The Osage County Commission convened for a routine meeting at the fairgrounds on Tuesday morning.

At this week's meeting commissioners acknowledged bond proceed payments for just over $124,000. This comes from the Osage County Industrial Authority. District Two Commissioner Steve Talburt says this benefits the courthouse.

There was also one utility permit signed and a resolution was signed that authorizes the P3 Pooled Financial Program to assist with the Pawhuska Hospital. 

An application was also signed with the Department of Commerce for the Pawhuska Hospital so that they can assist with the P3 Pooled Financial Program. The hope is that by entering into this agreement, they Pawhuska Hospital will be able to make structural upgrades. 

The Osage County Commission will have their next meeting on Monday at 10am at the fairgrounds. 

Bell to Bell No Cell is now state law in Oklahoma.

This week, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a law into effect requiring Oklahoma schools to adopt policies that will prohibit students from using their phone throughout the day. Stitt had challenged districts to begin enforcment two years ago and the governor stated he is glad to see it become law. Oklahoma joins several other states including Kansas in banning phones from the classroom.

While some students have expressed frustration and anxiety over the loss of their phones during the school day, State Representative Judd Strom says many students are embracing the change.

Many students note feeling more "in the moment", engaging in more in-person socialization, and experiencing reduced stress from digital distractions or social media drama. Most parents support limiting phone use during classroom instruction. The most frequent pushback against these type of laws comes from parents who fear losing a direct line of communication during real-life school emergencies or threats. However, the new Oklahoma law makes exceptions for emergencies and documented medical needs.

Pittsburg Police are warning residents of a recent increase in vehicles thefts, especially for owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

The recent incidents have primarily occurred during the overnight and early morning hours. Detectives and patrol officers are actively investigating these incidents and have increased proactive patrols citywide to address these concerns. Investigators believe many of the incidents may be connected to a small group of individuals and law enforcement continues to investigate the crimes.

Authorities advise that residents take steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim and say anyone who suspects their vehicle has been tampered with or stolen to report it immediately as prompt reporting can assist officers in identifying suspects and recovering stolen vehicles.

Here are several steps vehicle owners can take to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim:

• Park vehicles in well-lit areas whenever possible

• Use steering wheel locks or other anti-theft devices

• Lock vehicle doors and close windows, even when parked at home

• Remove valuables from plain view

• Utilize alarms, immobilizers, GPS tracking devices, or other security features

• Never leave a vehicle running and unattended

• Do not leave keys or key fobs inside vehicles

• Install security cameras capable of recording and storing video footage of parked vehicles

• Report suspicious activity immediately, including individuals checking vehicle door handles or lingering around parked vehicles during overnight hours

The Pittsburg Police Department urges Kia and Hyundai owners to review the important safety information and security updates provided by the manufacturers:

For Kia Owners

For Hyundai Owners

The Independence City Commission approves the demolition of twenty-one structures in the City deemed dangerous and unsafe,

At Thursday's meeting, Assistant City Manager David Cowan presented the commission with a bid of just over $139,000 from Mega, LLC, of Independence, for the demolition of the condemned houses. Mayor Dean Hayse says the demolition represents the culmination of a lengthy legal process and a great deal of work by city staff.

Three other structures were excluded from the list due to pending repairs or planned demolition by the property owner.

The City Commission also held five Public Hearings on other structures deemed dangerous and unsafe. The hearings on three of those properties were adjourned until later this summer after the owners spoke at the meeting and updated the City on the progress of their repairs. The remaining two houses were given 30 days to begin improvements before condemnation will be addressed.

The City has plans to continue its efforts to remove derelict houses from neighborhoods.

Here are the houses scheduled for demolition:

1. 1018 E. Birch Street

2. 821 E. Maple Street

3. 908 E. Maple Street

4. 700 N. 12th Street

5. 417 N. 2nd Street

6. 509 N. 13th Street

7. 208 S. Earl Street

8. 108 S. Wald Ave

9. 214 S. 12th Street

10. 1020 W. Chestnut Street

11. 707 W. Cottonwood Street

12. 828 W. Cottonwood Street

13. 212 W. Laurel Street

14. 1100 W. Laurel Street

15. 720 W. Maple Street

16. 805 W. Sycamore Street

17. 917 W. Sycamore Street

18. 800 W. Chestnut( medical office building)

19. 705 Washington Street

20. 733 Washington Street

21. 300 Westminster Place

22. 1014 W. Beech Street

23. 1123 W. Main Street( mult (sic) structures)

24. 1208 W. Myrtle Street

Three of the listed structures are considered commercial and will need to go through abatement before they can be demolished.

A Lyndon man is seriously injured after colliding with a semi truck on US-54 just west of Fort Scott.

The accident happened around 9:30 Thursday morning as 58-year-old Kurtis Pagles was traveling eastbound in a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan when his vehicle crossed the center line. The Caravan struck the rear axles of a 1993 Peterbuilt driven by 21-year-old Bravon Black of Joplin. Pagles was taken to Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott with serious injuries. Black was uninjured.

The Parsons Police Department announces that the agency has achieved a prestigious state accreditation.

The the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program or KLEAP was presented on Thursday to Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks by KLEAP Chairman and Andover Police Chief Buck Buchanan. KLEAP is a voluntary statewide program designed to improve the professionalism, transparency, and accountability of law enforcement agencies. Developed by law enforcement professionals, it establishes a set of 167 rigorous, up-to-date standards that agencies must meet to earn formal accreditation. Accreditation helps ensure that policies governing areas such as use of force, pursuit operations, evidence handling, detainee care, and training meet established best practices recognized throughout the law enforcement profession. These standards provide additional safeguards for both citizens and officers while helping the department operate with greater efficiency and accountability.

 According to the KLEAP Accreditation Committee, Parsons is only the second agency in Kansas to attain KLEAP accreditation without first holding dual accreditation status with the National Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. 14 other agencies hold this dual accreditation status in Kansas.

Chief Spinks stated: "This achievement represents a tremendous amount of work and dedication by our entire department. KLEAP was created to help Kansas law enforcement agencies demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and transparency. To see our own department complete the process and meet those standards is incredibly rewarding. It shows our officers, our city leadership, and our community that we are committed to doing things the right way. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of every member of our department. From patrol officers and supervisors to administrative staff and command staff, everyone played a role in reaching this milestone. Accreditation confirms what we have always believed, that the Parsons Police Department is committed to professional policing and providing the best possible service to our community."

A big event is coming up to Big Brutus this weekend.

It's time once again for Brutus Fest 2026. Coming up tomorrow, there will be bounce houses, carnival rides, food truck, face painting, snow cones, cotton candy, craft vendors and a kiddie train ride. Guests will also be able to tour one of the largest electric shovels in the world.

Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and military, $5.50 for children 6-12 and free for 6 and under. It's all happening from 10 to 4 tomorrow at Big Brutus in West Mineral.

More pools will open soon for the season.

Today, the Caney City Pool will open the afternoon for the season. The pool is scheduled to open at 1 p.m.

The Cherryvale Pool will open on Monday, June 1^st at 1 p.m. Regular pool hours are 1 – 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Coffeyville Public Schools announces its Summer Meals Program will return this summer.

The program will run from June 1^st through July 24^th, providing free meals for all children 18 and under. Community Elementary School, located at 102 South Cline, will offer dine-in breakfast from 7:30am to 8:30am and lunch from 11:30am to 12:30pm Monday through Friday. Curbside pickup locations will operate Tuesdays and Fridays only. Nado Cafe at 606 Cherokee will provide curbside pickup from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The Caney Food Pantry at 412 East 6^th Avenue in Caney will offer pickup from 11:00am to 12:30pm, while Dearing Park, behind the post office in Dearing, will provide pickup from 11:30am to 12:00pm.

Curbside pickup includes seven days of breakfast and lunch meals. Infant formula and baby food will also be available at all curbside pickup sites. The program will be closed June 19^th and July 3^rd.

The Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation is extending the deadline for its 2026 scholarship applications to June 15^th.

Foundation Director Amy Taylor says the extension comes after some students only recently received college acceptance letters and needed more time to apply. Scholarships available include the Best Family Medical Scholarship for students entering healthcare-related degree programs and the Barry and Carol Phillips Nursing Scholarship for students pursuing nursing degrees.

Applications are available through the CRMC website. Students must submit transcripts, recommendation letters and a 500-word essay explaining why they chose a healthcare career.

The 33^rd Annual Caney Valley Antique Power Association Pioneer Days is coming up this weekend.

The event will start tomorrow with a car show from 8 to 3 on Friday and Saturday. There will also be a free bean feed Friday night at 5 p.m. and Sunday morning church at 9 a.m. The event will wrap up with a consignment auction on Sunday at 1 p.m. KGGF will broadcast live from the event Saturday morning during Open Line from 9 to 11, brought to you by The Shed in Tyro.

It's all happening at the Caney Valley Antique Power Association north of Caney at 2270 Highway 75 in Havana.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident at the Ernest Brown American Legion in Caney.

Deputies were called to the American Legion at 1607 Highway 75 around 1:45am Saturday morning for a reported fight and possible stabbing. Detectives say at least one person suffered injuries consistent with being cut by a sharp object and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators say they are aware of social media rumors and allegations involving City of Caney employees allegedly being at the location that night. However, the Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is being handled solely by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division and the Caney Police Department is not involved.

In a separate statement, the City of Caney says it is aware of the allegations and online discussions, but says the incident happened outside the city’s jurisdiction and that city officials have not been provided with official findings or conclusions from investigators. The city also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation while the investigation continues. Sheriff Ron Wade says the public should allow detectives time to complete a thorough and impartial investigation.

The Altamont City Council will meet tonight and address some details of the City's planned sewer project.

On the agenda is a proposal to amend the title of a 2013 1% sales tax fund, changing it from Capital Improvement to the Sales Tax Project Fund. The change has been proposed by Auditor Neil Phillips of the Chanute-based accounting firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips who told council members that the name change would better align with how it is funded and used. Also up for discussion will be an agreement for professional services with the Midwest Engineering Group for engineering services connected to the sewer project.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7pm at the Altamont City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and can be viewed online via the City of Altamont Facebook page.

A Kansas man pleads guilty to abandonment of a corpse in connection to the December 2025 death of a 13-year-old Pleasanton boy.

47-year-old Damon Leonard entered his plea in Bates County, Missouri, on May 22^nd. The charge stems from an incident that occurred in 2025 after 13-year-old Airen Andula went missing from his Pleasanton home on December 21. Leonard later told law enforcement that he knew where the boy was located and led deputies to discover his remains in a creek bed just across the state line.

The investigation into the case was turned over to the Kansas City, Kansas, police department who later confirmed that Leonard's residence was located near the missing boy's home and that several dogs were seized from the suspect's property.

An autopsy conducted by the Wyandotte County Coroner's Office later confirmed Andula had died from multiple dog bites.

Leonard is scheduled for sentencing in the case on Friday, May 29.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly becomes part of a multistate coalition to urge the courts to uphold a block of the National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C.

Kelly joins twenty-three Attorneys General and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in filing an amicus brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, urging the court to deny the Trump administration’s appeal and uphold a lower court’s ruling blocking the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

Governor Kelly and the coalition argue that the deployment undermines the sovereignty of states and local jurisdictions and threatens the foundational principle of American democracy that the military must remain under civilian control. President Ttrump continues the deployment in Washington, D.C. and has stated his intent to send troops to more American cities.

The coalition urges the D.C. Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling and affirm that the President does not have the authority to deploy the National Guard as a domestic police force.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge.

The charge against 58-year-old Paul Elliot comes after officers found him to be in possession of a machete and what appeared to be a homemade knife. He is also faces an additional misdemeanor charge of public intoxication.

According to police, two witnesses allegedly saw Elliot walk make threatening motions with the machete. After the incident occurred, Elliot was asked to leave the area. Camera footage shows Elliot trying to open a fence door in the front yard of a residence during the encounter. 

Elliot is facing a $50,000 bond on the condition he have no contact with the alleged victim. He is due back in court on June 5. 

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight with another round of condemnations on the agenda.

At tonight's meeting, commissioners will hold public hearings on five properties across the city to consider condemnation of dangerous and unsafe structures. There will also be a discussion to award bids to remove 21 structures that have previously been condemned. The date of a public hearing is also expected to be set for a property in the 600 block of north 17^th Street. Commissioners will also consider the authorization to accept a Safe Streets for All grant contract with the Federal Highway Administration.

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

An Independence man is injured in a crash that ended a police chase in northern Montgomery County.

The incident occurred early Wednesday morning just before 3am as law enforcement pursued a suspect vehicle as the driver fled southbound along US-75. The driver – identified as 26-year-old Darrius B.S. Scott – failed to stop at the stop sign at the US-75/US-400 junction and crossed Highway 75 at a high rate of speed. His 2006 Infiniti M-35 left the roadway and struck a post and a fence before coming to rest. Scott was taken to Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha with minor injuries.

No other details have been released regarding the incident.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is ready to begin a major reconstruction project on US-54 in Iola next week.

The project is divided into two segments with five total phases, with the first phase to begin on Monday. US-54 through Iola will see a reconstruction of the highway and the sidewalks through the heart of the city. The number of traffic lanes will also be reduced from four to three to include a center turn lane. Sidewalks in the area will be widened to eight feet and other pedestrian-friendly elements will be added.

US-54 will remain open to two-way traffic during construction, though vehicles turning or crossing may face restrictions as work progresses. This first segment of the project is expected to be complete by October with the entire project slated to be finished by September 2027.

The primary contractor on the $12 million project is Bettis Asphalt and Construction of Topeka.  About one third of the project relating to pedestrian and bicycle paths is funded in part by a $4.2 million KDOT Multi-modal Project grant awarded to Iola in 2024.

The Kansas Highway Patrol releases the traffic statistics from the Memorial Day weekend.

During the reporting period that ran from 6pm on Friday through midnight on Sunday night, K-H-P troopers worked two fatal non-DUI related accidents resulting in a total of two deaths. The number of fatalities is considerably lower than 2025 when a total of seven people lost their lives on Kansas highways over the Memorial Day weekend. There were no reports of DUI related crashes in either year.

Over the course of the weekend, state troopers assisted 472 motorists and issued 786 speeding tickets as well as 112 seat belt citations. Both of those numbers are higher than a year ago. To see a full comparison of this year's statistics compared to previous years, follow this link.

The 8^th Annual Brian Knisley Memorial Derby is on the way.

Next Saturday, June 6^th, the grandstand at Walter Johnson Park will be busy with action. Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says it's going to be a big event.

The derby includes full-size singles, 3-man compact teams, MWFA Singles and powerwheels, plus food and merch vendors and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the action starts at 6. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Five and under are free.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issues a Silver Alert for a missing 76-year-old McPherson man.

Authorities say Dale Leach was last seen driving southbound on US-69 toward Pittsburg. He is likely driving a white Dodge Dakota pickup truck with the Kansas tag 1163AES and was believed to be in Missouri or Arkansas. Leach is known to suffer from dementia.

Dale Leach is described as a white male who is around 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 230 pounds. He has gray hair, and blue eyes.

Anyone who thinks they see Leach or his vehicle is asked to call 9-1-1. Anyone with other information about his whereabouts, please call the Anderson County Sheriff's Office at (785) 448-5428.

Leach's pickup truck

The Nowata County Commission hears an update from the county emergency management department.

The board was informed that the Cherokee Nation has started an outdoor warning system project for all counties within the Cherokee Nation. Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers says there is a need for replacing current sirens and adding new ones throughout the county.

Summers also informed the board that a form has been filled out by the Wann Community Center to become an official emergency shelter for Nowata County. The commission will likely review the item on next week's agenda.

The City of Independence is showing off its newest addition to the fire department.

The new Engine 3 has officially arrived and the Independence Fire Department says it should be ready to begin responding to calls within the next month or so. IFD says the new apparatus will serve the community for many years and thanked the city administration team, city commission and finance director for supporting the investment in public safety.

Photos of the new fire engine are posted on the IFD Facebook page.

It’s baby deer season in Kansas.

Wildlife officials say anyone who finds a fawn alone on the ground to leave it there. Over the next several weeks, more fawns will begin appearing across Kansas as does give birth. During the first few days of life, fawns naturally bed down alone and remain very still even when people or animals are nearby. As they grow older, they may run to another hiding spot if startled and may cry or bleat while calling for their mother.

Wildlife officials say the doe is usually nearby grazing and keeping watch. Handling a fawn can reduce its chances of survival and is unnecessary in most cases. In many situations, if a Game Warden responds to pick up a healthy fawn, it will simply be returned to the same area. The best thing people can do is admire nature from a distance.

A Pittsburg man is convicted in Crawford County Court.

50-year-old Damien Yarbrough has been convicted of rape and aggravated criminal sodomy. On August 23, 2025, the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to the Best Value Inn for a report of a sexual assault. It was reported that the defendant forced the juvenile victim into his motel room and sexually assaulted her.

Yarbrough is being held without bond in the Crawford County Jail. He will be sentenced on July 20^th.

Residents in Coffeyville will have a sales tax question on the ballot for funding of EMS services for Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

CRMC Foundation Director Amy Taylor says not having this funding would be catastrophic for CRMC EMS services and the people they serve.  Taylor says she encourages people to vote for the sales tax.

The Coffeyville City Commission approved an agreement with CRMC for the sales tax to be split 50/50. This would be a vote to renew a sales tax that has been in place and just recently expired.

A two-vehicle accident is reported on 11th Street in Coffeyville.

Early this afternoon around 12:30, a two-vehicle accident was reported in the 1700 block of W 11th Street in Coffeyville near Braum's.

As of 1 p.m., the eastbound lane of traffic was blocked to allow crews to work.  There is currently no word on any injuries.

Five of the six public universities in Kansas are seeking an increase4 in undergraduate tuition for the upcoming academic year.

The schools are asking the Kansas Board of Regents to approve increases ranging from 3.5% to 6% for the 2026-2027 school year. The only school not seeking an increase is Emporia State. The University of Kansas is asking for a 4% increase in undergraduate tuition while Kansas State seeks the same for both undergrad and graduate students. Pittsburg State wants a 3.5% increase, with Fort Hays State looking for 6% for on-campus students and 4% for online students. Wichita State is asking for a 4.9% increase.

The Kansas Board of Regents will consider the proposals at its June 17^th meeting.

A popular attraction located in Derby is facing some serious repairs after thieves try to steal wire from some of the attractions.

The suspects posed as HVAC repair technicians as they arrived in the early morning hours last week at the Field Station Dinosaurs in Derby. The two individuals then proceeded to damage three of the parks animatronic dinosaurs in order to steal copper wire. The damage has left the dinosaurs inoperable and park management estimates it will cost nearly a thousand dollars per dinosaur to repair them.

This comes after the parks largest largest dinosaur Sauroposeidon was severely damaged in a fire caused by a lightning strike in April.

Repairs are being made to the park as it prepares to open for the season tomorrow.

Photo shows repair to one of the damaged dinsaurs. Courtesy Field Station Dinosaurs.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol releases traffic and waterway statistics for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

M-S-H-P reports eight fatalities on Missouri roadways during th past weekend, up from only three in 2025. Missouri State Troopers responded to a total of 234 crashes with 99 non-fatal injuries during the 2026 Memorial Day weekend. One hundred-seven  drivers were cited for Driving While Intoxicated.

On Missouri waterways, there were four reported accidents with six injuries and no fatalities. Seven boaters were cited for intoxication.

The Bourbon County Clerk files a lawsuit to block a recent effort to recall her over ballot errors in the November 2025 election.

Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to declare a recall petition against her legally invalid. The move also seeks to stop all signature collection and block any recall election connected to the effort. The recall petition began circulating earlier this month after incorrect ballots were issued for the USD 235 school board election last fall. After contacting the Kansas Secretary of State about the problem, new ballots were printed and mail-in voters were allowed to re-vote. However, some early voters were unable to cast votes in the election.

Walker's complaint alleges that the claims in the recall are too vague and that the petition was not formally approved before signatures were gathered.

In order to trigger a recall election, a petition must gather at least enough signatures to total 40% of the votes cast in the election. Organizers of the Walker recall would have until July 26th to gather the signatures required.

Summertime is officially here and with the change of seasons comes the opportunity to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reminds Kansans that outdoor conditions can change quickly, especially on trails and in outdoor recreation areas. Before heading out, make sure to check local weather conditions and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Carry adequate amounts of water and use sun protection. For those enjoying the state's hiking trails, be prepared for muddy or uneven trail conditions after rain. Swimmers and boaters are also encouraged to have fun safely. U.S. Corps of Engineers Ranger Stephanie Jones says a large part of that safety is using a life jacket.

Good planning with safety in mind will help ensure everyone can enjoy all the outdoor activities Kansas has to offer.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab announces a reductions in fees for both individuals and business across the state, to simply the fee structure and lower costs for residents.

The changes eliminate more than two dozen fees while reducing several others through a series of regulatory changes. Notable reductions include biennial business filings which will reduce the information report fees business pay by nearly $850,000 each year. Also reduced are the fees for forming L-L-Cs and other partnerships, as well as the annual report filing fee for Professional Employer Organizations.

Schwab stated that modernizing the agency has been a priority for his administration to allow Kansas business owners the freedom to focus on growing their businesses instead of worrying about navigating bureaucracy.

The Neodesha City Commission will hear the results of the audit of the City's 2025 finances at to day's meeting.

Representatives from the Chanute-based accounting firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips will be on hand to present the findings. The purpose of the yearly city financial audit is to provide independent, objective assurance that public funds are managed properly. It verifies that the city's financial statements are accurate, checks that expenditures comply with legal regulations, and identifies potential weaknesses in internal controls to protect public assets.

In other business on today's agenda, commissioners are expected to approve the use of Stadium Park and Bluestreak Avenue for Hometown Days on June 13^th. There will also be a discussion of a dangerous and unsafe property.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm in the Commission Room at the Neodesha City Hall. The public is invited to attend the meeting in person. A recording of the meeting will also be available for later viewing on the City of Neodesha Facebook page.

Emergency crews respond to an oil well fire south of Neodesha.

Just after 8:00pm last night, the Neodesha Fire Department and Wilson County Rural Fire Department were dispatched to the area of Pratt Road. Crews were able to extinguish the fire, shut in the well by closing valves and contain the oil to the immediate area.

No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not been released.

The Nowata County Commission approves a cooperative extension service agreement.

The agreement goes into effect July 1^st and runs until June 30, 2027. County Clerk Kay Spurgeon says the commissioners approved a plan for the sales tax budget during last week's meeting.

The board unanimously approved the agreement.

The Nowata County Commission approves the general fund budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to be sent for further review.

County Clerk Kay Spurgeon says this is the first step in approving the general fund budget.  District Three Commissioner Troy Friddle says the general fund budget has seen a recent increase.

In other business, the board appointed a deputy, tabled the county certification map and county action report and heard an update from Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers.

Montgomery County announces that there will be three fewer polling sites in the county ahead of the August 4^th election.

The number of sites will be reduced from 17 to 14. County Clerk Amy Standridge says there are several reasons for the change.

Standridge says voters from the closed polling places will be moved to other, nearby locations.

Voters in those locations will be informed by mail of their new polling place. Any registered voter who has previously voted at those locations who does not receive notification soon should contact the County Clerk’s Office.

Below are the changes:

• Voters formerly assigned to Wayside Christian Church will now vote at Havana United Methodist Church, 309 Vore St, Havana, KS 67347
• Voters formerly assigned to the USDA Service Center will now vote at Crystalbrook Church, 801 W Chestnut St, Independence, KS 67301
• Voters formerly assigned to Cherokee Township Hall will now vote at the Coffeyville Citizens Activities Center, 601 S Walnut St, Coffeyville, KS 67337

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

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. 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 Thayer 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.

The community of Independence paid tribute to veterans and honored gold star families at Monday's Memorial Day Service at Riverside Park.

The ceremony was held at Veterans Freedom Square. Kansas Congressman and Independence native Derek Schmidt spoke at the event. Schmidt noted that Memorial Day honors the more than 1.3 million Americans who have died in service to their country, with nearly 650,000 killed in combat. He says all Americans owe a debt to those soldiers and sailors and their families.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran was also on hand and gave the keynote address at the event. Moran says the City of Independence does a lot to honor its veterans.

Local dignitaries and representatives from the American Legion and VFW also spoke at the ceremony that recognized those in attendance who had lost family members in combat. Attendees also heard special readings of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and of the John McRae poem In Flanders Field.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation releases the identity of the suspect who was shot and killed by Wichita Police during a Saturday evening incident.

The K-B-I says 36-year-old Qiam Ahmadi was shot and killed around 7:30pm on Saturday (May 23) after firing at officers. The incident began earlier that afternoon when W-P-D officers responded to the scene near K-96 and Greenwich Road after multiple reports of an armed man causing a disturbance in the area. The suspect fired on officers several times before barricading himself in a tree near a residential area.

The WPD and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office’s joint SWAT team responded. Crisis negotiators, a helicopter, and drones were also deployed to help locate and monitor the armed man during the incident. At around 7:25 p.m., an armored tactical vehicle was used to safely approach the man, in order to provide him a communication device. According to police, the subject pointed his firearm toward officers who were on a platform of the tactical vehicle. One officer from WPD fired his weapon striking the man. The subject returned fire, and the same officer then fired multiple additional rounds.

Life-saving measures were attempted, and the man was transported to an area hospital. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

An Independence man is dead after a weekend car accident south of Cherryvale.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred at the intersection of US-169 and County Road 4800 about one mile south of Cherryvale around 3:30 on Friday afternoon. A 2017 Buick Enclave, driven by Hurshel Miller of Independence, was stopped at the stop sign facing westbound before entering US-169. A 2013 Ford Expedition, driven by Dana Smith of Elmore, Oklahoma, was traveling northbound on US-169 when it struck the Buick as it entered the highway. Both vehicles came to rest in the west ditch along US-169.

Hurshel Miller and his passenger, Sharon Miller, were airlifted to an area trauma center with critical injuries. Smith and one of the three juveniles traveling with her were transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

Hurshel Miller later succumbed to his injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

A Fulton woman is seriously injured in a weekend ATV accident in Bourbon County.

On Sunday night around 7:45pm, 45-year-old Kathleen Hurteau was driving a 2019 Honda Rancher ATV northbound on 205th Street just north of the K-31 junction, or 5 miles west of the City of Fulton. Hurteau lost control of the vehicle on rocky terrain, causing the ATV to leave the roadway. Both Hurteau and her passenger 41-year-old Kathy Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, were ejected. Hurteau was taken to Joplin’s Mercy Hospital with serious injuries. Johnson was uninjured.

A vehicle fire on US-169 leaves the car a total loss.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, a driver traveling on US-169 in northern Allen County noticed the passenger compartment of his 2016 Nissan Versa filling with smoke as he traveled along the roadway. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road and exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished by the Allen County Rural Volunteer Fire Department. The driver believes the fire began in the rear passenger side of the vehicle and was possibly caused by the exhaust system.

Deputies from the Allen County Sheriff's Office assisted on the call.

Photo courtesy Allen County Sheriff's Office

A driver in Iola strikes a bear on a roadway north of Iola.

According to the Allen County Sheriff's Office, the driver Justin Mines reported the accident at around 4:15am on Friday morning. Mines was uninjured in the accident that occurred on West Virginia Road, east of Old US-169 or about five miles north of Iola.

A-C-S-O deputies along with the assistance of a Game Warden from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks located the bear a short distance away from the crash site. The animal was severely injured and was humanely euthanized.

Last week, a black bear was reported to be wandering in the Chanute area after it was spotted on a Ring doorbell camera. Authorities have not indicated whether this was the same animal.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight for its regular biweekly meeting.

On the agenda will be the second reading of an ordinance to amend water rates for the City. Commissioners are also expected to approve an ordinance authorizing the execution of a cooperation agreement between the City and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center for the levy, collection and use of 50% of the 2027 Sales Tax. There will also be discussion on a resolution to authorize the purchase of property located at 807 West 5th Street.

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 of Coffeyville YouTube channel.

Two people are facing charges after a weekend traffic stop in Crawford County.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a Crawford County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop in Pittsburg. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 42-year-old Nichole Kichler of Girard and her passenger as 49-year-old Sterling Reece of Pittsburg. The deputy discovered Reece had an active warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody without incident.

Probable cause was established to search the vehicle after a suspected controlled substance was located in plain view. Deputies searched the vehicle and located approximately 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Kichler was also placed under arrest, and both were transported to the Crawford County Jail in Girard where they face formal charges.

Two Yates Center men are injured following a Sunday evening crash.

The accident occurred around 6pm on Sunday when a 2006 Ford Five Hundred driven by 29-year-old Tyler Keenan failed to yield at a stop sign at the intersection of West Mary and State Streets in Yates Center. Keenan’s car was struck by an oncoming 2009 Nissan Sentra driven by 53-year-old Michael Watson. Both received minor injuries. Keenan was taken to the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington while Watson was treated at the scene.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports two fatal accidents on Kansas highways over the Memorial Day weekend.

The first occurred on Friday evening just after 6pm in Osage County. Two vehicles collided on Topeka Avenue just north of the City of Carbondale. One vehicle struck the other as it pulled onto the roadway from a private drive. K-H-P has not released the names of the victims in the crash, stating only that it was a fatal accident.

The second fatal accident occurred around 10:30 on Saturday night in Washington County, about 20 miles south of the Nebraska state line or 5 miles west of the City of Linn. 50-year-old Benjamin Goeckel of Linn was on a John Deere lawn mower at the edge of Indian Road when he attempted a left turn and was struck by a Polaris side-by-side. Goeckel suffered fatal injuries in the collision. The driver of the Polaris 37-year-old Jeremy Helms also of Linn along with a minor child received minor injuries in the accident.

The Montgomery County Commission is expected to approve several purchases for the Rural Fire Department and for Public Works at this week's meeting.

On today’s agenda is a request for sealed bids for a Brush Truck for Rural Fire from District Fire Chief Michael Smith. Smith will also ask the commission for a resolution to transfer funds to a Special Rural Fire Equipment Fund. Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will also appear at today’s meeting to request the purchase of chemicals. County Treasurer Mandi Hargis and County Register of Deeds Marilyn Calhoun will also be on hand to provide quarterly reports from their respective departments.

Commissioners are also expected to approve a Cereal Malt Beverage license for the Caney Valley Speedway.

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

Coffeyville residents mark Memorial Day with a ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial Patio.

The event was organized by the Coffeyville Veteran's Memorial Park Association. Organizer Loran Osborne spoke during the event and says Memorial Day is an opportunity for all to reflect.

Vice Mayor Deborah Maples says Memorial Day is an important event for the living.

A link to the full program is available HERE.

One person dies following a two-vehicle crash south of Cherryvale.

The accident happened around 3:30pm Friday afternoon at Highway 169 and County Road 4800. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says a Buick Enclave, driven by Hurshel Miller of Independence, was stopped at a stop sign before entering the highway, when it was struck by a northbound Ford Expedition driven by Dana Smith of Elmore, Oklahoma. Both vehicles came to rest in the ditch.

Miller and his passenger, Sharon Miller, were airlifted with critical injuries. Authorities say Hurshel Miller later died from those injuries. Smith and one of three juveniles in her vehicle were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet on Tuesday due to the Memorial Day holiday.

On the agenda are quarterly reports from several departments, plus a proposed fund transfer for the rural fire department and a chemical purchase request from public works. A cereal malt beverage license will also be reviewed for the Caney Valley Speedway.

Tomorrow's meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center and is open to the public.

President Donald Trump endorses a candidate for Kansas Governor.

Trump has endorsed Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson in his bid for the governor's office. Trump made the endorsement on social media, calling Masterson a highly successful small business owner and entrepreneur. Masterson says he understands the biggest issue facing Kansans is property taxes.

Masterson is one of eight republican candidates for Kansas Governor.  He says what separates him from the other candidates is that he is closer to the people.  There are also two candidates on the Democratic ticket. The primary election is August 4^th.

Pools in Coffeyville, Independence, Fredonia, Parsons, Altamont and Oswego officially opened over the weekend, with several more planned to open today. Many openings were pushed back to Sunday due to the cooler weather on Saturday.

Opening day for pools in Sedan and Cedar Vale is today. The Sedan pool will be open 1 to 5, and Cedar Vale will be open noon to 6, with free admission for Cedar Vale K-5 students thanks to donors.

Opening day for the Caney city pool is this Friday, May 29th.

Several area communities are marking Memorial Day with special events today.

In Coffeyville, the  Coffeyville Veteran's Memorial Park Association is organizing a community ceremony at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend and bring lawn chairs to the Veteran's Memorial Patio, just east of the intersection of Woodland and Overlook.  The ceremony will also be broadcast LIVE on The Mighty 690. In addition, volunteers are needed to take down and fold flags this afternoon. Those interested in volunteering can show up at 4 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery.

In Independence, the Mid-Continent Band will a special Memorial Day concert at 11a.m. at the Veteran's Freedom Square in Riverside Park in conjunction with the Gold Star Family Memorial Dedication.  VFW Post 1186 will also pay for kids' rides today at the park.

Caney will also hold a Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park.

In addition, special flag displays are up at area cemeteries, including the Avenue of Flags in Fredonia.

The Nowata County Commissioners have a regularly scheduled meeting set for tomorrow morning due to the Memorial Day Holiday.

The commissioners will hear presentations from officers in various departments regarding their estimated needs for the general fund budget in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The board will also review a cooperative extension service agreement that would go from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

In other business, the commissioners will revisit the county certification map and county action report, appoint a deputy, discuss improvements to the county courthouse and hear an update from Emergency Manager Laurie Summers.

Tuesday morning's meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Nowata County Annex Meeting Room, located at 228 N. Maple St. in downtown Nowata.

Some lane closures are coming up soon in the Bartlesville area.

East and westbound Nowata Road , or U.S. Highway 60, will have various, intermittent lane closures between Washington Boulevard and the Bartlesville Industrial Park beginning tomorrow and lasting through June, weather permitting, for a resurfacing project.

At least one lane will be open in both directions at all times during construction. The $1.1 million contract for this project was awarded by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission in March.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday in Wichita.

Wichita police responded to several 911 calls Saturday between 3 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. reporting a male subject causing disturbances at several businesses in the area of K-96 and Greenwich. Callers described an armed man pointing his firearm at business employees and several vehicles.

Officers eventually located the man barricaded in a tree line near a residential area. They established a perimeter and negotiators attempted to communicate with him for several hours. 

Preliminary information indicates that the subject pointed his firearm toward officers who were on a platform of the tactical vehicle. One officer from WPD fired his weapon striking the man. The subject returned fire, and the same officer then fired multiple additional rounds.

Life-saving measures were attempted, and the man was transported to an area hospital. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Authorities are still working to contact the man's next of kin to notify them of his death.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Communities across Southeast Kansas are gearing up for a busy Saturday as Memorial Day weekend celebrations continue.

In Parsons, the annual Katy Days Festival takes over Forest Park with a full day of events. Activities include vendors, food, live music and family-friendly entertainment. In Caney, Mayfest continues with a full lineup of community events, food and entertainment throughout the day.

KGGF will be on-site with a live broadcast from 10:00am to 12:00pm on KUSN 98.1. Thanks to our Sponsors who make the live broadcast a possibility. Those include D&L Automotive, Laforge/Acrisure Insurance, Sonic of Caney, Caney Family Dental, Heymann Iron, Smith Auto & Tire, Shelter Insurance - Lacy Hodges, Skyway Honda, Copan Restaurant, RCB Bank and Bucks BBQ.

Area communities are kicking off the summer season this Memorial Day weekend, with several local swimming pools opening for the first time this year.

In Montgomery County two pools will open up today, Big Hill Splash in Coffeyville opens up at 1:00pm and the Independence Aquatic Center opens at 12:00pm. Tomorrow the City of Parsons and Neodesha will both open at 1:00pm. On Memorial Day, Sedan will open at 1:00pm.

As crowds return, pool and city staff are reminding visitors to follow posted safety rules, supervise children closely and stay hydrated during the warmer weather. More information on hours, admission, and special events can be found through individual city websites and social media pages.

Multiple units are responding to a multi-vehicle crash near the intersection of US 169 and 4800 road in Montgomery County.

The accident happened late this afternoon south of Cherryvale Initial reports say there are six injured in the accident.

KGGF will provide more information as it becomes available.

The City of Coffeyville hosts a grand reopening of their tennis and pickleball courts.

Daughter of the courts namesake, Clarence Stricklan, Marilyn Pruitt says her dad was passionate about tennis.  Pruitt says the courts being named after her father honors his legacy.

The new complex now features four renovated tennis courts and six new pickleball courts along with new shaded seating.

The Sedan Police Department joins other area law enforcement agencies in the Click-it or Ticket Campaign.

Police Chief Will Tunstall says it's important to always remember to buckle-up.  Chief Tunstall makes the proclamation joining the campaign during the City of Sedan city council meeting.

The campaign has been running nationwide since May 11^th, the City of Sedan joined by proclamation on May 19^th and will participate until the end of the month.

The Parsons Police Department is thanking the community for completing another safe school year.

According to P-P-D, during the past year Parsons Police Officers conducted 764 school zone enforcement/safety details, including 198 details focused specifically on school bus stops while children were loading and unloading. There were also no reported crashes within school zones this school year, though officers did issue citations for speeding and improper passing of stopped school buses.

Parsons Police thanks the people of Parsons for their overall cooperation to keep students safe every day.

Two Bartlesville residents are facing multiple felony charges after allegedly providing insufficient care to children.

27-year-old Kiona Hail and 29-year-old Cheyenne Hess were each charged on Wednesday with three counts of child neglect.

The Bartlesville Police Department began investigating the couple after authorities at the children's school reported concerns about comments made by the children.

Authorities performed a search warrant on the residence and allegedly observed multiple grams of methamphetamine throughout the residence and various drug paraphernalia. Both Hail and Hess allegedly claimed ownership of the paraphernalia and admitted to using the substance multiple times a week.

Hail and Hess will appear in court again on June 5. Each has a bond of $15,000.

Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence will have some Memorial Day weekend fun for the kids tomorrow.

The Zoo will hold a petting zoo on Saturday, May 23, from 1 to 2pm. Families are invited to attend and meet the zoo's donkey and goats. Feed will also be available for purchase at Miss Able's Snack Shack for $1. Ralph Mitchell Zoo hosts the petting zoo on the first Saturday of each month through October.

The Sedan City Council discusses tree trimming at the City Park at this week's meeting.

City Superintendent Caleb Ironsyde told council members that there were several dead trees at the park that need to come down. Because those trees are near some structures at the park, Ironsyde stated that he didn't feel comfortable doing the work himself for fear a falling tree might damage a building. Mayor Kathy Miller says the City will likely need to hire an outside contractor for the work.

Ironsyde added that he had gotten an estimate from one contractor. Council member Crystal Wade says she thinks the City should follow the Superintendent's recommendation and get a few more estimates.

The council decided to table the issue until the June 2^nd meeting.

In other business, it was announced that the opening day for the Sedan swimming pool would change from May 23 to May 25.

Trash pickup routes in local cities will change next week due to the Memorial Day holiday.

There will be no trash pickup in Independence on Monday. All pickup days will move by one day. Neodesha will also not run trash services on Memorial Day. Those with pickup days on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday will shift by one day. Friday's routes will be pickup as normal.

Anyone with questions should contact their city or trash collection company.

Independence Community College has a new President.

ICC has named James P. Arnold to serve as the school's 20^th President. The announcement was made by the ICC Board of Trustees on Thursday, May 21 following a lengthy search. Arnold brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience with a strong background in enrollment management, student development, athletics administration, and community engagement. Arnold’s career in higher education spans leadership roles at community colleges, NAIA institutions, and NCAA institutions across Missouri and Kansas. His experience includes positions at Highland Community College, Central Methodist University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Westminster College. Arnold has most recently served as Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing, & Athletics at Columbia College in Missouri.

Arnold is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Adult Education and Leadership at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, and holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College in Atchison.

ICC has not yet announced Arnold’s official start date.

A Bartlesville man is facing felony charges after an alleged domestic incident.

52-year-old Anthony Teyon was charged on Wednesday with domestic abuse by assault and battery and kidnapping.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Teyon and the victim allegedly got into a physical altercation on May 19. Authorities say a witness observed the altercation. The witness allegedly observed Teyon prevent the victim from leaving the residence during the altercation.

Teyon will appear in court again on June 5. His bond is set at $100,000.

The Coffeyville Veteran's Memorial Park Association is gearing up to mark Memorial Day.

On Monday, volunteers are needed to help set up and take down flags in Fairview Cemetery. CVMP Events Coordinator Loran Osborne says there are volunteer opportunities in both the morning and evening to help with the Avenue of Flags.

Osborne says pizza will be served for those helping to take down and fold the flags at 4 p.m. In addition, the public is invited to attend the Memorial Day ceremony that starts at 10 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Patio, which will feature a motorcycle salute during the National Anthem, guest speakers and more. Those who attend in person should make sure to bring lawn chairs. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on The Mighty 690 starting at 10 a.m. on Monday.

Association Chairman Pete Olsen says events like this are important remember the sacrifices of those who defended our freedom.

The Coffeyville Veteran's Memorial Park Association is working to raise money for a new court of valor monument. To donate or volunteer this Monday, call 620-870-2810. More on the effort and contact information to volunteer is available HERE.

It's almost pool season and the City of Nowata is reminding utility customers about their one-time annual pool adjustment credit.

Customers can apply for the credit by completing the official Pool Adjustment Request Form. The adjustment applies only to the wastewater, or sewer, portion of the bill. City officials say forms must be completed in full and submitted within 30 business days of filling the pool. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Customers are also required to pay their bill in full or make payment arrangements while the request is under review. If approved, credits may take up to two full billing cycles to appear.

A pool permit may be required, and the adjustment is limited to once per year. The form is available on the City of Nowata’s website. For more information, residents can contact City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

A Coffeyville restaurant owner is indicted by a federal grand jury in Wichita.

39-year-old Salvador Bermudez-Herrera was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. ICE is investigating the case. He was arrested in Coffeyville in late April following a traffic stop. According to that arrest record, Bermudez-Herrera was stopped for unlawful use of a turn signal and also had charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and illegal alien in possession of a firearm. The charges locally were dismissed without prejudice, which means Bermudez-Herrera could still be tried locally for them.

A charge of possessing a firearm as an undocumented immigrant carries a penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison, while unlawful reentry after deportation can bring up to two years or as much as 20 years if the person has prior felony convictions.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issues a boil water advisory for the City of Thayer and the Coal Hollow Water Company in Neosho County.

Officials say the advisory went into effect after a loss of water pressure, which can lead to possible bacterial contamination. Customers are advised to boil water for at least one minute before drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water. Residents should also avoid using ice from automatic icemakers and disinfect dishes using a bleach solution.

Water used for bathing does not typically need to be boiled, but children should be supervised to prevent ingestion.The advisory will remain in place until testing confirms the water system is safe. Only the KDHE can lift the advisory.

One person is dead and another is injured following a high-speed crash in a McLaren near Overland Park.

The accident occurred just before 5pm on Wednesday on Merriam Lane at 34^th Street, just north of Overland Park. The 570-S McLaren driven by 28-year-old Sydney Patrick Jay Kile of Olathe was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed when he collided with another vehicle as it attempted to make a left turn. That collision then caused the high-performance sports car to collide with third vehicle. Kile was seriously injured in the crash. His passenger 74-year-old Roger Stroble of Kansas City suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at K-U Medical Center.

No one in the other vehicles was injured in the accident.

The City of Independence will mark Memorial Day on Monday with a focus on families.

On Monday, there will be a Memorial Day Observation Service at the cenotaph at Mount Hope Cemetery at 10am. The ceremony will feature music from the Mid-Continent Band. At 11am, there will be a Gold Star Family Memorial Dedication at Veterans Freedom Square at Riverside Park. That ceremony will honor the sacrifice, courage, and enduring strength of Gold Star Families. Donnie Collier with Independence VFW Post #1186 says families are encouraged to bring their kids for the ceremonies and then enjoy the day at Riverside Park.

Collier adds that Monday's ceremonies are an excellent time to teach the next generation about the meaning of Memorial Day.

Millions of Americans will be hitting the road this weekend to celebrate Memorial Day.

The recent rise in gas prices are not expected to impact travel plans for the holiday weekend. Triple A estimates that nearly 45 million Americans have plans to travel more than 50 miles from home this weekend. That's a record high number for the Memorial Day holiday. Of those, more than 39 million will be traveling by car. Shawn Steward with Triple-A Kansas says, with so many people expected on the roads, travelers need to remember to be patient and buckle up.

Steward says pre-planning your trip can help reduce the stress of traveling.

Triple-A says the average price for a gallon of gas was $4.11 in Kansas as of Wednesday. The price is $1.40 higher than last year and more than 50% more since February. Prices in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas have shown similar rates.

Flags across the State of Oklahoma are flying at half-staff to honor the passing of an Osage County Commissioner.

Osage County District 3 Commissioner Charlie Cartwright of Fairfax passed away on May 11^th following a long illness. He was 72 years old.

In honor of Cartwright's passing, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff until 5pm on Friday, May 22. Cartwright spent more than 40 years in law enforcement before being elected to serve on the Osage County Commission. Cartwright was known for his leadership and his commitment to his community.

He was laid to rest on Wednesday, May 20,  in Fairfax.

Fire crews from both Labette and Crawford Counties have returned home after fighting fires in southwestern Kansas.

A total of 19 firefighters were dispatched to the Ashland area in Clark County early Sunday morning and spent Sunday and Monday battling wildfires there. The fire near Ashland has been one of the most intense blazes during the recent fires that have impacted Clark, Meade, Harper, Ford and Morton Counties.

The Labette and Crawford County crews put in long hours over their two days in the area, sometimes working up to 16 hour shifts under the demanding conditions. The group included personnel from fire departments from across Labette County, including Neosho Township, Labette #9, and Altamont Fire along with Labette County Emergency Management. The group also sent 6 brush trucks, 2 water tenders, and 2 support trucks to assist in the effort.

The crews returned home on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy Labette County Emergency Management

Girard Police arrest two suspects as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

The arrests occurred on Wednesday, May 20, after officers served a search warrant on a residence in the 200 block of North Osage Street in Girard. During the search, officers discovered and seized suspected marijuana, suspected methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia.

Several individuals were temporarily detained at the scene, with two individuals arrested on outstanding warrants issued by the Crawford County District Court and the Girard Municipal Court.

Police have not yet released the names of the suspects in the case.

The City of Coffeyville will mark Memorial Day with a solemn ceremony of remembrance.

On Monday, there will be a Memorial Day service at the cenotaph at the Veterans Pavilion at Fairview Cemetery at 10am. The ceremony will feature music, readings, and remembrance. All citizens are welcome to join the City for this ceremony in a celebration of freedom. Motorcyclists of all types are also welcome to salute after the National Anthem. The ceremony takes place on Monday. KGGF will also provide coverage of the service.

Winter wheat is not too far from harvest, well ahead of the five year average across the region.

That's according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, which reports that winter wheat headed is 93%, well ahead of 82% last year and the 5-year-average of 72%.

K-State Wildcat Extension District Crop Agent James Coover says the advanced timeline shouldn't be an issue.

Coover says condition in southeast Kansas is better than a lot of the state, as condition across Kansas is rated 58% poor or very poor.  Corn got off to a slower start, with 63% planted, behind 71% planted and 68% average. Coover says the weather had a lot to do with this.

Soybeans planted are also ahead of the average of 44% at 53%.  For more crop updates, tune into the KGGF Farm Show with Ron Hays every weekday at 6 a.m., 11:30 and 12:30 on The Mighty 690.

The Independence Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.

Aden Michael Mefferd-Leddington, a 6-foot-tall, 135-pound white male with dyed black hair and blue eyes, has not been seen or heard from since May 11^th. Officials say he has also not used his phone or social media since that time. He was last known to be wearing a black hoodie with white lettering, along with black sweatpants or ripped skinny jeans and brown sandals.

Mefferd-Leddington is known to spend time around parks, playgrounds and outbuildings in the Independence area, and may be riding a green mountain bike. Anyone with information is asked not to approach him, but to contact local law enforcement or IPD at (620)332-1700.

It was standing room only as almost 100 people packed the Coffeyville Reawkening Building for a Legislative Town Hall.

The event featured a legislative update from Kansas State Senator Virgil Peck and Representative Ron Bryce followed by a question and answer session.  Senator Peck says he appreciates the large gathering for the event.  Representative Bryce says seeing all the people who attended is a humbling experience.

You can hear the full legislative update and Q&A session below.

Legislative Update

Q&A Session

A bear sighting is reported in the Chanute area, and local authorities are urging residents to use caution.

Officials say if you see a bear within the city limits, do not approach the animal. Instead, report the sighting immediately by calling (620)431-5768. When calling, be ready to share the location, the time the bear was seen and the direction it was traveling. Authorities say that information helps them monitor the situation and respond appropriately to protect public safety.

Residents are also reminded to keep a safe distance and never attempt to feed, follow, or interact with the bear. Experts say you should secure trash and food sources, keep pets indoors when possible, and make noise if you encounter a bear to avoid surprising it. If you do come across a bear, stay calm, back away slowly and avoid running.

During this week’s Wilson County Commission meeting, Road and Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum announced that a low-water bridge will be reopening next week.

The bridge is located west of Chanute, on K-39 between Wichita Road and Yale Road. It was closed last month due to flooding, but Tatum says Wilson County plans to have it reopened by Tuesday.

The project was initially estimated to cost $20,000. However, Tatum explains that excluding labor, their cost on the bridge was less than $6,000.

In other business, Wilson County renewed a contract for a 911-call recording system for $2,986. The Commission also reapproved a $3,000 grant for school hygiene kits.

There is a water main break in Caney.

City Crews are currently working on a water main break affecting the water pressure from Spring to Bradley.

The City will provide an update once they get an idea of when it will be fixed.

The Nowata County Commissioners approve a plan for the sales tax budget for fiscal year 2027.

Agriculture educator with the OSU Extension Office Tara Martin addressed the commission regarding an increase in their budget due to bringing in a new educator once a week. Martin says the increase in budgetary costs are due to the additional family and consumer sciences educator.

Commissioners questioned Martin about the request. Troy Friddle asks Martin about the proposed pay for the position.

The board approved the plan with the increase from the OSU Extension Office by a 2-1 vote, with Vice-Chairman Brandon Wesson voting against the plan.

The Nowata County Commission will meet again on Tuesday due to the Memorial Day holiday.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office arrests two Baxter Springs men for crimes against minors.

Sheriff Brian Henderson announced that, on Monday, May 18 Sheriff's Deputies arrested 40-year-old David Plummer of Baxter Springs. Plummer is charged with four counts of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy of a Minor in the case. His arrest was part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies made another arrest on Tuesday, May 19. Detectives with the Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at a Baxter Springs residence. 75-year-old George Ellis was taken into custody on a warrant for Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Breach of Privacy.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office did not indicate whether the two arrests were related.

Photo: Ellis (left), Plummer (right)

The new Assistant Police Chief is sworn into office in Independence.

The Independence Police Department recently announced the hiring of Jimmy Holt to serve as the Assistant Chief of Police. Holt was sworn into office at the recent Independence City Commission meeting. Holt receives the Oath of Office from City Clerk Dave Schwenker.

Mayor Dean Hayse says the City is fortunate to be able to hire such qualified people.

Holt brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to his new role. He most recently served as Chief of Police in Cherryvale.

The Parsons City Commission hears a debriefing on a successful Love Labette Week.

The week was dedicated to community engagement and service and was held during the week of April 19^th. Love Labette organizer Paula Wyble address the City commission at this week's meeting. Wyble says the group appreciated the City's support in the effort.

A big part of Love Labette was the City cleanup. Wyble says the dumpsters set out by the City were a large part of that work.

The commission discussed the successful parts of Love Labette Week and considered other elements that might improve next year's event.

The Neodesha Police Department is investigating a series of recent vandalism incidents.

Over the past two weeks, three different locations around the City of Neodesha have experienced vandalism. Sometime during the weekend of May 9^th, vandals threw concrete blocks into the City swimming pool, causing damage to the freshly painted surface as City crews prepare for the season opening this weekend. The historic caboose at Liberty Park was also spray painted, resulting in hours of clean-up by city workers. A roll up door at the City tennis courts was also severely damaged. Repair to that facility is expected to cost thousands of dollars.

All of the incidents are costly for the community and for taxpayers in Neodesha. Anyone with information on any of these acts is asked to contact the Neodesha Police Department at 620-325-3031.

Photo courtesy City of Neodesha

Local law enforcement agencies will be stepping up enforcement of seat belt laws through the end of May as a part of the nation-wide Click It or Ticket campaign.

The national seat belt campaign focuses on consequences of not wearing a seat belt. Memorial Day marks the beginning of warmer weather, outdoor activities and weekend trips increasing traffic on Kansas roadways. Law enforcement reminds the public to avoid dangerous consequences and buckle up.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buckling up helps keep occupants safe and secure inside a vehicle, while failing to wear a seat belt can result in ejection during a crash—an outcome that is almost always deadly. Seat belts are one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make.

Local law enforcement agencies including police departments in Altamont, Sedan, Coffeyville, and Parsons join law enforcement across the country to remind drivers to Click It or Ticket. Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement presence on local roads during the nationwide safety campaign, which runs through June 1.

The City of Independence will mark Memorial Day with solemn ceremonies of remembrance.

On Monday, there will be a Memorial Day Observation Service at the cenotaph at Mount Hope Cemetery at 10am. The ceremony will feature music from the Mid-Continent Band. At 11am, there will be a Gold Star Family Memorial Dedication at Veterans Freedom Square at Riverside Park. That ceremony will honor the sacrifice, courage, and enduring strength of Gold Star Families.

Today is the final day of school for Holy Name students, but it's also the final chapter of the school as it's currently known.

For 109 years, Holy Name Catholic School has served Coffeyville after being started by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1917.

Appearing on their final monthly update on KGGF, holy name students say the official reason for the closure is a lack of staff.

The public announcement came earlier this spring in a letter to the parish from Wichita Bishop Carl Kemme.

Students say there are several things they will miss about the school.

PTO President Sarah Reese says Holy Name's legacy wouldn't have been possible without the generous and consistent support of the local community.

USD 445 leadership say they are ready to welcome families who wish to send their children to the district. According to Interim Principal Daria Jerauld, the school building will continue to be used for church events and Parish School of Religion that takes place on Wednesday evenings.

Part of the street behind the Pete's gas station in Cherryvale will close next month for repairs.

At Monday's Cherryvale City Council meeting, a street closing application was approved for North Maple to the east of the gas station. Reid Hugo with RH Construction says that Pete's is doing some concrete work and would like to repair the street. The closure will only impact one homeowner and a detour sign will be in place. The street will be closed from from June 8^th through 19^th.

In other business, the Council approved the purchase of 88 water meters not to exceed $25,650 and approved an invoice from Midwest Engineering for just under $5,500 for the 6^th Street water line project. Several public comments were made, related to boats in yards, storm water runoff and an inquiry into a potential harvest festival on September 12^th. Fire Chief Joe Rexwinkle also announced $1,350 raised last Friday towards the fireworks fundraiser.

As family and friends gather to honor the life of former Osage County District Three Commissioner Charlie Cartwright, Governor Kevin Stitt authorizes flags to be lowered to half staff.

Chairman of the Board Steve Talburt says as a sign of respect and gratitude for Cartwright's service, individuals, agencies, departments, organizations, businesses and local governments wishing to participate are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff tomorrow. He says Cartwright's commitment to public service, leadership and the people of this county will not be forgotten.

Cartwright's funeral service will be held at 11:00am tomorrow at the Osage County Fairgrounds. All county offices will be closed.

The State of Kansas says No Labels Kansas is no longer being recognized as an official political party.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, the change comes at the request of the party itself, which notified the state Friday of its decision to terminate its status. No Labels Kansas had been recognized as a political party since January of 2024 after its petition was approved.

State officials say counties have now been directed to update voter registration records, moving those previously affiliated with No Labels Kansas to an unaffiliated status.

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is making its way through Coffeyville.

The global torch relay promotes peace and unity, giving people the chance to share their hopes for a more peaceful world. Since 1987, the Peace Run has traveled through more than 150 countries and territories. Runners arrived from Cherryvale along U.S. 169, with stops at the Dalton Defenders Museum and the Boys and Girls Club, where they presented a program for local youth.

Each participant carries the Peace Torch for a portion of the route before passing it on, symbolizing friendship and unity across communities. The team started their day in Chanute and is expected to finish in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Coffeyville Fire Department crews continue battling wildfires in Southwest Kansas.

CFD says they are focusing much of the day on what’s known as mop-up operations, which includes cooling debris, cutting down burning logs and checking for hotspots along the fire line to prevent flare-ups. Winds out of the south shifted suddenly from the north late in the afternoon yesterday, creating dangerous conditions and threatening the town of Ashland. Multiple task forces were sent to the area to assist.

Crews worked into the early morning hours, wrapping up around 1:30am before heading to Dodge City for rest. They’re expected to debrief before beginning their return to Coffeyville, as new teams have now taken over operations. Officials say thoughts remain with the families affected and with the safety of all responders still working and traveling home.

During this week’s Caney City Council Meeting, several hearings were held regarding the condemnation of local properties.

In all, 12 properties were listed on the agenda for discussion. Seven of them either had individuals show up on their behalf or wrote in to the council and received a 30-day extension.

Of the five Caney properties without representation, the City voted to approve the condemnation, which triggers demolition within 30 days.

In other business, the City Council announced that an acre of land had been given to Caney in order to install a water booster pump.

They also continued deliberation on a new ordinance addressing water reconnection fees and after-hour reconnections. They tabled further discussion and potential action for their next meeting.

Firefighters continue to battles wildfires in western Kansas.

Wildfires continues to burn across several western Kansas counties including Clark, Meade, Harper, Morton and Ford.

The City of Ashland in Clark County was ordered to evacuate on Monday as the nearby fires threatened residents. That evacuation order was lifted late Monday night. Fires and smoke also caused the closure of US-160 in Clark County.

Firefighters from southeast Kansas, including those from Coffeyville and Columbus also traveled west to help relieve exhausted fire crews. Governor Laura Kelly has issued a verbal State of Disaster Emergency to combat massive, lightning-sparked wildfires that have burned over 115,00 acres of grass and farmland.

Photo courtesy Columbus Fire and Rescue

The Neodesha High School Girls Softball team will host Jayhawk-Linn today in state tournament action and the game will prompt some temporary street closures in Neodesha this afternoon.

Today's game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 and several streets near the high school will be closed to help manage traffic flow. 8^th Street will be closed between Idaho and Tank as will 7^th and Tank. The streets will be closed from 4pm until 6:30 tonight.

The closures will allow event traffic to be funneled through designated drive gates and into the high school parking lot and surrounding street parking areas.

A Fort Smith police officer is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being shot by a suspect on a traffic stop.

The incident occurred early Sunday morning when Officer Kyle Newman made contact with a motorist in the southern part of the City. Newman suspected the driver identified as 27-year-old Joshua Keller of DWI. During the traffic stop, Keller produced a handgun and shot Officer Newman in the neck. Newman was able to return fire, but Keller fled the scene.

Police pursued the suspect who eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. Keller then exchanged more gunfire with police and was shot and killed.

Officer Newman was airlifted to a nearby trauma center where he remains in critical condition.

The Sedan City Council will meet tonight and begin the discussion of the 2027 budget.

Other topics for consideration at tonight's meeting include tree trimming at the City Park and a KDOT Connecting Links Contract. Council members will also hear a review of the City's April finances along with reports from various City departments.

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.

An Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury indicts six individuals in connection with a scheme to cash over $100,000 in fraudulent checks at Walmart Supercenters across the state.

The defendants are accused of using fraudulent checks, stolen identities and fraudulent temporary driver’s licenses to obtain cash. Caleb Ali, Erika Watson, Dominique Price, Amber Smith, Aaron Hensley and Jesus Martinez Jr. face 10 felony counts including conspiracy and forgery in the second degree.

According to the indictment, the defendants cashed dozens of bogus checks at Walmart Supercenters in 15 Oklahoma towns and cities including Norman, Mustang, Yukon, Kingfisher, Broken Arrow, Claremore, and Pryor between December 2023 and August 2025.

The Caney Industrial Park is now officially listed as a Certified Site through Kansas Department of Commerce.

The City of Caney was made aware of the certification on Monday from Executive Director of the Montgomery County Action Council Melissa Johnson. The official certification through the Kansas Department of Commerce, it means the land has been officially pre-qualified and vetted as "shovel-ready" for major business, commercial, or industrial development. The designation is issued to properties that have successfully completed a set of program requirements to demonstrate that the property is primed for development and ready for investment.

The 59 acres of the Caney Industrial Park will now be marketed for future economic development.

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

The original advisory was issued on May 14^th because of waterline breaks resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. In addition, the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to equipment failure.  Laboratory testing of the City of Frontenac 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.

Several local officials will speak in Independence tomorrow as part of the Heartland Certified Public Manager Program Public Policy Session.

The seminar comes through the Public Management Center from the University of Kansas. The purpose of the program is to develop competent public managers. Tomorrow's event will feature the City Managers of Independence and Coffeyville Kelly Passauer and Ben Brubaker and Caney City Administrator Andrea Sibley. The three will appear on a panel called Public Policy at the Local Level. Other local leaders who will take part as speakers include former State Senator Tim Emert, Former State Representative Jim Kelly, USD 446 Superintendent Jason McAfee, USD school Board President Charles Barker Sr., Independence City Attorney Jeff Chubb, and Director of the Independence Housing Authority April Nutt.

Tomorrow's seminar takes place at Memorial Hall in Independence.

Independence Community College continues its search for a new president.

At last night's Board of Trustees meeting, an executive session was held to discuss the three candidates for the position. Trustee Logan Null makes the motion.

No action was taken regarding the hiring of a new school president. The three finalists for the job – Dr. Richard DeShields, Dr. Isaias Mcaffery, and James Arnold – have been in Independence and on campus in the previous weeks to meet with the hiring committee and to attend public meet-and-greet events. The twenty members of the hiring committee were in attendance at last night's meeting, but it remains unclear when a decision will be made.

In other business, trustees approved a Memo of Understanding with Sparkwheel to allow the group to provide a Student Support Coordinator to help students overcome barriers to their education. The coordinator will help students fulfill unmet practical needs such as school supplies or personal hygiene products.

The Montgomery County Commission appoints Michael Smith as Director of County Emergency Management.

Commissioners approved the resolution at the May 18, 2026, meeting. County Administrator Jonathan Booe says this position is mandated by the state and the county only has a brief window in which to fill it.

Smith is currently the District Fire Chief for Montgomery County and will continue to fill both roles for the near future. Commissioner Phil Clubine says the dual role is fine so long as Smith feels he can do both.

Rick Whitson, who announced his retirement as Emergency Management Director last week, also served in both positions at the same time until the County Commission split the job in 2024. At that, time, Smith took over as District Chief. Commissioners say they will discuss the situation in the coming weeks before making a more permanent decision.

An acting city administrator is named in Cherryvale ahead of outgoing City Admin Michael Hall's departure.

At last night's city council meeting, City Clerk Karen Davis was named acting city administrator, effective May 29^th. City Council Member Steve Strickland makes the motion.

Davis last held the position in 2024 after Jonathan Booe took a position with the County.  She will continue her duties as city clerk in addition to city administrator responsibilities.

In other business, the council heard an update from Interim Police Chief Josh Shields, who says the city has reached an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program.

Shields says he doesn't think it's a good idea to start the training now given all the recent transitions with the department, since once training starts it must be finished withing 60 days. He says it won't be a problem to start the training when they are ready. Coffeyville and Caney already participate in the 287(g) program.

Shields also says they've made progress with purchasing three used police vehicles and expect to have them by the start of June and on the road by July 4th.

The Nowata County Election Board continues live ballot testing before the June 16^th primary elections.

Last Week, Election Board Secretary Dave Neely announced the election board would test approximately 350 ballots. This week, Neely says the election board would test about 500 ballots.

Neely says each candidate in a specific race, depending on the amount of candidates in the primary, is given a certain amount of hypothetical votes to test the ballot machines.

The Nowata County Commission approves a budget increase for the OSU Extension District.

Extension Office Agriculture Educator Tara Martin says the increase would be for bringing in an additional family and consumer sciences educator.  Commissioner Troy Friddle and Martin discussed the position.

The commission approved the increase on a 2-1 vote with Vice Chairman Brandon Wesson voting against it.

The City of Caney responds to concerns about Lincoln Memorial Elementary School's use of Memorial Park for school activities and events.

City officials say the school has had permission to use the park for several years, and those activities have become a regular tradition. School staff have consistently shown care and respect for the property. The City says Principal Cameron Traxson has helped maintain the park, including assisting with field leveling and planting grass when needed.

Officials say the events give students a safe place to spend time together and build lasting memories. The City says it remains committed to working with the school while ensuring Memorial Park is maintained and respected for everyone to enjoy.

Coffeyville firefighters assist with wildfire response efforts.

Crews left Coffeyville at around 7:00pm yesterday morning, with Squad Two, a Type six brush engine, joining a Wyandotte County Task Force alongside Columbus Fire Rescue. The task force includes personnel from Kansas City, Kansas, Bonner Springs and Edwardsville.

Firefighters arrived in Meade yesterday afternoon around 2:30pm and were assigned to the fire line, where they worked suppression efforts until about 10:00pm. Crews then traveled to Dodge City for overnight rest before returning to the Meade area this morning to continue operations. Crews remain actively engaged in wildfire response as conditions continue in southwest Kansas.

It’s nearly time for most area cities to open the public swimming pool for the summer.

The City of Neodesha has been putting the finishing touches on the pool over the past few weeks. With a new coat of paint and back up pumps for all of the amenities, the pool is nearly ready to go. However, City Administrator Brogan Jones says some recent criminal activity at the pool has Neodesha Police looking for suspects.

Those with information on the vandalism can contact police at 620-325-3031

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees will meet tonight for their regular monthly meeting.

On the agenda is a Memo of Understanding with Sparkwheel and the cost of the residence halls for Upward Bound Summerfest. Trustees will also hold an executive session to discuss the current search for a new school president.

Tonight's ICC Trustees meeting begins at 5:30 in CIE Room 104. The meeting is open to the public.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updates the health advisory for several lakes due to blue-green algae.

Lakes with active Warnings are King Lake on Lyon County and Lake Afton in Sedgwick County. This status means that a hazardous algae bloom or H-A-B is present or expected. Marion County Lake is in Watch status while all advisories for the Council Grove Lake in Morris County have been lifted.

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Toxins from such blooms can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Fire Departments across southeast Kansas send equipment and personnel to help fire wildfires burning in western Kansas.

Fire crews from Coffeyville and Columbus have joined firefighters from Edwardsville, Bonner Springs and Kansas City, Kansas, to form the Wyandotte County Task Force in fighting fires in Meade County in southwest Kansas.

Elsewhere, firefighters from Labette and Crawford Counties were sent to Bucklin in Ford County to help battles the blazes there.

State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm issued a statement on Sunday morning that all requests for apparatus and personnel have been filled and that progress has been made along the main line of the fire, with no new break outs or wildfires reported. Blackhawk helicopters from the Kansas National Guard worked with other air services to drop water on the fires to assist crews on the ground. Weather conditions in western Kansas remain hazardous with high winds, low humidity and drought conditions.

Photo courtesy Columbus Fire Rescue

The City of Cherryvale invites to public to meet and talk with Interim Police Chief Joshua Shields.

Officials say this will be a chance for members of the community to get to know Shields in an informal setting. Citizens will be able to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss ideas with the new Chief. Shields recently stepped into the interim position following the resignation of former Chief Jimmy Holt. Holt left to accept a position with the Independence Police Department.

The forum with Chief Shields will take place on Wednesday, June 3, at 6pm at the Cherryvale Police Department.

The Cherryvale City Council will meet tonight to discuss a number of items.

Council members are expected to approve a purchase of water meters up to just over $25,000. An engineering services invoice and compliance service proposal are also expected to be approved, in addition to a street closing application for construction on N Maple at the start of June. Interim Police Chief Josh Shields will also give an update on police vehicles and the ICE Memorandum. Tonight will also be City Administrator Michael Hall's last meeting.

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

The Altamont City Council completes the yearly reappointment of city officials and updates emergency response policies.

At the most recent council meeting, City Manager LeaAnn Myers was reappointed along with City Clerk Brian Orender and City Attorney Robert Myers. Mayor Richard Hayward also informed the council that he had met with the City Administrator, along with Police Chief Michael Shields, Fire Chief Cody Dickerson, and City Superintendent Nathan Barnett to review emergency response policies. Hayward says the recent severe weather prompted the review.

The policies were last reviewed in 2019. In other business, it was announced that the public swimming pool is set to open on May 23 and that the annual Flag Day celebration is set for Saturday, June 13.

A Friday evening car accident near the City of Opolis along the Kansas/Missouri state line leaves two people injured.

The accident happened just before 6 on Friday night on K-171 at 260th Street or about 4 miles from the state line. 21-year-old Morgan Crespino of Carl Junction was driving a 2020 Ford Mustang and failed to yield to oncoming traffic on K-171. His vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a 2017 GMC Terrain driven by 39-year-old Tasha May of Joplin. Crespino and a passenger in his car 53-year-old Susan Crespino also of Carl Junction both suffered minor injuries in the accident and were treated at Pittsburg’s Mercy Hospital.

Photo courtesy Crawford County Sheriff's Office

The recent severe weather that brought tornadoes to northern Montgomery County and southern Wilson County have some residents concerned about the effectiveness of city tornado sirens.

At last week’s Neodesha City Commission meeting, Commissioner Duane Banzet raised the issue. Banzet reported that there had been complaints from residents in the south part of Neodesha that they were unable to hear the sirens. Some suggested the sirens be tested more frequently. Banzet says the sirens are already tested frequently.

Banzet says the City went to the silent testing to ensure people don’t ignore the sirens in the event of an actual tornado.

Banzet added that the sirens are testing daily at 1pm.

Five people are arrested during the service of a narcotics-related search warrant in Crawford County.

On Friday, May 15, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office  with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s High Risk Warrant Team executed a narcotics-related search warrant on a residence located in a rural area just west of Pittsburg. Officers located a camper on the property and gave multiple commands to the individual to exit, but that person refused. A K-9 officer was deployed and the occupant identified as 39-year-old Timothy Lee Koehn was taken into custody after being medically cleared by EMS on the scene.

A search of the residence, camper, vehicles and outbuildings was then conducted. Four other adults were then placed under arrests. They are 46-year-old Curtis Lee Demaranville, 30-year-old Kassandra Demaranville, 29-year-old Hannah Rueda, and 23-year-old Raden Stone.

All suspects face a variety of charges including possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. All five were booked into the Crawford County Jail in Girard. A minor child located in the residence at the time of the arrests was transported to the home of a family member.

Photo: (top row, left to right) Rayden Stone, Hannah Rueda, Kassandra Demaranville. (bottom) Curtis Lee Demaranville, Timothy Lee Koehn

A 74-year-old Wichita man is injured following a two-vehicle collision in northern Wilson County.

The accident occurred around 4:15 on Friday afternoon on US-75 near the intersection with 2000 Road or about ten miles north of Altoona. Ngoc Huong Thi Bradfield was a passenger in a 2013 Toyota Sequoia that was eastbound on 2000 Road. The driver of the SUV 52-year-old Elizabeth Miller of Haysville failed to yield at the stop sign at the intersection with US-75 and collided with a Ford F-250 Super Duty truck driven by 20-year-old Hunter Reiling of Burlington. Bradfield sustained minor injuries and was taken to Fredonia Regional Hospital for treatment.

No one else was injured in the crash.

The Montgomery County Commission is expected to appoint a new Director of Emergency Management at today’s regular meeting.

Commissioners are expected to tap the current District Fire Chief Michael Smith to fill the role in charge of carrying out emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for Montgomery County. The move comes after Rick Whitson announced his retirement from the position last week.

Also on today’s agenda is a report from Henry Schmidt with the Council on Aging and a budget discussion with the Director of Four County Mental Health Steve Denny. Commissioners will also consider a neighborhood revitalization request and hold an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.

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.

***** Update 11:40 p.m. *****

The prior tornado watch for southeast Kansas has been replaced with a severe thunderstorm watch for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma through 7 a.m. Tuesday.

KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

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

OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALFALFA              BLAINE              CRAIG
GARFIELD             GRANT               KAY
KINGFISHER           LOGAN               MAJOR
NOBLE                NOWATA              OSAGE
OTTAWA               PAWNEE              PAYNE
WASHINGTON

***** Update 8 p.m. *****

Severe storms are not expected to move into southeast Kansas until after 10 p.m. A tornado watch is in effect for the following counties in Kansas through 1 a.m. Tuesaday:

IN SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS

BUTLER                COWLEY                HARPER
HARVEY                SEDGWICK              SUMNER

IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS

CHAUTAUQUA            ELK                   GREENWOOD
MONTGOMERY            WILSON                WOODSON

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ANDOVER, ANTHONY, ARKANSAS CITY,
ATTICA, AUGUSTA, BEL AIRE, CEDAR VALE, COFFEYVILLE,
COTTONWOOD FALLS, DERBY, EL DORADO, EUREKA, FREDONIA, GRENOLA,
HARPER, HAYSVILLE, HOWARD, INDEPENDENCE, LONGTON, MADISON,
MOLINE, MULVANE, NEODESHA, NEWTON, PARK CITY, ROSE HILL, SEDAN,
STRONG CITY, VALLEY CENTER, WELLINGTON, WINFIELD,
AND YATES CENTER.

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

Severe weather is possible tonight across the four-state area.

The best chance for severe weather will be northeast of Wichita towards Topeka, although southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma will see a “slight” to “moderate” risk of severe weather, up to a level 3 out of 5.

Hazards include hail up to 2 inches, damaging winds and a few tornadoes.

Storms are expected to initiate along a cold front over central Kansas this afternoon. The storms will then spread slowly southward through the remainder of the night across the four-state area. Storms will impact southeast Kansas generally between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Storms are expected to eventually congeal into a line, with damaging winds and heavy rain becoming the main risk. KGGF will provide severe weather coverage tonight if needed.

The Schnazy Putt-Putt League is coming back to Riverside Park in Independence this summer.

Sign ups are currently underway for the family-friendly league. Play takes place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays in June and July from 5 to 7pm at the mini-golf course at Riverside Park. All players ages 3 and up are invited to take part. There are different age divisions for different groups with a year end award banquet with prizes and awards.

The cost to play is $25 per person or $20 per person for families with more than four members who want to participate. Players can sign up at anytime during the summer and get a league t-shirt, too.

All money raised from the league goes to support the Independence First Church of the Nazarene Children's Ministry for Kid's Camps and Retreats.

Area high school celebrate graduating classes.

Field Kindley High School, Caney Valley High School and Labette County High School all celebrated their 2026 graduating class this morning. Ceremonies were broadcast on the Mighty 690 KGGF, Sonshine 98.9 KQQF and US 98.1 KUSN.

Independence will celebrate their graduating class tomorrow afternoon at 1:00pm on Sonshine 98.9 KQQF.

A Hutchinson Police officer who shot and killed a woman armed with a pellet gun in March is cleared of any wrong doing in the incident.

Reno County District Attorney Thomas Stanton released the findings of the investigation yesterday.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, on March 29^th officers were dispatched to a residential neighborhood near North Adams Street and West 28th. Reports indicated a woman in the area pointing a rifle at nearby residences. Four H-P-D officers arrived to find 50-year-old Cassandra Scott of Hutchinson in the street and armed with a rifle.

Shortly after officers made contact with suspect, she pointed the rifle at officers, prompting one to fire multiple shots, striking Scott. EMS was called to the scene and transported the woman to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was later transferred to a Wichita hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation was called in to investigate the shooting. According to yesterday's statement, the investigation established that Cassandra Scott had made several threatening statements about shooting people. Scott pointed the gun at numerous officers and refused lawful commands to drop her weapon. Officers attempted to reason with Scott for over two minutes to drop the gun and talk to the officers.

Staton stated, "The Hutchinson Police Officer involved in this incident reacted based on both an objective and subjective reasonable belief that the use of lethal force was necessary to protect themselves and other citizens from great bodily injury or death. The Hutchinson Police Officer’s actions were legally justified. It is my conclusion that the officer is absolved from any wrongdoing."

The Kansas Highway Patrol takes part in an international initiative to improve safety and compliance among commercial vehicles.

The K-H-P took part this week in the International Roadcheck, a three day event in which inspectors  compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle and driver safety. Through commercial vehicle inspections and compliance enforcement, state troopers worked to ensure commercial vehicles operate safely on Kansas roadways.

Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during International Roadcheck have numbered more than 1.8 million. International Roadcheck also provides an opportunity to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.

Photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol

Three people are hurt following a two vehicle accident near the state line in Crawford County.

The accident happened Thursday afternoon on K-171 at the intersection of South 260^th Street or just southwest of Opolis. The adult female driver of one of the vehicles was taken to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg while the male driver of the second auto was taken via MedFlight to Joplin. A female passenger was also transported via ambulance to Mercy Pittsburg. First responders were on scene for nearly two hours before the accident was cleared.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Crawford County Sheriff's Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, as well as Fire Departments from Galena, Crawford County, and Cherokee Township, and KDOT responded to the scene.

Photo courtesy Crawford County Fire District No. 1

Property acquisition and downtown renovations take center stage at this week's Independence City Commission meeting.

At the very end of Thursday's meeting commissioners voted on the purchase of a plot of land by the City. Mayor Dean Hayse makes the motion.

The commission also approved the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Investment District and also agreed to the issuance of industrial revenue bonds with the provision of a tax abatement for the Professional Building in downtown Independence. Finance and Bond Attorney Mitch Walter with Gilmore & Bell says the bonds will help finance the planned renovations to turn the historic building into apartments.

Commissioner Scott Smith says the plan with help extend the life of the Independence landmark.

In other business, commissioners heard a report from Ginger Hill with Four County Mental Health on substance abuse and the use of funding from the City's alcohol tax.

The 60^th Oklahoma Legislature officially adjourns to end this legislative session.

The state lawmaking body completed its work earlier than the constitutionally mandated date of May 29^th and agreed to end the session early. A large part of the reason for the early completion of the session was an early agreement between the House, Senate, and Governor Kevin Stitt on the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget.

The 2027 budget made significant investments in education.  In total, the Legislature committed $232 million in new money to common education this year, triggering a 7-day increase in the school year to a minimum of 173 days. The budget also increased funding for the Department of Mental Health, while making some changes to the SNAP program as well as to child care teacher recruitment and retention.

Another major education bill that was passed into law was the  "Bell to Bell no Cell" bill that requires school districts to permanently adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones on campus during the school day.

Lawmakers concluded the session at 5pm on Thursday, May 14^th with some discussion regarding a potential special session for remaining, dormant bills. A decision on whether or not there will be a special session will be left to Governor Stitt.

Deep Fission holds another public meeting in Parsons to answer questions and address the public's concerns about its underground reactor.

Representatives from the California-based company along with nuclear engineering experts were on a panel earlier this week at the Parsons Municipal Building. The group gave a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session. One of the panel members was the Director of the Nuclear Engineering Program at Kansas State University Amir Bhahadori. Bhahadori addressed issues of safety concerning nuclear reactors. He says federal regulators keep a close eye on all reactors and that regulation strongly outweighs the risks.

Chief Operating Officer of Deep Fission Mike Brasel  was also on the panel. He says the technology used for the underground reactor is similar to that used in oil drilling.

He adds that the equipment involved uses the latest technology.

The panel also told the audience that waste from the reactor will be handled by the federal government and that 28 states are currently seeking authorization to be dedicated sites for waste storage.

Deep Fission uses a small modular pressurized water reactor placed in a 1-mile-deep borehole, aiming to enhance safety through underground containment. The facility is currently being built at the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons.

Photo: COO Mike Brasel addresses the audience

Local fire crews respond to a fire at an abandoned house in Dearing.

Early Thursday morning around 12:30, the Dearing and Coffeyville Fire Departments responded to the 300 block of Walnut Street to a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, Firefighters started attacking a fully engulfed abandoned house that was in the process of being torn down. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported.

Crews later responded back in the late morning hours after the fire rekindled.

Photo: Dearing Fire Department

More area high schools are graduating this weekend around southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

Tonight, students at South Coffevyille will graduate at 7 p.m., and Oklahoma Union's ceremony will be at 7:30.

Tomorrow, students in Coffeyville, Caney and Labette County High School will graduate at 10 a.m. The Field Kindley ceremony will be broadcast on The Mighty 690, Caney on Sonshine 98.9 and LCHS will be on US 98.

On Sunday, Independence High School Graduation will be on Sonshine 98.9 at 1 p.m.

Area graduation broadcasts are brought to you by Bartlett Coop, TLC Outdoor Power and Muller Construction, in addition to Dave's Body Shop and Wrecker and Skyward Credit Union.

A Dewey High School senior is taken into custody after officers recovered a handgun in a vehicle on campus.

School Resource Officer Josh McCully received a call at around 9:50am this morning regarding a student in possession of a handgun on the Dewey High School campus. Police Chief Jimmy Gray says he and officers responded to the school.

Police identified the student as Dewey High School Senior Gavin Bohannan.

Auditions are coming up for Coffeyville Community College’s Children’s Summer Theater.

This summer’s production is “15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play”, which is a fast-paced comedy. Auditions are open to ages six to 18, including students who graduated, and features a variety of monologues and ensemble roles for all experience levels.

A parent information meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26^th at 5:30pm, with auditions to follow from 6:00pm to 7:30pm and again on Wednesday May27th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Spencer-Rounds Theater. Rehearsals run June 1^st through June 18^th, with performances set for June 19^th and June 20^th. Admission is free and open to the public.

Two Coffeyville Recreation Commission employees are being recognized with scholarships.

Field Kindley Highs School Senior Chloe Vail received a $600 scholarship. She’s worked in the concessions department since 2022 and currently serves as concessions manager. FKHS Senior Ryley Robson was awarded a $500 scholarship. Robson has worked as an umpire and on the summer field crew since 2022.

Both seniors received their scholarships during this week's CRC board meeting. CRC officials thanked both students for their contributions to the community and wished them well after graduation.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is this weekend in Cherryvale.

Events start tonight with the queen coronation at 6 p.m. in Logan Park. On Friday, events begin with a parade at 5:30 in downtown, dinner in the park at 6 along with music from the band “Straight Away.” There will also be an evening glow run 5k at 8:30.

Saturday will bring an big lineup of events with the car show starting at 8 a.m. Craft vendors and food trucks will open at 9 a.m. With music by “Big Country” at 9:30. A cake walk will start at 10 a.m. at the Chamber office in addition to performances by Stage Art and R&S Dance Studio. There will also be Bingo at the Chamber office at 1 p.m. KGGF staff will broadcast live updates between 10 a.m. and noon on Classic Hits 104.1, courtesy of KC 24 Hour Truck Repair, Sale Brothers Seed, Discount Delights and the City of Cherryvale.

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

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

KDHE officials issued the advisory on May 14^th because of a loss of pressure due to two water line breaks. In addition, the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to equipment failure.

 The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Two people are arrested following a recent traffic stop in Barnsdall.

The original incident occurred on Sunday, May 3^rd, just before midnight after a Barnsdall police officer stopped a red Ford F-150 when a the truck failed to yield to traffic after nearly colliding with the officer's patrol car.

The driver of the vehicle identified himself as Chance Peircen of Avant. The officer recognized the passenger in the truck as Candace Roberts, who had an active warrant in Osage County. Roberts was taken into custody based on that warrant.

Officers attempted to identify the driver after no valid returns for a Chance Peircen. The driver consented to a search of the passenger side of the vehicle advising he did not know what was left by his passenger. Narcotics were located in multiple areas along with paraphernalia allowing for further search of the vehicle. Officers discovered a wallet with an Oklahoma drivers license identifying the driver as Lance Peters. Peters was then arrested and told officers he lied about his identity due to an active warrant in Rogers County.

Both were taken to the Osage County Jail in Pawhuska to face their outstanding warrants. During booking, a bag of a crystal like substance was located in Peters sock. He now faces an additional charge of introducing contraband into a jail.

Photo: Lance Peters (l), Candace Roberts (r)

A shift in the political landscape at the county level continues in Bourbon County.

Bourbon County commissioner Samuel Tran is facing a recall election after allegations surfaced suggesting that Tran violated Kansas law by failing to pass an appropriate budget in 2025. The recall petition against Tran claims, that action means the commissioner failed to perform his required duties as an elected official. The Bourbon County Attorney has confirmed that the recall is in order and can proceed. This comes after another recall effort has begun to recall County Clerk Susan Walker over a ballot printing error during the most recent election.

The Kansas Department of Transportation and Drive Safe Kansas reports good news for drivers in the Sunflower State.

According to recent crash data from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the number of fatal accidents on Kansas highways continues to fall. As of May 12, 2026, the state has recorded 104 traffic fatalities. That number is a 25% decrease from the same time period last year. This continues the trend from the beginning of 2026 that has seen a substantial drop off in fatal traffic accidents.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reminds drivers to avoid distractions, follow the posted speed limit, always buckle up, and never drive impaired.

A single vehicle accident on I-70 near Abilene leaves one person dead and another with serious injures.

The crash occurred just before 2pm on Wednesday in Dickinson County. 85-year-old Robert Huff of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was traveling eastbound in a 2023 Honda CR-V when his vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle struck and embankment and rolled multiple times. Huff suffered serious injuries and was taken to Wichita's Wesley Medical Center. A passenger in his vehicle 81-year-old Bonnie Huff was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was killed in the accident.

The Altamont City Council will meet tonight for its regular bi-weekly meeting.

On the agenda is a list of appointments for City Offices. Council members will also hear details on the opening of the City swimming pool for the season, about the Kids Fishing Derby coming up in June and about the City's annual Flag Day celebration. There will also be a discussion of the condemnation of a property on South Wells Avenue.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7pm at the Altamont City Hall. The public is invited to attend in person or to watch the meeting online via the City of Altamont Facebook page.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight with several action items and an executive session on the the agenda.

At tonight's meeting, commissioners will hold public hearings regarding proposed renovations at the Professional Building on Penn Avenue. They are also expected to approve and Downtown Independence Building grant for the Booth Hotel. Commissioners will also consider cosponsoring a Biking Across Kansas event at Memorial Hall in June.

The City's new Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Holt will also be sworn into office. Commissioners will then hold an executive session to discuss land acquisition.

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

One man is dead after a head on collision in northeast Kansas.

The accident occurred around 9:30 on Wednesday morning on US-36 in Washington County, Kansas, or about 50 miles north of Manhattan.

A 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by 75-year-old Marvin Ost of Menifee, California, was traveling eastbound when he crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming semi. The crash caused the semi to partially overturn in the roadway. Ost suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The driver of the semi 40-year-old Brian Lueking of Superior, Pennsylvania, sustained minor injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital.

While Libraries are often known to be quiet places, the Coffeyville public library has a new offering for those needing a quiet and private space.

Library Director Rachel Koszalka says their new “talk boxes” are now available for the public to use. Koszalka says the boxes are great for multiple uses including studying.

Koszalka says the talk boxes have already been popular with library patrons.

Talk boxes can be reserved in one-hour blocks. For more information, just ask the Coffeyville Public Library staff.

A box truck hits the underpass on 12^th Street near Walnut Street.

At around 3:30pm, Coffeyville Police received a report of a Ryder box truck hitting the underpass, but by the time officers arrived on scene the truck was gone. Officers were able to locate the vehicle headed west and made a stop near Fresno Street.

The roof of the box truck was damaged.

The Caney Police Department is investigating a series of burglaries and thefts.

Caney PD says the incidents involved two businesses in Caney and happened on or around the night of May 8^th. An investigation followed, including multiple tips from the public and the execution of two search warrants at residences on the east side of town.

As a result, four people have been arrested. Michael Sotta faces charges of burglary and criminal damage. Justice Sotta, Tawnee Marie Albee and Kade Wheat are each facing multiple drug-related charges, including possession of hallucinogenic drugs, marijuana, stimulants and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation identifies the suspect in an officer-involved shooting.

Authorities say 47-year-old George White III, of Pittsburg, was arrested after being released from a hospital. He was taken into custody on a Crawford County warrant that includes charges of aggravated assault, theft of more than one hundred thousand dollars, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and misdemeanor theft. He was later booked into the Jackson County Detention Center in Missouri.

The incident began late Thursday, May 7^th, when deputies responded to a report of a stolen semi-truck traveling north from Pittsburg and driving into oncoming traffic. Deputies pursued the vehicle as it continued the wrong way on Highway 69 into Bourbon County. During the pursuit, two deputies fired their guns, striking the suspect and the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody after losing control near Highway 69 and Indian Road. No officers were injured. The KBI says the investigation remains ongoing.

Drivers in Coffeyville can expect lane closures on 11^th Street.

City officials say Vance Brothers will be applying a seal coat between Elm and Walnut tomorrow and Friday, weather permitting. The project is part of routine street maintenance aimed at extending the life of the roadway and improving driving conditions.

Traffic will be reduced in the area to accommodate the work and allow time for the surface to properly cure. Motorists should plan for possible delays, slow down in the work zone and remain alert for workers and equipment.

During this week’s Wilson County Commission meeting, Road and Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum announced that a new low-water bridge should be completed soon.

The bridge, located west of Chanute on K-39 between Wichita Road and Yale Road, was closed in early April due to flooding.

Tatum expects to lay concrete to complete the bridge this week. Wilson County estimates the project will cost $20,000.

In other news, Wilson County has begun working on its new budget. Kris Marple states mock-ups will be made for potential increases in county minimum wage, up to $14 and $15 per hour.

During this week’s school board meeting, Independence made three recognitions for recent achievements throughout the school district.

First, IHS had five powerlifters finish as state finalists, including Camden Pearson, who is a back-to-back state champion in girls’ bench press and power clean.

The board acknowledged IHS Theatre for winning Outstanding Overall Production at this year’s Wichita Jester Awards.

Also, kindergarten teacher Mary Swearingen was recognized as one of three semifinalists for the Region Two Teacher of the Year. Swearingen read from her speech about her passion for her work.

In other business, the Independence School Board approved the purchase of a 10-passenger, super duty van from Quality Motors of Independence for $61,612.

The Board also approved re-upping their membership in Schools for Fair Funding for the 2026-27 year.

Photo Courtesy: IndySchools Website

The City of Sedan is currently in the process of installing new grant-funded public seating.

City crews have begun the assembly and installation of new picnic tables and benches paid for by a Waste Tire Grant through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The City was awarded the $4,639 grant in March through the program that assists local governments in purchasing products made from recycled tires, such as playground surfacing, rubber mulch, or park benches. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a 25 cent per vehicle tire fee.

Photo courtesy City of Sedan

The City of Bartlesville will soon have a new Police Chief.

Deputy Police Chief Andrew Ward will become Bartlesville's new police chief when Kevin Ickleberry officially steps down from the role on July 2. Ward was offered the position following an internal application process that closed last month.

Ward began his law enforcement career working for the Kay County Detention Center in 2010. He joined the Bartlesville Police Department in 2012 where he served as a K-9 officer until 2022. Ward earned the rank of Corporal in 2018 and Sergeant in 2020. Ward was named Captain in 2022 before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2024.

Chief Ickleberry has been on leave since December due to medical reasons, when Acting Police Chief Troy Newell stepped into the temporary role. Newell will continue as Acting Chief until Ward takes over in July.

The President of the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce is selected to lead a multi-state organization.

Coffeyville Chamber President Candi Westbrook has been chosen as the incoming Board Chair of the Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma or MAKO Chamber Conference. The move came at the group's 2026 annual conference held in April in Branson. The regional organization works to bring togther chamber professionals from the four participating states to assist in the advancement of economic and community development goals.

In her new role as Chair, Westbrook will focus on increasing participation across the four-state region, strengthening partnerships with organization sponsors, and maintaining high-quality programming for members.

Westbrook has served as President and CEO of the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce since 2017, where she focuses on business growth, community development, and strengthening Coffeyville’s economic vitality.

To learn more about the Coffeyville Chamber, follow this link

Discussions on the 2027 budget are set to get underway for the Neodesha City Commission.

On the agenda for today's meeting is an open session discussion on City finances for the 2027 budget. Commissioners will also consider bids for the purchase of transformers and for the repair of a ladder truck. There will also be a discussion of a Pathways for a Healthy Kansas Grant to fund improvements at Riverwalk Park and two Public Hearings for dangerous and unsafe structures.

Today's meeting begins at 4pm in the commission room at the Neodesha City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and will also be recorded and available for later viewing on the City's Facebook page.

One person is dead following a single vehicle accident near Olathe.

The crash occurred shortly after noon on Tuesday on I-35 just south of Olathe. A 2015 Subaru Forester driven by 43-year-old Rhiannon Rodriguez of Leavenworth was traveling southbound on the Interstate when it left the roadway to the right and drove into the ditch. The vehicle then struck a tree and a concrete embankment. The SUV then caught fire. Rodriguez died at the scene.

A nearby pedestrian attempted to pull Rodriguez from the burning vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The 33-year-old man suffered minor injuries and was taken to KU Medical Center for treatment.

New legislation to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide – commonly known as laughing gas – is signed into law in Oklahoma.

The law known as the Maddix Bias Act  makes it a misdemeanor to possess, buy, sell or transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The new law is named in honor of Maddix Bias, a 2023 Tecumseh High School graduate and standout baseball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car crash caused by his boss, who was under the influence of nitrous oxide. The measure also will increase penalties for possession of larger quantities and for those who sell or provide nitrous oxide to minors, including potential jail time, steeper fines and suspension of business licenses.

The law goes into effect 90 days after the final adjournment of the Oklahoma Legislature, which is slated to occur tomorrow Thursday, May 14 at 5pm.

The Wilson County Commission will hold their regular weekly meting today.

On the agenda will be updates from County Coordinator Kris Marple and County Clerk Kayla Busch. Road & Bridge Director Kary Tatum will also provide a summary of current work in his department. Today's Wilson County Commission meeting begins at 9am in Room 101 at the courthouse in Fredonia. The public is invited to attend.

The City of Coffeyville is hosting a grand opening for the new and improved tennis courts at Leclere Park.

Mayor Jim Faulkner says they invite the public to attend on Friday, May 22^nd at 10:00am at the tennis courts.  City Manager Ben Brubaker says despite the courts being open construction in the area is still ongoing.

The facility will continue to carry the name Clarence Stricklan Courts, honoring the history and legacy connected to the site and the community. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the courts. The ceremony will also feature special guest speaker Marilyn Pruitt, daughter of Clarence Stricklan.

The Coffeyville City Commission votes to raise the rates of water.

The commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the rates applicable to the water utility. City Manager Ben Brubaker says last weeks incident is an example of why the increase is needed to help pay for cost of infrastructure improvements.  Brubaker says the rate increase will start in July of this year.

Brubaker says over 90% of customers are in the 5/8” meter size, which will see that average increase of $11.48 a month for the first year.

The Montgomery County Emergency Management Director announces his retirement and his intention to run for county commissioner.

Retiring Director Rick Whitson says the decision to retire was not an easy one.  Whitson says his time as director of emergency management will help him as a county commissioner.  Whitson says he knows the number one issue for residents is taxes.

Whitson's official retirement date is June 1^st, which is also the last day to register to run for office in Kansas. Whitson would be running for the District One seat on the county commission, which is currently held by Robert Bever.

The USD 445 Board of Education hears an update on Energy Management from Navitas.

Energy Manager Nicci Williams says they monitor total electric, electric used and gas.  Williams says they exceeded the expected amount of savings in the first year.

The utility usage that was measured for the first year of this programs was from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. In other business, the board updated a number of policies as well as approved new hires including a new Ag Teacher.

Construction will start soon on a storm shelter in South Coffeyville.

At last night's school board meeting, Superintendent Daryl Pruter shared an update on a new storm shelter that will be built with $93,000 in grant funding. Pruter says the shelter will be built near the elementary school.

Pruter says construction will start as soon as school is out and should be completed by the end of the summer. The shelter will also be available for the community to use after school hours.

In other business, the board voted to hire non-certified personnel for the upcoming school year, and discussed plans for graduation, which is this Friday at 7 p.m.

The Independence High School Theater Department invites the public to attend the Rising Stars Cabaret tonight at IHS.

The evening will features performances from the IHS Jester Award winning production of The Addams Family: School Edition. Awards will also be given for the 12^th Annual IHS Drama Club Indy Awards. The program begins at 7pm at the IHS Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.

A South Coffeyville man is killed in UTV rollover accident last night.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 37-year-old Jared T. Zellmer was driving a 2021 Can-Am Maverick on County Road NS-416, just south of County Road EW-3 in Nowata County at around 6:45 last night when the UTV rolled over. Troopers say he was ejected and partially pinned under the vehicle.

Zellmer was taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. A passenger in the UTV was uninjured.

An effort to recall the Bourbon County Clerk is underway after a ballot error affecting the USD 235 school board election last fall.

Residents of Bourbon County have begun circulating a petition calling for the recall of County Clerk Susan Walker. At issue is a printing error in which incorrect ballots were issued for the school district election. After contacting the Kansas Secretary of State about the problem, new ballots were printed and mail-in voters were allowed to re-vote. However, 52 early voters were unable to re-vote.

In order to trigger a recall election, the petition must gather at least signatures totaling 40% of the votes cast. Organizers have until July 26^th to gather the signatures required.

A commission in Osage County, Oklahoma, passes away after a long illness.

District Three Commissioner Charlie Cartwright passed away early yesterday (Monday) morning due to health complications.

Cartwright had served in that position since January 2023. Prior to serving as county commissioner, Cartwright worked as a police officer for the Fairfax Police Department and beginning in 1997 he was hired on at the Osage County Jail where he worked his way up to Investigator. 

Osage County District Attorney Mike Fisher first met Cartwright in 2011. Fisher has worked in Oklahoma and Tulsa County, but said Cartwright is possibly the best Investigator he has worked with. Fisher says Cartwright was always willing to give credit to others.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

The Nowata School Board gets an update on recent attendance numbers.

Nowata Public Schools have seen a recent decline in attendance. Reasons for the decline include students either transferring to another school or transitioning to homeschooling.

During Monday's meeting of the Nowata Board of Education, board members and Superintendent Dr. Mindy Englett discussed the term "unschooling." the term refers to a more informal approach to teaching, where the student can learn through real-life experiences rather than traditional, structured lessons. Dr. Englett says accountability is an issue.

The State of Oklahoma sought ways to cater to student needs with a change in their overall model at the high school level. Recent changes allow students to pick their pathway and the courses required to graduate on that course of study.

Independence Police arrest two people in separate incidents last week.

The first incident occurred on Tuesday, May 5^th, when officers were called to the 200 block of North Penn Avenue for a reported fight in progress. Officers arrived on the scene and, following an investigation arrested 32-year-old Tyrone Walton. Walton faces multiple charges including Criminal threat, Causing Terror, and Felony Possession of Marijuana.

The second incident happened on Friday evening, May 8^th. At around 11pm that night, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of North Penn for reports of three juveniles making threats involving firearms in backpacks. 18-year-old Tristan Cartwright was arrested and faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Use of a Weapon, and Aggravated Endangerment of a Child. Both men were booked into the Montgomery County Jail in Independence.

Photo: Tyrone Walton (left), Tristan Cartwright (right)

Water rates will once again be a topic of discussion at tonight's Coffeyville City Commission meeting.

The City has determined that in order to deal with infrastructure needs in the coming decades, including a new water plant, City revenue will need to increase. This will likely mean that water rates will go up. Currently, Coffeyville customers pay less for water than nearby cities of comparable size, including Independence, Parsons, Iola, and Chanute. If approved, the increase would go into effect in July.

Commissioners will discuss the City's options at tonight's meeting that begins at 6:30 in the Commission Room at City Hall. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the City's YouTube channel.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces that work on the railroad overpass in Coffeyville is now complete.

US-166/US-169 under the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad bridge in Coffeyville is now open to traffic, according to KDOT. The repair work began on April 10 to repair the bridge crossing with the work and street closure taking place on weekends. Traffic will now be open on the weekends once again.

For road conditions across the state, visit kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.

Photo: City crews install mural on the railroad bridge. Photo is courtesy of the City of Coffeyville

A 19-year-old Hutchinson woman dies in a crash on K-96.

The accident occurred Monday afternoon around 4:15 near the intersection of Trail West Road or about 3 miles south of South Hutchinson. A semi truck was legally parked on the shoulder of K-96 and was approached by a northbound Dodge Durango driven by 19-year-old Nathan Pfannenstiel of Hutchinson. The driver veered onto the should and struck the parked semi. The collision caused fatal injuries to a passenger in the Durango, 19-year-old Baylee Flynn. She was pronounced deceased later that evening at Wichita's Wesley Medical Center.

The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a public hearing tonight in Columbus to give Liberty utility customers the opportunity to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments.

Liberty Utilities has filed an application with the Commission requesting to increase customer electric rates by $15.8 million to recover costs for investments made to update aging infrastructure, modernize its customer service technology, and strengthen the system against extreme weather and other challenges.

If approved in full, the increase will be phased in over a three-year period. Kansas customers with average usage would see their monthly bill increase $11.88 in the first year, $21.28 in the second year, and another $21.28 in the third year. The proposed total bill after three years would be approximately $189.83, a 40% increase in the total bill.

The public hearing will be held at the Columbus High School Auditorium located at 124 South High School Avenue in Columbus beginning at 6 p.m. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the KCC’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing. Liberty Utilities has customers in southeast Kansas in Labette and Cherokee counties.

A few storms are possible tonight for the four-state area.

Storms are expected to develop along a southward moving cold front this evening between 5 and 10 p.m.

The Flint Hills into southeast Kansas will have the best chance to see a storm or two.

Hail up to golf ball size along with 60 mph winds will be possible with the stronger storms. Stay tuned to The Mighty 690 for severe weather updates if needed.

Quarterly reports were on the agenda for the Montgomery County Commission this morning.

The meeting started with back to back executive sessions before the commission got to their regular agenda items. The board approved a request to send out bids for a remodel at the Department of Corrections. Captain of Corrections Chad Dunham says the remodel is strictly cosmetic.

In other business, the commission heard quarterly reports from Juvenile Corrections Director Kenneth Fecke and County Clerk Amy Standridge. The commission also approved the mileage reimbursement rate to be raised from 70 cents to 72.5 cents. This is the same rate that was raised federally.

Coffeyville Community College celebrates their 101^st graduating class.

Chair of the CCC Board of Trustees Becky Barnhart welcomed those in attendance as she says they come together to mark this significant milestone in the lives of their students.  Former Red Raven Football Player and Super Bowl Champion Slyvester “Sly” Williams gave the commencement address. He says his time at CCC taught him to give all he had.

Williams told the graduating class that they are just at the start of their journey and have an amazing foundation from CCC. He says to envision what they want their futures to look like and to realize the decisions that make now will have an impact on that.

One person is injured in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 169 in Neosho County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash happened just after 10:00am Friday morning on southbound U.S. 169 at 150^th Road. Troopers say both vehicles were traveling south when a 2009 Kia Spectra entered the right turn lane and then attempted to turn left onto 150^th Road. A southbound semi truck then sideswiped the Kia.

The driver of the Kia, 31-year-old Brittany Nicole Spears of Neodesha, was taken to Neosho Memorial Hospital with suspected minor injuries. An infant passenger in the vehicle was reportedly uninjured and properly restrained in a child safety seat. The driver of the semi, 66-year-old Gilbert Michael Perry of Hennessey, Oklahoma, was not injured in the crash.

Four juveniles are injured in a rollover crash northeast of Girard in Crawford County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash happened just after midnight at 150^th Street and K-47. Troopers say a 2006 Jeep Liberty driven by a 16-year-old of Girard was southbound on 150^th Street when the vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert, and rolled over twice before coming to rest upright.

The driver was taken to Girard Medical Center with suspected serious injuries. Three passengers, two 15-year-olds and a 13-year-old also of Girard, were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Troopers reported two occupants were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. District 4 Fire personnel, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Girard Police Department, Crawford County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol all responded to the scene.

Several area high school students graduated this weekend, including those in Sedan, Cherryvale and Neodesha.

A total of 44 students graduated Saturday afternoon in Neodesha, and KGGF broadcast the graduation ceremony, courtesy of The City of Neodesha and TLC Outdoor Power. Class Valedictorian Nathan Smith spoke during the ceremony, and says Neodesha is a special place.

Smith came to Neodesha sophomore year and says he quickly became part of the community.

Coming up this week, KGGF will broadcast the Field Kindley, Caney, LCHS and Independence graduations live on Saturday and Sunday.

Listen to the full Neodesha graduation here.

Last month, Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 82, a legislative tax package creating a five-cent-per-gallon income tax credit for fuel retailers selling E15 or higher ethanol blends.

Kansas Corn CEO Josh Roe says about one third of Kansas corn production goes into ethanol production.  Roe says most of the gas sold in Kansas is a E10 or 10% blend.

This incentive, aimed at boosting demand for Kansas-grown corn and sorghum, runs from 2026 through 2028 and is capped at $2.5 million annually.

A Pryor woman is killed in a single-vehicle crash in Mayes County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, 23-year-old Sarah Desautell was driving westbound on East 620 Road near South 442 Road around 7:45pm yesterday evening, when her vehicle left the roadway to the left, struck a fence and then hit a tree before coming to rest.

Desautell was pronounced dead at scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Troopers reported she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The crash remains under investigation.

The Montgomery County Commission meets this morning with executive sessions, quarterly reports and several county business items on the agenda.

Commissioners are scheduled to hold two executive sessions involving non-elected personnel, including county administration staff and representatives from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. New business includes a request for sealed bids to remodel the Department of Corrections building, quarterly reports from the county clerk, counselor and appraiser and discussion of a resolution involving KBI cereal malt beverage licenses. Commissioners are also expected to review the federal mileage reimbursement rate.

Additional agenda items include end-of-month reporting from the Register of Deeds office and signatures related to cereal malt beverage license notices for the Caney Golf Club and Caney Valley Speedway. The commission meets this morning at 9:00am in the Commission Room in the lower level of the Judicial Center.

The USD 445 Board of Education meets this afternoon with several items on the agenda, including handbook changes, policy updates, technology renewals and personnel matters.

Board members will consider proposed changes to student handbooks for the 2026-2027 school year along with a number of policy updates and revisions. The board is also expected to discuss renewing the district’s Lightspeed Filter and Classroom Management contract for just over $34,000 and purchasing more than $58,000 in classroom furniture for Roosevelt Middle School sixth grade classrooms.

Personnel items include several resignations, one retirement, and recommendations for new hires, including elementary teachers and a new agriculture instructor at Field Kindley High School. The meeting begins at 4:00pm at the district office.

Bartlesville firefighters contain an early morning house fire.

Early yesterday morning, fire crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions in the attic with flames extending through the roof. Firefighters launched an interior attack while conducting a primary search to confirm all residents had evacuated safely. Crews also cut multiple ventilation holes in the damaged roof to reach smoldering insulation and rafters and to reduce smoke and heat damage inside the home.

The residents were inside the home when the fire began but were alerted by neighbors who noticed the fire. No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.

Four fire crews remained on scene for about three hours to bring the fire under control, complete overhaul operations and extinguish hidden hot spots. The department credited firefighters’ quick response with preventing major fire, smoke and water damage to at least half of the residence. Officials also thanked neighbors for alerting the family and helping ensure everyone escaped safely.

Officials with the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo are warning of a potential vendor scam.

Organizers say they've been made aware of unauthorized vendor solicitation emails being sent regarding the 2026 Inter-State Fair & Rodeo. They remind potential vendors that official vendor applications and communication will only come from official Inter-State Fair & Rodeo channels, and they do not use person Gmail account for vendor communications.

If you receive suspicious messages, please do not send payment or personal information. If you have questions about whether a vendor opportunity is legitimate, please contact the fair directly via the official Facebook page or official fair contacts.

The Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is on the way August 9th - 15th in Coffeyville.

The Independence Fire Department responds to a house fire overnight.

Just before 2 a.m. Saturday morning, crews responded to the 600 block of N 17^th in Independence to a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival fire personnel found a single story residence with heavy smoke and fire showing. An aggressive interior attack was performed and the fire was quickly under control. Search of the residence found no one inside, and the fire is currently under investigation by Independence Fire/EMS and the Independence Police Department.

Photo: Independence Fire/EMS

Several area high schools are having graduation ceremonies this weekend.

Among them are Cherryvale and Sedan, which will hold graduation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9th.  Neodesha will also hold graduation on Saturday at 2 p.m.  The Neodesha graduation ceremony will be broadcast live on Classic Hits 104.1, KGGF, courtesy of the City of Neodesha and TLC Outdoor Power. 

Next weekend, KGGF staff will broadcast the Field Kindley Graduation on The Mighty 690, Labette County High School on US 98 and Caney on Sonshine 98.9.  All those graduations on May 16th start at 10 a.m.  Finally, Independence High School graduation will be on Sunday, May 17th and will be broadcast on Sonshine 98.9 at 1 p.m.

Coffeyville Community College students will also graduate this weekend, with Independence Community College Next Weekend.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday night in Bourbon County involving deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 11:40 p.m. Thursday, May 7. KBI agents responded to the scene.  

Late Thursday evening, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen semi-truck traveling northbound from Pittsburg. The vehicle was reported to be driving into oncoming traffic and fleeing from local law enforcement.

Crawford County deputies pursued the vehicle after the driver refused an attempted traffic stop. During the pursuit, the suspect continued to drive the wrong way in the southbound lanes. Deputies attempted to disable the vehicle but were unsuccessful.

As the pursuit continued into Bourbon County, two Crawford County deputies discharged their firearms, striking the suspect and vehicle. The suspect lost control of the vehicle near Highway 69 and Indian Road and was taken into custody.

The suspect was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a regional medical center and is now in stable condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.  The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

***** Update 4 p.m. *****

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the following areas through 10 p.m.

KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

CHAUTAUQUA           CHEROKEE            CRAWFORD
ELK                  LABETTE             MONTGOMERY
NEOSHO               WILSON

OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ATOKA                BLAINE              BRYAN
CADDO                CANADIAN            CARTER
CHEROKEE             CLEVELAND           COAL
COMANCHE             COTTON              CRAIG
CREEK                CUSTER              DELAWARE
DEWEY                GARFIELD            GARVIN
GRADY                HUGHES              JEFFERSON
JOHNSTON             KAY                 KINGFISHER
KIOWA                LINCOLN             LOGAN
LOVE                 MAJOR               MARSHALL
MAYES                MCCLAIN             MCINTOSH
MURRAY               MUSKOGEE            NOBLE
NOWATA               OKFUSKEE            OKLAHOMA
OKMULGEE             OSAGE               OTTAWA
PAWNEE               PAYNE               PITTSBURG
PONTOTOC             POTTAWATOMIE        ROGERS
SEMINOLE             STEPHENS            TILLMAN
TULSA                WAGONER             WASHINGTON
WASHITA

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

There is a slight chance of severe weather this afternoon and evening for the four-state area.

The best chance for strong storms will be in northeast Oklahoma and counties in Kansas along the Oklahoma state line. Hail and strong winds will be the primary threats, although a tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Timing is most likely between 5 and 9 p.m. KGGF will provide severe weather coverage tonight if needed.

Erie City Clerk Jessica Altman is facing felony charges due to allegations involving the theft of City funds.

According to the City of Erie, Altman was terminated from her position on Wednesday, May 6^th and arrested in connection to an investigation into missing funds belonging to the City of Erie. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Neosho County Sheriff's Office.

There are 42 different kinds of snakes in the State of Kansas, but only seven of them are venomous.

K-State Extension Wildlife Specialist Drew Ricketts says some of those snakes are more common than others.  Ricketts says the best thing to do when encountering a snake is to just leave it alone.

Warmer weather means snake sightings can increase around creeks, ponds, brush piles, barns and rocky areas. Wear boots when walking in tall grass or wooded areas and watch where you place your hands around rocks, wood piles or brush.

The Sedan City Council discusses the opening date for the City Swimming Pool.

At this week's meeting, council members examined the pool's finances. Mayor Kathy Miller says the pool plans to once again seek sponsors to allow kids to swim at no cost.

Miller also praised the pool management. She says employees have been very judicious with their use of expensive pool chemicals.

Council members approved the pool opening date for May 23. The hours of operation will remain the same as last summer.

A fuel spill in Dearing causes travel disruptions.

Yesterday afternoon, a fuel spill was reported at the C&K Gas Station in Dearing. Eyewittnesses report around 300 gallons of diesel spilled from the station, where work was being done. CR 2000 was blocked at 3900 during the cleanup. The Coffeyville Hazmat team responded to the incident. More details will be released as they become available.

The Coffevyille Public Library is challenging the community to read 6,000 books this summer.

Library Director Rachel Koszalka says that the community exceeded last year's goal of 5,000 books.

Koszalka says every book read counts, even kids' books read multiple times.

Koszalka says for every book a teen or adult reads, they will get an entry into the summer reading grand prize, which is a Garmin health monitor. Visiting one of the Little Free Libraries around town will also earn an entry. Summer reading for adults and kids will officially kick off next month.

Gas prices are continuing to trend upward heading into the Memorial Day travel period.

Even with those trends, Kansas and Oklahoma are still among the cheaper states in the country right now. AAA reports the Kansas average is sitting around $3.99 a gallon, up roughly 35 cents from a week ago and Oklahoma is sitting at around $3.89 a gallon up 25 cents from a week ago. Nationally, prices have climbed even faster, with the average now above $4.50 a gallon. Analysts say global oil supply concerns tied to tensions in the Middle East are driving much of the increase. GasBuddy analysts are warning Kansas could average around $4 a gallon statewide by Memorial Day if oil market instability continues.

For southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, that likely means drivers will notice prices continuing to inch upward over the next couple of weeks, especially along heavier travel corridors and near highways. Even so, Oklahoma and Kansas remain among the least expensive fuel markets in the nation.

South Coffeyville Public Schools is looking for donations to help create an indoor playground space for students.

The school is collecting toys and games through June 30^th for use during rainy days and cold weather. Organizers say donated items should be appropriate for children ages 4 and older. Requested donations include dress-up costumes, Legos, board games, puzzles, bean bags, dry erase markers, step stools and educational games focused on subjects like math and reading. The school says it already has plenty of books, board games, blocks and a play kitchen.

Cash and check donations are also being accepted and will go toward additional items for the indoor playground. Donations can be dropped off at the elementary office.

The Nowata County OSU Extension Office is hosting an open house today from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Community members are invited to meet staff, learn more about Extension programs and services, and explore resources available through the office. Light refreshments will be provided, and the event is open to the public.

Organizers say the open house is designed to give residents an opportunity to connect with Extension staff and learn more about services offered to the community.

A Bartlesville man is facing a felony charge after allegedly possessing nearly a pound of methamphetamine.

43-year-old Kyle Fugate was charged with trafficking illegal drugs. According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, authorities performed a traffic stop on a vehicle at a Bartlesville Burger King. After a positive K9 alert, authorities located a backpack in the backseat floorboard. The backpack contained 379 grams of methamphetamine.

Fugate pleaded guilty in 2014 to two counts of felony drug charges and has been previously convicted of second-degree burglary. He will appear in court again on May 15^th at 9:00am. He posted a $100,000 bond

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

19-year-old Antniou Gomez was charged with felony DUI and misdemeanor charges of transporting an opened container of an alcoholic beverage and driving without a valid driver's license. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Gomez was stopped by police after swerving into the wrong way of traffic and striking a patrol vehicle. Once authorities approached Gomez, they noticed multiple indicators that he was intoxicated.

Gomez provided a breathalyzer test result of 0.24 blood alcohol content. He will appear in court again on June 5^th at 9:00am. He posted a $5,000 bond.

With Memorial Day travel season approaching, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to buckle up as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign.

Law enforcement agencies across Kansas and the country will increase patrols from May 17^th through June 1^st in an effort to encourage seat belt use and reduce serious injuries and fatalities on the roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts help keep drivers and passengers secure inside a vehicle during a crash. Those not wearing a seat belt are at a much higher risk of being ejected, which is an outcome that is often deadly.

Officials also remind motorists to wear seat belts properly, with the shoulder belt across the chest and the lap belt across the hips, and to make sure children are secured in age-appropriate restraints.

The Coffeyville Community College Quiz Bowl finishes 4th at the state tournament in Salina.

Team members Jaci Wood, Cai Beaubien, Conner Rexwinkle, Isaiah Jennings and Trinity Lippert competed in the opening rounds, earning an early victory over Independence before facing tough matchups against Garden City and eventual state champion Cowley.

The team gained momentum Saturday with the return of captain Morgan Lasco, winning every round of the day to climb the standings. One of the closest contests came against Seward County, with the match decided by just one question. CCC’s strong finish earned the program a 4th-place team plaque, while Wood also received a 5th-place individual medal for answering the fifth-most tossup questions during the tournament.

The Coffeyville Boys and Girls Club receives a grant from the Bartlesville Regional United Way.

On Thursday morning, the United Way celebrated raising nearly $2.5 million in donations to assist 13 partner agencies in Washington and Nowata Counties as well as southeast Kansas.

Community partners were recognized in the Lyon Gallery at The Center in Bartlesville, with a spotlight on 16 programs that received RISE grants. Among the recipients was the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas, receiving money for an audio room that will allow students to explore audio and music production through digital media. The Club also received money for a community garden expansion.

A full list of awards and grants are available here:

Groundbreaker Award

ConocoPhillips

Cornerstone Award

Phillips 66

Pillar Award

QuikTrip

Foundation Award

Truity Credit Union

Arvest Bank

Ignite Award

ChevronPhillips

Spark Award

Oklahoma Natural Gas

Blue Sky Bio

United is the Way Award

Bartlesville Public Schools

RISE Grants

Bartlesville Art Association