster the local business community, and local owners may be contacted this week by Chamber board members or staff. Westbrook wants to talk with all local businesses about how the chamber can be of service to their organizations. Anyone who wants to learn more about Chamber membership, even on an individual level, can stop by the Chamber or call 620-251-2550.

Today brings another risk of fire danger for the four-states.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from late morning through early evening for northeast Oklahoma, southwest Missouri and Kansas counties along the Missouri line.

A red flag warning means that a dangerous combination of weather conditions and dry vegetation is expected within 24 hours, favoring rapid growth and spread of any wildfires. The primary weather factors include stronger winds, lower humidity, and warmer temperatures.

Due to these concerns, area communities, including Nowata are not allowing burning inside city limits until further notice. Anyone in the four-state area is asked to avoid burning and be mindful of anything that could cause a spark.

Coffeyville Community College is announcing the promotion of Cari Redden to Vice President of Academic Services, effective March 1, 2026.

Redden steps into the role as Dr. Aron Potter concludes her tenure at CCC to assume the presidency of John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois. Redden has been a member of the Coffeyville Community College team since 2001. She holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University, as well as an Associate of Arts degree from Coffeyville Community College. Throughout her career at CCC, Redden has served in various leadership and instructional roles, including Director of Academic Advising, Adjunct Faculty member, and Director of Distance Learning.

Beyond her work at the college, Redden has actively participated in the community. From 2015 to 2020, she served as the Director of the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation and has been involved with site councils for USD 445. Currently, she serves as the secretary for the NADO Booster Club, is a member of the Coffeyville Public Schools Alumni Board, and serves on the Kansas State University Family Advisory Board.

The 2026 Washington County Junior Livestock Show is coming up this week.

The event will run from Thursday, February 26th through Saturday the 28th at the county fairgrounds in Dewey. 

Both 4-H and FFA members from across Washington County will be showing off the effort they've put into their projects. Our sister stations at Bartlesville Radio will be broadcasting every day during the event. A full schedule of of the event is available below:

Wednesday, February 25th

- Livestock Check-In, 4:00PM-7:00PM

- All Entries must be in place by 7:00PM 

Thursday, February 26th 

- Breeding Gilt Show, 9:00AM 

- Market Hog Show following the Gilt Show 

- Broiler Show, 3:00PM

- Rabbit Show following the Broiler Show 

- Ag Mechanics Show, 5:00PM 

Friday, February 27th 

- Breeding Ewe Show, 9:00AM

- Market Lambs following the Ewe Show 

- Breeding Doe Show following the Market Lamb Show 

- Market Goat Show following the Doe Show 

- Heifer Show, 3:00PM 

- Market Steer Show following the Heifer Show 

Saturday, February 28th 

- Premium Sale Exhibitor Mandatory Meeting, 9:00AM 

- Buyers BBQ Dinner Begins, 4:00PM 

- General Public BBQ Dinner, 5:00PM

- Row of Champion Animals must be in place, 5:00PM 

- 6:30pm Awards Presentation 

- Premium Sale 

Sunday, March 1

- Facility Cleanup Day, Mandatory for all Exhibitors, 9:00AM 

Pennies will no longer be accepted as payment for city bills in Neodesha.

According to the city, pennies will no longer be accepted when paying a bill with cash, effective immediately. The City will round up all transactions to the nearest nickel.

Card and check payments will still be processed for the exact total of the bill.

The City of Cherryvale recently passed a similar ordinance on rounding, but will still accept pennies as payment.

The public is invited to attend the Youth Entrepreneur Challenge Trade Show tomorrow in Independence.

Students in grades 7 through 12 from area schools will participate and showcase their business ideas. Coffeyville Area Chamber President Candi Westbrook says participants will receive mentoring from local professionals to create a sales pitch for their existing business or business concept.
 

Westbrook says student booths will be judged by local business leaders who will then determine prizes based on presentation and executive summaries.

The public is then invited to view student booths at the trade show tomorrow from 9am to 1pm at the Civic Center in Independence. The goal of the event is to encourage young people in their personal development through starting and managing their own business.

The City of Independence is asking residents for input on their relationship with the City and City services.

The online Citizen Satisfaction Survey is now open for feedback. Completion of the survey usually takes about 15 minutes and asks general questions about satisfaction with living and working in Independence. The survey includes questions about interactions with City staff and satisfaction with City utilities including Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo.

The survey is part of the City’s regular strategic planning process, and responses will help inform City leaders as they develop 5 to 10-year priorities for projects, services and overall community development and identify areas in need of improvement. Surveys can be completed anonymously, and all responses are kept confidential.

Citizens are encouraged to attend an in-person Community Session to offer input and participate in planning discussions with City leaders. Participants may attend events on Wednesday, March 4, at 5:30pm at the Independence Civic Center; or on Friday, March 6, at 9am in the Memorial Hall upstairs lobby.

To take the survey, follow this link.

One man is dead following an accident in a grain bin in Harvey County.

The accident occurred Saturday afternoon just south of the City of Newton around 2:30 as three men were working to empty soybeans into a grain bin. The contents of the bin shifted suddenly, trapping one of the workers. Emergency crews from Sedgwick County Rural Fire responded to the call, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other workers were able to escape uninjured.

The death has been ruled an accident.

The Labette County Sheriff's Office is warning residents and the families of county jail inmates in particular about a new scam that is making the rounds.

This scam targets the families of individuals who have recently been arrested and jail in the Labette County Jail. Scammers are calling family members and claiming that an inmate can be bonded out for a specific amount of money. This is not a legitimate operation. The Labette County Jail never accepts Walmart gift cards, prepaid cards, or other non-cash equivalents as payment for bonds. Legitimate bonds are typically arranged by the inmate contacting a family member or a licensed bail bondsman directly.

The Sheriff’s Office warns not to give out any personal information and not to provide money to these scammers. Anyone receiving a call like this should hang up and call the Labette County Jail to verify bond status.

If you have received a call like this, report it to the L-C-S-O at (620) 795-2565.

A program offered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks aims to stop illegal hunting in the state.

Operation Game Thief allows citizens to turn in people suspected of poaching wild animals. Poaching is a serious and costly crime. Every time a poacher illegally kills or takes wildlife, ethical hunters and anglers lose the opportunity to legally harvest those same game animals and fish. K-D-W-P's Mike Blair says the toll free phone number allows anonymous reporting.

Poaching harms wildlife populations and ultimately steals from law-abiding sportsmen and from members of the public who simply value and enjoy seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. Blair says the program helps protect wildlife.

Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed the illegal harvesting of game can make an anonymous report by calling 1-877-426-3843.

For more information, follow this link.

A student at Independence High School breaks a school record for Speech and Debate Competition.

Audrey Kaiser has broken a 15-year-old record for the most career points earned through the National Speech and Debate Association. Kaiser recently hit the 2,371 mark, beating the former school record of 2,311 set in 2011 by Dalton Mott.

High school students who participate in competitive speech activities such as debate and forensics earn points through the National Speech & Debate Association by taking part in competition, service, and leadership. These point allow students to advance in the national Honor Society, with 25 points required for initial membership. Students earn 6 points for a win and 3 for a loss in debate, with varying points for speech rankings in other styles of competition. They can also earn points by volunteering or assisting younger students.

Kaiser recently placed 4th in the Kansas 4A State Debate Championship along with her partner Peyton Connors. Kaiser, who is a senior, will continue to be eligible to earn points through June.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a railroad bridge replacement project on US-59 north of Parsons this week.

According to KDOT, the 285-foot bridge runs above the Union Pacific Railroad tracks on US-59 about a mile north of US-400/US-59 interchange near Parsons. Work on the project is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The official 40-mile, signed detour will be in place that week that will reroute traffic around the work zone via US-169 and K-47 in order to maintain road safety regarding vehicle weight and maintenance concerns.

The new three-span bridge will be 413 feet long with 12-foot driving lanes and 10-foot shoulders. KDOT awarded the $7.9 million construction contract to Bridges Inc., of Newton. The project is funded through KDOT’s 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program.

The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

Police in Pawhuska arrest a fugitive from Florida after a tip suggests the suspect was in the City.

On Friday morning, Pawhuska Police received a tip from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Florida that a wanted fugitive was possibly hiding out in Oklahoma. Police then located 26-year-old Dakya Cedric Dashawn Kirby and arrested him on two outstanding warrants. Kirby faces charges in Florida of Sexual Assault and Battery of a person less than 12 years old and Cruelty Toward a Child.

Kirby was booked into the Osage County Jail in Pawhuska where he awaits extradition to Florida.

Photo courtesy Osage County Sheriff's Office

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and hear updates from three county departments..

County Treasurer Mandi Hargis will give her quarterly report as will Kenneth Fecke from Juvenile Community Corrections. There will also be a monthly report from the Register of Deeds Office.

District Fire Chief Michael Smith will also be at today’s meeting to request approval to seek bids for fueling services for Rural Fire vehicles. He will also ask for approval to seek bids for replacement skid units.

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.

Zion Lutheran School in Independence will hold their annual Chicken Noodle/Chili Fundraiser and Auction this weekend.

The event will be Sunday from 4 to 6:30 at the Independence Civic Center. The fundraiser is open to the public and the meal is free, although a free will donation will be accepted. There will also be a silent and live auction, as well as entertainment from the school choir.

An Arizona man is facing multiple drug charges following an investigation in Parsons.

Parsons Police Department officers and Labette County Sheriff deputies saw two vehicles traveling together in what they described as an unusual manner. One of the vehicles was stopped, and deputies located controlled substances on the driver, who told authorities he had received the drugs from an associate in the second vehicle. Officers later stopped the second vehicle based on traffic violations and the ongoing investigation. During that stop, K9 Morgan conducted a free-air sniff, and the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.

The driver was identified as 59-year-old Jerold Scott Tracy of Golden Valley, Arizona. Officers say they located more than 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine, more than 480 pills believed to be Xanax, marijuana and digital scales and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution. All suspected narcotics have been submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for testing. Tracy was transported to the Labette County Jail.

No homes are lost in the Rattlesnake Road Fire as crews continue monitoring for remaining hot spots.

According to Washington County Emergency Management, the wildfire remains contained. Firefighters from 16 different agencies responded, including task forces from Tulsa and Pawnee Counties, along with air and ground support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oklahoma Forestry Service. Crews worked in difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions to bring the fire under control.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Cherokee Nation Marshal’s Service, assisted with traffic control and evacuations. The American Red Cross also provided shelter and meals for evacuees and first responders. Officials expressed appreciation for the coordinated response and the efforts of all agencies involved.

The City of Parsons is holding a public hearing for a proposed business seeking to sell alcohol near Parsons Middle School.

The hearing is scheduled for March 2^nd at 6:00pm in the City Commission Room at Parsons City Hall. The discussion will focus on a business located at 2911 Main Street, commonly known as the former Taco Tico building. The business is proposing to sell liquor within 800 feet of Parsons Middle School.

Under Parsons City Code Section 189-41, the City Commission may grant a waiver to the distance limitation following a public hearing and a determination that the proximity of the establishment to the school would not be adverse to public welfare or safety. Members of the public are invited to attend and provide input during the hearing.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is monitoring air quality across the state due to the recent wild fires in western Kansas.

The fires began on Tuesday in the dry, windy conditions. Wildfires can release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, as well as children and elderly, are more vulnerable and likely to experience symptoms.

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS. Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

Wichita Police are looking for an ice cream thief who caused significant damage to a local business.

Authorities say the lone male suspect shattered the glass front door of the Braums location at Seneca and Douglas around 3am on the morning of Sunday, February 15^th. The man took four steaks valued at $30 each and a quart of ice cream before quickly leaving the scene. The stolen merchandise was valued at around $150 dollars , but the smashed glass door will cost thousands of dollars to replace.

The thief was caught on video camera and was inside the store for only a few minutes. The suspect is described as a white male of medium build. He was wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt, light colored pants, and light colored Adidas shoes. He was wearing a mask with distinct blue lettering and carrying a blue Adidas backpack.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111. There is a cash reward of up to $2,500.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes singer songwriter Anna La Mare to the Spencer Rounds Theater .
 

La Mare blends roots music and Celtic storytelling with Southern Gothic elements to create stormy, poetic Americana. The combination of La Mare's jazz and folk roots with her eclectic, soundscape-driven influences sets her apart, and her ability to turn a phrase and weave a mystical story gives her music a distinct characteristic that feels both intimate and expansive.
 

La Mare has held international residencies, performed in dimly lit venues, and graced festivals as well as songwriter showcases across the United States and abroad.
 

La Mare will perform Tuesday night in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

A juvenile suspect is in custody in Carthage after allegedly ramming a vape shop with a stolen vehicle in order to burglarize the business.

The incident occurred early Thursday morning when a Carthage Police officer noticed a suspicious vehicle in an area of the city that has been plagued by a recent string of break-ins. The officer then noticed damage to a nearby store front and a masked individual inside the building. The suspect then spotted the officer and fled on foot, leading to a short pursuit. The suspect was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.

The juvenile faces multiple charges, including burglary, theft, and resisting arrest.

Investigation led police to believe the suspect is also connected to as many as six other recent burglaries.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond wants some answers from YouTube.

Drummond, along with the Attorneys General of 15 other states, has sent a letter to YouTube and it's parent company Alphabet Inc.,  requesting detailed information about YouTube's content moderation practices and whether creators were subjected to individualized or undisclosed actions, such as demonetization, reduced visibility or de-amplification due to their political leanings.

In the letter, the attorneys general cite Alphabet's own testimony acknowledging sustained government pressure related to content moderation and question whether YouTube's actions aligned with its public commitments to protect free expression and treat creators even-handedly.  The inquiry also requests documents related to YouTube's treatment of several prominent conservative channels. The coalition has requested a response from Alphabet by April 16.

Drummond was joined in the request by Attorneys General Kris Kobach of Kansas, Catherine Hanaway of Missouri, and Tim Griffin of Arkansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation seeks public comment on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as STIP.

The STIP is developed annually by KDOT in accordance with requirements from the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The STIP provides a list of projects, regardless of funding source that are administered by KDOT and that will have funds obligated within the next four federal fiscal years.

A major local project currently under consideration through STIP is the US-160 Project in Montgomery and Labette Counties. This project would reconstruct and widen shoulders on US-160 between US-169 near the Bartlett plant to the City of Altamont.. The project would also improve intersections and possibly remove some of the curves along that stretch of highway.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which runs through March 5.

For more information, follow this link.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announces funding for aerial agricultural research.

Governor Kelly and The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced that Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems has been awarded $3 million to develop Beyond Visual Line of Sight Unmanned Aerial Systems technology for agricultural use. The tech can be used by farmers, ranchers, and agriculture business retailers to improve yields, cut input costs, manage livestock, and expand opportunities for precision agriculture development in the state of Kansas.

The funding was approved by the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly during the 2025 legislative session to accelerate the development of agricultural and aviation technology in Kansas.

Image courtesy Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems

National FFA Week starts tomorrow across the country.

Locally, Coffeyville FFA Chapter Members say they're planning several activities during the week.  FFA Member Graham Leeds says there will be a workshop to showcase FFA to potential future members next Friday.

Leeds says they're also utilizing their shop to make some souvenirs for the event.

Other activities during the day include vet science and livestock judging. A spirit week theme is also planned in addition to a teacher appreciation soda bar. National FFA Week takes place February 21^st through 28^th across the country to showcase the youth development organization.

***** Update 4:30 a.m. *****

Crews from 16 different agencies remain on the scene of a large wildfire burning south of Bartlesville and north of Ochelata. Firefighters have worked through the night and will continue implementing control measures to contain the blaze.

While the situation remains active, some restrictions are beginning to lift. Residents living on N3940 Road are officially cleared to return to their homes at this time. Meanwhile, 2600 Road, west of N3940, remains closed to all traffic as operations continue.

For those still affected by the expanded evacuation orders—specifically near Onion Prairie Road and Rattlesnake Hil, you can go to the Ramona First Baptist Church. The shelter is fully open and operational for residents displaced by the fire.

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

Residents in the area of W 2600 Road and N 3630 Road in Washington County are being told to evacuate the area due to a large fire.

 The evacuation area for the fire near Onion Prairie Road and Rattlesnake Hill has been expanded and a shelter is being set up at Ramona First Baptist Church.

Washington County Emergency Management Deputy Director Melissa Mayes has the latest information.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating social media posts containing racially inappropriate content that have been circulating online.

The posts, which have appeared on multiple platforms, including some government-affiliated pages were presented in a way that suggests they were created by one of the deputies. The matter is currently under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office says the content does not reflect the values or professional standards of the agency, adding that it remains committed to serving all members of the community with fairness, integrity and respect.

Sheriff Ron Wade says they hold every member of their agency to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. He says they will not tolerate the misuse of social media to falsely represent their deputies or to spread divisive content and they are taking this matter seriously and will pursue all appropriate avenues to address it. Anyone with information related to the fraudulent account is encouraged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

The mayor of Sedan resigns his position effective immediately.

At the start of this week's Sedan City Council meeting two items were added the agenda, the resignation of the mayor and oath of office of the new mayor. New Mayor Kathy Miller says she has the letter of resignation from former Mayor Bryan Blankenship.

The council voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Blankenship. City Clerk Lana Robinson swore-in Miller as the new mayor. Adam Clark was appointed as the president of the council.

The City of Coffeyville is transitioning its Code Enforcement division into the newly renamed Neighborhood Preservation Department.

City leadership says the shift is designed to reflect a more positive, collaborative, and community-focused approach to maintaining safe, clean, and thriving neighborhoods.

While City codes and ordinances remain in place to protect public health and safety, the new Neighborhood Preservation model emphasizes education, communication, and voluntary compliance whenever possible. Community Development Department Director Amber Dean says the goal is to work alongside residents and property owners as partners in caring for Coffeyville’s neighborhoods, rather than focusing solely on enforcement. The goal is to start with friendly, direct communication whenever possible before moving into formal notices or enforcement steps. The department also aims to provide flexibility when residents are making genuine efforts to resolve concerns and connects individuals with available community resources when hardships exist.

The Neighborhood Preservation Department will focus on working collaboratively with residents to address common neighborhood concerns including yards, structural and safety concerns, junk vehicles, curbside trash placement, temporary structures and blight.

To help introduce this new approach and answer community questions, the City of Coffeyville will participate in a live call-in radio show on The Mighty 690 during Open Line on Monday, February 23rd at 9:10 a.m. Community Development Director Amber Dean and Communications Manager/Public Information Officer Ashley Tatman will be on air discussing the transition to the Neighborhood Preservation Department and what it means for Coffeyville residents. Community members are encouraged to call in during the show to ask questions at 620-252-6909 and learn more about this positive shift. Questions may also be submitted in advance by emailing news@kggfradio.com.

The Montgomery County Commission approves moving forward with a federal grant application to fund a major road improvement project.

County Administrator Jonathan Boo has been working to complete this year's application for a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development or BUILD grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. If approved, the $18.5 million grant would be used to connect and add roads near the Bartlett soybean plant. Booe says the application would cover most of the cost of the project.

Booe says the match on this application is slightly less than last year, when the application was denied.

A public comment period on the application was held at this week's meeting. There were no Montgomery County residents present at the meeting to comment.

Kansans will soon be required to use the bathroom that corresponds to their biological sex at birth in all government buildings after the state legislature overrides the veto of Governor Laura Kelly.

Both Houses of the Legislature voted on the House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 this week following Kelly's veto on Friday. The Senate voted on a party line vote to override the veto. Senate President Ty Masterson calls the vote.

The House vote followed soon after, passing that Chamber 87 to 37. The bill also requires Kansans to use the marker of the birth sex on their driver's licenses and birth certificates. The law goes into effect immediately after the paperwork is filed at the Secretary of State's Office.

Multiple fire departments in northeast Oklahoma respond to a large grass fire between Dewey and Copan.

Fire crews responded to the scene on West 1200 Road in Washington County after reports of a large grass fire in the area. Responding units conducted a burnout operation to secure a control line in an effort to bring the blaze under control. The tactic was used to help prevent the fire from rekindling and spreading further over the next few days of extreme fire danger.

The Dewey and Copan Fire Departments responded to the call with assistance from the Washington County Fire Department.

Fire officials remind residents that the current dry conditions combined with high winds mean fire can quickly spread out of control. Anyone who sees smoke or flames should report it to authorities immediately.

Photo courtesy Washington County Fire Department

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the completion of a repair project on US-400 in Montgomery County.

KDOT has completed repairs to concrete on US- 400 west of US-169, north of Cherryvale. The work zone began at the US-169 on ramp and continued west about a half mile. The project began in early January and the repairs are now complete. Traffic flow in the area has now returned to normal.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit kandrive.gov. Traffic conditions can also be checked via phone by calling 5-1-1 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside of the state.

Tomorrow will bring extreme grassland fire danger for the four-state area.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning that will be in effect from late morning through early evening for the four-state area. This includes Allen, Cowley, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Chautauqua, Montgomery, Labette, Bourbon, Crawford and Cherokee Counties in Southeast Kansas, in addition to northeast Oklahoma, southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

In addition, Montgomery County Emergency Management is issuing an official burn ban for Montgomery County that took effect at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will continue through 3 p.m. on Saturday.  This means All outdoor burning, including but not limited to brush burning, trash burning, controlled burns, and campfires is prohibited and shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor.

West winds between 20 and 30 mph are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph and low relative humidity between 15 and 20 percent and warm temperatures will cause any fires that develop to spread quickly and behave erratically.

The Cherokee Nation officially opened a new Elder Nutrition site in Dewey on Tuesday.

The site on Durham Road in Dewey is the 16th across the reservation, and leaders say it’s part of a larger push to expand services for seniors. Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner says the opening ties directly to Cherokee community values.

Secretary of State Shella Bowlin says the Dewey location is meant to be more than just a meal site.

The site will be open five days a week. Executive Director of Human Services Brittany Denny says elders don’t even have to come just for the food.

District 12 Tribal Councilwoman Dora Smith-Patskowski says community collaboration brought the project to life. The property on Durham Road was purchased in March 2022 and fully remodeled to house multiple Cherokee Nation services. She says the improvements come with an important message and vision.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the expansion fills a key gap in services and reflects tribal sovereignty in action.

Hoskin says the expansion is funded through the tribe’s Public Health and Wellness Fund, not new federal dollars. He says the move is an example of the Cherokee Nation investing its own resources to meet community needs.

The City of Parsons will soon have some new homes available.

At this week's City Commission meeting, City Manager Jeff Cantrell announced a future construction project of 3-D printed homes. Cantrell says the building project will complement the city's efforts to remove dilapidated structures to make room for new construction.

Cantrell says the builder who originally agreed to the project is interested in expanding the scope.

In other business, commissioners approved the disbursement of $7,500 from the D. V. Reed Fund for Wesley United Methodist Church to help fund their Grab & Go Food Ministry.

The City of Coffeyville is awarded a federal grant for a safety audit and engineering study for the US-166 corridor.

The $160,000 comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The project will evaluate the US-166 corridor and identify implementation-ready safety improvements. As part of the study, the City Public works Department will examine pedestrian safety enhancements, signal timing improvements, crosswalk and sidewalk connectivity, and other safety solutions.

Additionally, the City will receive another $30,000 from the Build Kansas Fund to help cover the local match for the federal grant, minimizing the amount of local tax dollars that will be spent on the project.

Nowata County Commissioners discuss issues with emergency radios used in dispatch.

At this week's regular meeting, Undersheriff Doug Sonenburg appeared before the commission to provide and update on radio issue. He says he thinks they have identified the problem.

Commissioners also discussed improvements to the courthouse, approved an agreement with Sparklight, and approved another agreement for a feasibility study for the sheriff's department.

The Nowata County Commission meets every Monday at 9am at the Nowata County Annex.

Dewey Fire was dispatched at 5:23 pm Monday to a house fire othe town's north side.

 According to a Facebook post, Engines Three and One arrived on scene and found heavy smoke throughout the whole house. 

Engine Three was on fire attack and found the kitchen in the back of the house was on fire. Engine One followed and made a thorough search. 

Fire was immediately brought under control and crews then started ventilation and overhaul. No injuries were reported. The extent of the damage is unknown.

USD 446 in Independence announces the district will reapply for federal grant funding to provide partial funding for its after school program.

The grant money would go toward the Kids Crews After School program offered by the Independence School district. It would also support additional summer school programming opportunities. The Kids Crew Program allows students to have a safe, structured place to stay after the school day is over, but while their parents are still at work.

The district will reapply for a 21st Century Community Learning Centers or 21^st CCLC After School Program Grant. The grant is funded by federal dollars and administered by the Kansas State Department of Education. It is intended to fund after school programs for schools eligible for Title I School wide Programs. The Title I designation typically means at least 40% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Independence students in the Kids Crew program receive before and after school supervision and have the chance to take part in field trips, academic assistance, and additional time with peers.

Kansas Works will be hosting a virtual job fair next week.

The job fair will occur online on Thursday, February 26^th, from 8am to 5pm and will be accessible through any digital device. The event is designed for jobseekers who are unable to attend in-person 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, follow this link.

One person is killed and four others are injured following a six-car pile-up on I-70 in western Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says blowing dust and low visibility are the cause of the fatal accident that closed the interstate in both directions around 1pm Tuesday afternoon. The chain of events that caused the accident began when the first vehicle in a line of cars slowed due to the blowing dust and was struck from behind. As those two vehicles attempted to clear the roadway, a tractor-trailer approached. The semi's on-board crash detection sensor allowed the semi to avoid hitting the first accident, but the Ford Explorer following behind struck its trailer, sending the SUV into the median. The trailer was then hit by a second vehicle – an Acura MDX – that went under the trailer. A sixth vehicle then collided with the Acura.

The driver of the Explorer 75-year-old Gary Stoll of Oakley was killed in the accident. A passenger in the Acura 63-year-old Catherine Stout of Wichita was seriously injured, while the driver 65-year-old Bradley Stout, and two passengers – 77-year-old Dennis Temaat and 66-year-old Joyce Temaat, both of Dodge City – all suffered minor injuries. Three were taken to a Colby hospital, while Catherine Stout was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

I-70 was closed for nearly eight hours due to the crash.

A Fredonia man is in serious condition after being hit by a truck while walking along a Fredonia Street.

25-year-old Trenton Smith was taken to a Wichita hospital yesterday (Tuesday) after he was hit by a pickup truck while walking along Washington Street just west of the roundabout. The accident occurred just before noon, when a 1997 Chevy 1500 driven by 69-year-old Roger Walker of Fredonia struck Smith as he walked along the street. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the accident happened when Smith's hat blew off his head and he went into the street to retrieve it.

A complaint of trespassing at a Parsons business leads to the arrest of a suspect on multiple charges.

Parsons Police officers responded to a call of trespassing at the Hastings Inn, a hotel located at 400 Main Street. Upon arrival, officers learned that an individual later identified as 24-year-old Diamond Lashay Renee Lee was on the property and that hotel staff had asked for her to be trespassed from the property. Using surveillance video footage, officers were able to determine the room Lee was in. The suspect refused to answer the door, prompting police to obtain a search warrant.

As officers prepared to enter the room, another occupant identified as 27-year-old Daiquarrius Latreveon Higgins exited the room and was taken into custody. A search of the room revealed Lee to be hiding inside a large box filled with trash, food, and sanitary items. She was then arrested without incident.

Both suspects were taken to the Labette County Jail. Lee faces charges of Criminal Threat, Criminal Damage and Interference with Law Enforcement, as well as for multiple outstanding warrants from Parsons Municipal Court, Labette County, and Olathe, Kansas. Higgins faces charges of Interference with Law Enforcement and Harboring a Known Wanted Person.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Emergency crews respond to a call at the Coffeyville Industrial Park.

The call came in around 7:15 as crews were called to 26-12 US Highway 169. Multiple units were called to the scene including fire crews from Liberty, Coffeyville, CVR, and Montgomery County Rural Fire. Coffeyville Police were on the scene to provide traffic assistance.

Early reports indicate that any fire was quickly under control and that the call may have been the result of a transformer issue.

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

The Cherryvale Police Department is looking to move forward with an inter-agency agreement with the Department of Homeland Security.

At last night's Cherryvale City Council Meeting, council members approved the police department moving forward with exploring an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program.

Deputy Police Chief Josh Shields says currently, if there are no local charges against an individual, officers are not able to investigate the legal status of an individual. Shields says if they move forward with this agreement, it would give them additional investigative resources.

Police Chief Jimmy Holt says ICE has talked with all law enforcement in Montgomery County on the program. The Coffeyville Police Department agreed to the program in November of last year, and the Caney Police Department also signed on to the task-force model earlier this month. The task-force model of the program allows officers to enforce limited immigration authority while performing routing police duties or be an active participant in an ICE-led task force. If the city moves forward, there will be required officer training. Holt says they will do more research into the program, but he believes it could be another useful tool for the police department.

More information on the 287(g) program is available here: https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g

USD 286 cancels classes tomorrow due to illness.

Classes in Sedan will not be held tomorrow due to a high number of student and staff illnesses across the district. School officials say the decision was made out of caution to give students and staff time to recover and to help prevent further spread of illness. During the closure, custodial crews will conduct a deep cleaning and sanitization of all district buildings.

All school activities and practices scheduled for Wednesday are also canceled. District leaders say updates regarding the resumption of classes will be shared as needed and thank families for their understanding as they work to keep the school community safe and healthy.

The City of Caney continues to make progress on connecting its water system to Coffeyville.

At this week's Caney City Council meeting, council members approved the signatures for letters that will be sent to property owners for easements for the project. City Clerk Adam Lanter says those individuals should soon be receiving a letter from the City.

Lanter says actual construction on the project should happen sometime this year.

In other business, council members also voted to expand the C-D-B-G Housing Revitalization zone and tabled a proposal to purchase a pickup truck for the fire department.

Montgomery County residents urged to use caution during conditions of high fire risk.

Last weekend's rain did little to improve the dry conditions across the state, though southeast Kansas is in a slightly better position than the rest of Kansas. Governor Kelly has issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation due to the extended period of dangerous fire weather through Thursday. In Montgomery County, Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson has consulted with Rural Fire Chief Michael Smith about the situation. Whitson says there is a local risk of fire, but it does not yet warrant a county-wide burn ban.

Whitson adds that, even though there is no current burn ban, residents should be very careful when it comes to fire.

Both state and local authorities urge the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to immediately report any visible smoke or fire.

A Franklin man is under arrest in southeast Kansas following the service of a search warrant by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

46-year-old Chad Sweezy was arrested late last week after K-H-P troopers and deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office searched his property as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged stolen property. Investigators seized thousands of dollars worth of previously reported stolen property, suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and suspected unlawful suppressors and fully-automatic firearms.

Sweezy was taken to the Crawford County Jail where he awaits formal charging.

Photo courtesy Crawford County Sheriff's Office

A southwest Missouri man is on the FBI's Most Wanted list for his alleged involvement in a fraud scheme.

33-year-old Joshua Robert Link is accused of using false promises in a cattle purchasing and processing plot and taking millions of dollars from investors. Link served as Executive Director of a company called Agridime, LLC, located on Forth Worth, Texas, that offered cattle sales, meat processing, and retail services to the public.

As part of a federal indictment, Link and others are alleged to have not used victims' funds as promised and instead used those funds to pay operating expenses and to pay funds to earlier investors.

If convicted, Link and the four other defendants in the case could face up to twenty years in federal prison. Link is the only suspect who remains at large. Anyone who with information on Link's whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI.

The City of Coffeyville will begin a waterline replacement project in the northwest part of the City today.

The Water Services Department will begin work in the 1400 block of Velma Drive today. Drivers are asked to use caution while work crews are in the area. The project is expected to continue through April.

Anyone with questions can contact Superintendent of Water Services Steve Smith at 252-6132

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issues a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation due to the extended period of dangerous fire weather through Thursday.

The highest risk is expected in western Kansas as the area is forecast to have high winds and low humidity this week. A Fire Watch is in effect for most of north central, northeast, and east central Kansas Tuesday. Officials emphasize that dry grass and other fuels can dry out in as little as one hour under these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of rapid fire ignition and spread.

The Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Office urges the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to report any smoke or fire to local authorities immediately to prevent damage to property and people.

The public is invited to attend the Youth Entrepreneur Challenge Trade Show coming up later this month in Independence.

Students in grades 7 through 12 from area schools will participate and showcase their business ideas. Participants will receive mentoring from local professionals to create a sales pitch for their existing business or business concept. Their booths will then be judged by local business leaders who will then determine prizes based on presentation and executive summaries.

The public is then invited to view student booths at the trade show on Tuesday, February 24, from 9am to 1pm at the Civic Center in Independence. The goal of the event is to encourage young people in their personal development through starting and managing their own business.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and get an update on a federal grant program.

County Administrator Jonathan Booe will appear before the commission to give an update on the county's application for a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development or BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The purpose of the grant would be to fund a major road project near the Bartlett soybean plant. Montgomery County applied for the grant a year ago and was not approved. The county is reapplying this year, and will receive public comment on the application at today's meeting.

County Director of Environmental and Zoning Matt Debo will also be at today's meeting to discuss a wastewater permit for Havana Lake.

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 the meeting in person or to view it online via the county's website.

A historic church in Lenapah is destroyed by fire.

The vacant St. Paul's Baptist Church in Lenapah caught fire yesterday morning. Witnesses report an RV started the fire which spread to the church. Despite quick efforts by the Lenapah Fire Department, the structure is a total loss.

According to local author Emily Cowan of Abandoned Oklahoma, the church was built as a Roman Catholic Church in 1897 and predated the town's establishment. In the early 20^th century, the St. Paul Baptists, mainly an African American congregation, purchased the building and move it to its present location. The last services were held in the building in 2013.

Photo: Melinda James

The Bartlesville Police Department responds to three separate disturbances over the weekend involving multiple individuals.

According to the department, several interviews have been conducted and as of Monday afternoon, five arrests have been made. The investigation remains active and additional arrests are likely.

The first disturbance was a shooting incident on Friday afternoon at 14th and Armstrong. Another was a physical altercation at a local convenience store on Saturday. The third was an aggravated assault and robbery.

No injuries were reported in the shooting disturbance, but investigators are working to determine who discharged the firearm.

It is believed that several of the individuals involved in these cases have gang affiliation and are primarily juveniles.

Anybody with additional information is asked to call the Bartlesville Police Department at 918-338-4001. Anonymous tips can be left by calling 918-336-2583. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

BPD is requesting assistance in identifiying a suspect from Friday's Incident (top photo).  Anyone with information should contact the department.

The Cherryvale City Council will meet tomorrow due to the President's Day holiday.

On the agenda is continued discussion on a water line replacement project under the railroad. The council is also expected to approve emergency demolition of a home at 228 W 1^st that was damaged by a recent fire.

A couple of ordinances are expected to be approved, including a cash-transaction rounding procedure and the formation of a new housing committee.

Tuesday's meeting begins at the Cherryvale City Hall at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

The Caney City Commission tonight to consider several items of business.

On the agenda for tonight's meeting is the approval of signatures for letters that will be sent to property owners for easements for the Coffeyville Supply Line Project and an ordinance to update the City's sewer rates. Commissioners will also discuss the purchase of a pickup truck for the Caney Fire Department as well as a possible expansion for the Community Development Block Grant Housing Revitalization.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes the husband and wife folk duo Rick and Donna Nestler to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

The Nestlers have been playing together for more than 20 years, performing a variety of music in different traditional genres. Among their specialties is music about the Hudson River in eastern New York state. Rick has also been life-long friends with musician Pete Seeger and his song “The River That Flows Both Ways” appears on Seeger's Grammy winning album “Tomorrow's Children.” Rick is a self-taught guitar picker and Donna is a classically trained musician.

The Nestlers will perform tomorrow night at 6:30 in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

The Neodesha City Commission approves the purchase of new dumpsters for city customers.

Commissioners discussed the number of dumpsters the city would purchase to replace those that were worn out or broken. City Administrator Brogan Jones stated that if the City purchased ten dumpsters, it would be slightly more than budgeted. Jones says the commission has a choice to make on the matter.

Commissioners debated the difference, citing the need for funding for other projects around town. However, Commissioner Ed Truelove says the dumpsters are very visible and are an emblem of how the City presents itself.

Commissioners voted to spend $10,200 for the purchase of ten dumpsters.

The rest area on US-75 north of Yates Center will be closed this week.

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed the rest stop on Friday to conduct routine repairs and maintenance on the facilities. The work is expected to be complete by the end of the week.

Photo courtesy KDOT

A Garden City man is dead after his car is struck by an Amtrak train.

The accident occurred around 3:30 Saturday morning when 25-year-old Aaron Pineda’s car got stuck on the railroad tracks near the junction of US-50 and 310th Road about 25 miles northwest of Pratt. Pineda was unable to free his vehicle and it was struck by an oncoming Amtrak train. Pineda was pronounced deceased at the scene. The conductor, engineer, and all 113 passengers of the train were uninjured.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is starting survey work on US-169 near Iola today.

The purpose of the field survey is to gather information necessary for proposed pavement rehabilitation south of U.S. 54 in Allen County. The survey of U.S. 169 will start at northwest Minnesota Road and continue north 2.5 miles, ending at the Nevada Road overpass south of U.S. 54.

KDOT workers will be in the area starting today to determine locations of existing features within the corridor.

The survey is expected to be complete by late March.

The City of Altamont is urging citizens to remain vigilant when it comes to fire danger.

Despite the recent rainy weather, rainfall totals in southeast Kansas have fallen below average for the first part of 2026. In the past few weeks, this has led to a higher risk of fire. Altamont Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief Richard Hayward says Altamont has seen more structure fires than usual so far this year.

Hayward says the dry weather to start the year led to multiple grass fires as well.

Residents can reduce the risk of fire by avoiding burning in dry, windy conditions, removing or relocating flammable materials, and planning controlled burns. Taking fire risks seriously year round can help reduce the risk of both structure and grass fires.

One person is killed in a weekend rollover crash in western Kansas.

36-year-old Jon Blakely of Rozel, Kansas, died early Saturday morning as the result of a single-vehicle accident on K-156 about 35 miles west of Great Bend. Blakely was traveling westbound just before 2am Saturday morning when his vehicle left the roadway and overturned.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are holding spring hunter education classes across the state.

A Kansas Hunter Education course teaches essential safety, ethics, and responsibility, focusing on firearm handling, conservation, and state regulations to create knowledgeable hunters. Participants learn safe hunting methods, wildlife identification, and often engage in practical, hands-on training, such as live firing or field simulations. The traditional hunter education course is organized and conducted by volunteer instructors across the state and are usually two days long.

Upcoming classes will occur on March 13 & 14 in Toronto at the Lone Pine Hunting Preserve. There will also be in-person classes on March 6th in Augusta, March 14th in Clearwater, and March 27 in Wichita.

For a detailed listing of the class schedule for in-person, online, and hybrid classes, follow this link.

A Texas man is seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident near Fort Scott on Valentine’s Day.

23-year-old John Moleski of Carrollton, Texas, sustained serious injuries on Saturday afternoon after a collision with another vehicle on Indian Road just south of Fort Scott. Moleski was traveling eastbound when he slowed and pulled to the edge of the driving lane. At that time, a 2004 F-250 driven by 73-year-old Carl Page of Fort Scott attempted to pass. Moleski’s vehicle then turned abruptly into the F-250 for an unknown reason.

Two passengers in Moleski’s vehicle received minor injuries. All three were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. No one in the F-250 was injured.

The City of Independence reminds residents that there is an easy way to contact the City online for those in need of services or with concerns.

City staff can be alerted to non-emergency requests using See-Click-Fix via the City’s website or using the See-Click-Fix app.  A wide variety of issues can be addressed using this function, from missed trash pickups and poly cart damage, to reporting potholes in need of repair to animal control and general code enforcement inquiries.

The service can be accessed through the City website at independenceks.gov and selecting “Fix It,” or by downloading the app. Requests can also be made by calling 332-2507.

Two people are left with minor injuries after a rollover accident on US-54 on Friday afternoon.

The accident occurred when a 1976 International Scout SUV driven by 56-year-old Ronald Maher of Redfield, Kansas, was traveling on US-54 about 10 miles northwest of Fort Scott and slowed to make a left turn onto 125th Street. The vehicle following him – a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus driven by 23-year-old Alexis Kruger of Fort Scott – did not see Maher’s vehicle slow and struck it on the rear quarter panel as it was in mid turn, causing it to roll down an embankment into the ditch.

Maher and a passenger in his SUV both suffered minor injuries and were taken to Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott. No other injuries were reported.

***** Update *****

The Labette County Sheriff’s Office reports that 80-year-old Richard Bulkley was located in Sedalia, Missouri, and is now safe.

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

A silver alert is issued for a missing Parsons Man.

The Labette County Sheriff's Office has requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Parsons man.

The whereabouts of 80-year-old Richard Bulkley, of Parsons, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Bulkley is likely driving a Black 2011 Ford F-150 bearing Kansas veteran tag 1526. He was last believed to be heading north around Highway 169 and K-47, near Thayer last night.

Bulkley is a white male who is around 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing gray and white flannel pajama pants, and a blue fleece jacket. Bulkley has dementia.

If you see Richard Bulkley, or his vehicle, call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Labette County Sheriff's Office at 620-795-2565.

***** Update 9:30 a.m. *****

Line crews were able to trace down the issue and locate a failed recloser just East of Walmart that caused widespread outages across the East portion of Coffeyville. According to Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power the recloser is beyond repair and will later need to be replaced, but linemen have rerouted services to restore power to affected customers.

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

Power outages are being reported in Coffeyville today due to morning storms.

According to Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power, outages affecting customers in the eastern portion of the service area are being reported. Linemen have been dispatched to investigate and restore power. If you are experiencing an outage, call the power plant at 620-252-6180 and leave a message with your name, address and phone number if operators are busy.

Multiple units respond to a house fire last night in Caney.

On Friday just after 6:30 p.m., multiple units including Caney, Coffeyville, Dearing, Tyro and Havana were called to a structure fire on 1300 road in Caney just north of the ball fields.

Upon arrival, units found a fully-involved structure. Crews were able to put out the fire and cleared the scene around 9 p.m.

There's currently no word on the extent of damage or any injuries at this time.

Bartlesville police continue to investigate after gunshots were fired Friday afternoon near the intersection of 14^th Street and Armstrong Avenue.

BPD Capt. Travis Martinez says officers responded to the call just before 4 p.m. Friday. Officers secured the scene upon arrival and located a 20-year-old male and 16-year-old male who were in possession of firearms. Both were detained without incident.

Martinez says the investigation suggests the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation between two groups of approximately five people. During the incident, one individual reportedly brandished a gun and discharged one single shot in the air. The group disbursed.

Martinez says the individual who fired the weapon has not been apprehended. No one was injured in the disturbance.

Police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact BPD at 918-338-4001. Anonymous tips can also be made through Crimestoppers at 918-336-2583.

A new shooting range is ready for use at the Copan Wildlife Management Area.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The brand-new facility includes a 100-yard rifle range, 50-yard pistol range and an archery range with an elevated archery tower.  The range is open sunrise to sunset and is located just northwest of Coopan Lake.  

The range is located at the following GPS Coordinates: 36.955484, -95.974421

Photo: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

An altercation between two employees at a Leawood, KS, senior living facility leads to a shooting.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours on Tuesday at the Healthcare Resort in Leawood, just south of Kansas City. One male employee fired a gun at another after the two men had a brief verbal altercation. The other man then fired back.

The first man fled the scene. He was later located and arrested by Overland Park Police. The second man remained on the scene and is cooperating with authorities.

No residents of the facility were injured in the incident.

Students at Fredonia High School get a taste of different countries.

Culinary class students at Fredonia High School let their taste buds do the traveling as they learn about food from other cultures. Students kicked off their international foods unit with a guest speaker who told FHS students about her travels around the world and the different foods an cultures enjoyed by people in other countries. Students then got a taste of cuisine from Argentina as they prepared and enjoyed some chipa and chimichurri.

Wilson County Rural Fire and Neodesha Fire respond to an afternoon call.

Crews were dispatched yesterday to a report of a garage fire in southeastern Wilson County. When they arrived on the scene, firefighters found the structure fully engulfed in flames. Those on the scene were able to bring the blaze under control, but the garage was a total loss.

No injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

The Independence City Commission approves the purchase of the Martin Estates homes by the Independence Housing Authority.

The move came at Thursday's commission meeting. Executive Director of the Independence Housing Authority April Nutt says the purchase helps her department fulfill its goals.

The $900,000 purchase would transfer ownership to the City which would hold the homes in the Housing Authority's name. Nutt says the existing development is located in the northwest part of the the City.

The purchase was approved on a unanimous vote. In other business, the City continued its efforts to address the issue of dangerous and unsafe structures. Approval was given to continue with condemnation process on five properties and public hearing dates were set for two others. The owner of another property on the list addressed the commission and was given an extension until May 28 to make improvements.

Oklahoma State Senator Bill Coleman introduces legislation to increase penalties for those accused of driving under the influence.

Coleman has passed legislation through the Senate Public Safety Committee that would impact those facing multiple DUI charges. The Senate Bill would allow multiple DUIs to be prosecuted as a felony as opposed to multiple misdemeanors. If this bill were signed into law, prosecutors would be able to consolidate all misdemeanor DUI offenses into a felony charge, which faces a stiffer penalty. Coleman stated that the bill would allow the judicial system to respond appropriately to repeat offenders and impose stronger penalties where they are clearly warranted.

Currently, a misdemeanor DUI charge carries up to a year in prison. A felony DUI offense means a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Independence firefighters respond to reports of an evening structure fire.

Independence Fire and EMS was called to the scene in the 300 block of North 17^th Street just before 10pm Thursday night after receiving a call of a garage on fire. When crews arrived at the location, they discovered a detached garage with moderate smoke coming from the structure that was located behind the primary residence. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze and kept it from spreading to the home and other nearby structures.

The fire is thought to have started due to an overloaded electrical outlet or a surge protector in the garage. No injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy Independence Fire/EMS

A former employee of the Allen County Jail in Iola is accused of battery against an inmate.

The Allen County Attorney's Office has filed a charge of battery against former civilian employee Stephanie Vest. The charges stem from a complaint filed in December alleging misconduct at the Allen County Jail. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation was called in to investigate the claims made against Vest. K-B-I presented the findings of its investigation into the matter to County Attorney Brandon Cameron.

Vest was placed on administrative leave during the investigation and has since been terminated from her position. The alleged incidents occurred in 2024 and 2025.

A Bartlesville man is arrested in DUI charges after hitting a school bus Thursday afternoon.

Bartlesville Police say 46-year-old Matthew Dwayne Fields was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he collided with a school bus on Silver Lake Road around 3:30pm. According to accident reports, Fields was driving a pick up truck when he went left of center and struck the bus on the front driver's side.

There were students on the bus when the accident occurred, but there were no injuries. Fields was taken to Jane Phillips Medical Center for medical clearance and was then taken into custody.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

A Bartlesville woman is facing assault charges after allegedly beating up her husband.

Barbara Morgan is being charged with felony counts of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a police officer. When deputies arrived at the scene, they observed blood all over the victim's head and neck. The victim says the two were watching television when Morgan accused him of being a child predator, cheating on her and sleeping with underage girls. An affidavit states Morgan attacked the victim with an open and closed fist. Morgan threw objects at him, swung a pellet gun at his head and chased him in the driveway with a rake. He says this was not the first time Morgan had done something like this.

When speaking with Morgan, deputies noticed slurred speech. Morgan says the two got in an argument and accused him of cheating on her but that is as far as the argument went. When placed under arrest, Morgan went limp and fell to the ground. Once deputies picked Morgan back up, she kicked one of the deputies. She had to be forced into the patrol vehicle. Her bond was set at $25,000 on the condition she have no contact with the victim. Her next court date is set for Friday, February 20^th.

The City of Coffeyville invites community members to a First Impressions meeting through K-State Extension.

This program looks at elements such as arrival experience, downtown appearance, wayfinding, customer service, public spaces and overall community feel. The goal is to identify Coffeyville’s strengths, recognize opportunities for improvement, and use those insights to help guide future community improvements, strengthen local pride and support economic development. The results from this process provide valuable feedback that can help shape future investments and ensure they align with how Coffeyville is seen by visitors and potential new residents. We encourage residents, business owners and community stakeholders to attend and be part of this conversation about Coffeyville’s future.

The meeting is on February 26^th at 5:30pm in the City Commission Room at City Hall, located at 102 W. 7th Street. Those wanting more information can contact Community Development Director Amber Dean at adean@coffeyville.com or (620)252-6119. 

USD 286 in Sedan is alerting the public to a scam involving fake texts claiming to come from members of the district’s Board of Education.

District officials say they have received multiple reports from community members who were contacted by text messages identifying the sender as a Board of Education member and asking questions or requesting information. USD 286 says these messages are not legitimate. Members of the School Board are not sending texts to community members requesting information, and any message claiming to be from a board member in that manner should be considered a scam.

Residents who receive one of these messages are advised not to respond and not to provide any personal information. Officials recommend deleting the message and reporting it as spam through your mobile provider. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the district at (620)725-3187.

Utilities customers in Miami, OK, will soon have new meters installed thanks one of the largest grants in city history.

The City will use $6.8 million from an Oklahoma Water Resources Board grant through the American Rescue Plan Act. The funds will replace 7,500 electric meters and 7,200 water meters in the Miami area. The grant was a partnership project with the Modoc and Ottawa Tribes of Oklahoma. Officials stated that tribal support and partnership were key to the successful acquisition of the funding.

The new meters will allow for faster identification of issues and quicker outage restoration, more efficient operations, and the system allows customers to view and understand their consumption and usage patterns.

The installation process should take about two years to complete.

Another infrastructure project currently underway in Miami is the construction of a new water tower. The new $2.6 million 400,000-gallon water tower is partially funded by an Oklahoma Water Resources Board ARPA grant.

Authorities in Coffeyville are still looking for a missing 17-year-old girl.

Olivia Medsker was last seen in Coffeyville on January 26. Authorities say the teen may still be in the Coffeyville area, but may also be on the move. Medsker may be traveling to Goodland in western Kansas or possibly to the State of Missouri.

Olivia Medsker is descibed as 5 feet three inches tall (5'3”), weighing about 100 pouunds with blue eyes and brown hair that may have been dyed black. She may wear glasses at times, has multiple ear piercings and a nose piercing. She has tattoos on her right leg and lower right arm.

Anyone who has a tip as to where Medsker is should contact the Coffeyville Police Department at (620) 252-6160; the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) THE-LOST; or call the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 296-4017

A Hominy man is found guilty of first degree rape in Osage County.

51-year-old Gideon Goodeagle was found guilty this week by an Osage County jury of all charges against him and was recommended to receive a sentence of life in prison. According to Hominy Police, Goodeagle committed the acts in June 2022 and then fled to Missouri. He was then arrested at a Springfield hotel. Goodeagle was free on a $75,000 bond but was taken back into custody following the verdict.

Formal sentencing will take place next month.

The Montgomery County Attorney's Office continues to pursue criminal convictions across the county.

County Attorney Melissa Johnson says her office has scheduled 34 jury trials for 2026.

Johnson says the County Attorney's Office is still in need of more lawyers.

Johnson adds that both Washburn and KU law schools have told her that young lawyers are in high demand in the Kansas City metro area and that is making hiring difficult in other parts of the state.

The City of Coffeyville is looking a bit brighter at night thanks to the recent completion of a project to install new LED streetlights.

The project was approved in May 2024 and was funded through the Kansas Corporation Commission Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Nearly 1,000 lights have been installed at no cost to the City or Coffeyville taxpayers. The $600,000 project was led by Coffeyville Municipal Light & Power and the Community Development Department, with installation support provided by CDL Electric Company.

These upgrades improve energy efficiency, enhance nighttime visibility, and provide long-term operational savings for Coffeyville.

Wilson County Schools crown their top spellers at the Wilson County Spelling Bee.

Students from Neodesha, Fredonia, and Altoona gathered yesterday to compete for the chance to move on to the Sunflower State Spelling Bee in Salina next month. The championship trophy went to Camden Kerr of Neodesha, with Sidney McKenney and Abigail Hazelwood, both of Fredonia, coming in second and third.

Kerr moves on to the state contest to compete against other county winners from across the state for the chance to move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC in May.

Photo: Kerr, McKenney, Hazelwood. Courtesy USD 461

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting Rack Madness coming up in March.

The family-friendly event will allow hunters to get their deer antlers and other big game trophies scored and have a chance to win prizes. Anyone can bring their white-tailed and mule deer or elk antlers, antelope horns or bear skulls for professional scoring by O-D-W-C personnel. In addition to scoring and prizes, there will also be activities taking place throughout the day for adults and children.

Additionally, the Oklahoma State Game Warden Association will be giving away a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license to one lucky person who harvested a doe during the 2025-2026 deer season.

Scoring will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a two-item scoring limit per participant. Antlers must both be attached to the skull plate, whether mounted or unmounted. Harvest must have occurred in Oklahoma.

Pre-registration is required. Rack Madness happens on Wednesday, March 4, from 1 to 6pm at the O-D-W-C Headquarters in Oklahoma City.

To register, follow this link.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Donkey Basketball is on the way in Chetopa.

The Chetopa Junior Class is organizing the event which includes competition between alumni, local businesses and organization members. The game will be this Saturday, February 14^th at 7 p.m. in the Chetopa Old Gym at 430 Elm Street.

Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Chetopa school office or from any Junior. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15.

A former worship minister for a Bartlesville church is accused of embezzling more than $41,000 in church funds and using a security camera to observe private meetings.

44-year-old Ryan Jacob Cruse was arrested late last week and appeared in Washington County District Court facing one felony count of embezzlement and three felony counts of using electronic or video equipment in a clandestine manner. According to court records, Cruse was employed at a local church and is accused of using the church's payment card to pay for various personal items over the past three years. Records allege Cruse spent about $41,000 on the personal items without permission.

Additionally, Cruse reportedly admitted to the embezzlement and also admitted to using the church's security video system to watch private church meetings and private counseling sessions from home without permission. Cruse's next court date is March 20^th. He was released from jail last week on a $15,000 bond.

The Parsons Police Department makes three arrests following a series of vehicle burglaries and thefts.

PPD says the incidents happened in several areas of the city, including the Main Street corridor, Grand Avenue, Appleton Avenue, Kay Lane, multiple residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes and areas near local hotels. Officers first responded to a report of a reckless driver that had struck a utility pole and was later determined to have been stolen. As the investigation unfolded, additional reports came in from residents about vehicles being broken into, windows damaged, steering columns tampered with and property stolen. In total, more than a dozen victims were impacted.

Through coordinated efforts involving patrol officers, detectives and surveillance video review, three juvenile suspects between the ages of 14 and 15 were identified and taken into custody. Two were transported to a juvenile detention center. One was released to their parents at the recommendation of the Labette County Attorney due to no prior criminal history. The suspects are facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. The investigation remains ongoing. Police are reminding residents to lock vehicles, remove valuables, avoid leaving keys inside, park in well-lit areas and report suspicious activity immediately.

USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer Schools receive a donation to help clear student lunch debt.

At this month's school board meeting, District Superintendent Travis Githens informed the Board that a community member had donated $2,000 to clear student lunch debt at Lincoln Central. Githens stated that he was impressed by the community's generosity and willingness to help. However, he says instead of wiping existing debt, the money will be used to sponsor lunch days.

This allows the funds to be used for the original purpose without abusing the donors kindness. Githens says, on an average year, district lunch debt can really add up.

Githens adds that most people who end up with d ebt do their best to pay it off and the district does its best to work with those families.

Learn how to burn safely and responsibly at the K-State Extension Prescribed Burn Workshop.

The workshop is intended for those who want to learn more about outdoor burning. Topics covered will include reason to burn, safety and liability, and possible impacts on wildlife. Materials and lunch will be provided. The workshop begins tomorrow morning at 9am at the K-State Extension and Research Facility located at 25092 Ness Road in Parsons. No pre-registration is required.

The Nowata County Commissioners met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday morning at the Nowata County Annex.

The commissioners discussed ongoing improvements to the Nowata County Courthouse. Chairman Paul Crupper says they have received a revised quote for air conditioning units.

The board also approved a State of Oklahoma Ad Valorem exemption for loss of revenue and additional homestead, and a second Ad Valorem exemption for loss of revenue regarding veterans and surviving spouses.

The board declared an item as surplus before approving a resolution to dispose the same item.

The Nowata County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday next week due to the President's Day holiday.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a bridge replacement project in northern Bourbon County next week.

Starting on Monday, work will begin to replace the bridge over the Little Osage River on K-3, just south of the Linn County line or about 19 miles northeast of the City of Moran. An official 36-miles detour will be put in place late next week to guide heavier vehicles around the work zone. The detour will divert traffic via K-31, US-59, and US-54 (see below).

The new bridge will measure just over 300 feet long and 32 feet wide with 12-foot driving lanes and 4-foot shoulders. The $4.19 million project was awarded to Bridges, Inc., of Newton and is funded through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program.

Construction is expected to be completed in December.

Authorities in Allen County are looking for the owners of four lost cows.

The cattle have been on their own and roaming in the wild southeast of the City of La Harpe on Maryland Road. The group was first spotted in the area in early January and have not been able to find their way home in that time. The Allen County Sheriff's Office has been unable to locate the owner and is asking for the public's help to get the animals home. The cattle are described as 4 medium-sized black steers. One has a yellow tag in its left ear.

Anyone with information as to where the cattle belong should contact the Allen County Sheriff's Office.

The Neodesha City Commission will meet today and discuss several items of business.

On the agenda is the consideration of the purchase of 10 new dumpsters at a proposed cost of $10,000. Commissioners will also discuss the annual B-P access agreement for sampling of groundwater at the site of the former refinery. The 2026 fireworks contract with Miller Pyrotechnics will also be up for consideration.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

Michael E. Finney wins a close election for a seat on the South Coffeyville School Board.

Finney was one of three candidates on Tuesday's ballot, winning with 49 votes or just over 50% of the total ballots cast. Kayla Gilpin received 42 votes while David Nash got 6 total votes.

Elsewhere in the election, Steve Tolson secured reelection over Billy Neal in Pawhuska, while voters in Ramona approved two school bond propositions for the Caney Valley, Oklahoma, Schools with 67% of the vote.

Bartlesville voters overwhelmingly approved all five ballot propositions up for consideration, with each proposition earning at least 70% of the total number of votes cast.

Tax revenues for the state of Oklahoma continue to show growth at the beginning of 2026.

State Treasurer Todd Russ released the January 2026 State Tax Revenue Report, showing total monthly revenue of $1.50 billion, a 0.2% decrease from December, but a 1.3% increase from January 2025. Over the last 12 months, Oklahoma received $17.22 billion. That number is up 2.1% year-over-year, reflecting continued stability in the state’s fiscal base.

Economic indicators suggest a period of stabilization following late-2025 volatility. The state’s unemployment rate edged up to 3.6%, remaining below the national rate of 4.4%. Despite signs of labor market softening nationally, Oklahoma continues to rank among the top states for job growth over the past 12 months.

“Oklahoma’s revenue performance reflects balance and discipline in a shifting economic environment,” Treasurer Russ added. “Stable revenue and responsible fiscal management continue to provide a strong foundation for state and local governments as we move through 2026.”

To read the complete report go here

Spring is just around the corner and along with it comes the threat of severe weather.

Regional National Weather Service offices serving the four-state area including Wichita, Tulsa and Springfield are providing a number of free training presentations for anyone interested in becoming a weather spotter or who just wants to learn more about severe weather.

NWS staff will provide an in depth weather presentation that will engage the audience by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storm's potential severity, how to report hazardous weather and severe weather safety.

Classes will be held through the end of March in cities across the region. Upcoming classes include sessions in Chanute on February 18^th at 6:30 at the Chanute Memorial Auditorium; on February 19^th at 6:30 in Pawhuska at the Osage Nation Law Building; and on February 24^th in Pryor at 6pm at the Mayes County Event Center.

The playground equipment at Grace Park in Coffeyville is removed with no plans to replace the equipment.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says this was part of the plan that was made after the approval of the park sales tax.  Brubaker says the Longfellow park isn't the only park in the area that will receive an upgrade.

Vice Mayor Deborah Maples says this will give kids who live in those areas a park option on either side of the railroad tracks so kids won't have to cross the track to go to a park.

The family of a southwest Missouri firefighter who died in an off-duty incident reaches a settlement in his wrongful death suit.

21-year-old Tucker Berry was a firefighter and EMT for the Redings Mill Fire Protection District when he died during an off-duty incident in October 2024. Berry died after suffering fatal injuries when he fell off the back of a moving golf cart.

His parents Samuel and Tonya Berry filed a civil suit against Brant Cullen of Carl Junction who was driving the golf cart when Berry was injured. This week, a judge approved a $150,000 settlement in the case.

Criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter are still pending against Cullen in Jasper County.

Photo: Tucker Berry (left) Brant Cullen (right)

The Neewollah 2026 Generalissimo and musical are announced.

The announcement came at last weekend's Neewollah Thank You Party held at the Independence Country Club. Outgoing Generalissimo Mindy Blackard gave her final remarks on the 202 5 event and welcomed 2026 Generalissimo Cody Dixon.

Dixon then announced the theme for 2026, “Magic, Memories & Warm Hugs.” The 2025 musical will be Frozen.

Neewollah 2026 takes place October 23-31 in Independence.

Two people are killed in a head-on crash in northeast Kansas.

62-year-old Nadine Aylesworth of Whiting, KS, and 18-year-old Heather Browning of Goff, KS, were both killed in a head-on crash on US-75 in rural Jackson County late Sunday night. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Aylesworth's vehicle crossed the center line and impacted Browning's car in the northbound lane of the highway.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight and hear a presentation to evaluate the performance of a Community Development Block Grant.

The C-D-B-G grant was recently used to construct a Multi-Use Trail Project located south of Woodland Avenue. City Director of Community Development Amber Dean will present the results to the commission. Also on tonight's agenda is a discussion to amend the city ordinance on animal control.

Commissioners will also hear from Public Works regarding several projects at the waste water treatment plant.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 in 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.

The Wilson County Commission approves a purchase of new equipment fro the Fredonia Police Department.

At the most recent commission meeting, Fredonia Police Chief Tyler Decker presented a request to purchase an A-E-D & Trauma Kit using funds from the county's Opioid Settlement Fund. The kit is designed to manage incidents of sudden cardiac arrest as well as life-threatening injuries including severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Commissioners approved the $4,500 expenditure.

In other business, commissioners also approved the removal and transfer of ownership of a rural fire district shed.

The next meeting of the Wilson County Commission will be on February 18^th in Fredonia.

Montgomery County Commissioners approve an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to act as a pass-through for state grant funding to build the new rail spur for a Caney manufacturer.

The grant comes through the KDOT Economic Development Program to assist Spears Manufacturing with a major expansion of its Caney facility. County Administrator Jonathan Booe says the state funding will cover all of the $415,000 project with a 25% match from Spears.

The county will act in a similar role as it did for the recent expansion of Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Booe says, because the funds will pass through the county, there will be some bookkeeping required.

Due to the availability of the contractor chosen to work on the project, construction will likely not begin until this summer.

Units from multiple area fire departments respond to a large grass fire near Longton.

Around 1:15 Monday afternoon, Elk County Rural Fire was dispatched to a large grass fire that began in Chautauqua County and extended into Elk County southeast of the City of Longton. The fire burned nearly 4,000 acres of grassland. The area included several structures, but quick work by responding units prevented the loss of any of the buildings.

Additional units from from the Louisburg Township Rural Fire Department in Elk City, Independence Rural Fire, Cherryvale Rural Fire, and Montgomery County Rural Fire District #1 assisted on the call.

Photo by Kyle Johnson

A three-vehicle accident in Cherokee County leaves two injured.

The accident occurred around 6:30 Monday morning on Old Highway 166 about 5 miles east of Baxter Springs. The three vehicles involved were all traveling westbound on the highway when the lead vehicle – a 2017 Kia Sportage driven by 57-year-old Carrie Shafer of Joplin – slowed to make a left turn into a residence. The next vehicle in line – a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by 45-year-old Darren Doke of Galena – slowed and was struck from behind by the third vehicle – a 2022 Chrysler Voyager driven by 27-year-old Acunga Mmunga of Wichita. This collision pushed Doke's vehicle into the turning Kia.

Both Mmunga and Shafer sustained minor injuries and were taken to a Joplin hospital for treatment.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College welcomes Irish folk singer Joe Jencks to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

Jencks blends his formal music training with his working-class Irish roots to produce a unique blend of musical beauty and spiritual exploration. The Chicago-based musician has performed in such various locations as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival to Carnegie Hall. Jencks delivers songs of heart, soul, groove and grit in a smooth baritone that displays his considerable musical skill

Jencks will perform tonight in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free

Several local elections are taking place today in Oklahoma.

In South Coffeyville, a school board election takes place today. Three candidates are running for one school board seat. They include Michael E Finney, Kayla Gilpin and David Nash.

For Caney Valley Oklahoma Schools, voters will decide on a $150,000 Transportation Bond.

In Bartlesville, voters will decide on five different propositions, including a $1.6 million fire truck bond, $13 million streets bond, $2.9 million parks bond, ¼ cent sales tax for economic development and a ½ cent sales tax for capital improvement.

Polls will be open today from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.

The USD 445 School Board votes to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Friends of the Charlesworth Pool, LLC. to move forward with renovation of the natatorium at the high school.

After months of back and forth on the fate of the pool, the board has now rejected all bids for demolition of the structure and will proceed with bid documents for the project. Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll says he appreciates all the work that led to this moment.

Board Member Cindy Price notes that the filters failed two years ago this month, which promoted the initial closure of the facility before problems with the roof were discovered. She says this issue has dominated her time on the board so far.

Members of the pool group were in attendance at the meeting and thanked the board before they went into executive session. Going forward, the board approved hiring Incite Design Studios to develop scope and bid documents for the renovation project. The project has previously been estimated at $2.4 million, with $1.6 pledged by the pool group and $800,000 coming from the district.

The Labette County commission hears an update from the director of emergency management on a class he attend for battery storage facilities.

Director Charlie Morse says the class was about what to do if one of the units catches on fire.  Morse says one thing he learned was how bad water can be for fires from these kind of facilities.

Morse says he plans to meet with the area fire chiefs to go over what he learned. If a battery storage facility was brought into the county then they would have a training class in the county as well.

One person is dead and two others are injured following a Sunday afternoon crash in western Kansas.

The accident occurred in rural Kearny County, about 15 miles north west of Garden City. 31-Dylan Knoll of Holcomb, Kansas, failed to yield at a stop sign on a County Road and collided with a Ford F-150 driven by 32-year-old Dakota McInnis of Deerfield, Kansas. The collision caused both vehicles to roll. McInnis was not wearing a seat belt and died when he was ejected from his vehicle.

Knoll was seriously injured and taken to Wichita's Wesley Medical Center. A juvenile passenger in his vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to  Kearny County Hospital in Lakin.

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

The original advisory was issued on February 3^rd  because of possible contamination due to a water line break. Laboratory testing of the City of Toronto water supply showed no contamination and the K-D-H-E has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is supporting a bill in the Kansas Legislature that would increase the offense for those exceeding the speed limit on Kansas roads.

Senate Bill 113 is currently making its way through the Senate Transportation Committee in hopes of getting a vote in the Kansas Senate. The original bill called for increased penalties for those exceeding 100 mph on Kansas roadways. Kansas Highway Patrol Captain Matthew Payne says law enforcement has seen a recent increase in speeding drivers.

The Transportation Committee has since amended the bill to increase the charge to Reckless Driving for operating a motor vehicle at a speed 35 mph over the posted speed limit. According to the K-H-P, speeding increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle and increases the severity of an accident.  Payne says the proposed bill would give law enforcement another tool to help keep road safe.

The amended bill has been recommended to be passed by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Photo: Captain Payne testifies before the Senate Transportation Committee. Courtesy Kansas Legislature

A Parsons community group holds a town hall event to ask questions and voice concerns about the proposed underground nuclear reactor planned near the city.

The group calling itself Prairie Dog Alliance held the event on Saturday at the Wall Event Center in Parsons. About 50 area residents attended the event to voice their concern. Group founder and event organizer Marjorie Reynolds explained the project to those in attendance and shared information she had learned from researching Deep Fission. Reynolds says many members of the community share her concerns about the project.

In December, the California-based Deep Fission company announced plans to place a small modular pressurized water reactor in a boreholes one mile underground at the Great Plains Industrial Park located east of Parsons. The project is part of the Reactor Pilot Program from the U.S. Department of Energy. The project was approved by the Labette County Commission and is also supported by the Parsons City Commission.

Most of the group that gathered on Saturday opposed the project, and some suggested that protests against the project might be in order. Reynolds says the group plans to hold more events in the future in hopes of informing citizens about the reactor project.

Deep Fission plans to complete construction of the borehole site and achieve criticality by July 4th. Prairie Dog Alliance plans to hold another open meeting on February 24^th. In the meantime, Reynolds says she plans to be at the Parsons Public Library each Tuesday for the rest of the month to hand out informative flyers to anyone interested.

Two young boys are dead following a drowning incident in Osage County.

According to the Osage County Sheriff's Office, the incident happened on Saturday evening at when the two boys fell through thin ice on Bird Creek west of Avant. Investigators say the boys were 8 and 9 years old but have not released their names. Dozens of emergency personnel worked for several hours to locate the boys, utilizing ground teams, aerial drones, a specialized rescue boat, and dive teams.

The Osage County Sheriff's Office responded to the call with the assistance of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Underwater Recovery Team, Tulsa Fire Department’s Oklahoma Task Force One Search and Rescue Team, Avant, Skiatook, and Barnsdall Fire Departments, Survival Flight EMS, and the numerous additional responders who assisted throughout the night.

As winter conditions continue, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to avoid walking, playing, or operating vehicles on frozen bodies of water. Ice conditions can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous, even when they appear solid.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Photo courtesy Osage County Sheriff's Office

Area firefighters respond to a car fire on US-400.

The Sycamore Rural Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a car on fire on Friday evening around 5:15. Crews arrived to find a passenger car ablaze near the intersection with County Road 6600 or about 3 miles south of Neodesha. Units from Neodesha Fire also responded to the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported but the vehicle was a total loss.

Photo courtesy Neodesha Fire Department

The City of Coffeyville continues to make progress on the tennis and pickleball courts at LeClere Park.

Construction crews began work last week to install a shade structure at the courts located on Stark Street. The new structure will provide relief for spectators while watching matches on summer days. The City has been working on the renovation project for almost a year, but construction has faced several setbacks due to weather. According to the City, the courts are not yet ready to be used.

No time line was given as to the completion of the project.

High fire danger is possible today across part of the KGGF listening area.

Southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma will see a high risk of grassland fire danger today, while fire danger will be greatest in central and western Kansas. Timing for these conditions is expected between noon and 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service says warm temperatures and breezy southwest winds will support very high grassland fire danger this afternoon. Please be mindful of anything that could cause a spark.

Five men are in custody following a sting operation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in Cherokee County.

The two-day enforcement operation was conducted last week with assistance from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to target individuals suspected of solicitation of minors. Arrested last week were 52-year-old Darin Price of Anderson, MO, 28-year-old Nicholas Reginal of Jackson, Mississippi, 34-year-old Trevor Porter of Pittsburg, KS, 38-year-old Nicolas Perez-Paxtor of Neosho, MO, and 31-year-old Derek McKenney of Sarcoxie, MO. All face a variety of charges including commercial sexual exploitation of a child, unlawful use of a communication facility, aggravated human trafficking, attempted aggravated indecent liberties, and electronic solicitation of a child.

All were booked into the Cherokee County Jail where they await formal charging in the case. The investigation was a collaborative effort to identify and apprehend predators who utilize digital platforms to prey upon underage victims.

Assisting in the investigation were the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, the Ray County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Photo courtesy Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Top (left to right): Darin Price, Nicholes Reginal, Trevor Porter. Bottom (left to right): Nicolas Perez-Paxtor, Derek McKenney

Two pedestrians are injured in a weekend accident in Thayer.

The incident occurred around 5pm on Saturday in the parking lot at Big Ed’s Steakhouse in Thayer. 79-year-old Richard Wilson of Independence was attempting to park his 2019 Honda Civic when his foot slipped off the brake and hit the accelerator. This caused the vehicle to lunge forward and strike two pedestrians.

84-year-old Barbara Ward and 79-year-old Harriet Ginn, both of Parsons, were injured in the accident. Ginn was taken to KU Medical Center to be treated for serious injuries.

The USD 445 Board of Education is set to meet tonight and discuss the fate of the Charlesworth Pool at Field Kindley High School.

The Board has been considering the issue of whether to renovate the swimming pool at the high school or to demolish the structure and the building for over a year. The issue has sparked public debate that has grown heated at times over the past few months. On tonight’s agenda is an action item that would see the district enter into a memo of agreement with the community group Friends of the Charlesworth Pool. The group has raised a significant portion of the required funding to renovate the pool from community donations since last summer. A decision is expected to be made at tonight’s meeting.

The USD 445 School Board meeting is open to the public. The meeting starts at 4pm this afternoon at the District Office, located at 615 South Ellis Street in Coffeyville.

The USD 446-Independence School Board will meet tonight for its regular monthly meeting.

On tonight’s agenda will be the acceptance of staff resignations and new hires in addition to the expected approval for the IHS Choir trip to Little Rock in April. The Board will also recognize Gina McClenon, who was recently named the 4A Tennis Coach of the Year and Cara Devlin for the Kansas Association of Career Technology Education New Teacher of the Year.

Also up for consideration will be a request for proposals for food service management and an update on a roof replacement project for Independence High School.

Tonight’s meeting is open to the public. It begins at 7pm in the library at Independence High School.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and entertain a light agenda.

At today’s meeting, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will discuss bridge replacement applications and proposals from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Commissioners will also take part in a road viewing as part of a request to vacate part of a county road. County Administrator Jonathan Booe will also appear before the commission to discuss approval of the KDOT Econ Program agreement and approval of an agreement for district coroners.

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

The Sedan City Council continues its efforts to draft a Memo of Understanding with the Chautauqua County Fair Board.

Over the course of the past several meetings, there has been an ongoing discussion about a building at the fairgrounds that is owned by the City, b ut supervised by the Fair Board. The issue first arose when the City considered leasing a building on a temporary basis to a local business. It was then discovered that there was no written agreement between the City and Fair Board. In response, the Board sent a letter to the Council outlining the history between the two entities. Council member Adam Clark says the responsibilities of each party need to be clarified.

City Clerk Lana Robinson told council members that there is more at stake than just responsibility. She says what matters is who insures events in the building.

The Council agreed to consult City Attorney Jeff Chubb on the issue.

In other business, the Council approved a contract with Public Wholesale Water Supply District #20 and also approved an expenditure of $950 for tourism ads in Southeast Living magazine.

The Kansas Senate confirms the reappointment of a member of the Kansas Corporation Commission.

This week, state senators approved  Governor Kelly’s reappointment of Dwight D. Keen to a third four-year term as a Commissioner on the Kansas Corporation Commission. Keen rejoins the tow other members of the Commission Andrew French and Annie Kuether.

Keen has a B.B.A. degree in business administration, a Master of Science degree in business with emphasis in marketing and finance, and a Master of Arts degree in Economics – each of these three degrees are from Wichita State University.  He also has a Juris Doctor degree in law from the University of Kansas School of Law. Keen is a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.

During his tenure on the Commission, Keen has also been an active member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and currently serves on its Board of Directors. He is also the official Kansas representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Keen has also served in several other roles in state government including six years as Kansas Securities Commissioner, two terms as a Commissioner on the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, and one term as a member of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be reappointed to the KCC by Governor Kelly. Without question, serving on the Kansas Corporation Commission has been the highest honor and privilege of my professional career,” said Keen. “I am grateful for the Governor’s bipartisanship which provides me with the opportunity to continue to serve and give back to our great State. In every respect, my service will remain dedicated to the professional, apolitical and non-partisan rendition of all Commission duties and responsibilities.”

The Kansas Corporation Commission regulates investor-owned utilities operating in the state, the Kansas oil and gas industry and motor carrier safety.

Authorities in central Kansas town of Canton are looking for the public's help after thieves use an interesting approach to break into a local bar.

Canton Police say two individuals broke into the Main Street Bar and Grill just before 5am yesterday morning by lowering themselves through the ceiling into the business. The break-in was caught on video and the two suspects are described as wearing blue jeans and dark coats with their faces covered. One of the suspects appears to have a tattoo on their lower back.

The City of Canton has a population of around 600 people and is located about 30 miles south of Salina.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the McPherson County Crime Stoppers.

Coffeyville Community College's Columbus Tech Campus is recognized for its efforts in workforce training.

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce awarded CCC with the Community Impact Pillar Award for the school's contributions to workforce development, hands-on learning, and community involvement. CCC’s Columbus Technical Campus provides hands-on technical training designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. All programs offered at the campus align with nationally recognized credentials, allowing students to present proof of their skills to prospective employers. The Columbus Tech Campus offers coursework in Automotive, Construction, Collision Repair, and Welding as well as Power Sports Technology. Students in those programs have completed numerous community-based projects in Columbus, including the construction of the gazebo on the Columbus Square, restrooms at the city park, and the maintenance and office building at the Columbus City Cemetery.

CCC has served the community of Columbus for more than 40 years.

Photo:  Left to right, back row: Jason Spainhower (CCC Automotive aide), Kevin Hunt (CCC Construction Instructor), Hal Daniels (CCC Collision Instructor), Jeff Phillips (CCC Automotive Instructor), Todd Madl (CCC Welding Instructor). Left to right, front row: Robin Laurence (Columbus Chamber President Elect), Kari Soper (CCC Columbus Technical Campus Director), and Mike Mathes (CCC Powersports Instructor).

A Fort Scott man is seriously injured in an ATV crash in Bourbon County.

70-year-old Gary Foster was seriously injured Thursday afternoon when his ATV collide with another vehicle on a Bourbon County highway. Foster had exited the driveway of a rural property about 14 miles southwest of Fort Scott. He drove the ATV onto K-39 where he collided with a westbound Hyundai Elantra driven by 46-year-old Cheryl Anderson of Winfield. The collision caused the ATV to roll into the ditch, ejected Foster from the vehicle. Foster was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Anderson and a juvenile passenger in her vehicle suffered minor injuries and were transported to Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott for treatment.

A multi agency task force undercover operation in northeast Oklahoma uncovers human trafficking activity and leads to five arrests for solicitation, human trafficking, and narcotics related offenses, and the identification of adult victims. .

One of the individuals arrested is confirmed to be a registered sex offender under active supervision, while another was taken into custody on outstanding interstate arrest warrants and for trafficking methamphetamine after agents recovered approximately 34.8 grams of methamphetamine.

Also arrested was 53-year-old Christopher Don Jackson. Jackson was taken into custody for allegedly transporting his two adult daughters across state lines for commercial sex activity. He was booked into the Delaware County Jail in Jay, where he awaits formal charges.

This operation was coordinated among federal, tribal, and local partners. The investigation remains ongoing.

Photo courtesy City of Miami Police Department

Four people are injured in a near head-on collision near Baxter Springs.

The accident happened around 2:30 Thursday afternoon on US-69 about a mile north of the junction with US-166, or about five miles west of Baxter Springs. A 2024 Hyundai Elantra driven by 72-year-old Janet Fisher of Wichita was northbound on US-69 when she attempted to pass another vehicle. In the southbound lane, she encountered a Ford F-350 pickup towing a trailer and driven by 56-year-old Troy Sullivan of Pittsburg. Sullivan attempted to avoid the head-on collision by veering onto the shoulder. As Fisher tried to return to the northbound lane, she struck the F-350 on the driver's side.

Fisher suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Sullivan and two passengers in his vehicle sustained minor injuries and were taken to Joplin's Freeman Health. A third passenger in the truck was uninjured.

The City of Independence withdraws from a rural welcoming initiative after public backlash.

The City of Independence, Independence Main Street, and the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Task Force have announced that they have ended plans to participate in Welcoming America's Rural Welcoming Initiative. The City originally partnered with the group late last month in an effort to be more inclusive to people of all backgrounds. The initial announcement of the partnership with the program was met with backlash from citizens concerned about the purpose of the program, or what the City calls “confusion and distrust about the scope and purpose of the program.”

According to its website, Welcoming America is a non profit organization with the goal of supporting communities in building a welcoming society where every person, including immigrants can share prosperity.

It says: “Immigrants and refugees are more likely to feel welcome and experience a sense of belonging when communities have created opportunities that engage them. Rural areas often thrive in return in part because their U.S.-born population is typically older, and newcomers often help revitalize and add vibrancy to rural communities. “

The City of Independence states that while it will no longer continue its partnership with Welcoming America, the City remains committed to welcoming and inclusion.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is inviting local photographers to submit original photographs to be considered for display in its new CRMC Medical Group Clinic.

CRMC is seeking high-quality photographs that reflect the landscapes, communities, and places that make Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma unique. Submissions may include imagery from Coffeyville, Independence, Cherryvale, Caney, the Flint Hills region, Nowata County, and surrounding areas. Nature scenes, town landmarks, rural settings, farming/livestock, and images that capture the heart of the region are encouraged.

Selected photographs will be printed at 36 inches wide by 24 inches high, and all submissions must meet professional print standards. Images must be submitted digitally at 300 DPI and formatted to fit the required dimensions.

This opportunity is not a paid submission. However, photographers whose images are selected will receive name recognition displayed alongside their photograph within the clinic.

Photographs must be submitted by February 15 to marketing@crmcinc.org. Each submission should include the photographer’s name, contact information, location of the photograph, and a brief description.

The Independence Fire Department responds to multiple items on fire at a property overnight.

This morning just after midnight, IFD was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 612 E. Cedar. While en route, dispatch advised that a camper was fully involved in fire and located in close proximity to nearby structures.

Upon arrival, fire personnel found a camper that had already burned to the ground, along with a wooden carport over the camper fully involved in fire. A medium-size shed was heavily involved, and a passenger vehicle was also on fire.

Firefighters were able to successfully prevent the fire from spreading to the home on the property and to a neighboring business to the west. However, both structures sustained some damage. The residence experienced melted siding on the west side, and the business sustained damage to several mini-split units on the east side of the building.

There were no injuries associated with this incident. The cause of the fire is believed to have been electrical in nature.

The Independence Fire Department reminds residents to ensure electrical systems and equipment are properly maintained to reduce the risk of fire.

Photo: Independence Fire/EMS

Feed Elk County is a local organization that provides food support through blessing boxes and mobile pantry distributions.

The group began by placing small food pantries, known as blessing boxes, in towns across Elk County and in Severy to increase access to food in rural communities. According to the organization, regular use of the blessing boxes led to an expansion of services. Feed Elk County will now offer a mobile food pantry once a month at the Moline Community Center and Moline Public Library.

They say the program relies on volunteers and donations. Information on volunteering, donating, and supporting the pantry is available through the group’s Facebook page. Their first distribution will be on February 18^th at 1:00pm.

Phillips 66 confirms plans to relocate its Bartlesville Control Center to Tulsa as part of an operational consolidation, while also announcing a separate, unrelated reduction of fewer than 60 positions company wide.

The company says the control center move will consolidate operations for cost and efficiency purposes and will use an existing backup control center space in Tulsa. No job losses are planned as part of the relocation, and eligible employees will be offered relocation opportunities.

In a separate decision, Phillips 66 says some positions within its Energy Research & Innovation and Information Technology departments have been eliminated, with Bartlesville’s Research Center among several locations affected. The company says Bartlesville remains an important part of its history and that the changes are intended to better align operations with strategic priorities as the energy industry continues to evolve.

Multiple agencies respond to a house fire in Cherryvale.

Around 8:20 last night, the Cherryvale Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 block of West 1^st in Cherryvale.

Upon arrival, units found a fully-involved two-story home. Cherryvale Fire Chief Joe Rexwinkle says his crews had to go into a defensive attack due to the fire conditions.

Rexwinkle says the occupant of the home was able to get out of the house and there were no injuries. The structure is a total loss and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photo: Independence Fire/EMS

The boil water order for the City of Commerce, Oklahoma, is lifted..

The original order was issued on January 28^th because of possible contamination due to mechanical issues with the city's water tower. The order continued as the city encountered difficulty in refilling the tower and maintaining water pressure in the system. The City reports following all state and federal regulations during the water emergency in an attempt to ensure the City's drinking water is safe. The order is now lifted and tap water is now safe to consume without prior boiling.

An Oklahoma grandmother is sentenced in the 2024 double homicide of two Kansas women.

56-year-old Tifany Adams was sentenced last week for her role in the deaths of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley, both of Hugoton, Kansas. In March 2024, the two women left Kansas to travel to the Oklahoma panhandle to visit Butler's children. The victims’ vehicle was later found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. On April 14, the O-S-B-I announced the bodies of the women had been discovered. At that time, four suspects were taken into custody with a fifth man arrested ten days later.

All five were charged with first-degree murder in the case.

In October 2025, Adams pleaded no contest to nine charges in the case. As a result, Adams has been sentenced to two sentences of life without the possibility of parole, two five-year sentences for unlawful removal of a dead body, and two seven-year sentences for unlawful desecration of a human corpse. The sentences are set to run concurrently. Of the four remaining defendants, two have entered guilty pleas in the case while the two others will be tried in late 2026 and early 2027.

The Parsons City Commission clarifies its position on two recent major developments.

The first is the renovation of the Katy Golf Course. The commission approved the issuance of $4 million in industrial revenue bonds last month to help with the renovation that would improve golfing facilities and the restaurant at the club. The bonds are acting as a pass-through for the funding and will not cost Parsons taxpayers any money. Commissioner Leland Crooks says the City is not responsible for any of the cost.

Commissioners also emphasized that the City also had no hand in the selection of Parsons Great Plains Industrial Park as the location for the Deep Fission underground reactor. Mayor Kevin Cruse says, while the City supports the effort, it had no say in the decision.

In other business at this week's Parsons City Commission meeting, commissioners approved the acceptance of a High Risk Urban Road grant from KDOT to provide new signs at 15 intersections across the city and also heard a report from Safe Haven Outreach Mission about warming center use during the recent cold weather.

One person is injured following a single-vehicle accident Wednesday in Bartlesville.

Bartlesville Police were called to the scene at Adams Boulevard and Wilshire Avenue around 4pm yesterday after reports of an accident. Officers discovered a single vehicle at the scene with a male driver who was found unresponsive in the vehicle. The man was transported to a nearby hospital where his condition remains unknown.

The man's name has not yet been released as police continue to investigate the cause of the accident.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approval of funding for a major sidewalk project in Independence.

The project would fund sidewalks and bicycle paths along West Main Street from Peter Pan Road to 21^st Street, on Peter Pan Road from Main to Labette Health, and on Laurel Street from Main to the railroad tracks. The project is intended to improve pedestrian safety in high traffic areas of the city.

The $1.1 million project was awarded to J. Graham Construction of Coffeyville.

Authorities in northeast Oklahoma are investigating the recent death of an inmate at the Ottawa County Jail in Miami.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to handle the inquiry into the death of 34-year-old Wesley Dainty. Dainty was found unresponsive in his cell around 7am on Tuesday morning. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Dainty had been in custody since January 8^th on charges of domestic assault and battery

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. Officials said the death is being investigated as a possible suicide, though no determination has been made.

Photo courtesy Ottawa County Sheriff's Office

The State of Kansas begins 2026 with good economic news as January tax receipts come in above estimates.

Total tax collections last month were $988.2 million, a total that is 1.2% above estimates and nearly 5% higher than last year. The increase was driven up upticks in the collection of both individual and corporate income taxes. Individual income tax receipts were up 1.4% while corporate collections rose by about 23%.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8 million, which is 3.5% below the estimate.

To read the full report, go here.

Today is another great day for soup lovers.

The Coffeyville Public Library's annual Taste of Soup is today from 11 to 1.

For just $5, you can get 2 cups of soup, crackers and a drink. Plus, a limited number of souvenir bowls made by Michael DeRosa will be available for $25 as well. Dine in and carryout is available. Proceeds will benefit the library. In addition, a bake sale will be going on to benefit the imagination library. It all happens today from 11 to 1 at 311 W 10th Street in Coffeyville.