The stretch of Highway 160 between Montgomery and Elk Counties is reopened.

The 38-mile stretch of highway was closed to traffic last Wednesday for the emergency repair of a box culvert bridge. The box culvert is a mile east of K-99 and extends under HWY 160. Part of the culvert was made from wood, and that was damaged in a grass fire.

The project limited traffic on HWY 160 from HWY 75 west of Independence to K-99 at Moline, and no through traffic was allowed in the work zone. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511.

Independence Community College is launching a new program aimed at connecting students with real-world job experience.

ICC Works is a paid internship program that pairs students with local employers across a wide range of fields, including healthcare, business, technology, agriculture and skilled trades. Program Director Whitney Lanning says the goal is to give students hands-on experience while helping them build confidence in their career paths. Students in the program can earn income while developing practical skills and making professional connections.

To qualify, students must be enrolled at ICC, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, and be able to work 10 to 20 hours per week over an eight to 10 week period. The program also benefits local employers by helping build a stronger workforce pipeline in Southeast Kansas. Students and employers can learn more or apply online at indycc.edu.

UPDATE: The Owners of the animals have been located

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has taken custody of three horses and one donkey.

The four animals were located in the area of County Road 2200 and County Road 4300 north of Coffeyville. They have been in the area for several days, and efforts to locate their owner have been unsuccessful.

Anyone who is missing three horses and a donkey, or have information regarding their owner, please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (620)330-1000. Callers will be asked to provide a description of the animals so they can verify ownership and ensure they are returned to the rightful owner.

The Brown Mansion is inviting the community to dress up and give back during its Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby fundraiser.

The event is Saturday, May 2^nd at 5:00pm and will feature a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby along with music, drinks and appetizers. Guests can also enjoy lawn games like croquet and putt-putt golf, and are encouraged to wear traditional Derby attire, including hats and spring fashion. Hats will also be available at the event.

Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online at coffeyvillehistory.com. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts for the historic 1906 mansion.

Two people are arrested following the service of a search warrant in Frontenac.

On March 14 at around 5pm, Pittsburg Police responded to a welfare check on Iris Lane involving a report of a person with a firearm. During the investigation, the suspect identified as 40-year-old Justin J. Collins, fled and evaded officers, leaving behind a stolen firearm, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

In the following weeks, Collins allegedly sent threatening messages to a known victim while officers were unable to locate him despite multiple attempts.

Last Sunday, a joint operation by local and state law enforcement led officers to a residence in Frontenac, where Collins was seen fleeing but was quickly apprehended after a brief pursuit. He was taken for medical evaluation and before being booked into the Crawford County Jail.

A search warrant was sought for the home, and a resident, 41-year-old Demitra Ann Durden was arrested for interference and obstruction.

Collins faces multiple charges including drug distribution, weapons violations, criminal threats, and interference with law enforcement, and is being held on a $250,000 bond, while Durden is held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The City of Sedan will honor their outgoing Chief of Police Kirk Richardson today at a retirement celebration.

Residents are invited to join the event today from noon to 4pm at the Community Building at the Sedan Golf Course. Richardson announced his departure from the Sedan Police Department in late February as he leaves to pursue other opportunities.

An historic Independence landmark is opening for the 2026 season this week.

Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there's always lots to experience at Little House on the Prairie.

The cost for admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 4 through 17. Little House on the Prairie is located west of Independence on US-75 at 25-07 County Road 3000.

The burn ban for Washington County will remain in effect for another week.

At Monday's county commissioners meeting, officials discussed the burn ban that was enacted last week. District 1 Commissioner Mitch Antle says weather conditions continue to support keeping the ban in place.

If enough rain is received during this week, the commissioners may lift the ban at the meeting next Monday. Antle also reminded agricultural residents there is a process in place for those who need to complete a pasture burn.

Burn bans also remain in effect for Nowata and Adair Counties.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 5-year-old in central Kansas.

The KBI is assisting the Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office in the incident that occurred in the City of Brookeville, located about 15 miles west of Salina. On Saturday afternoon around 3:15, a caller from a residence located south of the intersection of Kansas Highway 141 and Avenue N, reported a shooting where two children were severely injured. Emergency crews were called to the scene where they found a 5-year-old female and an 8-year-old male, both suffering from gunshot wounds.

The five-year old child was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 8-year-old child was flown to a Wichita hospital, where he is currently listed in critical condition. Preliminary information indicates that a third young child picked up a loaded, unsecured shotgun and fired, striking two siblings.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

The Montgomery County Commission is moving forward with a new County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations.

At this week’s meeting commissioners approved a Request for Proposal or R-F-P to allow the county to find a consulting firm that will take the lead in drawing up rules and regulations. That plan may include new county-wide zoning regulations. County Administrator Jonathan Booe says the purpose of zoning would be to protect the county’s farmers and ranchers.

This is a preliminary step in a process that could lead to zoning. Commissioner Robert Bever says he wants the process to be transparent for the public.

Commissioners have already received some feedback from the public on the issue. Commissioner Phil Clubine says they want input from county residents.

Contact information for all three county commissioners can be found at this link.

For a link to the RFP, go here. The RFP begins on page 28.

Corn planting has started in Kansas.

That's according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, which reports that 2% of corn has been planted in the state. Winter wheat continues along with southeast Kansas, leading the state at 34% jointed. Winter wheat condition is rated at 40% good or excellent, 38% fair and 22% poor or very poor.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds back to the area northeast of Coyville for another fire.

Yesterday, units responded to a fire in the timber that was about to make it out into the open. Firefighters conducted a series of back fires around a building and along a road and the property lines to contain the fire.

Woodson County Rural Fire and the Toronto Fire Department provided mutual aid on the call. Besides the tree damage, no other damage or injuries were reported.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire

The Board of Nowata County Commissioners approves the appointment of a county treasurer.

Michaela Lowe has been appointed to replace current Treasurer Rachel Marrs, who will resign from her position effective April 10^th. County Clerk Kay Spurgeon discussed the process of a temporary treasurer with the commission.

The appointment keeps the position filled until a new treasurer is elected. Marrs formally announced her resignation during a board meeting on March 16^th.

The Independence High School FFA is getting ready for its April plant sale.

The sale is April 11^th and 12^th at the IHS FFA Greenhouse, located at 1201 North 10^th Street, with entry off Beech Street. They will be open from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday April 11^th, and 11:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday April 12^th, or until plants sell out.

A preview of the greenhouse will be available during a Facebook Live event tonight at 6:00pm, where viewers can get a sneak peek and ask questions ahead of the sale.

Firefighters in Kansas and Oklahoma spend another weekend battling wild fires across the state.

A major blaze burned over the weekend in Jefferson County, northeast of Topeka, near Oskaloosa. Forward progress on that fire was stopped as of Saturday evening as crews remained on the scene to prevent hot spots and rekindling. Locally, Wilson County Rural Fire was called to a report of a large grass fire north east of Coyville yesterday afternoon. A decision was made to allow the fire to burn as fire crews remained at the scene. The State Fire Marshal requested assistance from Montgomery County. County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson says several units were sent on Friday and returned Saturday evening.

The Kansas Forest Service together with state and local fire agencies coordinated resources to combat the fires. Sources of the wild fires range from escaped planned burns to lightning strikes. Other fires continued across the state west of Hutchinson and near Abilene. NOAA also reports several wildfires burning over the weekend in Oklahoma in Osage and Craig Counties, near the Barnsdall and Hominy areas. Washington and Nowata Counties issued burn bans last week and are expected to revisit those bans today to determine if they will remain in place.

The Kansas Forest Service reminds residents that given current vegetation and weather conditions, even a small spark can quickly turn into a devastating wild fire.

The Coffeyville Fire Department responds to a residential structure fire in South Coffeyville.

At around 3:15pm Thursday, Coffeyville crews were dispatched to assist with the fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single-wide trailer home with heavy fire showing. Coffeyville assisted the South Coffeyville Fire Department with fire suppression efforts for about an hour. Strong winds out of the south contributed to rapid fire growth, creating challenging conditions for crews on scene. Despite that, firefighters were able to contain the fire and limit damage to the structure where it originated.

CFD was then dispatched back into the city to respond to a separate commercial structure fire.

A Joplin man is seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Riverton.

The crash occurred Sunday evening around 7:30. 31-year-old Zachary Hitchcock was traveling southbound on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Southeast 70^th Street just north of US-66 in Riverton. When the car he was following slowed to make a left hand turn, Hitchcock attempted to pass. It was then that the motorcycle collided with the other vehicle.

Hitchcock was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin with serious injuries. No one in the other vehicle was injured.

It’s springtime and that means love and romance on the minds of many … including dogs and cats.

Danny Thompson with Coffeyville Friends of Animals reminds residents that ensuring your animals are spayed and neutered helps control the unwanted pet population.

C-F-A kennels are full due to the large numbers of stray dogs and cats on Coffeyville Streets. Thompson says that C-F-A and the City of Coffeyville are still offering the reduced-price procedures at the shelter.

Coffeyville Friends of Animals is located just south of the City at 49-55 County Road 1400.

The Neodesha City Commission conducts routine business at its most recent meeting.

City Manager Brogan Jones announced a few changes to the Personnel Manual for City employees. He says the changes affect meal reimbursement during travel and Years of Service incentives.

In other business, commissioners also set a date for a Public Hearing for a yard abatement for a property on South 9th Street and approved bids for demolition of structures on Mill Street and Carolina Street.

The Independence Police Department announces a new resource for residents to report suspicious or criminal activity.

I-P-D has established a dedicated email address to allow members of the community to report criminal activity. The new resource is an additional way for residents to share information in ongoing investigations. All submitted tips will be reviewed by the Detective Division and by the Assistant Chief of Police.

I-P-D encourages anyone with information that may help with an investigation to come forward. Even small details may be helpful in solving crimes in the community.

The new email address is crimetips@indypdks.gov

Residents of Independence still have time to take part in the online Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

City officials are preparing to update the Community-Based Strategic Plan and want to know how residents currently view the City, what priorities should be a focus for City leaders, and how the City can improve service and satisfaction. Feedback from the survey will be used in shaping the City’s 5- to 10-year strategic priorities for projects, services, and community development.

There is still time left for those who want to make their voices heard. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey will be available online until tomorrow. All responses are anonymous and confidential, and residents are encouraged to provide honest and candid feedback.

To take the survey, follow this link.

The City of Sedan is nearly finished with the installation of several new docks at the Sedan City Lakes.

Construction began on the project last fall at both the New City Lake and Old City Lake, both located along K-99 north of the City. The project replaced the two main docks at each lake and also added a third dock in each location, across from the boat launch area. The new docks were made possible through a grant from the Kansas Community Fisheries Assistance Program managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

According to city officials, the next step in the project is to add safety railing around the edges of the new docks.

Photo courtesy City of Sedan

The Independence Historical Museum and Art Center is hosting its annual Young Artists exhibit starting this week.

Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says residents will be able to enjoy work done by local students at the museum in downtown Independence.

Art from students will be on exhibit from several categories including drawings, paintings, ceramics and sculptures, as well as other forms of art including jewelry. Exhibitors will compete for prizes 1st through 3rd place and honorable mention, plus Best in Show and a People’s Choice Award.

The Young Artists Show opens on Wednesday. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 15 through 18. Museum members, kids under 15 and veterans get in free. The Independence Historical Museum and Art Center is located at 123 North 8th Street.

Firefighters in Kansas and Oklahoma spend another weekend battling wild fires across the state.

A major blaze burned over the weekend in Jefferson County, northeast of Topeka, near Oskaloosa. Forward progress on that fire was stopped as of Saturday evening as crews remained on the scene to prevent hot spots and rekindling. Locally, Wilson County Rural Fire was called to a report of a large grass fire north east of Coyville Sunday afternoon. A decision was made to allow the fire to burn as fire crews remained at the scene.

The Kansas Forest Service together with state and local fire agencies coordinated resources to combat the fires. Sources of the wild fires range from escaped planned burns to lightning strikes. Other fires continued across the state west of Hutchinson and near Abilene. NOAA also reports several wildfires burning over the weekend in Oklahoma in Osage and Craig Counties, near the Barnsdall and Hominy areas. Washington and Nowata Counties issued burn bans last week and are expected to revisit those bans today to determine if they will remain in place.

The Kansas Forest Service reminds residents that given current vegetation and weather conditions, even a small spark can quickly turn into a devastating wild fire.

A juvenile suspect is in custody in Cherokee County after alleged threats were made against Columbus High School.

On Saturday, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of potential threats had been made toward students and staff at Columbus High School. Detectives from the Sheriff's Office along with officials from USD 493 and the school resource officer, investigated the threats and found evidence that the threats had been made. A juvenile suspect was identified and arrested. The individual was then turned over to Juvenile Authorities. The C-C-S-O says there is no indication of any ongoing threats, but there will be increased law enforcement presence and enforcement in the Columbus Schools this week.

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

One woman is dead following a single-vehicle accident on a county road in Phillips County.

58-year-old Nancy Vap of Prairie View, Kansas, died Saturday afternoon after her vehicle struck a concrete culvert on a county road about 15 miles east of the City of Norton. Following the initial collision, Vap’s 2022 Subaru Forrester then caught fire. The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the accident.

A Coffeyville man is the runner-up in a national racing sponsorship contest.

Tyrone Loffer earned second place in JV Thundercat's “The Lineup” contest. While he didn't earn the $10,000 prize won by Jakob Richards from Wisconsin, he did come away with a $1,000 prize.  Winners were selected by the number of votes and points received.

Loffer enjoys racing at the Caney Valley Speedway and says he's been interested in motorsports from an early age. In third was Collin Brown of New York and Kody Welsh of Colorado in fourth.

The Montgomery County Commission will hear details of a final draft version of the County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations at today’s meeting.

At last week’s meeting, County Administrator Jonathan Booe presented a draft version of the plan that included the possibility of adding county-wide zoning regulations. Today, Booe is expected to present a revised version of the plan for further discussion and approval by the commission to select a planning and consulting firm to assist in preparing the final version of the plan. Booe will also discuss tow other Requests for Proposals for payroll and for GIS Services in addition to agreements for juvenile housing with Reno and Johnson Counties.

Commissioners will also hear Quarterly Reports from Public Works and from the I-T Department.

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.

Crews respond to a fire at the Pizza Hut in Coffeyville.

Sunday afternoon around 4:20 p.m., the Coffeyville Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and flames visible on the east and south sides of the Pizza Hut on 11th Street.  According to the Coffeyville Fire Department, upon arrival, crews found an active fire near the front entrance, along with heavy smoke venting from the eaves of the building.  Crews quickly located the fire behind a wall and were able to extinguish it, limiting damage to the structure.

After the fire was out, crews ventilated the building to remove trapped smoke.  Dearing, Liberty, Coffeyville Resources, CRMC-EMS, Coffeyville Police and Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power also responded to the incident.  No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Inter-State Farm and Home Show was a huge success with a great turnout at Nellis Hall on the campus of Coffeyville Community College. KGGF 690 AM and KRIG 104.9 FM and Bartlett Co-op Association partnered with vendors from Northeast Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas bringing together both the residential and agricultural world.  There were many door prizes given out throughout the weekend from the stations along with vendors.

Door Prize Winners from Saturday’s Drawing Include:

Shelter Insurance “Swag Cup” full of fun stuff from Shelter Insurance Lacey Hodges won by Randy Henry, Eddie Wallace, Benny Ketchum, Amy Penrod, Jadin Fletcher and Donna Pendleton.

Sorting Paddle from RV Cattle Co. won by Larry Schenk.

Norwex Gift Bags from Sharon Yoder won by Terry Hearson, David Detar, Raeleigh Wyrick, and Crystal Tuttle.

OH NO Tactical Supply Kit from Oklahoma Security Professionals won by Amanda Deweese.

101 Ranch Souvenir Cup from Marland Grand Home/Marland Mansion/101 Ranch Old Timers Association won by Lori Todd.

Lewis Cattle Oiler Tumbler won by Dillon Carter.

Aladin Genie Scentsy Gift Basket from Melissa Kastler Scentsy won by Rhonda Brown.

Route 66 Children’s Rocking Chair from Light House Outreach Center won by Andrew Sutton

Branson Show Tickets for Two won by Mike Rutledge

Hughes Brothers Show Ticket Bundle won by Ken Bossf

Oklahoma City Zoo tickets won by Debbie Rex

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium won by Linda Griffin

$25 Gift Certificate won by Diane Lepley

Branson Weekend won by James Ward

and the $500 Cash from KRIG 104.9 was won by Elayne Fio Rito

Door Prize Winners from Friday’s Drawing Include:

Anthony Rice, Joe Smith, SL Parks and Robert Kriebel won prizes from Shelter Insurance

4 Passes to Stafford Air & Space Museum won by Victoria Mowry of Caney

Family four pack to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge & Great Passion Play in Eurekas Springs, AR won by Ashley McDaniel and John Vest

4 Tickets to The Duttons & Where Jesus Walked and Comedy Jamboree in Branson won by Cameron McKee of Bartlesville

8 Tickets to Kansas City Zoo won by Craig Newby of Coffeyville

6 Tickets to Oklahoma City Zoo won by Larry Phillips of Dearing

Branson Vacation Package including hotel stays from Myer Hotel Properties won by Abby Uncapher

And the Grand Prize of $500 from KRIG won Sandra McDow

KGGF and KRIG would like to thank the Coffeyville Community College for their hospitality along with everyone who made the show possible from security, vendors, and the many people who came out to visit the exhibits. We can’t wait to see you next year to celebrate 10 year’s of Interstate Farm and Show! 

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography
 

Day one of the Inter-State Farm and Home Show was a big hit with a great turnout at Nellis Hall on the campus of Coffeyville Community College.  KGGF 690 AM and KRIG 104.9 FM and Bartlett Co-op Association partnered with 100 participating vendors from Northeast Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas bringing together both the residential and agricultural world.

Door Prize Winners from Friday’s Drawing Include:

Anthony Rice, Joe Smith, SL Parks and Robert Kriebel won prizes from Shelter Insurance

4 Passes to Stafford Air & Space Museum won by Victoria Mowry of Caney

Family four pack to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge & Great Passion Play in Eurekas Springs, AR won by Ashley McDaniel and John Vest

4 Tickets to The Duttons & Where Jesus Walked and Comedy Jamboree in Branson won by Cameron McKee of Bartlesville

8 Tickets to Kansas City Zoo won by Craig Newby of Coffeyville

6 Tickets to Oklahoma City Zoo won by Larry Phillips of Dearing

Branson Vacation Package including hotel stays from Myer Hotel Properties won by Abby Uncapher

And the Grand Prize of $500 from KRIG won Sandra McDow

Day two will begin Saturday Morning at 8:30 a.m. at Nellis Hall on the Coffeyville Community College and end at 4 p.m. Whether you are looking for the latest agricultural products and equipment, landscaping and general remodeling, or home décor, lifestyle services, or tasty treats, this a must visit show. Many vendors will have cash and carry items which can be purchased during the show.

KGGF 690, KGGF 104.1, KUSN 98.1, KWON 1400/93.3/95.1, KYFM 100.1 and KRIG 104.9 will be broadcasting live from the Inter-State Farm & Home Show. Meet local radio personalities, plus Charles Moll and Charles Miller from Tech Talk, and Larry Glass from Green Country Gardener.  There will be many more door prizes and giveaways from local vendors including one more $500 cash prize, tickets to Branson shows, Oklahoma City Attractions, Kansas City Zoo and more!

Photo: Frank Shedden, SnapWild Photography

It's not just businesses getting involved in this year's Inter-State Farm and Home Show.

Coffeyville's Community Elementary School Principal Angie Krause says two fourth grade classes have trifold posters setup showcasing the types of agricultural related information they are learning about in the classroom.

A second grade class will also have a trifold discussing what they are learning about farm to table. In addition to the trifolds, a number of Farm and Home Show themed coloring pages have been hung up that were colored by students at CES.

It can be easy for a driver to take a wrong turn, even in this age of GPS, Google Maps, and navigation apps.

But things can take a turn for the worse when a wrong turn leads to driving into a large body of water. That's what happened to one driver in Lawrence on Wednesday evening. The navigation error resulted in the driver heading directly into the Kansas River. No one was injured in the incident and the driver was able to make it safely to shore. However, the vehicle remained in the water for nearly twenty-four hours until the Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery Team was able to locate the car and retrieve it from the water.

The dive team includes officers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Operations and Corrections Division as well as officers from the Lawrence and Eudora Police Departments.

The submerged car floats near the 8th Street Boat Ramp in Lawrence

A member of the Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery Team approches the car

Images courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office

A stolen vehicle is recovered and the suspect is in custody following a Miami traffic stop.

The incident occurred just before noon on Thursday, March 26, when a Miami police officer was advised of a traffic alert regarding a stolen vehicle traveling on Main Street in the City of Miami. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and identified the driver as 42-year-old Lonnie Moore of Broken Bow.

An investigation revealed that Moore was driving on a revoked driver's license and the suspect then told officers that he had a pipe on his person. According to police, a search revealed the glass pipe containing residue and a crystal-like substance, a plastic bag containing a similar substance believed to be methamphetamine, and two pills identified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Moore was also found to be in possession of a stolen check belonging to a deceased person.

Moore was taken into custody and transported to the Ottawa County Jail. He faces charges of Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Stolen Check, and Driving While Revoked.

Fire crews from across the area respond to a fire at the Republic Services Landfill located just south of Cherryvale.

Crews from multiple departments were called to the scene around 3pm on Thursday, March 26. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a large fire in the north end of the landfill with heavy smoke showing. Landfill fires can be difficult to extinguish because they often burn deep underground, creating subsurface smoldering fires similar to coal seam fires that are insulated from water. They are fueled by vast, compacted, and methane-rich waste, Adding to the difficulty were yesterday's high winds. Crews doused the fire and were able to clear the scene by about 6pm.

Cherryvale Fire & Rescue and Cherryvale Rural Fire responded to the call along with assistance from crews from the Liberty, Independence, Neodesha, Coffeyville, and Dearing Fire Departments along with Independence Rural Fire and the Coffeyville Resources Fire Department.

No injuries have been reported.

One person is dead following a rollover accident northwest of Fort Scott.

The accident occurred around 9:15 Thursday morning on 125^th Street about 5 miles north of US-54 or about 10 miles northwest of Fort Scott. 57-year-old Kellie Harvey of Mapleton was traveling northbound on 125^th Street when her 1996 Ford Explorer left the roadway. The driver overcorrected, causing the SUV to leave the roadway again on the opposite side, where the vehicle overturned multiple times. Harvey was pronounced deceased shortly after the accident occurred.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Harvey was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The Caney Police Department is offering a Self-Defense Beginner's Course for Woman coming up in May.

C-P-D along with the Caney Valley Wrestling Club is hosting the course that is open to all women ages 16 and up. Attendees will learn Jiu-Jitsu based principles of self-defense during the 90 minute class. The session will be held at the Caney Valley Wrestling Club beginning at 6pm on Saturday, May 9^th. The course is offered free of charge and enrollment is limited.

Sign up for the course by emailing: j housel@city of caney.org (remove spaces to send email)

Or call 620-879-2141.

The Independence City Commission sets a date for a Public Hearing on the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District or R-H-I-D regarding future plans for the Professional Building.

The move is the next step in a project by US Federal Properties that would revamp the historic building at 201 North Penn into a mixed-use project that would include apartments and commercial space. Executive Director of the Independence Housing Authority April Nutt says the R-H-I-B is similar to a Neighborhood Revitalization Program that allows the base property tax value of the property to remain unchanged.

Nutt says the project helps the City meet one of its long-term goals.

Mayor Dean Hayse says the investment is good for the future of Independence.

Commissioner Scott Smith adds that finding a new use for one of the City's historic buildings can help attract new people to the City.

The Commission unanimously approved the resolution that sets the date for the Public Hearing on May 14^th.

Image shows the US Federal Properties images of the proposed ground level of the Professional building.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a resurfacing project on two highways in northern Bourbon County starting on Monday.

The project will be conducted in two phases. To begin, milling and patching will start on K-31 at the US-69 junction and continue west toward Mapleton, where the activity will follow K-65 to the junction of K-3. In the next phase, the contractor will add an asphalt overlay starting at K-3 and will work east toward US-69. The work will cover about 23 miles of highway in all.

A pilot car will guide travelers through the work zone, which could be up to three miles long as work progresses. Travelers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

The three projects are expected to be complete in late July, conditions permitting.

The primary contractor on the $3.7 million project is Pearson Construction of Wichita.

A Yates Center man is dead following a single-vehicle accident on US-54.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 58-year-old Kelly Shaffer was traveling on US-54 about 4 miles west of Yates Center just after 9pm Thursday night. Shaffer apparently lost control of his 2003 Chevy Silverado, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway. The driver then overcorrected, and crossed the highway to the opposite side, where the pickup struck a ditch and overturned.

Shaffer was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Multiple units are responding to a fire at the Montgomery County Landfill.

Witnesses in the area report that it is a large fire in the north end of the landfill with heavy smoke. 

Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson says several crews have been on scene to control the fire this afternoon.

More information will be made available as it is received.

The Washington County Commission approves a burn ban.

The ban is effective immediately for up to 14 days. The resolution was requested by the county’s emergency management director and supported by fire chiefs across the county. Washington County Emergency Management Jon Wayne Mosely says most recent fire responses have involved controlled burns that escaped containment. Volunteer fire crews, already limited in staffing and resources, have been forced to respond repeatedly across the county.

Commissioners say the ban could be lifted sooner if conditions improve. The issue will be reviewed at least weekly, with the next discussion scheduled for Monday. Those who violate the burn ban may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500, or spend one year in the county jail.

Independence Community College announces a National Tournament college basketball coach will headline its 2026 commencement ceremony.

ICC says University of Illinois Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood will serve as this year’s commencement speaker and will also be honored as a Distinguished Alumnus. The ceremony is set for Saturday, May 16^th at 10:00am inside the FirstOak Bank and Oakes Family Fieldhouse. Underwood, who has led Illinois since 2017, has built one of the top programs in Division I basketball. The Fighting Illini have recorded six straight 20-win seasons, multiple Big Ten championships, and reached the NCAA Elite Eight in 2024 and are currently in the Sweet 16.

ICC Foundation Executive Director Cody Oates says Underwood’s journey from ICC to national success shows what’s possible for students. Interim President Taylor Crawshaw says Underwood’s story reflects the hard work and foundation built at ICC and will resonate with graduates. Underwood’s return marks a full-circle moment as the school celebrates the Class of 2026.

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

The original advisory was issued on March 23^rd because of possible contamination due to a water line break. Laboratory testing of the City of Thayer 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 Wilson County Commission signs a letter of support for a street project in Neodesha at this week's meeting.

The Granby Street project involves resurfacing a mile-long stretch of the road from US-400 to 8^th Street. County Coordinator Kris Marple says this road plays an important part in the local industry.  The Economic Development Administration is funding only the city of Neodesha's share of the approximately $5 million project.  Marple says this leaves the County to secure the remaining funds.

The commission voted unanimously to put the chairman's signature on the support letter.

A 38-mile section of US-160 between Moline and Independence will be closed to traffic for the next week to allow for the repair of a box culvert bridge damaged in a recent grass fire.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announced the closure yesterday (Wednesday). The box culvert extends under U.S. 160 and is located a mile east of K-99. Part of the culvert is made from wood, which was damaged in a recent grass fire and needs repaired. U.S. 160 will be closed from K-99 in Elk County east to the U.S. 75 junction in Montgomery County during the repair. No official detour is in place.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For a link for updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, follow this link.

Students at Independence High School get the opportunity to experience real-life learning in a school setting.

On Wednesday, community members from across the area were at IHS to give students some insight into future careers and professions. The IHS career fair brought together representatives from different industries and educational institutions who provided information, answered questions, and sometimes offered some interactive demonstrations.

Members of the Independence Fire and EMS Department were at the fair and gave students a real-life look at some of their jobs. Firefighters and EMS personnel gave demonstrations on vehicle extraction techniques and also showed students how they extinguish vehicle fires.

Career fairs help students explore potential career paths, understand the education or skills required for different jobs, and begin building connections that may be useful in the future. They are especially valuable for students who are undecided about their plans, as they offer a convenient way to compare options and gain insight into real-world opportunities in a single setting.

Photo courtesy Independence Fire/EMS Department

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College  welcomes Pennsylvania folk duo the Squirrel Hillbillies to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

Comprised of Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth, the Squirrel Hillbillies perform an eclectic mix of folk, country and blues. Wolsk's love of music began early in life, but blossomed after she joined a singing group in college. Crouth's musical tastes are rooted in  traditional and contemporary acoustic music, early country, and sixties pop songs.

The Squirrel Hillbillies will perform Tuesday night in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrests a former community corrections employee in central Kansas for forgery and judicial interference.

35-year-old Katie Hales of Great Bend was arrested on Tuesday on charges stemming from incidents that occurred in Barton and Rice Counties during a two-year period starting in 2021. During that time, Hales is alleged to have submitted fraudulent court filings that included the forged signatures of both corrections and court officials while she was employed by Central Kansas Community Corrections. Hales resigned from her position in October 2023, about a month after the K-B-I began investigating the accusations.

Hales was taken into custody by a KBI agent at the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. She was processed and later released on an own recognizance bond. Hales is charged with 14 counts of forgery, 14 counts of making false information, and 14 counts of interference with judicial process in Rice County and 17 counts of each offense in Barton County.

?Both cases will be prosecuted by a special prosecutor with the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office.

The KBI says the investigation remains ongoing.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight and discuss upcoming projects at Riverside Park and the Professional Building downtown.

Commissioners are expected to set the date for a public hearing to approve a Reinvestment Housing District for the redevelopment of the Professional Building at 201 North Penn Avenue. The U.S Federal Properties Company is proposing to redevelopment the historic building into apartments with commercial space on the ground floor. In what is similar to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, an R-H-I-D allows the base property tax value to remain unchanged, while a portion of the new taxes generated from improvements made on the second floor and above for housing, may be rebated to offset eligible housing construction costs for up to 25 years.

Commissioners will also consider awarding a contract for a roof repair project on both the Stich Shelter House and the Garden House at Riverside Park for just over $166,000.

Also up for discussion will be two ordinances that would change the rental rates for hangers at the Independence Municipal Airport.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at the City Hall in Independence. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed online via the City's website.

The possibility of county-wide zoning resurfaces in Montgomery County.

At this week's commission meeting, County Administrator Jonathan Booe raised the issue when discussing a draft version of the County Strategic Plan and Zoning Regulations. Booe says the major reason the County is considering the issue is to help prevent unwanted industries from building on agricultural land.

He says it would also be more expensive for the county to only focus on commercial and industrial zoning.

The County's three commissioners – Phil Clubine, Mike Cordray, and Robert Bever (click for contact information) – want to hear from the residents of Montgomery County to understand what people think on the issue. Bever says this is just the beginning of the discussion.

County Director of Environmental and Zoning Matt Debo reinforced the County's stance on zoning. He says it's a way to protect farmers, ranchers, and others on their own land.

 Booe plans to present a final version of the regulations at next week's commission meeting.

A red flag warning is in place today for parts of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

The fire weather watch has been upgraded to a red flag warning for Greenwood, Elk and Chautauqua counties and areas to the west, plus Osage, Washington, Nowata, Craig and Ottawa counties and areas to the south and west. A combination of well above-normal temperatures, low relative humidity and breezy winds will result in extreme fire danger this afternoon and tonight. The red flag warning be in effect until after sunset tonight.

In addition, the arrival of a cold front later tonight will shift winds from the southwest to the north. Any outdoor burning should be avoided today.

A portion of U.S. 160 is currently closed between K-99 east of Moline and U.S. 75 near Elk City due to emergency road repairs.

Officials say crews are repairing a culvert damaged by fire about one mile east of the U.S. 160/K-99 junction. There is no through traffic and no official detour in place, so motorists will need to find alternate routes.

Drivers traveling west from Independence can still access Elk City, Elk Falls, and Longton.

A burn ban is issued for Nowata County. The ban prohibits burning any material or substance that can start a forest, grass, range, crop or wildland fire. The burn ban does affect controlled burns.

Nowata Fire Chief Jason Goodell says right now the conditions are to dangerous for fires.  There are exceptions to the ban, which include outdoor grilling and welding. Chief Goodell says welders need to keep an extinguisher close.  District Three Commissioner Troy Friddle says it is important to follow the burn ban.

The ban is in effect until April 8^th unless there there is rainfall, the ban may be canceled prior to the date. Violators may face misdemeanor charges, which include a fine up to $500 or one year imprisonment.

Coffeyville Kress Event Center is hosting their first event this weekend. The Legends Classic is holding a fundraiser on Saturday for their summer livestock show. Organizer Brett Anderson says they'll have live music during the event.

In addition to the live music, there will be a brisket and pulled pork dinner and a live and silent auction. Doors will open at 5:30pm, dinner will be served around six and the live auction will begin at 8:30pm. The Kress Event Center is located at 130 West 9^th Street.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announces a settlement with the Department of Justice regarding a request for Oklahoma voter registration data.

The State settled the request on behalf of State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax . The agreement allows Oklahoma to provide its computerized statewide voter registration list in compliance with federal law while maintaining privacy protections. Drummond said the settlement ensures the state continues to follow the law, and Ziriax emphasized that Oklahoma remains committed to upholding election integrity and strengthening voting security.

Under the terms of the settlement, the DOJ will follow the Privacy Act in handling and safeguarding the data and will use the information to evaluate Oklahoma’s compliance with election laws. Drummond highlighted the state’s existing measures, including voter ID requirements, notarization for most absentee ballots, a ban on ballot harvesting, strict absentee ballot deadlines, paper ballots for most voters, post-election audits, and strong voter list maintenance practices.

The City of Chetopa announces it will be conducting a disinfecting procedure on its water system starting on Sunday.

The City plans to use a free chlorine residual starting Sunday that is anticipated to run through about April 20^th. During that time, residents may notice some chlorine tastes and odors in the water. This process is safe for the drinking water.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment routinely recommends that public water supplies that use a combined chlorine residual to prevent the formation of disinfection by-products which can have an adverse effect on human health. After an extended period of time, a combined chlorine residual can allow the formation of bio growths in the distribution lines. While these bio growths do not present a hazard to human health, they can deplete the chlorine residual that is necessary to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans.

The City of Chetopa is conducting this process as a precaution. Anyone with questions can contact the Chetopa Water Plant Supervisor Mike Tyler at 620-236-7857.

The Nowata Fire Department issues a burn ban ahead of anticipated high fire risk weather conditions expected tomorrow and Friday.

The ban only affects the City of Nowata. Nowata County Commissioners will hold a special meeting this afternoon at 1pm to discuss issuing a county-wide burn ban. The National Weather Service says strong southwest winds along with near record high temperatures are expected Thursday afternoon into the early evening hours and into Friday.  Windy conditions are also expected with gusts as high as 35mph.

This afternoon's  meeting will take place at the Nowata County Annex Meeting Room, located at 228 North Maple Street in downtown Nowata.

The Neodesha City Commission will meet today and entertain a light agenda.

Expected action items on the agenda for this afternoon's meeting include a discussion on possible amendments to the City Personnel Manual. Commissioners will also consider a yard abatement on a property located on 9^th Street, the sale of a property in the Neodesha Land Bank, and bids on the demolition of two other properties. There will also be a discussion on the purchase of a gas detector.

Today's meeting begins at 4:30 in the Commission Room at Neodesha's City Hall. The public is invited to attend. A recording of the meeting will also be available on the City's FaceBook page.

A Neodesha sixth grade student places at the state spelling bee.

Northlawn Elementary student Camden Kerr finished in 8^th place at the 2026 Sunflower State Spelling Bee on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina last weekend. Kerr represented Wilson County after winning both the County spelling bee last month and the USD 461 bee in January. He's been competing in the local spelling bees since he was in fourth grade with the goal of qualifying for the state competition. Kerr joined students from all other counties in Kansas as part of the state spelling bee.

Other area students who competed at last weekend's state spelling bee include Ethan Winckler from Independence, Brooklynn Hiben from Oswego, and Aubrey Kaylynn Lampson from Chautauqua County.

The first place winner of the 2026 Sunflower State Spelling Bee was Kellian Peterson from Minneapolis in Ottawa County, with the correct spelling of ossificatory, a word that refers to the process of bone formation.

Peterson will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. at the end of May.

One person is injured following a two-vehicle accident in Crawford County.

The crash occurred just before 1pm Tuesday afternoon northeast of Frontenac at the intersections of North Free Kings Highway and US-160.

A 2023 Freightliner driven by 55-year-old Michael Hampton of Walnut Grove, Missouri, was stopped at a stop sign on Free Kings Highway. He then failed to yield to oncoming traffic as he proceeded into the intersection where his semi collided with a 2016 GMC Savanna driven by 64-year-old Venita Myers of Kansas City.

A passenger in the semi 39-year-old Christopher Graham, also of Kansas City, received minor injuries and was taken to a Pittsburg hospital.

Nowata County Commissioners discuss drug testing policies for county employees.

At this week's meeting, commissioners considered possible changes to the current drug testing policy which allows for all-around testing for all employees as well as random testing. During the discussion with County Clerk Kay Spurgeon and Commission Chair Paul Crupper, Commissioner Troy Friddle says, such testing can be expensive.

The current policy also allows for drug tests for drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and if there is an accident in the workplace. Following the discussion, commissioners voted to table the issue until next Monday's regular meeting.

A local racer is near the top in a national competition.

Tyrone Loffer of Coffeyville is currently in fourth place in JV Thundercat's Final 7 Lineup. The winner of this sponsorship competition will receive recognition and $10,000 towards their race car.

Loffer says he's been going to the Caney Valley Speedway from an early age.

Loffer says that he thinks motor sports are one of the aspects that define the area.

Anyone can vote for Loffer now through Friday, March 27^th for free, or buy additional votes at JVThundercat.com. You can hear Loffer's full interview tomorrow at 8:10 on The Mighty 690. A link to vote is also available HERE.

Roadwork and street improvements continue in Coffeyville.

Director of Public Works Jim Wright says this is part of their ongoing commitment to improve streets across the city.  Wright says projects are chosen based on the roads people are traveling the most on.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the resolution for the contract with J Graham Construction for the project.

Two candidates for the Nowata School Board participate in a forum. Margie Learned and Rob Parrish appeared before teachers and residents of the Nowata school district to discuss attendance and connecting with teachers and students.

Learned, who has been on the board for two years, has a background in teaching at Union High School in Tulsa. She says her goals are to continue to improve Nowata Public Schools.  Parrish has grown up within the Nowata community and is currently the Chairman of the Nowata Municipal Authority which oversees the water supply. He says a lack of opportunities can create a decrease in attendance.

The election is on Tuesday, April 7^th.

An arrest is made after a two month investigation in McPherson County.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office report 18-year-old Daniel T. Hawkinson was taken into custody in connection to the January 31^st death of Joshua Soden.

According to the KBI, Hawkinson was arrested at the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for voluntary manslaughter. He was then booked into the McPherson County Jail. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Soden’s death.

The final spotter presentation for southeast Kansas is coming up this week.

Storm Fury on The Plains, presented by the Wichita office of the National Weather Service will provide severe weather training and education for everyone. Meteorologists will go over severe weather formation and safety with a multimedia presentation, lecture and question and answer period. If you can't make this spotter talk, additional presentations will take place through the Tulsa office of the national weather service through early next month.

The presentation will be this Thursday at 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Independence.

The presentation is free and no registration is required.

A Bartlesville man is facing 10 criminal charges after an alleged scuffle with a police officer during a traffic stop.

45-year-old Robert Stiles was charged on Monday with assault and battery on a police officer and eluding a police officer. Both charges are felonies. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Stiles was pulled over for driving with an expired temporary tag on U.S. Highway 75 on March 17^th. Authorities says Stiles got out of his vehicle without being told to and was then uncooperative. As officers were attempting to arrest Stiles for obstructing the traffic stop, Stiles allegedly elbowed the officer in the right side of the head. Following the altercation, Stiles got back into his truck and fled the scene. He was apprehended again a short time later.

Stiles will appear in court again on April 17^th. His bond is set at $25,000.

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin is now confirmed as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.

Mullin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Monday on a mostly party-line 54-45 vote. Democrat Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico joining their Republican colleagues in approving Mullin's appointment. He replaces outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who will officially depart at the end of this month.

The 48-year-old Mullin is a member of the Cherokee Nation and has served U.S Congressman from Oklahoma's 2^nd District and has served at the state's junior senator since 2023.

Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to appoint Bartlesville native Alan Armstrong to replace Mullin in the Senate.

The City of Caney is set to receive state grant money to help fund the City's Water Project with Coffeyville.

Caney has been awarded $1.57 million dollars through the State Water Plan Fund to help with the construction of the City's connection to Coffeyville's water system. The City applied for the grant last October and the awards were announced this week. The State Water Plan Fund was created in 1989 to provide funding for water projects and programs.

The purpose of the water line project is to help Caney with water issues that came to light during the City's water crisis brought on by a severe drought in the summer and fall of 2023.

The City is currently in the process of obtaining property easements along the proposed 15-mile route of the water line before construction can begin.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight with Public Works and a possible special election on the agenda.

Public Works Director Jim Wright will discuss the approval of a contract with J. Graham Construction for 2026 Street Improvements. Those improvements will include projects on Glen Avenue, Velma Drive, as well as Grandview, Ohio, and Parkview Streets for a total of just over $1.4 million. Wright is also expected to request Commission approval for the application of a Kansas Department of Transportation City Connecting Link Improvement Program or C-CLIP grant for $1.5 million for pavement restoration on 11^th Street near Gilham Avenue. If approved by KDOT, the city would be required to contribute $338,000 in matching funds.

Commissioners will also discuss the possibility of holding a special election in January regarding the renewal of a .5% 10-year sales tax for Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. The funds raised from the tax would be targeted specifically to EMS and pre-hospital emergency services at CRMC.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 in the Commission Room at Coffeyville's City Hall. The public is invited to attend in-person or to view the meeting online via the City's YouTube channel.

Montgomery County is set to receive $1.5 million in state funding to continue work on South Buckeye Street in Coffeyville.

The County completed the north portion of work on the road from the Coffeyville city limits to James School Road last year. County Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins says there was not enough money available to complete the entire project at that time.

This portion of the project would complete Buckeye Street from James School south to the state line. The funding from the state comes through the High Risk Rural Roads grant program. Beurskins says the cost to the county will be around $260,000.

Construction on the project would not begin until 2028. Beurskins also discussed with commissioners the possibility of a similar project on State Line Road. However, that would be a more complicated undertaking since it would require cooperation with counties on the Oklahoma side of the state line. Commissioners also agreed to reapply for Cost Share funds in hopes of paying for the replacement of a low water crossing over Drum Creek on County Road 6200 north of Cherryvale.

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

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

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

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to a water line break.

 The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Spring is here, and winter wheat is entering its prime growing season.

According to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, winter wheat jointed in east central Kansas leads the state at 13%. Southeast Kansas is not far behind at 11%. Both are higher than the statewide average of 6%.

Soil moisture continues to go the wrong direction, with now 60% of topsoil moisture rated short or very short.

A joint narcotics investigation in Parsons leads to an arrest and the seizure of methamphetamine.

The Parsons Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, execute a search warrant Saturday at a home in the 2200 block of Morgan Avenue. Officers detained Anthony Emert without incident as he returned to the residence. During the search, investigators located digital scales, packaging materials and records believed to be tied to drug sales. Authorities say more than three ounces of methamphetamine, is recovered from multiple locations inside the vehicle.

Additional items include drug paraphernalia and suspected marijuana residue. Emert was taken to the Labette County Jail with requested charges include distribution of narcotics, possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility and no drug tax stamp.

The United States Department of Agriculture offers disaster programs to assist producers impacted by wildfires.  Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says there are programs to help in a number of ways.

Fordyce says to have documents to present to local USDA service centers when applying for wildfire recovery assistance. He says to keep receipts and take plenty of pictures.

The Osage County Jail continues to deal with ongoing water issues. The jail has lost water at least six times in the past year. Osage County Sheriff Bart Perrier says this last time they were without water for eight hour.

Perrier says he has spoken to JT Darling with INCOG about possibly applying for a grant that would allow for the sheriff's office to get a water tower and generator of its own. District Three Commissioner Charlie Cartwright, who used to work at the jail, says this has been a problem for many years.

Before any grant writing gets started, a contract engineer will conduct a preliminary report to see what the scope of the project will be.

A garage is destroyed in a structure fire northeast of Fredonia.

According to Wilson County Rural Fire, this morning at around 8:45am, crews were dispatched to a home where a garage attached to a residence was heavily involved in flames, including a connecting hallway.

Firefighters made an aggressive attack and were able to keep the fire from spreading into the main portion of the house. The garage is considered a total loss, but no other damage was reported to the home.

Several stranded hikers are rescued over the weekend at Elk City State Park.

According the the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas game wardens assisted with rescuing several stranded hikers along the Elk River Hiking Trail at Elk City Lake on Saturday.

The department reports the hikers were suffering from heat-related illnesses.

The Elk River Trail runs 16 miles along the Elk River and Elk Lake, and it's known for rugged terrain, remote location and lack of cellphone service. These factors make it difficult for rescue crews to locate people in need of assistance. It often takes over an hour for rescue crews to reach a hiker’s location.

Wardens remind hikers that it's impossible to carry the amount of water required to survive if hiking the entire length of the trail. Multiple rescues occur each year because of lack of proper planning.

Photo: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

A big event is coming to Coffeyville this weekend.

It's almost time for the Inter-State Farm and Home Show this Friday and Saturday.

Organizer Tina Romine says the annual event will fill both gyms at Nellis Hall, and includes everything for the farm and home.

Romine says this is a family event, with bounce houses available for the kids while parents can view the booths. In addition, there will be lots of drawings, including Branson trips and a chance to win $500 in cash each day.

The show opens this Friday from 1 to 7 and Saturday from 8:30 to 4.

Admission and Parking are free. Learn more HERE.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College  offers a taste of outlaw country as it welcomes musician Aaron LaCombe to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

Country musician LaCombe offers audiences heart felt songs with personal stories behind them. The Austin-based Americana singer/songwriter travels the countryy playing out-of-the-way venues like theaters, listening rooms, festivals and even backyards. LaCombe has been named 2023 Josie Awards Country Male Vocalist of the year,  2021 Winner of the Texana Troubador Songwriting Competition, and  2019 Finalist in the Texas Songwriter University Competition

LaCombe will perform tomorrow night at 6pm in the Spencer Rounds Theater on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

The Cherryvale Historical Museum will host a special presentation on Saturday about forts in Kansas.

The presentation will be given by Dr. Leo Oliva. Oliva is a professor emeritus of history from Fort Hays State University who specializes in the history of 19^th century Kansas. He is the author of the book Soldiers on the Santa Fe Trail and six other books that focus on Kansas Forts. He will cover the history of historic forts such as Riley, Larned, Zarah and Dodge.

Oliva's presentation will begin at 1pm on Saturday at the Cherryvale Historical Museum at 322 East Main Street.

A Quapaw man is dead after being struck by a car on a county road in Delaware County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol 40-year-old Toby Myers had just exited his car after parking on the side of County Road South 575 just south of Dennis around 1:15 Sunday morning. That was when another vehicle driven by 35-year-old Aaron Miller of Jay approached. Miller failed to negotiate the curve and struck both Myers and his vehicle.

Myers was taken to Integris Grove Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Miller was uninjured.

A Yates Center woman is seriously injured in a weekend ATV accident.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 64-year-old Tammie Fee was traveling eastbound on Wilson Street in Yates Center Sunday just before 5pm. Fee was attempting a left turn onto Grove Street when the four-wheeler overturned on its right side. Fee was not wearing a helmet and suffered serious injuries.

She was taken to the Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola for treatment.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports responding to four different fatal rollover accidents on Kansas Highways this past weekend.

The first occurred early Friday evening in Jewel County in north central Kansas, where a Ford F-150 pickup truck was involved in a single vehicle crash. The driver 66-year-old Dennis Simonton of Richmond, Missouri, died when he lost control of the truck, causing it to leave the roadway and overturn multiple times.

The second fatal crash also happened on Friday evening just before 6pm in Butler County on the Kansas Turnpike. A southbound Honda Civic left the roadway and overturned, ejecting three of the four men inside the vehicle. The accident claimed the life of 27-year-old Dejuanique Edmondson of Concordia. Two other passengers and the driver were taken to a Wichita hospital with serious injuries.

The third fatal crash took place just before 8pm on Saturday morning in McPherson County on K-61, near the intersection with I-135.  69-year-old Mickey Mitani of Bellvue, Nebraska, died when he failed to negotiate a curve at the on ramp. His car went airborne and landed about 300 feet from the roadway. Mitani was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The fourth fatal accident occurred early on Sunday morning on US-169, about 4 miles south of Paola. A Ford F-250 hauling a trailer lost control and overturned in the median. The driver 47-year-old Jacob Vonweller of Osawatomie was killed while his female passenger suffered serious injuries. Both were ejected from the vehicle in the crash.

The Caney City Council will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss worker’s compensation insurance for city staff.

The meeting will feature a presentation from the company Acrisure to be followed by an open discussion of policies.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Those wishing to attend in person are asked to enter through the east doors.

The Kansas Forest Service continues to battle wildfires across the state as unseasonably warm weather continues.

The K-F-S and other state crews continued to fight the Gray Fire in Butler County, northeast of Beaumont. Forward progress on that blaze was stopped around 6pm on Saturday evening as crews continued to work into the night to extinguish hot spots.

Progress was also made on a large wildfire in northeast Kansas, near the Nebraska line. Crews in Marshal County used multiple water drops to slow the spread of the blaze and continue to monitor the area to prevent the fire from rekindling.

All Kansans are reminded to follow local laws and regulations with regards to burning this spring and to avoid any action that could accidentally spark a fire.

Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports that there has been a significant drop in traffic fatalities so far in 2026.

According to K-H-P, preliminary statistics indicate there have been 49 deaths in traffic accidents and Kansas highways so far in 2026. That number is a nearly 33% drop from this time in 2025.

The K-H-P and the Kansas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to take actions that can help avoid accidents. Those actions include avoiding distractions and following the posted speed limit. Drivers should also wear seatbelts and never drive while impaired.

Kansas Drive To Zero is a statewide multi-organization initiative that aims to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes on all public roads in Kansas. It leverages resources across hundreds of organizations to influence traffic safety through education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency response.

The Sedan City Council appoints a new member following a resignation and a reorganization.

At last week’s meeting, Nathan Blakenship was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the City Council. Mayor Kathy Miller calls for the vote.

Nathan Blankenship was appointed to fill the seat left open after Miller was chosen to take over as mayor. That move was made after the resignation of former Sedan Mayor Brian Blankenship last month.

Council Members also received an update on the City Finances from City Treasurer Raven Darnall. Darnall says the City’s current holdings are just over $3 million.

In other business, Council members also approved a measure to purchase a 6-foot long metal memorial bench for Mariellen Appleby for $1,650.

The Montgomery County Commission will hear details of the grant funding for work on Coffeyville’s South Buckeye Street at today’s meeting.

County Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will appear before the commission with detail from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s award letter about the project on South Buckeye that will allow the county to continue work south to the state line. There will also be a discussion of the KDOT Cost Share Program. County Administrator Jonathan Booe will review the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations Draft Request for Proposals while representatives from the County Health Department will be on hand to discuss new grants for 2027.

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

A former KGGF announcer has passed away.

Gary D. Bailey passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, surrounded by family at the age of 74.

Bailey worked on a program while in high school to become an announcer at KRAI Radio in Craig, Colorado. Gary joined the workforce immediately as a radio newscaster, sportscaster, and DJ in Winfield, Kansas.

In 1975, Bailey joined KGGF Radio in Coffeyville where he not only served as a morning news anchor but also became widely known as the voice of the Coffeyville Red Ravens until 1991.

He later worked in Independence, Kansas, as the play-by-play announcer for the ICC Pirates.

During his time in radio, Bailey also called play-by-play for area high school sports, including the Field Kindley High School Golden Tornado and the Independence High School Bulldogs. He ultimately retired in 2015 after serving eight years as the deputy court clerk in Montgomery County, Kansas.

Bailey was an avid reader and library patron from an early age and served on the Board of Trustees at the Coffeyville Public Library from 2012 to 2020, including three years as board president.

The family will hold a private memorial dinner to celebrate his life, share stories, and reflect on cherished memories. Bailey requested that all memorials in his name be made to the Coffeyville Public Library.

An Altoona man is seriously injured in a crash in Neosho County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Friday just before 9 p.m., 78-year-old Mickey Callarman of Altoona was southbound on Ford Road about 2 miles south of Earlton. His 2026 Ford F-150 crossed the center of the road to the left, went into the northbound ditch and then crossed back over into the southbound ditch. The vehicle then crossed the roadway and went back into the northbound ditch, striking a tree. Callarman was taken to a Wichita hospital with a suspected serious injury. He was not wearing a seat belt.

A Columbus man is injured in an accident involving a CAT loader.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 59-year-old Rick Martin of Columbus was driving a Caterpillar loader on NE Star Valley Road about 6 miles north of U.S. 400. As he was traveling west, the front bucket of the loader dropped and dug into the roadway.

Martin received a suspected serious injury and was transported to a Springfield hospital for treatment. The loader was owned by the Cherokee County Road and Bridge Department.

Burning in the Flint Hills is likely to continue today, which may lead to elevated air pollution through central and eastern Kansas.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, these conditions are expected to exist through Saturday. The air quality index will likely range from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, and even Unhealthy near burn activity.

Burning within the Flint Hills occurs annually to help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources.

The Coffeyville Police Department participates in a St. Patrick's Day Saturation Patrol.

On Wednesday, officers with the Coffeyville Police Department participated in a saturation patrol specifically looking for impaired drivers and taking them off the local roadways.

During this enforcement, additional officers were assigned to seek out impaired drivers.

One DUI arrest was made during this event, one other misdemeanor arrest was made in addition to the DUI and multiple other warnings issued for observed traffic violations.

The program was funded by a grant issued to the Coffeyville Police Department by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Update: A red flag warning has beed issued for the following counties from noon - 10 p.m. on Saturday:

Russell-Lincoln-Barton-Ellsworth-Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-
Chase-Reno-Harvey-Butler-Greenwood-Kingman-Sedgwick-Harper-Sumner-
Cowley-Elk-Chautauqua-

A Fire weather watch is also in effect from Saturday night through Sunday for:

Woodson-Allen-Wilson-Neosho-Montgomery-Labette

And Sunday Morning through evening for:

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

Area fire departments across the area continue to be busy ahead of higher fire danger expected this weekend.

According to the latest from the National Weather Service, a combination of above-normal temperatures, southerly winds and low humidity will result in extreme grassland fire danger tomorrow for part of southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma. Even after an expected cold front, fire danger is still expected to be high on Sunday as well.

Chautauqua and Elk Counties and areas to the north and west are included in a fire weather watch through 7 p.m. Sunday. This means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur, and red flag warnings could be issued. Local fire departments are asking everyone in the area to be careful when burning and to be mindful of anything that could cause a spark.

A pilot makes an emergency landing near Osawatomie.

Yesterday around 12:30 p.m., the Miami County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of a single-engine propeller aircraft in distress after experiencing engine failure about a mile southwest of Miami County Airport.

The pilot was able to safely land the aircraft on Old Kansas City Road, north of 335th Street before emergency personnel could arrive in the area.

The aircraft was operated by U.S. Aviation Academy. Both occupants were uninjured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. Assisting agencies included the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Osawatomie Police Department, Miami County EMS, Osawatomie Fire Department and Paola Fire Department.

Photo: Miami County Sheriff's Office

Even though it is only March, it is never to early to start thinking about Coffeyville's biggest event of the summer.

Coffeyville's Summer Celebration takes place the Saturday after the Fourth of July. Organizer Cathy Smith says this event started 20 years ago in their backyard.  Smith says they are looking for sponsors and volunteers for the event.

Smith says for those who wanted to volunteer or donate for the Summer Celebration they can contact her or Gail at (620)252-8688 or (620)252-5155. This is the 20^th year of the celebration, 10^th year it will be at Walter Johnson Park and this is America's 250^th birthday.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signs a bill banning the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day.

The Senate Substitute for House Bill 2299 has received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Kansas Legislature.

The bill requires Kansas public schools and accredited private schools to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day on school premises. These devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, computers, watches, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging devices, and personal digital assistants. Students’ personal devices must be turned off and securely stored during the school day.

Local representatives including State Senator Virgil Peck and Representative Dr. Ron Bryce have both been supportive of the legislation. Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes says she also sees the need for this.

The bill includes exceptions if a device is needed for the implementation of a student’s individualized education program or 504 plan, or if approved by a physician as a medical necessity. Students may still contact a parent or guardian via school phone. The bill does not apply to technology that is issued to students by school districts.

Local fire departments have responded to several fires over the last month and high fire risks still continues for the area.

Kansas State Meteorologist Chip Redmond says we are in the heart of our fire season.  Redmond says after relatively light winds this week he does expect winds to pick up this weekend.

Redmond says even on days of light winds when it is okay to do prescribed burns, those burns are going to require more attention. He says those fires are going to hold heat and could have a high chance of rekindling.

A new multi-million-dollar fiber internet project is in the works in Miami.

The Miami Special Utility Authority Trustees have approved contracts for materials and construction of a new high-speed fiber optics system.

The entire project is expected to cost an estimated $11 million after an initial cost of $3.6 million. The network will be owned and operated by MSUA.

Miami City Manager Tyler Cline say that high-capacity fiber services are a major diving force in economic vitality and will help keep Miami competitive.

The goal is to begin offering services to MSUA residential, commercial and industrial customers by the end of 2026.

The Miami Police Department is continuing to investigate a stabbing incident.

Wednesday night, officers were dispatched around 8:30pm to the 400 block of East Street Northwest for a reported altercation involving multiple individuals. Authorities say those involved were known to each other, and the incident was not random, there is no ongoing threat to the public. While officers were responding, some individuals fled on foot and another left in a vehicle.

Officers later located that vehicle and identified the driver as the stabbing victim, who was transported to a hospital and is in stable condition. One person was detained and questioned but not arrested. Police say the victim has not been cooperative with investigators. The case remains under active investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Miami Police Department at (918)542-5585.

An Osage County man is indicted by a federal grand jury after allegedly making false statements about a plot to kill an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

Authorities say 51-year-old Abram Lee Hiram Hobbs, of Burbank, is charged with making false statements to a federal agency. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Michel is prosecuting the case.

Hobbs is currently in the Osage County Jail on charges of being a fugitive from justice and escape from arrest or detention for a felony. He was booked on January 2^nd after being taken into custody on December 29^th for cutting his ankle monitor off and fleeing on earlier in December.

The Cherryvale FFA is inviting the community to come out and support its students this weekend.

The group will host its annual Work Day Sale on Sunday at 1:00pm at the Cherryvale Community Center. A free BBQ dinner will be served, and the highlight of the event will be a work sale auction featuring 40 FFA students, each donating six hours of their time for various jobs and projects.

Cherryvale FFA says it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a meal while supporting local students and their efforts. Everyone is encouraged to attend.  

Kansas State Junior Sheep Producer day is set for April 11^th.

K-State Extension Assistant and Youth Livestock Program Coordinator Lexie Hayes says this is a one day educational opportunity for youth and their families to come and learn about their sheep project.  Hayes says there are a couple of other special events that are affiliated with Junior Sheep Producer day.

Hays says the cost for the Junior Sheep Producer day is $20 per person if registration is submitted by today. All attendees, including youth and adults, must register. Only those who register by the deadline will receive a tshirt. More information and the link to register is available here.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Madison public water supply system located in Greenwood County.

The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Madison indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  

Several grass fires have been reported around southeast Kansas over the last 24 hours.

In Wilson County, crews were paged out around 2:45 a.m. this morning for a grass fire north of Roper.

According to the Wilson County Rural Fire Department, crews put out what they could but due to the extremely rough conditions, but some of the fire had to be left to continue burning. Local fire departments are reminding all to be very careful during the spring burning season.

Photo: Wilson County Rural Fire Department

Applications are now open for the 2026 Leadership Coffeyville class.

Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says this is a great opportunity to learn something about Coffeyville.  Westbrook says classes for Leadership Coffeyville meet every other week

There is an evening reception on August 18th, the class retreat on August 25th and the first class on September 8th.  This is the 40^th year of Leadership Coffeyville. Applications for the class can be found here. They are due by July 10^th.

A meeting is coming up in Independence for anyone involved in the Farmers' Market.

Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says this will be a good chance to meet with everyone ahead of this year's season.

The meeting will be on Tuesday, March 24^th at the City Hall Commission Room at 120 N 6^th St at 6 p.m. Anyone with questions can call the Chamber at 620-331-1890.

While the recent cold snap may have put a damper on some trees and plants, this year's winter wheat crop was unaffected.

According to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, winter wheat condition is rated at 54% either good or excellent, 32% fair, and only 16% poor or very poor.

While there hasn't been a lot of rain recently, topsoil moisture across the state is listed at 47% adequate, while subsoil moisture is 49% adequate.

A Bartlesville woman is facing a felony charge after allegedly using church funds for personal expenses.

37-year-old Heather Kingston was charged with embezzlement. According to Bartlesville Police, Kingston is accused of taking more than $21,000 from a local church between 2022 and 2025.  Investigators say the money was used for a variety of personal expenses, including medical and phone bills, insurance, DoorDash, massages and online payments.

BPD says Kingston admitted during a March 13^th interview to using the church credit card and giving herself extra money during employee bonus periods. Kingston is scheduled to appear in court April 17^th. She has been released on her own recognizance bond.

A suspect, who brought a rifle onto the campus of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, is located and taken into custody.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, officers identified and located a vehicle connected to the incident shortly after 1:00pm this afternoon. Officers made contact with 18-year-old Drakelyn Cluen, who was arrested on a warrant for unlawfully carrying a firearm in certain places. The firearm was also recovered. Police say the incident began earlier in the day, when officers were called just after 11:00am about somone displaying a rifle on campus. Investigators determined the individual arrived around 10:40am, removed a rifle from the trunk of a vehicle, and placed it on the hood before taking photographs near the university’s Eagle statue. The firearm was then returned to the vehicle, and the suspect left campus.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University was placed on a brief lockdown while officers responded and cleared the area. Deputy Chief Troy Newell praised the response, saying the quick resolution reflects the coordination and professionalism of officers, with safety remaining the top priority. Cluen had been booked into the Washington County Jail last week on misdemeanor charges including DUI, carrying a firearm while under the influence and transporting an open container. He later posted bond in that case. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accident involving a two-year-old.

Just before 6:00pm Monday, dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a child had been backed over by a truck on a farm northwest of Elsmore. The child’s parents began driving toward the hospital while remaining on the line with emergency dispatch.

First responders met the family about three miles east of Humboldt, where the child was transferred to an ambulance and taken to Allen County Regional Hospital. She was later airlifted to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where she died from her injuries. Authorities say no foul play is suspected, and the incident appears to be a farm accident.

With the start of severe weather and spring storms it is important to be weather aware during this time of the year.

K-State Meteorologist Chip Redmond says this is a great time to make a severe weather plan.  Redmond says he encourages parents to put a plan in place to help comfort kids during this stressful time.

Redmond says after the recent cold front he expects temperatures to warm up and stay fairly calm until the end of the month, where the area might see more of an active weather pattern. Stay tuned to KGGF for severe weather coverage.

A former Bonner Springs police detective is arrested following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The KBI says 39-year-old Kyle Rector of Kansas City, Kansas, was arrested this afternoon. Investigators say the case began in late January when Bonner Springs Police requested assistance. They said Rector used department resources while on duty to monitor and stalk his spouse. His employment had already been terminated. During the investigation, authorities also reported discovering child sexual abuse material.

Rector faces multiple charges, including stalking, breach of privacy, sexual exploitation of a child, unlawful computer acts and official misconduct. He was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the KBI.

Multiple departments respond to a structure fire in Elk Falls.

Last night just after 7:30 p.m., a structure fire was reported in the 100 block of 7th Street in Elk Falls. Upon arrival, Elk Falls fire crews found flames and heavy smoke visible. Another page was requested for tanker support and tankers from Elk Falls, Longton, Grenola, Moline and Howard along with engines. Additional tanker support was requested from Atlanta.

During the firefighting efforts, A Howard firefighter sustained minor injuries and was briefly trapped from a ceiling collapse in the attached garage. While firefighters on the outside worked to free him he was able to get out of the building.

At this point offensive operations were ceased and the structure evacuated with crews transitioning to exterior defensive operations. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. The structure is expected to be a total loss. The last crew cleared the scene by 2 a.m.

Photo: Elk Falls Rural Fire Department

The City of Miami will begin flushing fire hydrants in the southern part of the City on March 24.

The Miami Fire Department will be completing flow testing and maintenance on the city's fire hydrants. Water customers in the area where the flushing is underway may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration is harmless and can be cleared by letting the water run for a few minutes.

Firefighters will be putting out door hangers in affected neighborhoods this week. Those with questions can contact the Miami Fire Department at 918-541-2291

The final severe weather spotter training sessions of the spring 2026 season are coming up in the next week.

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, and how to report hazardous weather and severe weather safety.

There will be a session tonight in Bentonville at the Walmart Auditorium. Next week, includes session on Monday in Iola at the Creitz Recital Hall - Bowlus Basement  , Tuesday in Winfield at Cowley Cinema 8 , Wednesday in Pittsburg at PSU Bicknell Family Center , and Thursday in Independence. All sessions begin at 6:30pm at Memorial Hall.

A small bar in Cherokee, Kansas, hits a legal road bump as its owner attempt to sell the business.

The Idle-A-While Bar and Grill has been in operation since 1935, but closed recently as the owners attempted to sell it. The bar is located near a church but had been grandfathered in to allow it to continue in business. However, a recent closure caused the bar to lose its license, eliminating the grandfather clause.

The owners of the bar say that the church has been trying to buy the property at 50% of the asking price and that there has been no legal violation that would cause the business to lose its license. Church leaders say the offer was made long before the City made any decisions on licensing.

One man is in custody following the theft of copper wiring in Sand Springs.

Deputies from the Osage County Sheriff's Office responded on Friday afternoon to reports of the theft of copper wire in progress. Authorities arrived on the scene near north State highway 10 to find two men. Both suspects fled into the nearby woods.

Deputies were able to locate one of the suspects, identified as 66-year-old Davey Cornelius. Cornelius was arrested and taken to the Osage County Jail in Pawhuska where he faces a felony charge of entering a structure with the intent of stealing copper. 

Police are still looking for the second suspect in the case. That individual is described as a white male in his 20s. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white sweatshirt and shorts. If you have any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of the second suspect, you are asked to call the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 918-287-3131.

A Bartlesville woman is facing a felony charge after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

60-year-old Brandi Self was charged on Friday with aggravated DUI.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Self was allegedly involved in a single-vehicle crash on March 12. Officers say Self drove her car backwards through a ditch and then hit a property fence.

Authorities say she admitted to drinking before driving the vehicle.

She was given a $5,000 bond. Her next court date is set for Friday.

Montgomery County is set to receive state funding to complete a major road project south of Coffeyville.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced that the county has been awarded $1.5 million through the High Risk Rural Road program for pavement marking and asphalt widening on South Buckeye, from James School Road to the state line.

The High Risk Rural Roads Program is a federal-aid initiative aimed at enhancing safety and reducing crash rates on rural roads. It targets roads with crash rates higher than the statewide average or those with the potential to exceed this average.

Through the program, Montgomery County will be required to provide a match of $260,000. The South Buckeye project is one of 13 similar projects state-wide that were selected to receive funding.

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

The job fair will occur online from Friday, March 27, starting at 8am through Sunday, March 29 at 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.

“As spring starts to roll in, so are new career opportunities — and they’re showing up all across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re a company looking to expand your staff — or a jobseeker looking for a new career — we have something for you right here in the Sunflower State.

To register, follow this link.

The Sedan City Council will meet tonight with several items of business on the agenda

Tonight's meeting will begin with a public hearing to vacate an Alley way in Block 4 of the City. Council members will also discuss procedures for training, tavel, and meal reimbursement, the bench for Maryellen Appleby, and the Sedan Police Department ads for the newspaper.

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

The Wilson County Commission hears a report from the Sheriff on recent lightning damage to the Law Enforcement Center.

At the most recent commission meeting Wilson County Sheriff Pete Kuhn reported that lightning had caused some damage to the security cameras at the Law Enforcement Center or L-E-C in Fredonia. Kuhn also discussed two quotes for the cleaning of 14 HVAC units at the L-E-C. Commissioners approved the quote from Studebaker Refrigeration in Fredonia for $2,100.

In other business, County Coordinator Kris Marple presented grant applications to Kansas Department of Health and Environment on behalf of the Health Department for just over $78,000. Road & Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum discussed road work on 150 Road. He also presented right-of-way permits for Brightspeed’s fiber project from Fredonia to New Albany.

The next Wilson County Commission meeting will be on March 25 at the courthouse in Fredonia.

Multiple people are seriously injured in an afternoon accident in Cherokee County.

The accident occurred Monday at around 3:15pm at the intersection of Southwest 20^th Street and US-166, or about 7 miles west of Baxter Springs.26-year-old Timothy Sherman of Miami was traveling southbound on 20^th Street when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with US-166. There, his 1993 Chevy C-15 was struck by an oncoming 2021 GMC Yukon driven by 40-year-old Jacob Crawford of Copan. Sherman was seriously injured in the crash. Crawford suffered minor injuries, but three passengers in his truck were seriously injured as well. They have been identified as 38-year-old Jordan Crawford of Copan, 21-year-old Gavin Stimpson of Caney, and a 14-year-old female also from Caney. A 17-year-old female from Niotaze also received minor injuries.

All were taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin for treatment.

Two people are injured following a two-vehicle accident southeast of Weir.

The crash occurred just before 5pm Monday evening at the intersection of Northeast Liberty Road and 60^th Street. A 2022 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by 35-year-old Jeremy Gullick of Galena had entered the unmarked intersection of the two rural roads when a 2006 Dodge Dakota driven by 39-year-old Richard Coles of Weir failed to yield. The Dakota struck Gullick's truck, causing it to overturn.

Both men were taken to Pittsburg's Mercy hospital with minor injuries.

The Cherryvale City Council cancels this week's meeting due to a lack of quorum.

At Monday's meeting, council members were expected to give their approval to start the bid process for a concrete foundation and slab for a new animal control building and dog run for the city.  However, with not enough council members present to conduct city business, that issue along with the rest of the action items on the March 16^th agenda will be revisited at the April 6^th Council meeting.

The Montgomery County Commissioner, Rural Fire, and Emergency Management review the process and results of last week’s burn ban.

District Fire Chief Michael Smith and County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson addressed commissioners at this week’s meeting. Whitson says one of the steps he and Smith took before issuing last week’s burn ban was to consult with Commissioner Phil Clubine, who farms in the county.

Last week’s ban was issued on Wednesday night and was set to last until Saturday. However, conditions changed and the ban was lifted on Friday morning. Clubine says the County’s goal is balancing safety with the needs of farmers and ranchers.

Last week, Montgomery County also sent several units to assist the State Fire Marshal’s Office in other parts of the state. Commission Chair Mike Cordray says helping other areas of the state means Montgomery County will be able to get similar assistance if conditions warrant.

Rick Whitson told commissioners that they are keeping a close watch on conditions in case another burn ban is warranted this week, but adds that, at this time, another ban seems unlikely.

Work is underway this week on a stretch of US-400 between the US-75 junction and the Wilson County line.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will be repairing concrete pavement along 2.2 mile section of the four-lane highway just south of Neodesha. A traffic light will guide one lane of traffic through the work zone during the early stage of the project. Travelers can expect delays of no more than 10 minutes and a reduced speed through the work zone. Traffic will be reduced to one lane as work progresses to the north. When the northbound lanes are finished, work will move to the southbound lanes.

The project is expected to be complete by May. KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511.

A Cherryvale home is a total loss after a structure fire.

According to Independence Fire/EMS, which provided mutual aid with the Cherryvale Fire Department, units responded to the call early Monday morning just after midnight. A house in the 600 Block of N Labette Street in Cherryvale was fully involved. Despite heavy winds, the fire was eventually extinguished.  No one was injured in the incident.  The Cherryvale Fire Department was also assisted by Cherryvale Rual Fire and the Cherryvale Police Department.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Members of the community have organized a relief effort for the Ferguson Family who lost their home in the fire. Donations to help the family can be dropped off at Cherryvale's Laundry at 216 W Main. A list of needed clothing sizes is available here:

Clothing Sizes Needed:

Zach – Shirts M, Pants 32/32

Cheyenne – Shirts M, Pants 12/14, Bottoms M/L

Bentley, Baker, Lane – 10/12

Drayton – Men’s L

Elaina – 5T, Diapers Size 6

Finley – 4T

Monetary donations:

Venmo – Zachary_Ferguson

The Nowata County Treasurer and Commission Secretary Resign.

At Monday's Nowata County Commission Meeting, commissioners formally accepted the resignation of County Treasurer Rachael Marrs.

Marrs did not give a specific reason for her resignation, but says this has been a hard decision.

Marrs' resignation will go into effect April 2. The board also accepted the resignation of Nowata County Commissioner's Secretary Alexandria Dennison. Her resignation will go into effect on March 27^th.

Several area communities will share in a part of $22 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Through the grant program the City of Coffeyville will receive $700,000 for the water and sewer department, while Independence was awarded $637,000 for use on community facilities. Neodesha also received a $750,000 grant for economic development. Each grant will require some level of matching funds from the community.

“These investments demonstrate the power of partnership between local communities, the State of Kansas and federal resources,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through CDBG, rural communities are able to tackle otherwise unaffordable projects that strengthen infrastructure, expand childcare, improve housing and enhance quality of life for Kansans.”

The Kansas Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Control Division announces the results of a months long investigation into vape shops selling unauthorized alcoholic beverages.

The investigation began last September following a formal complaint alleging that Kratom Extract liquid products, commonly marketed as “shots," contained alcohol and were being sold without proper licensing. The investigation targeted stores in 10 cities across the state including some in El Dorado, Ark City, and Pittsburg. Following the execution of search warrants and the seizure of products, ABC says criminal charges will be submitted to the respective county attorney’s offices for review and prosecution.

The Caney City Council will meet tonight with several items of business up for consideration.

On the agenda for tonight's meeting is a discussion of a city ordinance affecting Industrial Water Rates and the water protection fee. Council members will also go over the worker's Compensation providers for the April 1^st renewal. Also on tonight's agenda is the acceptance of Sarah Hewitt as the easement attorney for the Coffeyville Water Line project and the acceptance of the resignation of a member of the Planning and Zoning Board.

There will also be an executive session to discuss personnel matters. Following tonight's meeting, there will also be a workshop to discuss the keeping of livestock within the city limits.

Tonight's Caney City Council meeting begins at 6:30 at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

The Altamont City Council is discussing its options when it comes to paying for some much needed repairs to the City sewer system.

Last summer, the council approved taking out a $750,000 State Revolving Fund loan to cover the cost of the repairs, which included maintenance to sewer lagoons, lift stations, and sewer mains. This prompted the city to raise sewer rates to $45. City Administrator LeeAnn Myers says the City may be forced to raise rates again.

Council Member Lyle Sykes says, the City does not want to raise rates, but repairs must be made, and there may be no other choice.

One Altamont citizen present at the meeting says such an increase would be a hardship for many residents.

No action was taken on the issue at last week’s meeting. City officials say they will continue to pursue solutions that would limit the burden on rate payers.

The Independence City Commission approves the purchase of a new truck for the Independence Fire Department.

At last week’s City Commission meeting, Independence Fire Chief Aaron Cook told the commission that the department’s current pumper truck is showing wear and tear and is no longer adequate for the fire department’s need. Cook says the addition of the new truck would improve the department’s ability to respond to fires.

The nearly $900,000 purchase price comes at a time when the department is finishing the payments on another vehicle. City Finance Director Lacey Lies says the purchase should not have a significant impact on the City’s budget.

Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of the 2026 Spencer Manufacturing Pumper Stock Build 1697 with a 1,000 gallon tank and a 2,000 GPM pump. The truck is expected to be delivered to the department in early May.

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to start a bridge deck replacement project on US-75 in Osage County this week.

Work will begin on Wednesday on the Marais des Cygnes River bridge, just north of the K-31 interchange located about 21 miles north of Burlington. The bridge will be restricted to one lane, and traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic signals for the duration of the project. Motorists should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes. A 12-foot width restriction will also be in place through the work zone.

The $4.4 million project is expected to be complete by early December.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds to two weekend reports of grass fires.

The first call came in just before 5pm on Friday night. Units were paged for a reported grass fire in the northern part of Wilson County. Firefighters conducted some backfires and were able to bring the blaze under control.

Units were called into service again on Saturday afternoon around 2pm for a report of another grass fire east of Neodesha. That fire was determined to be a controlled burn that had not been called in. Wilson County Rural Fire reminds residents, according to the law, controlled burns must be brought to the attention of County Dispatchers. Wilson County residents who plan controlled burns must report them by calling 620-378-2369. Reporting planned burns helps fire agencies know where and when planned burns will be conducted and keeps fire crews and trucks ready to respond in case of an actual emergency.

A recent traffic stop in Crawford County leads to three arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine.

Last Thursday, a police officer in Mulberry, KS, located about 8 miles northeast of Frontenac, observed a driver commit a traffic violation. The detective identified the driver as 63-year-old John L. Pelican of Pittsburg and his two passengers as 46-year-old Rosanna I. Closs and 41-year-old Tonya L. Burger, both also of Pittsburg. Closs had an active warrant for her arrest and was taken into custody.

A K-9 officer responded to the scene with his handler and conducted an open-air sniff. The dog then  alerted to narcotics in the vehicle and a probable cause search was conducted. During this search, drug paraphernalia consistent with the use of methamphetamine was located. The investigation led to the discovery of approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine that was located on Pelican's person. Both Pelican and Burger were then placed under arrest and transported to the Crawford County jail.

Investigators with the Pittsburg Police Department then applied for and were granted a search warrant for a related residence in in the 1400 block of North Michigan Street in Pittsburg. Agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation joined Pittsburg Police and Crawford County Sheriff’s deputies in the search which revealed  large amount of suspected methamphetamine was seized, along with other controlled substances, firearms, suspected stolen property, and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

A man wanted in Montgomery County is captured in Texas.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, authorities had been searching for 50-year-old Terry Wayne Richardson for some time. Deputies say Richardson was on the run, moving between states and using a variety of aliases in order to avoid capture. However, Richardson was captured and taken into custody last week in Bell County, Texas.

Authorities have not revealed what charges Richardson is facing.

Five people, including three children, are injured in a weekend car accident in Crawford County.

The accident occurred just before 11am on Saturday near the intersection of Ford Avenue and Rouse Street near the Pittsburg State campus. The two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on Rouse when the driver of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade 35-year-old Ashley Rook of Noel, MO, attempted a left turn in front of the oncoming 2026 Kia Carnival. The collision caused both vehicles to spin.

The driver of the Kia 37-year-old Tyler Conyers of Pittsburg along with passenger 35-year-old Christina Conyers and three minor children all sustained minor injuries. All five were transported to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg for treatment. No one in the Escalade was injured.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and discuss the purchase of several pieces of large equipment for the Rural Fire Department.

District Fire Chief Michael Smith will appear before the commission to go over several bids for a new skid unit as well as the potential purchase of a new pumper truck. Labette Health CEO Brian Williams will also be at today’s meeting to go over the EMS Interlocal Agreement, the SEK Health Co-op, and the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program grant. County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson will also be on hand to review the recent county-wide burn ban.

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.

National Ag Week is underway, as we recognize the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses that form the backbone of our communities.

Tune in throughout the week on The Mighty 690 for some special features commemorating the week, brought to you by Bartlett Co-op.

In addition to National Ag Week, National Ag Day is coming up on March 24th.

The Cherryvale City Council is expected to open the bid process for the foundation of a new animal shelter.

On tonight's agenda is the approval to start the bid process for a concrete foundation and slab for a new animal control building and dog run for the city. If the measure is approved, bids will be accepted until noon on April 20^th.

The Council will also hear an update on the zinc smelter site K-D-H-E application at tonight's meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall in Cherryvale.

***** Update 7 a.m. 3-15 *****

High winds are still expected for today, with gusts up to around 50 mph possible for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

Snow chances have now decreased, with a light dusting expected for the region.  Wind chills Monday morning will be near zero.

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

Very strong winds are expected Sunday for Kansas and Oklahoma.

While the strongest winds are expected west of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, the area is still under a high wind warning from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. Sunday.

Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph are possible with gusts up to 60 mph.  Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.   Widespread power outages are expected, and travel will be difficult.

In addition, a light dusting of snow is possible Sunday afternoon for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, with up to a half inch of snow possible for the Chanute area.

Fire destroys a home near Columbus.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, around 5:40 p.m. yesterday, crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire southwest of town off Southwest 30th Street on Messer Road.

Upon arrival, crews encountered an older two-story structure with heavy fire involvement. Due to the advanced condition of the fire and the structure itself, the home quickly became fully engulfed despite aggressive firefighting efforts.

Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy, focusing on protecting nearby structures and surrounding exposures. While the primary residence was a total loss, crews were successful in preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring properties.

There were no injuries reported.

Multiple area fire departments responded to assist with manpower and water supply operations, as well as as Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Cherokee County EMS.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Photo: Columbus Fire Rescue

The Washington County Emergency Management Director receives statewide recognition.

During the recent Oklahoma Emergency Management Association conference in Oklahoma City, Washington County Emergency Management Director Kary Cox was recognized with a Lifetime Contribution to Emergency Management Award.

Cox has served for 40 years in emergency management, with 31 of those in Washington County and 9 years in Beaver County. He has built 2 successful EM programs and assisted several others.

**** Update *****

According to a member of the task force, the group has now been stationed in Hays, where where the potential for fires to break out is worse.

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

The firefighting task force from Montgomery County helps with wildfire control in Central Kansas.

A four -ruck, eight-man team deployed yesterday morning to assist with an out-of-control wildfire in Marysville yesterday.

According to the Dearing Fire Department, the task force has now been released from Marysville and will standby in Salina until tomorrow.

Photo: Dearing Fire Dept.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after allegedly operating someone's vehicle without consent.

39-year-old Clifford Brunelle was charged on Friday with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, the victim dropped off his car at a repair shop on Aug. 14, 2025. On Aug. 20, the shop needed to perform additional repairs on the vehicle due to a scratch. The victim allegedly told authorities that Brunelle was supposed to drop off the vehicle at the victim's residence once repairs were complete.

Brunelle allegedly stopped contacting the victim regarding repair updates to the vehicle on Aug. 23. The victim appeared at the repair shop on Jan. 19, 2026, to ask about his vehicle and was told that Brunelle does not work at the repair shop anymore. The victim reported the car as stolen.

Later in the year, Brunelle was stopped by authorities on Oct. 6 and Nov. 5 operating the victim's vehicle. The vehicle was located in front of the victim's residence on Jan. 27.

Brunelle will appear in court again on March 20 at 9 a.m. His bond is set at $2,500.

Two Ochelata residents are facing felony charges after allegedly providing insufficient care for minor children.

28-year-old Deanna Askew and 29-year-old Taylor Askew were charged on Friday with child neglect. Deanna Askew faces an additional felony charge of feloniously pointing a firearm.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, on March 11, Taylor woke up to Deanna pointing a firearm at his face. During a struggle for the weapon, the firearm went off. Deanna allegedly struck Taylor in the back with a deer antler. After Taylor seized control of the firearm, he notified authorities of the incident.

Once the Sheriff's Department arrived, Deanna was uncooperative with authorities and was located in the bathroom holding her children. Authorities searched the residence and found it in poor condition. Authorities allegedly located an ax four feet off the ground, alcoholic beverages and medicine bottles within the reach of children. 

Deputies observed that the children appeared to have not been cleaned in an extensive period of time and the bathtub was unusable due to trash and dishes. Rotten food, various insects and mice were also seen throughout the residence.

Both individuals will appear in court again on March 20 at 9 a.m. Deanna Askew's bond is set at $50,000. Taylor Askew's bond is set at $30,000.

The burn ban in Montgomery County is now lifted.

After reviewing the weather conditions for today through the weekend, the situation across the state and contacting the state fire marshals office, Montgomery County Emergency Management has decided to lift the countywide burn ban effective today (Friday, March 13th) at 9:00 am.

However, they do ask that as always you please burn responsibly.

Firefighters from Montgomery County are traveling to central Kansas to assist in an out-of-control wildfire.

Last night, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office at the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka sent a request for a wildfire task force to local emergency management.

Montgomery County has assembled a four truck, eight person team that deployed this morning at 6 am for Marysville on a 2 day assignment to assist Marshal County with the wildfire.

The task force includes crews from Cherryvale, Independence, Dearing and Coffeyville.

Photo: Montgomery County, KS 

Crews include: 

Cherryvale Rural Fire Brush 11

  Ben Grice - Task Force Leader

  Billy Myers

Independence City Brush 1

  John Garcia

  Mike Woldum Jr

Dearing Rural Fire Brush 23

  Ron Barrett

  Billy Foster

Coffeyville City Squad 2

  Kolbyn Hooper

  Caleb Horn

A California-based company that is set to build an underground nuclear reactor near Parsons holds an open meeting to address questions and concerns.

The Deep Fission company hosted an open event last night in Parsons. Area residents were invited and given a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns about the project. The company plans to build a  modular pressurized water reactor that will be installed in a borehole one mile underground at the Great Plains Industrial Park, located on the east side of the City.

Many who attended the meeting were expecting a formal presentation with a question and answer session. However, what they got was more of an informal meet-and-greet where Deep Fission leadership was available to speak one-on-one with residents. Chief Operating Officer Mike Brasel was there to speak with guests. Brasel says the meeting format was intended to give residents the opportunity to speak directly to Deep Fission leadership.

Company co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Liz Muller was also at the event. While some of those in attendance expressed frustration with the meeting format, Muller says this is just the beginning of the conversation with the community.

Deep Fission began drilling its first acquisition well at the Parsons site earlier this week. The geological, hydrological, and thermal data gathered from well help inform the final design of the reactor borehole.

Deep Fission was founded in 2023 by Muller and her father Rich. The Parsons reactor is the first for the company as part of the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program.

Area residents attend Deep Fission meeting

CEO Liz Muller (left) listens to a question from an area resident

A Parsons Police officer is honored as the 2025 Officer of the Year.

The Parsons Police Department has announced that  Detective Sergeant Tony Adamson has been named the 2025 Officer of the Year by Parsons VFW Brown-Bishop Post #704, Adamson has more than 17 years of law enforcement experience, having started his career in 2008 as a Reserve Officer with the Coffeyville Police Department. He first joined the Parsons Police Department in 2012 and has served the Parsons community in a variety of roles. After serving as a Labette County Sheriff's Deputy K-9 officer, Adamson returned to P-P-D in 2022, where he currently serves in the Domestic Violence Unit.

Parsons Deputy Police Chief Dennis Dodd praised Adamson's commitment and leadership within the department.

The Officer of the Year honor recognizes Adamson's service, leadership, and commitment to the citizens of Parsons and Labette County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a pavement patching and bridge repair project near Humboldt on Monday.

The work zone will be located on US-169 from the 1150^th Street exit north to Arizona Road. During construction, US-169 will be limited to one lane of traffic. Drivers will be guided through the area by a traffic light, with delays expected to be no more than 10 minutes.

The project will be constructed in three phases with the final completion expected by May. KDOT urges all motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

A man is arrested in Independence following a burglary report.

Officers from the Independence Police Department responded to a call of a possible vehicle burglary on Wednesday night. Police were called to the 700 block of Washington Street just after 9pm that evening. A suspect was located at the scene and an investigation revealed that the individual had an outstanding warrant in Montgomery County.

47-year-old Michael E. Anderson was taken into custody and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a charge of criminal threat.

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

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

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

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to a water line break.

 The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The Independence City Commission agrees to help cover the cost of a sidewalk replacement project near the new Wildcat Extension District Office on West Myrtle.

The Wildcat Extension District has asked the City to help share in the cost of replacing about 800 square feet of sidewalk at the new location at 712 West Myrtle. City Manager Kelly Passauer says the District has asked for a similar agreement to one that was given to USD 446.

The City was asked to help cover 50% of the cost of the project, up to $4,600, with the money coming from economic development funds. Mayor Dean Hayse says he supports the measure because of the economic benefits the Extension District provides.

Commissioner Scott Smith opposed the measure. He says it's a matter of fairness.

The final vote on the measure was 2 to 1, with Smith as the lone no vote.

The Independence Lions Club is holding its annual ham and bean lunch this weekend.

For just a $10 donation, you can get a bowl of ham and beans, cornbread and a variety of desserts. Organizer Andy Taylor says this event is always anticipated by the community.

Taylor says the money raised at the event will go towards community projects.

The ham and bean lunch will be this Saturday, March 14th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wesley Center in Independence at 200 S Penn Avenue.

The Coffeyville FFA Chapter places in a regional competition.

On Tuesday, six FFA students traveled to Iola to compete in the Southeast District Ag Sales and Dairy Judging Competitions.

Chapter Reporter Tyler Thompson says this is one of many events they compete in through the year.

In Ag Sales, Bennett Thompson placed 7th overall. Vice President Cavin Schaplowsky says the event is good practice for public speaking.

The dairy judging team also placed second overall, with Avery Sells taking 1st and Alek Plute receiving 7th individually. Chapter members also report good turnout and participation among future members during the recent National FFA Week.

Photo: Coffeyville FFA Chapter

A local effort in Coffeyville is putting together 100 care packages to send to the troops.  Organizer Mike Golden says when he was serving he received a package like this and it made a big impact on him.  

Golden says their looking for items like playing cards, travel items and thank you cards and notes. He says they are also looking for money to help cover the cost of shipping the boxes.

Golden says there isn't a specific ship date at the moment but they are hoping to starting packaging them up by the end of the month. Anyone who wants to provide help or make a donation can contact Golden at (620)238-2931.

The City of Coffeyville assumes daily operations of the Coffeyville Animal Shelter.

CFA Board Director Becky Barnhart says this is a partnership with the City and not a takeover by the City.  When it comes to an online presence, Barnhart says CFA will continue to run their Facebook page, but there will also be a City page for the Shelter as well.

The City will oversee daily shelter operations, staffing and facility management. Coffeyville Friends of Animals will continue serving as the shelter’s nonprofit partner, helping provide donations, toys, medical support and fundraising efforts that directly benefit the animals.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight and discuss another round of dangerous and unsafe structures.

The City has made a priority of dealing with such properties over the past year and will hold Public Hearings on nine more structures at tonight's meeting. Commissioners will also consider a request from the Wildcat Extension District to share in the cost of sidewalk replacement on West Myrtle. Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall in Independence. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the City's website.

Some major renovations are coming to the Professional Building in downtown Independence.

A Kansas City-based real estate company has secured funding to renovate the building at 201 North Penn or on the northwest side of the intersection of Penn and Myrtle. April Nutt with the Independence Housing Authority says the group has big plans for the historic building.

U.S. Federal Properties plans to convert the Professional Building into a 48-unit, multi-family apartment structure at a cost of around $9 million. The building was originally built in 1920 as the Commercial Bank of Independence. Executive Vice President of U.S. Federal Properties Mike Belew says the firm intends to return to the historic nature of the building by enclosing the lower level.

The building will offer 1 and 2 bedroom units as well as some studio apartments with rents expected to be between $800 and $1,200 a month. While the additional housing in Independence may be welcome, some wonder where those people will park downtown. Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer says it's an issue the City is working on.

At this time, Belew says U.S. Federal is planning on breaking ground in September with the opening slated for Fall of 2027.

The community of Fort Scott is mourning the loss of a 3-year-old boy who died in a house fire on Tuesday morning.

Authorities say Fort Scott firefighters responded to the scene in the 2300 block of Jewel Avenue around 5:30 Tuesday morning. The child – identified as Kai Alexzander Nelson – was reportedly spending the night at his grandparents' home when the fire occurred. Family members say both of the boy's grandparents were in the home at the time of the blaze but were unable to reach Kai to get him to safety. The grandmother sustained minor burns.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday to confirm the cause of death for the medical examiner. The fire remains under investigation by the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office.

The Coffeyville Fire Department is looking sharp thanks to a little help from students from the Field Kindley High School.

Students from the FKHS Computer Graphics 2 class designed and delivered a new logo for the Fire Department. Firefighters and students worked together to install the new logo in the Coffeyville Emergency Services building on 11^th Street. The project provides an example of how local schools can help the community while providing real-life experiences for students.

The Cherryvale Recreation Commission announces it is going in a new direction this spring in terms of youth sports.

Instead of offering soccer leagues for kids in kindergarten through 6^th grades, Cherryvale Recreation will instead be offering youth track. The league is open to boys and girls from kindergarten through 6^th grade. Practices are set to begin in April with practices and meet schedules to be determined. Kids can sign up for the Cherryvale track league now through March 22^nd.

Cherryvale Rec says this will replace the spring youth soccer league this year.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation concludes its recent excavation efforts north of Picher with no human remains found.

The O-S-B-I along with several other agencies began efforts this week to find the remains of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible, two Welch, OK, girls who disappeared on December 30, 1999. The two 16-year-olds were discovered missing from the Freeman home after a fire broke out in the residence. In the charred remains of the home, investigators discovered the bodies of Danny and Kathy Freeman, Ashley's parents. Both had been shot execution style. Police believe the two girls were kidnapped and murdered, though their bodies have never been found.

O-S-B-I says that the current search has been concluded but the investigation remains open. Authorities ask that anyone with information on the crime to contact the O-S-B-I tip line at tips@osbi.ok.gov or by calling 1-800-522-8017.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

A Humboldt woman is injured in a single-vehicle crash in Neosho County.

38-year-old Julia Yarnell suffered minor injuries Wednesday (March 11, 2026) afternoon when her 2023 Nissan Sentra left the roadway as she traveled along Douglas Road just north of Chanute. Her vehicle entered the ditch, where it struck a field entrance. This collision caused the car to become airborne for nearly 75 feet before it came to rest on all four tires.

Yarnell was transported to Neosho Memorial Hospital for treatment for her injuries.

Montgomery County is now under an official burn ban.

Effective immediately, all outdoor burning is prohibited. This includes brush piles, land clearing, open campfires, burn barrels, and any other open flame burning not specifically authorized. The burn ban applies to all of Montgomery County and willful violations of the ban will constitute a Class A misdemeanor.

The burn ban was issued due to the recent dry, windy conditions that are likely to cause any fire to quickly spread out of control. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or uncontrolled fire immediately by calling 9-1-1.

The ban will remain in effect until Saturday night at 9pm.

The Nowata Board of Education approves the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.

Nowata Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mindy Englett presented the board with an option that was voted for by Nowata school teachers. The board approved the measure by a 3-1 vote. Board Member Todd Branstetter, who voted against the calendar, says the school year is starting too early.

Board Clerk Cheryl Askew says having the calendar approved in advance is beneficial for the district.  Nowata Public Schools will begin the 2026-2027 school year on August 13^th.

The Chanute Police Department reports three arrests during recent incidents over the last four days.

Chanute PD officers arrested 22-year-old Reagan Hare following an incident in the 1200 block of West Mulberry on Saturday. She was taken into custody on a charge of battery. Later that same day, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 4000 block of South Johnson Road, where 42-year-old Timothy Busse was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Yesterday, officers made another traffic stop in the 3300 block of South Santa Fe Avenue, resulting in the arrest of 20-year-old Braiden Turner-Warriax for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Police say the cases will be forwarded to the Neosho County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of charges.

A Dewey man is facing a felony charge after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

58-year-old Mervin Krug was charged on Monday with felony DUI, driving without a valid license, speeding and transporting an opened container of an intoxicating beverage.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), authorities performed a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling north on CR N3940 south of CR W1600. Once officers arrived at the vehicle they allegedly observed multiple alcoholic containers in the passenger seat of the ve hicle. Krug allegedly showed multiple indicators in his behavior that he was under the influence of alcohol.

Krug will appear in court again on March 20. His bond is set at $75,000. 

A convicted sex offender in Washington County is facing additional felony charges.

51-year-old Aaron Jackson, of Bartlesville, was charged on Monday with failing to register as a sex offender, living within 2,000 feet of a park as a sex offender and failing to notify address change as a sex offender.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Jackson allegedly checked in with authorities on Jan. 6 but failed to notify police of a residence change. The address that Jackson has provided authorities is allegedly within 2,000 feet of a park.

Jackson will appear in court again on March 20. His bond is set at $50,000.

Deep Fission announces that drilling has begun on its first acquisition well located east of Parsons.

The well is the first step in the installation of a modular pressurized water reactor that will be installed in a borehole one mile underground at the Great Plains Industrial Park. The well will be drilled to a depth of approximately 6,000 feet and will have a diameter of roughly eight inches. It is the first of three planned wells and represents the initial phase of site characterization and engineering validation.

Deep Fission has also completed construction of the drilling pad at the Parsons site, marking an infrastructure milestone as the company moves from the engineering phase of the project into field development. This acquisition well will help the company gather geological, hydrological, and thermal data to inform the final engineering design, safety analysis, and regulatory planning on the project.

Deep Fission is a California-based company founded in 2023 by father-daughter team Liz and Rich Muller. The Parsons reactor is the first for the company as part of the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program.

The City of Sedan votes to move forward with an effort to keep the city police department.

The Sedan city Council held its second special meeting on the issue last night to discuss options following the resignation of the Sedan Chief of Police and another officer. At the first special meeting held last Friday, many members of the community voiced their support for keeping the department as opposed to allowing the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office to take over policing in the community. The City will need to hire new officers by April in order to maintain a police force. Council Member Wellington Butler says the City must outline job requirements and, if needed, have a back-up plan.

Council Member Crystal Wade says they need to encourage many candidates to apply.

The Council voted to post two job openings: One for Police Chief with a base pay of $48,000 and a second for an officer with a pay rate from $16.50 to $18 per hour.

The Deep Fission company schedules a public meeting to address citizen questions and concerns about a proposed underground nuclear reactor to be constructed at the Great Plains Industrial Park east of Parsons.

The California-based Deep Fission company announced plans in December to place a small modular pressurized water reactor in a borehole one mile underground at the Industrial Park. The project is part of the Reactor Pilot Program from the U.S. Department of Energy and was approved by the Labette County Commission. It is also supported by the Parsons City Commission. Deep Fission announced this week that it has begun drilling on the Parsons acquisition well, The well will be drilled to a depth of approximately 6,000 feet and will have a diameter of roughly eight inches. It is the first of three planned wells and represents the initial phase of site characterization and engineering validation.

Parsons residents have expressed concerns about the project. Those concerns led to the formation of a community group called the Prairie Dog Alliance that has held several townhall meetings about the project.

Deep Fission has been in the process of meeting with Parsons area officials but has now opted for more transparency with the public. The meeting will be held tonight at the Wall Event Center, located at 2605 Main Street in Parsons, from 5 to 7pm.

Those who are unable to attend in person may submit questions or comments through the Deep Fission community page.

The meeting will also be livestreamed on FaceBook.

The Neodesha City Commission will meet today and entertain a light agenda.

Up for consideration at today's meeting will be the purchase of mowers for the street department and a yard abatement for a property in the 600 block of Walnut Street. Commissioners will set a date for the public hearing on the abatement. There will also be a discussion of a citizen concern over sewer rates.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invited to attend. A recorded version of the meeting will also be available on the City of Neodesha FaceBook page.

Photo: Commissioners Duane Banzet, Devin Johnson (Mayor), Ed Truelove

The Wilson County Commission approves a grant application for Wilson County Medical Center.

At the commission's most recent meeting, approval was given for a grant application for Wilson County Medical Center for a USDA Rural Development grant. If awarded, the money would go toward funding an ambulance facility. Commissioners also gave their approval to two Neighborhood Revitalization plans.

In other business, County Coordinator Kris Marple submitted the County Emergency Operations Plan Promulgation for the revisions submitted & approved by the Kansas Department of Emergency Management. Wilson County Appraiser Jessica Porter reported that change of value notices had been mailed out to county residents.

The Wilson County Commission will hold its next meeting today at 9am. The meeting is open to the public and is held at the Wilson County Courthouse in Fredonia.

State officials in both Kansas and Oklahoma are warning residents about a current scam circulating in both states.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond along with the Kansas Departments of Revenue and Transportation, warn that residents have reported receiving text messages that appear to be from state agencies, Scammers are impersonating the DMV and toll authorities and sending urgent texts that demand immediate payment for "unpaid traffic tickets" or "outstanding tolls." These messages often threaten license suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and Oklahoma Highway Patrol do not collect payments for traffic violations. Instead, fines are collected by the court clerk’s office. In Kansas, KDOT does not manage tolls and Kansas DMV do not notify residents of suspensions or fines via text message.

To protect yourself from potential fraud, do not click on links within suspicious texts, as doing so can expose your sensitive personal and financial data to scammers. If you believe you may actually owe a fine, verify the claim by contacting the relevant organization directly through official channels rather than using a link provided in a text. In Kansas, you can check the status of your driver's license for free on the Department of Revenue website. If you receive one of these texts, use your phone’s "Report Spam" feature before deleting the message to help prevent future attempts.

February tax receipts for the State of Oklahoma show a moderating trend after hitting a peak at the end of 2025.

Tax revenues last month totaled $1.2 billion, showing a 22.5% drop from January, driven by a decrease in income taxes, sales and use taxes, and motor vehicle taxes. However, the 12-month tax revenue totals showed an overall increase of $363 million or just over 2% from a year ago.

Unemployment remains low across Oklahoma at 3.6%, a number that is well below the national rate of 4.4%. The Oklahoma business conditions index for February was 56.1, an increase of 5 points from January. The strong rise in that number indicates accelerating manufacturing momentum, suggesting demand and production are gaining in strength after a slow-down at the end of 2025.

State Treasurer Todd Russ said that the report reinforced Oklahoma's underlying fiscal stability.

To read the full report, follow this link.

Drivers will see an increase in the speed limit on a section of road that leads in and out of Coffeyville.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says the speed limit on part East 8^th Street will increase from 30 to 40 mph.  Brubaker says the Coffeyville Traffic Safety Committee got together and made the decision to submit the speed limit increase.

The Coffeyville City Commission approved the speed limit increase as a part of the consent agenda at this week's meeting.

Changes at the state level for graduation requirements has Nowata High School making some changes of their own.

One of the changes is a requirement for math and how it will be taught. Nowata High School Principal Deedee Hewitt says the decisions the high school makes trickles all the way down.  Nowata Counselor Bridgette Smith says what the state will require to graduate.

Smith says the state's model uses eight pathways at minimum, giving a high school student the opportunity to find their career path before they graduate.

Officers from state and federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation search for two Welch, Oklahoma, girls who have been missing since 1999.

On Monday, agents from the FBI along with law enforcement agencies from Oklahoma and Kansas began a new search along the state line near Treece and Picher for Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible. The two girls went missing on December 30, 1999, during a sleepover at the Freeman house near Welch. Their absence was discovered after a fire was reported at the home. In the remains of the house, the bodies of Ashley's parents Danny and Kathy Freeman were discovered. Both had been shot execution style. Investigators believe the two girls were kidnapped and murdered but their bodies have never been found.

Three men were identified in the case. In 2020, Ronnie Busick was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the case, but he was released in 2023. The other two suspects, David Pennington and Phil Welch, have since died.

The FBI is being assisted in this most recent search by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Cherokee County, Kansas, Sheriff's Office, the Craig County, Oklahoma Sheriff's Office, the Miami Nation, the Cherokee Nation, the Quapaw Nation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Anyone with information on the case of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible is asked to contact the O-S-B-I at 1-800-522-8017 or email tips@osbi.ok.gov

Independence Police investigate a possible assault at a local business.

On Sunday, officers were called to the scene at Stoney's Grub and Pub at 2021 West Main Street for a possible assault. After an investigation, 35-year-old Brittany Allen was arrested and cited in Municipal Court on a change of battery.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight with several items up for consideration.

On tonight's agenda is the authorization to move forward with the plan to implement the Pathways Partnership Agreement for the place making package at Union Pacific Park on 8^th Street. The grant-funded project aims to expand accessible greenspace and create a more inviting public space within the downtown corridor with the addition of lighting, brick features, and potential public art . Commissioners will also be asked to approve the preliminary plat for the Brickville Subdivision, located near West 1^st Street and north Overlook Drive as well as the purchase of two patrol vehicles for the Police Department.

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 of Coffeyville YouTube channel.

A Missouri man is sentenced in the 2022 shooting deaths of two Baxter Springs men.

45-year-old Kenneth Butts of Independence, Missouri, received a sentence of two consecutive life sentences for the November 28, 2022, shooting deaths of Jeremy Murphy and Craig Guinn. Each sentence carries a minimum of 50 years before parole eligibility, meaning that Butts will have to serve 100 years plus sentences on his remaining counts before he is eligible for parole.

Butts was convicted in January of two counts of first-degree murder for the killings in addition to one count of attempted first degree murder for the shooting of Seth Guinn.

Butts was sentenced in Cherokee County District Court and will be transported to the Kansas Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

Montgomery County taxpayers have until March 27^th to file an informal appeal.

That was the word from County Appraiser Melody Kikkert. Kikkert says property tax statements went out at the end of February.

Kikkert says those who want to file an informal appeal will have until March 27^th at 5pm to do so.

Those with questions can contact the Appraiser's Office at 620-330-1050.

The Sedan City Council will hold a special meeting this afternoon to discuss the future of the Sedan Police Department.

The City has been considering its options since the resignation of Police Chief Kirk Richardson and one other high ranking member of the department last week. The City Council is examining whether to keep the police department or to disband it and turn over law enforcement activity in the City to the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. Today's meeting begins at 4pm at the Sedan City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

The Humanities Project from Coffeyville Community College  offers a journey through the blues as it welcomes the Blind Blues Man Tom Page to the Spencer Rounds Theater .

Page is a Wichita-based blind musician whose performance traces the evolution of American blues that created the cultural icon of the blind blues man. Through music and storytelling, Page traces the history of blind individuals and musicians and how their music has shaped society.

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

***** Update 11:10 p.m. *****

A line of storms will continue to move east across southeast Kansas now through 1 a.m.. A few strong to severe storms are possible with hail up to quarter size and winds of 45 to 60mph.  Storms will continue to move through northeast Oklahoma as well through the early-morning hours.

***** Update 10:23 p.m. *****

A tornado watch has been issued for the following counties in northeast Oklahoma through 4 a.m.

IN NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA

ADAIR                 CRAIG                 DELAWARE             
MAYES                 NOWATA                OKMULGEE             
OTTAWA                ROGERS                TULSA                
WAGONER               WASHINGTON OK         

***** Update 9:40 p.m. *****

Severe storms remain possible this evening for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, with the enviornment in the region still favorable for storm development.  The threat level earlier today was upgraded to a level 3 out of 5 threat, with storms expected to impact the four-state region now through 11 p.m., with the earlier tornado watch continuing.

***** Update 6:05 p.m. *****

A tornado watch has been issued for the following counties in Southeast Kansas through midnight:

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEN                ANDERSON            CHAUTAUQUA
COFFEY               DOUGLAS             ELK
FRANKLIN             GREENWOOD           JOHNSON
LABETTE              LEAVENWORTH         LINN
LYON                 MIAMI               MONTGOMERY
NEOSHO               OSAGE               WILSON
WOODSON              WYANDOTTE

Stay alert for conditons that could produce a tornado tonight.  Osage County in Oklahoma is also included in a watch.

**** Original Story *****

Severe weather is once again possible this evening for the four-state area.

The Storm Prediction Center puts the region, including Montgomery County, in the “slight” risk category today, which is a level two out of five risk.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop late this afternoon. The storms will move northeast and become more numerous mainly over south central and southeast Kansas tonight. A few severe storms could produce up to golf ball sized hail and damaging winds around 70 mph through the late evening hours. The risk for hazardous weather will then transition to heavy rainfall overnight.

There is a limited risk of severe wind and hail across northeast Oklahoma, with an elevated risk across portions of southeast Oklahoma. The tornado threat with the storms tonight is expected to be low.

KGGF will provide severe weather coverage tonight if needed.

The South Coffeyville School Board is looking to run a bond for the gym later in the year.

At last night's school board meeting, board members discussed possible dates to run the bond issue. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says he thinks April is too soon, given a bond that the City is planning to run.

Recent bond attempts have failed by just one vote. The plan with this upcoming bond would be to revisit building a new gym that would also include a storm shelter to benefit the entire school and community.

In other business, the board heard the annual independent audit report, which found no issues.

**UPDATE: Authorities have found Smith and she is safe. The endangered person advisory is canceled.

A missing Wichita teen, who was a witness in a homicide and has been missing since July was recently seen in Wilson County.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued an endangered persons advisory for 17-year-old Alexandra R. Smith who was last seen in Coyville. Her whereabouts are currently unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. Smith went missing from Wichita on July 6, 2025 when she was 16. She was last seen on Sunday at a residence in Wilson County. Smith was a witness to a homicide, and authorities are concerned for her safety.

She is a white female who is approximately five foot three inches tall and weighs around 105 pounds. She has black hair and blue eyes and may also be in the area of Fredonia or Neodesha. If you see her, call 911 immediately. Anyone with information about her whereabouts should call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

The USD 445 Board of Education considers the superintendent's recommendation for the bid of almost $2 million for the Community Elementary School roof project.

The bid for the project came from Wray Roofing, who has worked on other projects for the district. Project Manager Craig Helser says CES is the biggest elementary school in Kansas at a 140,600 square feet.

The board voted to accept the bid from Wray Roofing for $1,998,985 for the project. In other business, the board approved the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year and published the amended budget for 2025-2026.

A Humboldt man is arrested following a shooting investigation in Allen County.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Humboldt Police Department and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide that happened this weekend in Humboldt. Investigators say a woman fled a home during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, 25-year-old Malachi Davis and sought help from a neighbor. The neighbor contacted another man, 43-year-old John Kent, who then became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis.

Authorities say Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle, striking Kent, who was taken to Allen County Regional Hospital where he later died. Davis fled but was located by the Kansas Highway Patrol near La Harpe and taken into custody. He is jailed on a charge of second-degree murder.

A Coyville man is arrested following a weekend homicide investigation in Wilson County.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office say deputies were dispatched to a home in the 2100 block of 2^nd Street in Coyville after a report of gunfire. When deputies arrived, they found 37-year-old Lucas R. Pickell of Fredonia outside an RV on the property with a gunshot wound. Pickell was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Pickell had been inside the RV with three other people prior to the shooting. During an incident, 52-year-old William Wescott is suspected of shooting Pickell. Wescott was arrested at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. The KBI says the investigation remains ongoing.

The Labette County Commission receives an update on the Southeast Kansas Health COOP.

Labette Health President Brian Williams says they have six charter members.  Williams says the goal of the SEK Health COOP is to build a sustainable healthcare model through collaboration.