Three people are killed in an early-morning house fire near Galesburg.

The Galesburg Fire Department was called to the area of 80^th Road and Highway 59 around 1:30am this morning. The call was intitially reported as a grass fire before being upgraded to a structure fire.  Firefighters arrived to find the home already burned to the ground. The department says all three residents died in the fire.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. No additional information is available at this time. Fire departments from Galesburg, Saint Paul-Mission Township and Erie responded, along with Neosho County emergency agencies.

Part of the City of Caney is without power this morning.

According to Evergy, just over 800 customers are without power as of 10:30 a.m. The outage was first reported around 9:45. Power is expected to be restored by around 11:30.

According to USD 436, Lincoln Elementary and CV west are without power, but Caney Valley Jr/Sr High has not been affected. Anyone needing to reach the Lincoln office should call the board office at 620-879-9200.

Neodesha's Riverwalk Park pond remains under a blue-green algae warning from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The pond has been under a warning status for several weeks, with the first advisory issued by the City in early July. A warning status from K-D-H-E means that a harmful algae bloom is present or expected. During this time, individuals should avoid contact with the water, keep pets and livestock away from the pond, and do not allow humans or animals to consume the water. K-State Wildcat Extension Agent Adaven Rohling says the algae bloom can be harmful to both animals and humans.

Toxins from the algae can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.?Symptoms will vary depending upon the type of exposure but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

For information on blue-green algae, follow this link.

The 2026 Oklahoma Primary Runoff Election happens tomorrow.

Voters across the state will have the chance to vote for their say in who will be on the general election ballot in November. In South Coffeyville, voters will once again be asked to approve a $5.9 million bond. The money would be used to fund a second gymnasium, a storm shelter, and general campus improvements. South Coffeyville Schools Superintendent Daryl Pruter says the much needed bond would cause taxes to go up.

The 20-year bond would see the monthly taxes on a $100,000 home to go up by about $12 per month. The bond has failed by a single vote in two previous elections. Pruter says the district needs the improvements that the bond would pay for.

Polls will be open in South Coffeyville and across the State of Oklahoma from 7am to 7pm tomorrow.

Crews in the City of Fredonia will be making repairs to a waterline today.

The project will cause the closure of the intersection at 10th and Quincy beginning this morning at 7:30. Residents in the area from 10th to Monroe may experience disruption to their water service while the repairs are underway.

The work will be completed as quickly as possible in order to restore regular service.

Former U.S. Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker passed away on Friday at the age of 94.

Kassebaum  was born on July 29, 1932, in Topeka, the daughter of Theo and Alf Landon. Her father was a former Kansas governor and the 1936 Republican nominee for president. She was a graduate of the University of Kansas and the University of Michigan. Kassebaum worked as vice president of Kassebaum Communications, a family-owned company that operated several radio stations. She also served on the School Board in the City of Maize, just west of Wichita. Kassebaum was first elected to national office in 1978 when she beat a crowded Republican primary field to be come Kansas’ first female U.S. Senator. She was reelected in 1984 and again in 1990, but chose not seek a fourth term in 1996. Kassebaum was awarded an honorary doctorate from Kansas State University in 2015.

Her family has stated that there will be a private memorial service at a later date and has requested those who would like to make memorial donation to direct them to the Kansas 4-H Foundation or the Capper Foundation.

Independence Community College will hold a public hearing for its 2027 at tonight's Board of Trustees meeting.

The public is invited to attend tonight's meeting and comment on the proposed budget for 2027. Members of the Board of Trustees will then vote on its approval. Also at tonight's meeting will be a series of reports including those from the ICC Foundation and from the ICC Faculty Senate. Trustees will also consider a vehicle lease agreement and an agreement with the City of Independence for the use of the softball field at the Central Park Sports Complex.

Tonight's ICC Trustees meeting begins at 5:30pm in the Fab Lab building on the ICC main campus. The public is invited to attend.

The City of Fredonia is looking for an individual interested in serving on the Fredonia Regional Hospital Board of Trustees.

The seat has been vacant since August 1st and needs to be filled soon. The individual would be need to serve until August 2029. The Fredonia Regional Hospital Board of Trustees is a seven-member governing body responsible for overseeing the hospital's operations and healthcare services. The trustees are appointed by the City of Fredonia.

Those interested should apply 9am on Monday, August 24. The City Commission is expected to appoint the new trustee  at a special meeting to be held tonight at 5pm at City Hall.

To apply, go here.

School is back in session for most kids across the area and local fire departments are helping students keep cool during the hot weather.

In Independence, the Independence Fire and EMS crews brought a truck and sprayed water on the field and the players at Independence Middle School as they practiced under the August sun on Friday afternoon. Temperatures on Friday afternoon peaked around 100 degrees by the end of practice and the cool water was a welcome relief for the team.

The Independence Fire Department also provided water activities for USD 446 students at the recent Indy Goes Back to School event on August 13th. To the north, Wilson County Rural Fire did the same at the recent back-to-school celebration in Fredonia. They will also be on hand to provide a break from the heat at the upcoming Ag Splash Bash in Fredonia on August 29th.

Temperatures this week are once again forecast to be in the low to mid 90s.

IMS football players cool off at the end of practice. Photo by Indepedence Fire & EMS

Wilson Co. Rural Firefighter helps Fredonia prepare for water games at back to school bash. Phot by Wilson Co Rural Fire

Firefighters from Wilson County Rural fire respond to a vehicle fire in Fredonia.

The emergency call came into Wilson County dispatch around 8:45 on Saturday morning. Crews responded to the Pete’s Convenience Store location on the US-400 roundabout just east of Fredonia. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered a vehicle in flames at the store’s gas pumps. The blaze was quickly extinguished. The car was total loss, but there was no damage to the gas pumps and no injuries were reported.

A Sedan man passes away following a early-morning car accident.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 19-year-old Jacob Darbro was injured Sunday morning around 3:45am in a single-vehicle rollover accident just south of Sedan. Darbro was a passenger in a vehicle that left the US-166 Business roadway and then overturned. He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. He was taken to St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa where he succumbed to his injuries.

Darbro was a 2026 graduate of Sedan High School.  A memorial fund has been set up to help the family during this difficult time.  Donations can be mailed in care of Elevate Bank in Sedan.  Full information is available below:

Elevate Bank
C/O Jacob Darbro memorial fund
101 W Main St
Sedan, KS 67361

The Coffeyville Community College Board of Trustees will hold public hearings at tonight's meeting regarding the 2027 budget and the school's plan to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

Trustees will answer objections of taxpayers related to the proposed use of all funds, and the amount of tax to be levied, the revenue neutral rate, and will consider amendments. Detailed budget information will be available at tonight's hearing.

The CCC Trustees meeting begins this afternoon at 4pm in the College Board Room on the CCC Campus. The public is invited to attend.

An 18-year-old woman is struck and killed by a van while crossing I-35 just south of the City of Mulvane.

The accident happened around 8:15 on Friday evening. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shyann Clark of Atlanta, Kansas, had pulled to the side of the road in her vehicle after experiencing engine problems and attempted to cross the roadway.  There, she was struck by a 2014 Chevy Express van driven by 31-year-old Fernando Martinez Gonzalez of Kansas City, Missouri. Clark was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Her family has established a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and hear reports from several county departments.

At today's meeting, commissioners will hear quarterly reports from County Treasurer Mandi Hargis and from Kenneth Fecke with Juvenile Community Corrections. County Appraiser Melody Kikkert will also present the 2026 compliance report for appraisals.

Commissioners will also consider neighborhood revitalization plans for properties in Coffeyville, Independence, and Elk City.

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

A motorcyclist is dead following a Friday morning crash in western Kansas.

70-year-old Michael Roe of Hoxie died Friday morning when his 2026 Kawasaki Sport motorcycle struck a semi truck. The semi was driven by 52-year-old Luke Smith of McDonald, Kansas, and was turning left into a parking lot just off US-24 in Hoxie.

No other injuries were reported.

Parsons Police remind drivers to stop when a school bus has its flashing red lights and stop arm activated.

Drivers approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus and remain stopped until the bus begins moving or its warning signals are turned off. The reminder comes after officers stopped and cited a driver for improperly passing a school bus on today, which was the second day of school.

PPD says the citation carries a total amount of $360. Officers will continue enforcing school-zone and school-bus traffic laws throughout the school year.

A Bartlesville woman is facing felony charges after allegedly using drugs during pregnancy.

38-year-old Ashley Rendich was charged with three counts of child neglect. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, she tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine on two separate drug screenings during her pregnancy. She was admitted to the hospital on June 11^th and June 21^st.

Rendich admitted to medical staff that she had used methamphetamine three weeks before her visit on June 11^th. BPD says the child was born on June 22^nd and weighed one pound and six ounces. The child's cord blood results tested positive for amphetamine. Rendich will appear in court again on August 28^th at 9:00am. Her bond is set at $25,000.

The Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation awards its 2026 scholarships to two local healthcare students.

John Twitchell and Lora Nance receive the Best Family Medical Scholarships. Twitchell is a licensed practical nurse pursuing his registered nursing degree at Coffeyville Community College. Nance works as an occupational therapy assistant at CRMC and is studying to become a licensed occupational therapist at Belmont University.

Twitchell also receives the Barry and Carol Phillips Nursing Scholarship. The Coffeyville couple established the scholarship last year after working in nursing for more than 45 years. The scholarship helps nursing students earn their degrees and encourages them to return to work in Coffeyville. The Best Family has awarded medical scholarships for 21 years. Applications for the next round of CRMC Foundation scholarships will open next spring.

Fredonia Fire and Wilson County Rural Fire respond to a fire on the Osage Cuestas hiking trail.

The blaze occurred on a bridge near the trailhead northeast of Fredonia between Fillmore and US-400. When crews arrived on the scene, they found the bridge heavily engulfed in flames . Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control but the bridge was heavily damaged. The structure was built by volunteers as part of the Rails-to-Trails project.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fredonia Police Department.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

An elementary school teacher in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, faces criminal charges for an alleged inappropriate relationship with her foster child.

35-year-old Melanie Friend was arrested earlier this week by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office after reports of an inappropriate incident was alleged to have occurred in June 2025 between her and her then 16-year-old foster son. Friend is employed by the Turkey Ford School District in Wyandotte.

Friend has been charged with one count of child sexual abuse. The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities in Pawnee County release the name of a high school football player who collapsed and died during a practice earlier this week.

According to reports, 17-year-old Rylan Reece suffered a medical emergency during football practice at Pawnee Heights High School in Rozell on Tuesday evening. The boy collapsed on the field and first responders were unable to revive him. Reece was starting his junior year of high school in the small town located about 40 miles northeast of Dodge City.

An autopsy was scheduled to occur in Wichita yesterday to determine the cause of the boy's death.

A new traveling exhibit about Kansas history opens today in Independence.

Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says the Kansas Pioneer Patriots Exhibit opens today at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center.

Wilson says Guernsey was an influential Independence resident in the early 20^th century.

There will be an opening night reception at the museum tonight from 6 to 7:30.

A fall favorite in the four-state area is quickly approaching.

The 19^th Annual Kan-Okla 100 Mile Highway Sale is coming up on September 10 through 12. For Coffeyville residents who plan on hosting a sale, Chamber President Candi Westbrook says the deadline for getting on the city map is quickly approaching.

Westbrook says being on the official map means shoppers will be able to find your sale.

The multi-state event features city-wide yard sales, flea markets, and over 100 booths along highways across southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

This will be the last weekend that the Big Hill Aquatic Center in Coffeyville will be open for the summer.

The pool will close for the season on Sunday. Swimmers will have the last chance to enjoy the Coffeyville Pool from 1 to 7 tomorrow and then from 1 to 4 on Sunday. Volunteer Ann Marie Vannoster says the pool will then open at 4:30 for the annual dog swim.

Vannoster added they had a great 2026 season and are already looking forward to next summer. She says they are already looking for lifeguards.

Those interested should contact Vannoster at 620-515-1184

Bartlesville Police Department is investigating an assault that occurred Thursday afternoon August 20.

Officers were called to the scene in the 1700 block of West 2nd Street on Thursday around 3pm following a report of an unconscious male. The male was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the B-P-D Criminal Investigations Division are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The identity of the deceased man has not yet been released.

One person is dead following a crash is Ellsworth County.

The accident occurred just after noon on Thursday on K-156 about 18 miles northeast of Great Bend. 77-year-old Debra Jean Stovall of Beverly, Kansas, was traveling westbound when her 2007 Chevy Impala went left-of-center. There, her vehicle struck a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 that was towing a trailer. The collision caused the pickup truck to overturn and burst into flames.

Stovall suffered fatal injuries in the crash, while the driver of the truck 21-year-old Colton Madden of Saint George, Kansas, and a passenger 19-year-old Easton Kaylor of Wichita both sustained serious injuries.

Another meeting of the USD 445-Coffeyville Johnson-O'Malley Parent Committee and the Title VI Indian Education Parent Committee is coming up.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 2,  in the Community Elementary Multi-Purpose Room, at 102 North Cline. The J-O-M meeting will take place at 6 p.m., followed by the Title 6 (VI) parent meeting at 6:30.

The mission of Indian Education is to support the efforts of local educational agencies, Indian tribes and organizations and other entities to meet the unique education and culturally-related academic needs of American Indians. Program Director Erin Lee says one of the most important components of both programs is parental involvement. For more information, contact Lee at 620-252-6420 or via email at erin.lee@cvilleschools.com

The Kansas Department of Transportation permanently closes the Yates Center rest area on US-75.

The rest area has been closed for repairs since February. During the course of those repairs, KDOT conducted a review of the condition of the facilities, usage levels, and the long-term viability of the location. A decision was made that repairing the damage or replacing the facility would be too costly given current funding priorities.

The building has been razed, and demolition of remaining pavement is in progress.

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

The advisory took effect on August 20th and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water and dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice cubes from a household automatic ice maker.

Parsons Police respond to a report of shots fired

Parsons Police Officers responded to the area of 10th & Briggs on Wednesday following a report of gunshots. After arrving on the scene, officers encountered a male armed with a firearm and quickly recognized that the individual was also experiencing a crisis. Officers used de-escalation techniques allowing them to safely secure the firearm and take the individual into custody without further incident.

Officers continue to investigate the incident.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds to hay bale fire.

Firefighters were called to the scene northeast of Fredonia just after 5pm yesterday for reports of a grass fire. Crews found a field on fire along with a large collection of round hay bales. The blaze was brought under control but the hay was a total loss. The owner lost a total pf around 120 large bales. No injuries were reported.

A high school football player in a small, western Kansas community dies after collapsing on the field during a Tuesday afternoon practice.

The player was a student at Pawnee Heights High School in Rozel, a small community located about 40 miles northeast of Dodge City. District officials say the player collapsed on the field on Tuesday evening and that CPR was underway when EMS arrived on the scene. First responders were unable to revive the boy at that time. A deputy with the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office said that the teen's death was the result of a medical emergency.

An autopsy will be conducted today to determine the cause of the medical emergency. Authorities have not released the student's name. Foul play is not suspected.

The Sedan City Council continues to discuss a water rate increase for city customers.

After tabling the rate increase at it's August 4^th meeting the council continued to work through the details on Tuesday night. Council member Adam Clark outlined the possible increase scenarios.

While council members agree that an increase is needed, they debated on what that increase should look like. Council member Wellington Butler says the council needs to look to the future and consider the impact to the community.

Council member Crystal Wade says that while they should consider the future impacts, the water issue is an immediate problem.

Council members voted to table the issue once again. Water rates will continue to be on the council's meeting agenda for the September 1^st meeting.

Emergency crews respond to an early morning accident on US-166 between Tyro and Coffeyville.

The accident occurred around 3:45 on Wednesday morning about 4 miles east of Tyro, where a vehicle collided with cattle in the roadway. Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office along with Coffeyville Police and Dearing Fire were called to the scene of the crash with possible injuries to the driver. While at the location, law enforcement located the owner of the cattle and cleared the scene.

The 11th annual Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth takes place to day in Manhattan.

Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals gathered today to discuss growth opportunities for agriculture with a focus on transportation in agriculture, including the infrastructure, logistics, and networks that support the movement of Kansas agricultural products from farm to market. The day featured speakers and panels, including a look at the new commodity flow study, a discussion about state infrastructure, and an examination of what improvements are needed to expand market access for Kansas producers.

The event featured President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association  Alejandra Castillo who discussed trade opportunities and how investments in domestic infrastructure can solidify Kansas as a consistent international trade partner in the long term.

There was also a ribbon cutting ceremony for the K-State College of Agriculture’s agronomy innovation complex. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and State Secretary of Agriculture Mike Bream also spoke at the event.

An Oklahoma man is injured following a crash near Liberty in Montgomery County.

The accident happened around 5:45 on Wednesday evening on US-169 near the intersection with County Road 3420 or just east of Liberty. 33-year-old Tyler Ames of Lenepah was waiting for another vehicle to make a left turn when he was rear-ended by a semi. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the semi driver 46-year-old Robert Eccles of Parsons had just crested the hill and was unable to stop before colliding with the other vehicle.

Ames was taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Lots of Independence school children will head back to class today sporting a new haircut thanks to the School of Cosmetology at Independence Community College.

ICC Cosmetology students welcomed local children to its Cuts for Kids event held yesterday at ICC West. The event provided kids with free back-to-school haircuts while giving ICC cosmetology students valuable hands-on experience working with younger clients. Working with children requires stylists to make younger clients comfortable, communicate in an age-appropriate way and work with a parent or guardian who may be helping make decisions about the haircut. Additionally, having a new haircut can help students feel confident and good about themselves on their first day of school.

The ICC Cuts for Kids event provided free haircuts to 64 kids. Students in USD 446 begin school today.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold a public meeting on August 27^th in Pittsburg.

The Commission will hold a public hearing and final vote on several proposed changes. Among the changes up for consideration is a proposed regulation restricting nonresidents hunting migratory waterfowl and also to reestablish the fall turkey hunting season for Kansas residents. K-D-W-P Commissioners will also consider proposed increases to state park fees for both dailty vehicle permits and camping. During a workshop session, commissioners will also discuss fishing regulations, including creel, size, and possession limits.

Next week's meeting will take place on Thursday at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts on the campus of Pittsburg State University. The meeting begins at noon and the public is invited to attend. For instructions on how to view the meeting online, go here.

First responders in Nowata County are still experiencing issues connecting their radios to transmission towers in parts of the county.

During Monday's Nowata County Commission meeting, multiple fire chiefs throughout the county discussed with the commissioners and Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers about a possible programming issue with the radios. New Alluwe Fire Chief Tommy Gibson says they could use a grant to get new radios.

The discussion also addressed repairs to the tower in Wann that was damaged during the storms on July 4^th, as well as getting a signal on a tower in the city limits of Nowata.

Oklahoma Union Schools are taking steps to help students stay hydrated as much of Oklahoma remains under a heat advisory this week.

The District says water will be available on school buses in the mornings, as well as on afternoon bus routes, although supplies will be limited. Students are encouraged to drink plenty of water and avoid wasting it.

School officials are asking parents to send children to school with a refillable water bottle they can use throughout the day and on the bus ride home. The district will have additional cups available for students who do not have a water bottle.

A Coffeyville man is killed in a crash on Highway 166 east of Coffeyville.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 59-year-old Kevin Hooper was riding an electric bicycle eastbound across the Verdigris River bridge shortly before 6:00am this morning. Hooper was struck from behind by an eastbound semi driven by 66-year-old Timothy Smith of El Dorado. Troopers say the semi struck the bicycle because it was traveling at a slower speed.

Hooper died at the scene. Smith was not injured. The crash happened about a mile and a half east of the Highway 169 junction.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation declines to open a criminal case following a use-of-force incident involving two Caney Police officers.

The incident happened August 9^th after police received a report that 71-year-old Carl Hempel was possibly armed and experiencing a mental health crisis. Police say Hempel initially stopped for officers before driving away. He later stopped near Casey’s, where officers say he refused repeated commands and resisted efforts to place him in handcuffs. Officers deployed a Taser and took Hempel to the ground. Hempel suffered a head injury, and officers provided aid until Caney EMS arrived. No firearm was found.

Police Chief Ike Dye requested an independent KBI investigation the following day. The KBI reviewed dispatch recordings, body-cam footage and other evidence. The agency determined the officers were attempting a lawful arrest and says their use of force did not appear criminal. Dye also completed an internal review and determined the officers acted within department policies and procedures.

***** Update *****

US-166/169 is back open to normal traffic after a closure earlier today. Inital reports indicate a fatality accident involving a person on a bike and a commercial vehicle.  More details will be releases as they become available.

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

US 166 / 169 is closed this morning due to a reported accident.

The incident was reported around 6 a.m. this morning. Traffic on the east side of town is being detoured around the incident around the bridge over the Verdigris River. Anyone who normally travels through the area should plan to use an alternate route and plan extra time to get through the area. Law enforcement is directing traffic around the incident. Stay tuned for details as they become available.

Photo: Detour at 8th and Northeast this morning

***** Update *****

The Water leak is fixed and crews are care flushing the lines. Officials report tat everything should be back to normal.

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

Crews in South Coffeyville are responding to a water main break.

According to the town of South Coffeyville, crews are working on the leak near the intersection of 8^th and Etchen on the south end of town as of around 8:20. No action is required by the public at this time.

Photo: Town of South Coffeyville

Construction is underway at Coffeyville's Sycamore Park.

City crews are currently at work to add a new ADA-compliant sidewalk to improve accessibility to the park. Other improvements to be added include a new parking lot to give park goers a safe and legal place to park while enjoying the amenities.

Sycamore Park is located near First and Edgevale Streets, just west of Community Elementary.

The Altamont City Council discusses ways to finance a purchase for the fire department.

At their most recent meeting, council members discussed ways to pay for the purchase of the new cascade system. The system allows firefighters to refill breathing apparatus air bottles without waiting for the use of an air compressor. Altamont Fire Chief Cody Dickerson says there is a way fund the equipment purchase through the Fire Relief Fund.

The Altamont Fire Department has been relying on the use of the cascade system of other area departments to refill their equipment. Council member Kyle Wiford says it makes sense to fund the purchase in-house.

The council approved a motion to pay just over $39,000 for the system, splitting the cost between the City Sales Tax Fund and the Fire Relief Fund.

In other business, the date for the Revenue Neutral and 2027 budget hearing was set for August 27^th at 7pm in the Commission Room at Altamont's City Hall.

Five people are injured including two seriously in a four-vehicle crash in Cherokee County.

The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon just before 3 o'clock at the junction of US-69 and US-169 near Columbus. One vehicle failed to stop at the four-way stop sign, struck a second vehicle and then overturned in the intersection. The second vehicle then struck a motorcycle, pushing the bike into a fourth vehicle.

68-year-old Daniel Stanton of Big Cabin, OK, and 27-year-old Meghan Martin of Lawrence were both seriously injured in the accident. Two other suffered minor injuries. All of the injured parties were taken to hospitals in both Joplin and Pittsburg for treatment.

The City of Independence will receive state funding for improvements to a local roadway through through the Kansas Department of Transportation's City Connecting Link Improvement or C-CLIP Program.?

Independence has been awarded $400,000 through the C-CLIP program for a resurfacing project on US-160. The total cost of the project is just over $530,000.

In Labette County, the City of Parsons was also awarded $1.5 million for a pavement restoration project on US-59.

The grants were announced on Tuesday, August 18, by Governor Laura Kelly. They are two of 32 projects across the state that will share in $24.1 million to improve transportation across Kansas.

Early voting for the August 25^th Runoff Primary Election in Oklahoma begins tomorrow.

Voters across the state will be able to cast their ballots in-person at polling locations tomorrow and Friday from 8am to 6pm and on Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Oklahoma primaries are closed primaries, which means an voter must be a registered member of that party to participate in the election. Republican voters will be asked to vote on candidates for governor, Commissioner of Labor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner while Democrats will choose a candidate for U.S. Senate.

Regardless of party affiliation, all voters may cast a ballot on two state questions: Question 844 if passed, would require legislature to create a system to determine reimbursement amounts each local government or district will receive for revenues lost due to the state's property tax exemption for manufacturing plants.

Question 846 would require voters to provide proof of identity in order to vote in an election.

Voters in the South Coffeyville Public Schools District will vote on a proposed $5.9 million bond issue.

For early voting locations, go here.

For information on elections by county, go here.

A Kansas man serving a 50-year prison sentence for first-degree murder is found dead in his cell at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

Authorities at the correctional facility say 39-year-old Andrew Ellmaker was found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday. Life-saving measures were taken but staff and EMS were unable to revive Ellmaker and he was pronounced deceased. The cause of death will be determined by an independent autopsy.

Ellmaker was serving a 50-year-sentence for the 2004 murder of Teri Zenner, a social worker with the Johnson County Mental Health Center in Olathe. Ellmaker was a 17-year-old client of the victim when he attacked her while she was conducting a home visit. He also injured his mother in the attack.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the case, a move that is standard procedure when an inmate dies while in custody.

The City of Columbus is awarded just over $800,000 in federal grant funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives program.

The Columbus project is divided into two primary sections aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and local connectivity. Section 1 will provide for sidewalk construction on the north side of the road at the intersection of Washington Avenue and West Maple Street, extending west to Riverside Drive. This will include drainage improvements along West Maple Street to mitigate steep ditches. Section 2 will see the construction of a sidewalk on the south side of East Maple Street, east of US-69, extending east to the Apple Glen Apartments.

Columbus City Administrator Jake Letner stated that the funding will help the City complete the project to connect the new Lakewood West subdivision to the interior community, by providing a safe pedestrian traffic way for Columbus residents.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is providing guidance on what Kansans should do if they encounter a bat in their home. 

The recent hot weather brings increased bat activity. Bats are an important part of the Kansas ecosystem but they are also a common carrier of rabies. While rabies is fatal for both humans and animals the viral disease is also preventable.

Wildcat Extension Agent Adaven Rohling says, if you encounter a bat, avoid handling it with your bare hands.

This is especially important if you find a bat in your home. If there was no direct contact with a bat and the bat was not found in a room with a sleeping person, the situation is generally safe. The bat can be carefully captured and released outside. However, if direct contact occurred, or if you woke up to find a bat in your bedroom, rabies testing may be necessary.

If you are unsure whether your encounter with a bat means you were potentially exposed, contact your doctor, local health department, or the

KDHE Epidemiology Hotline  by calling 877-427-7317, option 5 or email kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov. To learn more about bats in Kansas, follow this link, 

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center welcomes a new pharmacist to its retail pharmacy.

Briana Young joins Community Rx with nearly 10 years of pharmacy experience. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas in 2023 and is licensed in Kansas and Oklahoma. She most recently served as pharmacist-in-charge at community pharmacies in Sedan and Cedar Vale, where she also managed Kansas’ first telepharmacy pilot program.

Young says she looks forward to building relationships with patients and helping meet their medication and healthcare needs. Community Rx is located inside CRMC’s new Primary Care Building at 1411 West Fourth Street in Coffeyville. The pharmacy also offers a drive-thru.

Four City of Coffeyville employees are recognized for completing more than 240 hours of specialized power plant training.

Austin Coffey, Kenneth Wahl, Dustin Thurman and Gloria Phillips receive Bronze Level certificates from the Power Plant Technology Academy. Kansas Municipal Utilities Energy Services Director John Littleton, who presented the certificates, says the program is online and is designed for students to complete it in two years with over 240 hours of instruction.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says the employees’ commitment to expanding their knowledge strengthens the city’s electric team and benefits the community.

The City of Coffeyville launches a new dedicated phone number for Animal Control.

Residents can call (620)505-4044 to report stray or aggressive animals, dog bites, animal welfare concerns and ordinance violations. Calls made from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday will go directly to the Animal Control team. Calls made after 6:00pm, on weekends or during holidays will automatically transfer to the Coffeyville Police Department.

Community Development Director Amber Dean says the dedicated line gives residents one reliable number for animal-related concerns. The city encourages residents to save the number on their phones.

The Parsons Police Legacy Fund is expanding its support for local college students.

The organization makes an additional $5,000 donation to the Labette Community College Foundation for its Legacy in Leadership Endowed Scholarship. The contribution brings the fund’s direct investment to $10,000. A 50% match through the Hughes Family Grant increases the scholarship endowment to $15,000. Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks says the scholarship reflects the Legacy Fund’s goal of investing in young people and strengthening the community’s future.

LCC criminal justice major Natalie McIntosh is selected as the first recipient of the scholarship. The program supports students interested in leadership, community service, criminal justice and law enforcement. Funding comes from community donations and proceeds from the annual Guardians of the Greens Charity Golf Tournament.

A Galena man is arrested in Cherokee County on charges of possessing a stolen vehicle.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Department along with Galena Police responded to a report of a stolen car at a residence just outside of the City of Galena in Cherokee County late last week. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the address and found that multiple parts had been removed from the stolen vehicle and that the VIN had been tampered with.

38-year-old Kyle Reese Nuckles was arrested in connection to the stolen car. According to police, the vehicle that Nuckles was driving had been reported stolen out of Missouri. He was also found to have two active warrants for his arrest. Nuckles was transported to the Cherokee County Jail, where he was booked on warrants and additional felony charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.

A Kansas man is dead following a weekend drowning incident in southwest Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 34-year-old man from Wakarusa, Kansas, was on the Elk River near the Missouri 59 Bridge in Noel on Saturday evening. Witnesses say the man swam into the deep part of the river, where he went under and did not resurface. Recovery teams found the man's body on Sunday. The man's name has not been released.

This is the third victim to drown in the Elk River in the Noel area since June.

Railroad crossings across the City of Altamont will be closed over the next two weeks to allow for repairs.

Work will begin today by the Watco Railroad on the Meade Road crossing. Repairs mean the crossing will be closed today and tomorrow. The crossing on Lincoln Avenue will be closed Thursday through Sunday, with Huston Avenue closed starting next Monday through Thursday, August 26^th. The Wells Avenue crossing will be closed on August 27^th through 29^th, and Wabash Avenue crossing closed from August 30^th through September 1^st. The final closing will be the crossing on Virginia Avenue on September 2^nd and 3^rd.

Residents are asked to plan alternate travel routes while the repairs are made.

Residents of Independence will soon see a new face in an Independence Police Uniform.

Joe Mueller was sworn in as a member of the I-P-D at last week’s city commission meeting. Independence Police Chief Dustin Stafford says Mueller brings a great deal of experience to the department.

Mueller officially began work as an I-P-D officer last week.

The Coffeyville City Commission will hold a work session this week to discuss the 2027 budget.

The session will be held at 5:30 on Wednesday in the commission Room at Coffeyville's City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

The next regular meeting of the City Commission will be on August 25^th.

The City of Coffeyville receives a state grant to fund sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.

The funding comes through the The Kansas Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program. Coffeyville will receive $856,000 for the project. The money is part of $37.2 million in federal funds has been awarded to 33 projects across the state. The T-A Program provides federal funding to promote and enable use of active transportation such as Pedestrian/Bicycle/Non-motorized transportation infrastructure and Safe Routes to School.

With the focus on safety, the program prioritizes safety and accessibility for people who walk, bike, or roll to work, school, appointments, and other activities.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office retrieves a submerged pickup truck from the Montgomery County State Lake.

Deputies were dispatched to the State Lake, located just south of Independence on Friday evening, August 14, after a citizen who was fishing at the lake reported locating what appeared to be a vehicle submerged in the water using a fish finder. The vehicle was located near the dock on the northeast side of the lake.

On Sunday, the vehicle was removed from the lake with the assistance of Kansas Wildlife and Parks and Wyandotte Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Department dive team. The vehicle was identified as a silver 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4. The truck appeared to have been in the water for long period of time. There was no one in the vehicle and the truck had no plates.

The circumstances surrounding how and when the vehicle ended up in the lake remain under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle or how it came to be in the water is asked to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 620-330-1000

Montgomery County Rural Fire is questioned about station administration at yesterday’s (this week’s) county commission meeting.

Commissioner Phil Clubine asked about the progress on a new pumper truck for the Liberty Station that had been approved for purchase nearly four months ago. John Boles with Rural Fire says they are still waiting for the truck to be refurbished.

Clubine also pressed Boles and Emergency Management Director Michael Smith on payment for rural firefighters. Clubine says he has heard there have been some issues.

Smith assured commissioners that he would take care of any issues.

At last night's meeting, council members had to choose between pursuing a three or five-mill increase. A motion for the three-mill increase was made by Steve Strickland but did not receive enough votes to pass. A motion for five mills then tied with Norman Johnson and Devin Conner voting yes and Steve Strickland and Curtis Whittley voting no. Mayor Gary Minnich broke the tie in favor of the five-mill increase. The council set a hearing for the budget and to exceed the revenue neutral rate for Tuesday, September 8^th at 6 p.m. This hearing will allow the public to learn more about the increase and weigh in on the issue before it's finalized.

After the vote, a discussion regarding the increase took place between the audience and the council regarding the increase. Mayor Gary Minnich says between the mowing the city has to do and delinquent taxes, they are out nearly $100,000.

After more discussion on the grass issue, City Attorney Seth Jones says it's not as simple as just giving someone a ticket.

In other business, the council approved Jones to draft a change to the city code reducing the limit on weed heights for a property to be considered blighted from 12 to 8 inches. The council will vote on the matter once the change is drafted. The council also set a work session with the Fair Board to discuss improvements at Logan Park for 6 p.m. on August 31^st.

The Mayor of Caney provides an update on a incident regarding the police department.

At last night's meeting, Mayor Josh Elliot announced that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the police actions leading to injuries sustained by 71-year-old Caney Resident Carl Hempel.

Elliot's announcement prompted an outburst from the audience.

Many supporters of Hempel attended last night's meeting. Elliot says more information will be released after the investigation.

Coffeyville Community College receives a $10,000 grant to support students training for careers in manufacturing.

The funding from the Gene Haas Foundation will benefit post-secondary students in CCC’s Machining and Manufacturing Technology program, with an emphasis on computer numerical control, or CNC, technology. Students use CNC equipment to gain hands-on experience with the automated machining processes used throughout the manufacturing industry.

CCC Workforce Development Director Marla Sterling says the grant will strengthen training opportunities and help students develop skills sought by today’s employers. The Gene Haas Foundation supports educational programs that prepare students for careers in manufacturing and other skilled trades.

The Labette County Commission votes to approve a county wide burn ban.

The Labette County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the burn ban which will go into affect on Friday. The commission says the ban is due to the dry weather and extreme heat. The ban will be in place until the commission votes to remove it.

The ban won't take affect until it is officially published in the Parsons Sun on Friday.

Labette County canvasses the vote for the 2026 primary election. County Clerk Gena Landis says due to a poll worker error there a few ballots missed being counted on election night.

After the ballots were hand counted the Labette County Election Board completed the canvas. Landis says there was a 27% voter turnout for the 2026 primary election.

The Nowata County Commission issues a county-wide burn ban.

The board voted to institute a burn ban that will be in effect until August 30^th. District Three Commissioner Troy Friddle says he believes the decision to implement the ban should be up to the fire department.

Outdoor grilling, welding, grinding and gas torch work are permitted as exceptions under the ban. The Nowata Fire Department implemented a city-wide burn ban for Nowata last week, due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. That ban is still in effect.

Logan park improvements are on the agenda for tonight's Cherryvale City Council Meeting.

Cherryvale Youth Fair Board Member Sharon Blaes is on tonight's agenda to discuss a grant application for improvements at the park.

Police Chief Nigel Flenar will present a possible code change related to weed height, and the council will discuss a potential street closure request.

The council will also set a date for a hearing to exceed the revenue neutral rate and budget hearing.

Tonight's Cherryvale City Council meeting will start at 6 p.m. in city hall and is open to the public.

The City of Neodesha is currently dealing with two minor and unrelated issues with water.

The first is the recent notification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that the City’s water exceeds the allowable standard of H-A-As. City Manager Brogan Jones says the City is working on the issue and that the water is safe to drink.

The second water-related issue is the blue-green algae in the pond at Riverwalk Park. The pond remains under a blue-green algae warning by K-D-H-E. Jones says the City is waiting for issue to resolve naturally.

K-D-H-E will conduct another test on the pond on August 24th.

The Independence Fire & EMS Department officially welcomes its newest addition.

On Saturday evening, Independence Fire held a Push-In Ceremony for its new Engine 3. During the ceremony, firefighter manually pushed the new truck into the Independence Fire Station. The tradition dates back to the 1800s, before motorized fire engines, when fire crews relied on horse-drawn steam pumpers and equipment carts. Because horses cannot easily back up a heavy wagon, firefighters would detach the horses upon returning from a call and manually push the equipment back into the station. The ceremony is also symbolic of departmental unity, because pushing the large truck as a team represents the cooperation and unity that is required in fire service.

Attendees were able to enjoy refreshments and take tours of the Fire & EMS facility.

Students in Neodesha and Coffeyville begin a new school year today.

As kids across the area head back to school this month, drivers are reminded to use caution and watch for young people on their way to class. Remember to always slow down to the posted 20 mph speed limit in active school zones. Put your phone away, watch for children, and never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Help ensure that local children have a safe start to the new school year.

Students in Sedan, Fredonia, Cherryvale, Independence, Parsons, Oswego, Humboldt, and Altamont head back to class later this week.

Two people face charges in Crawford County following a police chase late last week.

On Thursday afternoon, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi attempted to stop a vehicle related to an ongoing drug investigation in Pittsburg. The driver of the vehicle fled from the traffic stop. Sheriff Tomasi successfully performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention maneuver on the fleeing vehicle near the intersection of South 190th Street and K-126, successfully bringing the pursuit to an end without any injuries. A search of the vehicle yielded a significant amount of suspected methamphetamine.

The driver of the vehicle 38-year-old Jerry Wright and his passenger 43-year-old Whitney Hernandez-Aguilar were both arrested. A third person was also arrested but was later released. Wright and Hernandez-Aguilar were transported to the Crawford County Jail in Girard.

Later that night, a search warrant was executed at a residence on East 9th Street in Pittsburg as a result of the investigation. More suspected methamphetamine was located and seized, along with misdemeanor and felony drug paraphernalia.

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office was assisted in this investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Bourbon County Kansas Sheriff's Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Photo: Jerry Wirght (l), Whitney Hernandez-Aguilar (r)

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says its investigation into last week’s murder/suicide in Winfield shows evidence of premeditation.

According to a statement from the K-B-I, the August 11th killings that left six people, including four children dead, was planned in advance. K-B-I agents do not believe an argument or physical altercation preceded the homicides on the morning of August 11th. Instead, evidence indicates 53-year-old Ronald Williams Sr. and 44-year-old Kelly L. George jointly shared culpability for premeditated plans to kill their children and then themselves. The incident took the lives of 9-year-old Carol, 7-year-old Ronald Jr., 5-year-old Sarah, and 3-year-old Kelly Williams.

It was reported that Williams and George displayed erratic behavior leading up to the shootings, including a pattern of making nonsensical statements to law enforcement, neighbors, and others in the community. During the investigation, documentation was found indicating George had purchased a Taurus 38 Special revolver in February of 2025. The same firearm was found at the scene. At this time, no evidence suggests anyone in addition to Williams and George was responsible for this tragic shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing. When the case concludes, findings will be presented to the Cowley County Attorney.

The family has provided this photo of the Williams children. Left to Right: Kelly, 3, Ronald Jr, 7, Sarah, 5, and Carol, 9.

All 105 counties in Kansas have completed their audit of the 2026 Primary Election.

That was the announcement on Friday from the Office of Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab. The audits are required by state law with the purpose of verifying that the hand count of votes matches those from the tabulation machines. Once the audits are complete, counties must then submit their results to the Secretary of State Office for final approval. Montgomery County will complete its official canvass of election results at today’s meeting.

To learn more, follow this link.

The Caney City Council will meet tonight with several presentations expected at the meeting.

Tonight, council members will hear a presentation regarding an upcoming bull riding event. They will also hear about water project easements, a budget request from the Caney Public Library, and a discussion with the City Code Enforcement Officer. Prior to the meeting, there will be a workshop on the 2027 budget at 5:30.

Tonight’s regular meeting begins at 6:30 at the Caney City Hall. The meeting is open to the public. Those who wish to attend are asked to enter City Hall on the east end of the building.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today consider several requests from Public Works.

At today’s meeting, there will be a discussion of a bridge on County Road 1900 as well a request for bids for C-M-P culvert pipe and a request regarding easements from Evergy. In other business, Dick Horton with Dick Horton Consulting and Tessere will be on hand to review the County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning regulations.

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

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office makes an arrest following a year-long burglary investigation.

The original crime occurred on August 8^th of last year, when more than $10,000 worth of equipment was stolen from Prairie Land Partners located at 3182 US-160 in Independence. Although there was video footage of the break-in, law enforcement was unable to identify the suspects.

During the investigation, deputies learned of a similar burglary at another Prairie Land Partners location in McPherson. Information gathered from authorities working on that case helped Montgomery County deputies identify the suspect vehicle and trace it to a rental car company in Houston, Texas. This led to the identification and arrest of 23-year-old Christian Villa-Duran of Houston.

Duran has been booked into the Montgomery County Jail on felony charges of burglary and theft. Authorities continue to investigate in an attempt to locate other suspects in the case.

Work continues on the Osage Cuestas Trail near Fredonia.

The first 8 miles of trail from Fredonia to Benedict is expected to be fully open later this fall. With the help of the Sunflower  Rail-Trails Conservancy,  The Osage Cuestas Trail formerly known as the Western Sky Trail is being built by local groups and individuals in Chanute and Fredonia. A group of volunteers recently completed a new trailhead shelter in Fredonia's Polk Park with modern restroom services.

Phase 2 of the Osage Cuestas Trail will add an additional 5 miles to US 75. When fully completed, the new trail will run 20 miles and connect Fredonia to Chanute. 

Photo courtesy Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy shows before, during and after construction.

A total of 103 animals sell at this year's Inter-State Fair and Rodeo Jr. Market Livestock Sale.

The entire sale was broadcast on The Mighty 690, complete with interviews with several fair exhibitors.  The broadcast can be heard here.

Coverage was brought to you by Bartlett Co-op, Muller Construction, Coffeyville Tire and Auto, Independence Animal Hospital, Haymakers Furniture, Romans Outdoor Power, Imperial Vending, Heyman Iron and Metal, Shelter Insurance Agent Lacey Hodges and Thompson Brothers.

The 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo wraps up tonight.

The carnival will open up at 6:00pm tonight and close a midnight for the final night of games and rides. The last night of grandstand entertainment will feature the power wheels and demo derby.

Gates open at 6:00pm and the event starts at 7:00pm. KUSN 98.1 and Prescott Deckinger will be broadcasting live tonight from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in front of the grandstand. Come by and get a KGGF fair and rodeo fan.

The bucket calf show wraps up the livestock shows for this year's Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

Jorie Zwahlen was named Grand Champion and Reed Hibbs Reserve Champion in the bucket calf show. The livestock portion of the ISFR wrap up tonight with the Jr Livestock sale starting at 5:00pm and being broadcast live on KGGF 690AM.

The fair wraps up tomorrow with the demo derby at 7:00pm.

The Tractor pull is coming up tonight at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

Organizer Ryan Rexwinkle says they are brining in a couple of groups to entertain the crowds.

Rexwinkle says Coffeyville's hospitality is on of the reasons that national groups say they enjoy coming to town.

Gates open tonight at 6 and the event starts at 7:30.  The demo derby will wrap up the grandstand events tomorrow starting at 7 p.m.

Chandler Pippin emerges victorious as the 18th annual Buck Out champion at the 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo Thursday evening after an exciting showcase featuring more than 50 competitors.

Representing Sonic Drive-In, Pippin was one of three competitors to qualify for both rounds, lasting eight seconds on the mechanical bull and earning the highest overall score after two rounds. Pippin and 10 other riders with the highest scores after the first round advanced to the final round, with each receiving a belt buckle as a prize.

The Buck Out contest was sponsored by the Coffeyville Kiwanis Club, a local community service organization focused on helping children and supporting youth programs.

Competitors will have another opportunity to take part in the Buck Out when the Interstate Fair and Rodeo returns next year.

Nowata County voters are preparing to take to the polls on Aug. 25 to vote in runoff elections.

Voters within the Nowata city limits will vote on a proposed charter change that would amend the appointment of a city treasurer. The proposed change would appoint a treasurer for an indefinite term that has experience in accounting and would not serve on the board of city commissioners.

Currently, Janet Washam represents the office of City Treasurer and serves on the board of Nowata City Commissioners.

Voters within the South Coffeyville Public Schools District will vote on a third proposed bond, worth $5,925,000. The proposed bond would accelerate the repairing and remodeling of school buildings, acquire school furniture and improve school sites. The last two bond proposals have each failed by one vote.

Regardless of political affiliation, Nowata County voters will vote on State Question 844, which if passed, would require legislature to create a system to determine reimbursement amounts each local government or district will receive for revenues lost due to the state's property tax exemption for manufacturing plants.

Voters will also vote in State Question 846, which if passed would require voters to provide proof of identity in order to vote in an election.

Registered Republican voters can vote in runoff elections for Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Labor and Insurance Commissioner. Registered Democratic voters can vote in a runoff US Senator primary.

A former Neosho County Attorney is found guilty on a perjury charge.

A jury returned the verdict on one count of perjury against Linus Thuston yesterday. He was acquitted on a second perjury charge. The verdict was the result of a retrial of the case after another jury failed to reach a verdict in December, where Thuston was originally charged with three counts of perjury and three counts of intimidation of a witness or victim. In this second trial, the special prosecutor dropped all charges except the two perjury counts.

The case stems from 2024 when Thuston was accused of lying under oath while testifying as a witness in a drug case. After yesterday's verdict, the judge in the case set a motion hearing for October. At that time, a motion to overturn the verdict will be considered or a sentencing date will be set.

The City of Moline is hosting a Safe Streets for All open house on Tuesday.

The City is working in conjunction with Chautauqua County to hear from community members about what projects might improve community safety. Residents are invited to attend to share ideas and learn about plans and projects to make the community safer.

The Safe Streets for All program is a federal initiative providing $5 billion to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. In Kansas, local communities and the Kansas Department of Transportation have utilized roughly $67 million in federal grants for local safety action plans and infrastructure updates.

The open house will take place on Tuesday from 3 to 7 at the Moline Community Center. Those with questions should contact Elk County Road and Bridge by calling 620-374-2580.

Two people are arrested in Vinita in an OSBI investigation.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, acting on a tip from the The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the messaging platform Discord, served several search warrants on a Vinita residence on August 13th, 2026. The information from Discord indicated uploads of child sexual abuse material. Based on the searches, 20-year-old Aiden Cooper, of Vinita, was arrested and booked into the Craig County Jail on charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.

During one of the search warrants, Cooper’s grandmother, 64-year-old Diane Cooper, was also arrested for obstruction. She was booked into the Craig County Jail.

The OSBI was assisted in the search and the investigation by both the Vinita and Miami Police Departments.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Independence community joins USD 446 in celebrating the start of another school year.

Last night, district teachers and staff and other members of the community braved the heat to celebrate Indy Goes Back to School at Riverside Park. Students and their families were able to enjoy live music and food, along with activities such as face painting and other games.

The Independence Fire Department helped everyone cool off with a spray of water from one of their ladder trucks.

USD 446 students begin school next week on August 20^th.

Photo courtesy USD 446

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo continues today in Coffeyville.

The livestock judging contest begins at 9am.

Tonight, it's the Junior Market Livestock Sale in the livestock arena. KGGF will provide full broadcast coverage beginning at 5:00pm on the Mighty 690. Coverage is brought to you by Bartlett Co-op, Muller Construction, Coffeyville Tire and Auto, Independence Animal Hospital, Haymakers Furniture, Romans Outdoor Power, Imperial Vending, Heyman Iron and Metal, Shelter Insurance Agent Lacey Hodges and Thompson Brothers.

In the grandstand tonight, is the tractor pull. Gates open at 6 and the action begins at 7;30. The carnival midway will be open from 6pm to midnight.

A convicted sex offender is found dead in his cell at the Lansing Correctional Facility.

L-C-F staff discovered 80-year-old Larry James Gregg unresponsive in his cell on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Despite live-saving measures, staff was unable to revive him and he was pronounced deceased.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Gregg was serving a life sentence for convictions of four counts of rape and four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child in Saline County in 2012.

At the August 13th Independence City Commission meeting, commissioners approved two measure that would put the issue of sales tax before voters. City Manager Kelly Passauer explains the measures.

The first question would replace an existing 1% Educational Sales Tax with a 1% general sales tax after the USD 446 bond obligations are paid in full in 2028. The second question would renew the existing 1% special purpose sales tax for another ten years, beginning in 2032.

Commissioner Scott Smith says the measure is a way to alleviate the reliance on property taxes.

Mayor Dean Hayse says he looks forward to discussions on the propositions and the services they pay for.

Voters will be able to either approve or deny both propositions on November 3^rd.

A Wichita truck driver is seriously injured in a Crawford County accident.

68-year-old Bobby Elkins was traveling southbound on K-7 about 7 miles north of Girard on Thursday morning. Around 8:30am, Elkins lost control of his 2027 Peterbilt and left the roadway to the right, veering into the ditch. As he attempted to regain control of the big rig, Elkins over-corrected, crossed the center line and drove into the east ditch and through a fence line. The semi truck continued through a pasture for another 1000 feet before coming to rest.

Elkins was taken to Joplin's Mercy Hospital with serious injuries.

The beef show at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo brings many contestants ahead of today's Junior Market Livestock Sale.

Ava Inman earned grand champion for her market steer, with Daylyn Fesmire named reserve. Fesmire also earned supreme heifer with Gemma Emberson named reserve.

Sayler Hawes earned grand champion for prospect steer, with Nevada Gilmore named reserve. Full results from the beef show can be seen below:

Grand Champion Market Steer - 

Ava Inman 

Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer -

Daylyn Fesmire 

Supreme Heifer - 

Daylyn Fesmire 

Reserve Supreme Heifer- 

Gemma Emberson 

Grand Champion Prospect Steer -

Sayler Hawes 

Reserve Champion Prospect Steer - 

Nevada Gilmore 

Junior Showmanship:

Gatlin Scott 

Ava Inman 

Julia Harrington 

Rio Kate Mitchell

Brooklyn Lee

Int. Showmanship: 

Gemma Emberson 

Daylyn Fesmire 

Edynne Bolte 

Hayden Fields 

Grace Harrington 

Senior Showmanship: 

Lakyn Sutton

Clint Harrington

Emerson McGee

Braden Herrenbruck

Zayna Dyches 

Steer Show Sponsored by Oswego Locker and Deer Creek Simmental 

Heifer Show Sponsored by Solutions North Bank  

Grand Champion sponsored by Jake Kolb - L2 Relaty 

Reserve Champion sponsored by Reed Vestal Ranches 

Photo: Ava Inman, ISFR

The PRCA Rodeo at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is in the books, and several competitors came out on top, including some locals.

Clay Clayman was named all-around cowboy between steer wrestling and team roping.

Conner Griffith earned first in bareback riding with 78.5 points and $1,061. Clay Clayman had the fastest time for steer wrestling with 4.7 seconds and a payout of $1,329. In team roping, Chad Masters and Joseph Harrison earned $1,784 each with a time of 5.1 seconds.

While local cowboy Tagg Bond of Edna did not have a qualifying ride in saddle bronc, Mark Halliday came out on top with 80.5 points and $1,508.

Coffeyville Stockyards owner Tylen Layton took second in tie-down roping with a time of 8.6 seconds and $1,167. He was on top in the standings until Blake Carter's 8.0 run, which earned $1,411.

In Barrel racing, Emily Beisel was on top with $1,145, and Cole Patterson took first in the average in steer roping with 22.9 seconds on two head and a payout of $1,547.

There were no qualifying rides in bull riding. The total payoff was $48,641.

Photo: Tylen Layton's tie-down roping run

Several law enforcement vehicles are on the scene on West 4th Street in Coffeyville in the area between Cherokee and Ellis.

Thursday evening around 9 p.m., residents reported shots fired in the area, prompting police to respond to the area. Those reports have not been confirmed.  As of 9:20, police were still on the scene.  This is a developing story, additional details will be released as they become available.

Coffeyville Friends of Animals will be at the Coffeyville Tractor Supply for an adoption event.

CFA Board President Becky Barnhart says the event is on Saturday.  Barnhart says they will primarily have puppies at the event.

Barnhart says Shelter Director Danny Thompson will be at Tractor Supply for the adoption event from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Brea Robison earns Grand Champion Market Goat honors at the 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo goat show, while Cooper Jellison receives Reserve Grand Champion.

Robison also shows the Grand Champion Doe, with Jerika Mathis earning Reserve Grand Champion Doe. Junior showmanship honors go to Lia Gaches, Maysa Messner, Reed Hibbs, Noelle Messner and Joseph Harbour. Intermediate showmanship winners are Laney Gilliam, Brynn Wolken, Landree Alcorn, Paisley Carter and Case Gilliam. Senior showmanship honors go to Mathis, Rian French, Robison, William Flanagan and Zoey Vickery.

The goat show is sponsored by Equity Bank. L2 Realty sponsors the Grand Champion and 4E Heritage Feed & Show Supply sponsors the Reserve Champion awards.

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo Junior Market Livestock Sale to be broadcast live on KGGF.

The sale begins at 5:00pm tomorrow evening in the Livestock Arena. Young exhibitors have worked throughout the year to prepare for the sale. Community members are encouraged to attend, show their support and bid on the livestock.

KGGF will provide full broadcast coverage beginning at 5:00pm on the Mighty 690. Coverage is brought to you by Bartlett Co-op, Muller Construction, Coffeyville Tire and Auto, Independence Animal Hospital, Haymakers Furniture, Romans Outdoor Power, Imperial Vending, Heyman Iron and Metal, Shelter Insurance Agent Lacey Hodges and Thompson Brothers.

The City of Coffeyville is changing how utility service locations are identified.

Pole numbers are no longer required or used on city utility accounts. Customers should instead provide the numeric portion of their service address when asked to identify a location. For example, a customer at 123 Main Street should use the number 123. Customers who previously had pole numbers associated with their accounts are also being notified directly.

The change is part of system cleanup ahead of planned utility software improvements. Anyone with questions should contact the Coffeyville Utility Billing Department at (620)251-6100.

A local College National Finals Rodeo Champ will compete in tonight's PRCA Rodeo at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

According to Rodeo Organizer Luke Carr, Saddle Bronc Rider Tagg Bond of Edna will compete in tonight's action.

The free dance and live music will start around 9 p.m. by the rodeo office.

Rodeo Clown Matt Tarr says this is his first time in Coffeyville and says that the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is well-known across the country.

Gates open at the grandstand tonight at 6 and the rodeo starts at 7:30.

A former Parsons police officers enters a not guilty plea in federal court to charges of attempted production of child pornography.

28-year-old Tyller D. White entered the plea in a federal courtroom on Tuesday. White was arrested by the Labette County Sheriff's Office on July 25 after allegedly attempting to film a juvenile female in a restroom. He was fired from the Parsons Police Department shortly after his arrest. White was transferred to federal custody several days later where he remains under detention.

There's a new state park now open in Allen County.

The State of Kansas and the City of Iola officially welcome the grand opening of the Lehigh Portland State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week. The Lehigh Portland State Park got its name from the Lehigh Portland Cement Company, which bought the Iola Portland Cement Company in 1917. This company operated the cement plant on the site until 1970. The park was established on April 19, 2023, when Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill declaring it Kansas' 28th state park. The park features a spring-fed lake, hiking and biking trails, and a blend of industrial and natural history.

The Galesburg Fire Department is looking for volunteers interested in volunteering at the fire station.

Galesburg needs those who would like to be volunteer firefighters, but they also need people who would be willing to help with equipment maintenance, truck checks, cleaning, general upkeep around the department, as well as administrative support. No experience is needed. Training will be provided.

Those who are interested should stop by the Galesburg Fire Department at 109 2^nd Street on Tuesday, August 18, at 6pm to learn more.

The City of Nowata remains under a burn ban.  

On Wednesday, the Nowata Fire Department issued a burn ban for the City.  The department and City of Nowata remind residents that during the ban, outside burning is not permitted.

The City of Nowata and the Nowata Fire Department will advise citizens when the burn ban has been lifted.

Neodesha city officials are updating residents on a recent drinking water notice.

The City recently received notice of a water system violation involving haloacetic acids or H-A-As. The notice is from test results taken in June. H-A-A is a byproduct of the recent water disinfection process.

City Manager Brogan Jones assures residents that the water is safe to drink and no alternate source of drinking water is needed at this time. The City will continue to monitor the water system and provide updates when needed.

The issue is unrelated to the blue-green algae at Riverwalk Park.

The Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson hosts some out of this world guests this week.

Two members of NASA's  Artemis II crew, Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch visited the space and science museum on Tuesday as guests of Kansas Senator Jerry Moran.  NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman was also part of the group. Senator Moran extended the invitation to the astronauts on April 9^th while speaking with Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space agency.

Though he was unable to join his fellow astronauts on this trip, Hansen expressed interest in visiting the Cosmosphere.

Hansen says the Cosmosphere and the Artemis program help kids develop an interest in space exploration.

During Tuesday's visit, the astronauts spoke with students participating in STEM education activities and saw firsthand how the Cosmosphere is preparing the next generation for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Photo: NASA Administrator Isaacman, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch & Sen. Moran speak with Cosmosphere staff and students participating in STEM activities.

A high school football player in the Little Rock suburb of Maumelle got a scary surprise during practice last week.

The teen says he felt some unusual movement inside his helmet following team warm ups and took his headgear to a coach for help. After examining the helmet, the assistant coach discovered a two-foot long cottonmouth hiding behind the padding. Animal control officers were called to the scene and removed the venomous reptile with a pair of tongs after forcing it out of its hiding place by submerging it in water. Wildlife officials say the player had the snake in his helmet for more than an hour and was lucky he was not bitten.

The cottonmouth is one of six species of venomous snakes that are native to Arkansas.

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo continues today at Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park.

Today's events kick off with the Market Steer Show at 8, followed by the Prospect Steer Show and Junior Open Heifer Show in the livestock arena.

Indoor exhibits will be open for viewing from 2 to 4 today. They will begin check-out this evening at 4. The bucket calf show happens this evening at 6 in the livestock arena.

Tonight in the grandstand, it's the second night of PRCA Rodeo starting at 7:30. Gates open at 6. There will be a free dance following the rodeo with live music from Outlaws Reloaded. The carnival midway will be open from 6 to 11.

Stop by the KGGF booth outside the grandstand as we broadcast live from 5 to 7 tonight on US 98. The Interstate Fair and Rodeo runs through Saturday in Coffeyville.

It's back-to-school time and students in both Caney and Sedan are headed back to class today.

Everyone is reminded that kids will be out and about, walking and biking to school. Drivers should pay close attention to school zones and slow down immediately when entering those zones. Stop for anyone in a crosswalk and follow all crossing guard directions. Keep crosswalks and intersections clear so children are not forced to walk into active traffic. Stay alert in residential neighborhoods where children may dart out from between parked cars. Do not text, call, or look at handheld devices while driving. Look out for children riding bikes and give them at least three feet of space.

Taking extra precautions can help ensure that kids have a fun and safe first day of school.

The Bartlesville City Council chooses an interim city manager.

On Wednesday, council members voted unanimously to name Laura Sanders as interim city manager. Sanders will take over the role after last week's resignation of former City Manager Mike Bailey. Sanders began her career with the City of Bartlesville in 2015 as a human resources manager. Sanders was promoted to human resources director in 2019. She has served as assistant city manager since April 2024. Sanders says she is honored to be named to her new position.

Sanders was appointed as acting city manager immediately following Bailey's resignation, which is allowed under city charter. Last night's (Wednesday's) action by city council empowered Sanders to take all management roles in the position.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight and consider calling a special question election to replace and renew the existing city-wide retailers' sales tax.

Commissioners will consider a special question election on the November 3 ballot that would replace the existing 1% Educational Sales Tax, after the USD 446 bond obligations are fully satisfied, with a one percent 1% general purpose sales tax. City officials say replacing the existing tax with a general purpose sales tax would provide the City with a flexible revenue source and could help reduce the City’s reliance on property taxes. The change would not increase the City’s overall sales tax rate.

Also up for consideration tonight will be the adoption of the Community-based strategic plan, the awarding of a bid for the installation of new electrical service at Riverside Park, and awarding the design and installation of a vehicle service pit at the City Public Works Facility. Commissioners will also be asked to set a date for Public Hearings for 10 properties.

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

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality provides an update for the public on the potential aluminum smelter in Inola.

The D-E-Q says it is still reviewing the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola and says its job is to determine whether the facility meets environmental requirements, but not to decide where the facility gets built. According to the agency, transparency is the primary goal in the ongoing technical process and that the applicant may be asked for clarification or additional information. DEQ is voluntarily applying stricter transparency standards than currently required by law and has created a public webpage with permit documents, updates, and information about public participation. It will specifically examine potential fluoride pollution and its effects on vegetation and livestock.

There have been meeting with residents, legislators, and local officials, including holding a public meeting at an Inola high school in an attempt to keep the public informed and to address concerns. The agency plans to hold two additional public meetings about its initial air-quality modeling and Best Available Control Technology decisions, beyond what the law requires.

DEQ is emphasizing that the smelter has not simply been approved. The agency says it is conducting a detailed environmental review and giving the public multiple opportunities to see the information, comment, and challenge the permit before a final decision is made.

If you're looking for a place to cool off and check out this year's rabbit and poultry entries at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo, head over to the Ron Stevenson building tonight.

Market Broiler Superintendent Kimber Kiersey says the program is fairly new.

Logan Kiersey earned grand champion for the market broilers and Liam Kiersey was named reserve. For the poultry show, Jymi Reece earned best of show with Kaia Buetow named reserve.

Rabbits and poultry will be on display today through the end of the rodeo.

Night one of the PRCA Rodeo at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is in the books.

In bareback riding, Andy Gingerich is in the lead with 78 points. Clay Clayman leads the steer wrestling with a run of 4.7 seconds. Trevor Howard and Tyler Hutchins are in the lead among the team ropers with 5.9 seconds. Mark Halliday is on top in saddle bronc with 80.5 points, and Cole Wilson leads the tie-down roping with 9.1 seconds. In barrel racing, Cacee Hendrick and Hazlee McKenzie tied at 17.58 seconds, and Cole Patterson is on top in steer roping at 9.9 seconds. There were no qualified rides in bull riding.

Fair royalty were also crowned at last night's event. Night two of the rodeo gets underway tonight at 7:30 with gates open at 6 at the grandstand at Walter Johnson Park.

Joel LelaCheur earns Grand Champion Market Lamb honors at the 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo sheep show, while Harper Minor receives Reserve Grand Champion.

Lakin Nash shows the Grand Champion Ewe, with Britt Blocker earning Reserve Grand Champion Ewe. Junior showmanship honors go to Harper Locke, Ellie Dean, Teagan Garton, Harley Fields and Lane Robinson. Intermediate showmanship winners are Minor, Avery Jinkens, Daylyn Fesmire, Josie Hitt and Marlee Spillman. Senior showmanship honors go to Nash, Elaina Henry, Cooper Newby, Makayla Jones and Zoey Elsworth.

The sheep show is sponsored by American Homes Realty. L2 Realty sponsors the Grand Champion award, while RH Sprayfoam sponsors the Reserve Champion award.

Amelia Ames earns Best of Show honors at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo rabbit show. Ames also receives Best of Six, while Bryson Phillips earns Best of Four.

In showmanship, Lane Robinson is named Junior Division Champion, with Harper Kitterman earning Reserve Champion. Phillips is the Intermediate Division Champion, while Magdelana McClung receives Reserve Champion.

The rabbit show is sponsored by the Coffeyville Rotary Club, with showmanship sponsored by DC Junqutiques.

Coffeyville Community College welcomes higher education leaders from across Kansas for a multi-day campus visit.

The group included members and staff of the Kansas Board of Regents, along with the presidents and chief executive officers of the state’s seven public universities. Visitors toured CCC’s campus and facilities while also experiencing the Coffeyville community. The group toured and dined at the Brown Mansion, while Kansas State University President Dr. Richard Linton and members of his staff visited the Dalton Museum and Condon Bank.

CCC President Dr. Marlon Thornburg says the visit allowed the college to showcase its campus, amenities and role in serving students and employers. He says many of the visitors had never been to Coffeyville and were impressed by the campus and community’s history. The visit also allowed CCC leaders to strengthen relationships with the Board of Regents and Kansas’ public universities.

The fitting contest draws a good crowd at this year's Inter-State Fair and Rodeo. The contest took place yesterday (tuesday) in the livestock arena.

Exhibitor Rian French says the contest is good for all ages to get experience in the ring.

French says there a different divisions based on age and it's a good educational experience.

This year, Hayden Howerton, Jagger Hawke and Tucker Forth took place in the senior division. Gatlin Scott, Edynne Bolte and Gunnar Blaes took first in intermediate, and Tinley Forth, Ava Inman, Sayler Hawes and Vivian Scott took first in the junior division. The fitting show was sponsored by Reed Vestal Rances and full results can be seen below:

Junior Division—

1st Place 

Tinley Forth 

Ava Inman 

Sayler Hawes 

Vivian Scott 

Intermediate Division— 

1st Place 

Gatlin Scott 

Edynne Bolte 

Gunnar Blaes 

2nd Place 

Brynn Wolken 

Ellie Dillanger 

Haddie Elsworth 

3rd Place 

Rylee Howerton 

Evan Dillanger 

Ellie Dean 

Brenleigh Collier 

Senior Division— 

1st Place

Hayden Howerton 

Jagger Hawke 

Tucker Forth 

2nd Place 

Brayden Herrenbruck

Sam Wilson 

Carson Collier 

Owen Dean 

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo gets into full swing today at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville.

Today, the animals take to the show ring with several livestock shows on the schedule. This morning begins with the rabbit show at 8am and the sheep show at 9 in the Livestock Arena. This afternoon, the poultry show happens at 1pm in the ron Stevenson Building and the goat show begins at 4 in the livestock arena. Inside Exhibits open at 2pm.

Several big events happen tonight starting with the I-S-F-R parade at 5pm in downtown Coffeyville. At 6pm, it's the Kiddie Pedal Pull at the Coffeyville Rec Center. In the Grandstand, it's P-R-C-A Rodeo and the Royalty Coronation starting at 7:30. Gates open at 6. The carnival midway will be open from 6 to 11 tonight.  

Make sure to stop by the KGGF booth in front of the grandstand as we broadcast live from 5 to 7 on US 98.

It all happens today at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville.

Crews from the City of Parsons will be making repairs to a water main today.

This means that water will be out in the area of the 3000 block of Stevens Avenue. The outage is expected to last through the morning. Water service will resume when repairs are complete.

The Allen County Commission has enacted a county-wide burn ban that is in effect from midnight on August 10 until Sunday, August 16, at midnight.

The ban forbids all open burning including grass, debris, and trash as well as campfires and fireworks. Fires in permanent stoves, fireplaces or grills are allowed. Crop or grassland burning may be conducted only with written permission from the Allen County Sheriff.

The Wilson County Commission presents its proposed 2027 budget.

The proposed mill levy rate for Wilson County is 66.590 mills, which is 4.10 mills lower than Fiscal Year 2026, but is also .3 mills higher than the Revenue Neutral Rate. The revenue neutral rate hearing & budget hearing for Wilson County are scheduled for September 2^nd at 10am.

The Wilson County Commission will meet today at 9am in Room 101 of the courthouse in Fredonia. The public is invited to attend.

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

At today's meeting, commissioners will conduct their annual update of the standard traffic ordinance and the uniform public offense code. They will also approve one of two bids for landscaping on Main Street. Today's meeting begins at 4pm in the Commission Room at Neodesha's City Hall. The public is invited to attend. The meeting will also be recorded for later viewing on the City's Facebook page.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds to a small grass fire southeast of Fredonia.

The blaze occurred on Tuesday afternoon and was quickly contained and extinguish. Damage was confined to a small area of grass and no injuries were reported. Firefighters remind residents that the hot, dry weather makes conditions likely for grass fires to ignite and urges caution and to avoid anything could spark a fire.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

Montgomery County will hold the canvass for the recent primary election later this week.

The voter canvass for the 2026 Primary Election will be held on Friday at 9am in the basement of the Judicial Center.

The purpose of the canvass is to review the results of the Primary Election, including the consideration of provisional ballots and any other actions necessary to finalize the election results.

The 2026 Primary Election results will be officially certified on Monday, August 17 during the regularly scheduled County Commission meeting.

The voter canvass meeting is open to the public.

The Coffeyville City Commission approves a measure to move forward with a Southwest Power Pool transmission line study.

At the August 11, 2026, meeting, City Manager Ben Brubaker presented commissioners with the option of moving forward with the study that would  determine whether the City's electric system and regional transmission infrastructure can support a possible data center project. Brubaker says the move is meant to gather more information and does not indicate the City has committed to any data center proposal.

The study would take about 5 months to complete, which means no action on any of the five proposals the City has received would be taken until that time. Brubaker says taxpayers would not be responsible for the cost of the study .

The vote on conducting the study passed on a 3 to 2 vote with Commissioners Jim Faulkner, Deborah Maples, and Alec Hendryx voting in favor of the measure and Michael Golden and William Kendall voting no.

An Extreme Heat Warning continues across the area today as tempertures are expected in the triple digits with heat indices in the lower teens.

When temperatures rise, the risk of serious heat-related illness increases. Whether you are working or playing outside, Dr. Brett Gray says there are some precautions to take if you are going to be in the heat for an extended period of time.

 Dr. Gray says if you are spending a lot of time outside this week, be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion. 

Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate into heatstroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. If an individual becomes disoriented or confused, stops sweating, or faints, seek medical attention and call 9-1-1.

USD 446 Independence and Independence Community College agree to renew their partnership on the use of Shulthis Stadium.

The renewed agreement allows ICC to continue using Shulthis Stadium for home football games, including postseason contests and preseason and spring scrimmages. The agreement also provides opportunities for ICC to host up to three youth football clinics at the stadium each year.

ICC will open its 2026 football season at the Riverside Park stadium on September 12^th as they host the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens.

Six people, including four children, in Winfield are dead following what police say is a murder/suicide.

According to the Winfield Police Department, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call just before 9am on the morning of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 53-year-old Ronald Williams Sr. of Winfield. Williams told dispatchers that he had killed his family and intended to kill himself. Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong says when they arrived on scene, they heard a single gunshot.

The victims have been identified as 44-year-old Kelly George, 9-year-old Carol Williams, 7-year-old Ronald Williams Jr, 5-year-old Sarah Williams, and 3-year-old Kelly Magee-Williams. Investigators believe Williams killed the five victims before placing the emergency call and then took his own life.

Local authorities have called in agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to assist on the case.

The investigation is ongoing.

The first livestock event at Inter-State Fair and Rodeo is in the books.

The swine show took place at the fair yesterday. Gatlin Scott earned grand champion in the market swine division, with Piper Perkins named reserve.

Madelynn Parker earned grand champion for supreme breeding gilt, and Raegan Long was named reserve.

The fitting contest also took place yesterday in the livestock arena. The sheep show will take place today, and exhibitor Rian French says it's important to be prepared mentally before you step into the show ring.

Other livestock events at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo today include rabbit, poultry and goat shows.

Photo: Gatlin Scott, ISFR

Coffeyville public works crews respond to a large water leak.

Early yesterday morning around 12:30, water crews responded to quickly dropping levels at the water plant. Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker says that meant there was a significant leak.

Brubaker says city crews sprang into action and started searching town for the leak.

By 4 a.m., crews located a leak in a 10-inch line in a wooded area near North Grant Street. Once the leak was isolated, the water level was able to stabilize. Brubaker thanks the quick work by city crews to avoid any disruptions to the water supply.

Photo: City of Coffeyville

The Montgomery County Commission makes significant cuts to the 2027 budget.

At Tuesday's special meeting, Interim County Administrator Kori White and the county commissioners agreed to across the board cuts to the 2027 budget in an attempt to keep the mill levy as low as possible. White details the cuts that were made.

Commissioner Robert Bever says the cuts were necessary.

Commissioner Phil Clubine says everyone will feel the effects of the cuts.

Commission chair Mike Cordray says the commission has listened to what taxpayers have said.

As the budget currently stands, the mill for 2027 would be set at 41.903. That number is down from the 44 mills when budget talks began. The county will hold a Public Hearing to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate at its August 31^st meeting.

Police officers in Kansas City, Missouri, get a bit a surprise during a recent traffic stop. No kidding.

A KC MO officer recently spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen and pulled the vehicle over. AS the officer was arresting the driver, he kept hearing what he thought was a goat-sounding ringtone. He asked the suspect if that was his ringtone and the suspect said, “No, those are real goats; they’re in my trunk.”

The officer checked the trunk and found two small goats that belonged to the suspect. With their owner detained, the animals named Denver and Aspen, took in the goats. The group determined they were still babies and had not yet been weaned from bottle feeding. The young male and female goats were very thin and suffering from intestinal parasites. The KC Pet Project has placed the pair with a foster family who plans to adopt the baby goats following a 10-day hold.

Both goats are expected to make a full recovery.

A vehicle pursuit across several southeast Kansas counties leads to an arrest.

The chase began in Labette County when Sheriff's deputies started a pursuit of a vehicle. The Crawford County Sheriff's Department joined the chase as it crossed the county line. Law enforcement used tire deflation devices that caused the vehicle to lose on of its tires.

The suspect then abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot into a cornfield in Cherokee County, near K-171. The Kansas Highway Patrol's Air Support Unit assisted and quickly located the suspect hiding in a bean field.

The suspect was identified as 48-year-old Jeremy Johnston and taken into custody without further incident.

Johnston was taken to the Cherokee County Jail where he faces multiple charges including felony criminal damage to property and interference with law enforcement.

The City of Independence invites residents to join the Independence Fire & EMS for a traditional welcoming ceremony for its newest fire truck.

I-F-D recently received its new pumper truck known as Engine 3 after receiving approval for the purchase from the Independence City Commission. The truck had been originally ordered by another city's fire department when that city withdrew from the purchase, giving Independence the opportunity to purchase the custom vehicle. The new truck will replace a 40-year-old fire truck that had exceeded its expected service duration.

The department will welcome the new truck with what is called a “push-in ceremony,” where firefighters physically pushing a firetruck into the station. The tradition dates to the 1800s when fire crews relied on horses to pull equipment. Horse teams cannot easily back up a heavy cart, so firefighters would manually push the wagon into the station.

Residents are invited to attend the ceremony and open house on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the West Myrtle fire station next to City Hall. Refreshments will be served, and staff will offer tours of the Fire/EMS facility.

The Montgomery County Commission will hold a special meeting today to discuss details of the 2027 budget.

At Monday's meeting, Interim County Administrator Kori White informed commissioners of additional cuts that have been made to next year’s budget. White says those cuts should set the mill lower than originally planned.
 

That number is still higher than this year's mill of 39.989. The include cuts to several departments including Public Works, Environmental and Zoning and the various fairs in Montgomery County.

Today's meeting will begin at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is invited to attend.

The Nowata County Commissioners decides to not intervene with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission regarding a transmission line project from American Electric Power or A-E-P.

During a yesterday's morning, commissioners were advised by Assistant District Attorney Ashley Kane to refrain from intervening in the matter. Nowata County Clerk Kay Spurgeon reads Kane's letter to the commission.

Commissioners Paul Crupper and Troy Friddle agreed that they would not approve a motion to intervene. However, Commissioner Brandon Wesson says he disagrees.

Crupper represents District One, another district that will be heavily affected by the project's current proposed route. He expressed interest in intervening as a concerned citizen, not as a representative of the board.

The Nowata County Commission meets every Monday at 9am.

The Coffeyville City Commission is set to discuss the first step in the possible approval of a data center.

At tonight's regular meeting, commissioners will discuss proposals the city has received regarding the construction of a data center in the Coffeyville Industrial Park. City Manager Ben Brubaker will seek commission guidance on advancing to the next phase of due diligence by authorizing submission of an Southwest Power Pool Transmission Study. The study would determine whether the City's electric system and regional transmission infrastructure can support a project of this size.

Last week, the City held a public information forum to allow residents to learn about data centers, ask questions, and provide feedback before any decisions are made. Though the City has received several proposals, no commitment of any kind has been made. Tonight's vote would be to determine whether or not to proceed with the transmission study. Completion of the study does not obligate the City to approve a project.

If the study is approved, the City will hold additional public meetings before any development agreement or electric service agreement is considered.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30pm 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 area residents are appointed to serve on state advisory boards.

Governor Laura Kelly announced the appointments late last week. Kelly reappointed Jean Schodorf of Sedan to the State Historic Sites Board of Review. The Board review sand recommends nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places, and also awards preservation planning and rehabilitation grants. Schodorf is a former state senator from Wichita and has also served on the USD 259-Wichita Board of Education before relocating to Sedan.

Kelly also appointed Duane Banzet of Neodesha to the Firefighter Memorial Advisory Board. This Board advises on matters concerning the Memorial to Kansas Firefighters on the State Capitol grounds and makes recommendations regarding appropriate activities memorializing or commemorating the services of firefighters in Kansas.  Banzet is the former Fire Chief for Neodesha and currently serves on the Neodesha City Commission.

Photo: Banzdet (l), Schodorf (r)

Football season is just round the corner and that means the cross-county rivalry between Independence Community College and Coffeyville Community College is heating up.

To celebrate the kick-off of another season of K-J-C-C-C football, Independence Community College is offering free admission for all Montgomery County residents to the Pirates' home opener against the C-C-C Red Ravens on September 12.

Additionally, fans who present a valid photo ID or other proof of Montgomery County residency at the ticket gate will also receive a complimentary season voucher valid for free admission to all remaining ICC home athletic events during the 2026-27 season, excluding conference and national tournament contests.

The ICC-CCC game happens on September 12^th at 5pm at Shulthis Stadium in Independence.

Grandstand action gets into full gear today at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

Today's events include The PRCA Rodeo Slack to start the day at 8 along with the swine show in the livestock arena.

Inside exhibits will open today from 2 to 7 in the exhibit building at the Coffeyville Rec Center. Tonight is also the first night of the carnival which opens at 6 p.m. The fitting contest will be tonight at 6:30 in the livestock arena and the LJ Jenkins Bull Riding starts at 7:30 in the grandstand with gates open at 6. KGGF staff will broadcast live tonight from 5 to 7 on US 98 in front of the grandstand.

Tomorrow will bring a full day of events including the majority of the livestock shows, plus the parade downtown at 5 followed by the bean and watermelon feed and the first night of PRCA rodeo.

South Coffeyville Public Schools are gearing up for the first day of classes coming up on Monday.

Superintendent Daryl Pruter says they are implementing some new safety guidelines by requiring clear backpacks as recommended by the state.

The state has also required increased recess time, which the district already provides in addition to an increase in meal prices to meet state minimums. At last night's meeting, the school board approved increasing full-pay lunch from $3.35 to 3.45 for students and $5.16 to 5.30 for adults. The board also approved a 50 cent pay raise for non-certified staff.

South Coffeyville is also preparing for a $5.9 million bond issue to go before voters on August 25^th. If approved, the bond would go towards construction for a new gym which would be available for both school and community use.

Photo: South Coffeyville Ag Teacher Jeff McGlathery shows board members the Ag Program's new $36,000 trailer, which was purchased through a lease-purchase agreement.  The trailer has already been used to bring livestock to the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

The Chautauqua County Commission passes an ordinance regarding new high-voltage transmission lines.

At today's meeting, commissioners passed an ordinance establishing a permitting and oversight process regarding the placement, construction and maintenance of electrical generating facilities that includes high-voltage power lines running 200 kilovolts or more.

According to the ordinance, new lines must follow or parallel state or federal highway right of way when feasible. Lines also must be at least 500 feet from schools, hospitals or churches. A permit will also be required for construction, and public comment periods will be required ahead of approval.

The ordinance comes as Evergy re-evaluating potential routes for a portion of its Buffalo Flats transmission line project.

An open house on the project is coming up tonight (Monday) at the Cowley County Community College Brown Center at 215 S Second Street in Arkansas City from 5 to 7.

A second open house will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Sedan High School from 5 to 7. A link to the map of proposed routes can be found here.

The Montgomery County Commission will hold a special meeting tomorrow at 9am to discuss details of the 2027 budget.

At Monday's meeting, Interim County Administrator Kori White informed commissioners of additional cuts that have been made to next year’s budget. Those include cuts to several departments including Environmental and Zoning as well as to the various fairs in Montgomery County.

Tomorrow’s meeting will begin at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is invited to attend.

Rural fire crews respond to a grass fire near Tyro.

Crews from Tyro Rural Fire and Dearing Rural Fire were called to a location along County Road 2800 about 5 miles northwest of Tyro on Sunday afternoon for a fire in a grass field. Firefighters responded quickly and were able to extinguish the blaze and keep it from spreading to a larger area. About 5 total acres of grassland was burned, but no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

It's back to school season and students in Independence are invited to get back to the books with a back to class bash.

On Thursday night, USD 446 will hold it's annual Indy goes Back to School bash at Riverside Park. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says it's always a fun event.

Indy Goes Back to School happens Thursday night on the oval at Riverside park from 5:30 to 730pm. USD 446 students begin class on August 20.

Tax receipts for the State of Kansas in July come in above estimates.

The total tax receipts for July came in at $718.9 million. That number is about 3.5% or just over $24 million above estimates. State representative Doug Blex says those numbers are driven primarily by income tax and retail sales.
 

While those measures were up, corporate taxes fell below estimates. Those receipts were $18.5 million or 21.7% below estimates, but up slightly at one tenth of one percent higher than a year ago.

To read the full July 2026 report, follow this link.

Part of US-69 in southern Miami County was closed for a brief time on late Friday afternoon following damage to a bridge.

The damage was caused when a crane on the back of a logging truck struck the West 399th Street Bridge northeast of the City of La Cygne as the vehicle traveled beneath the structure in the northbound lanes. One of the northbound lanes of US-69 was closed along with the bridge as engineers with the Kansas Department of Transportation examined the damage. The engineers determined that both the highway and the bridge were structurally sound and could be reopened to traffic.

Repairs to the bridge will be scheduled soon.

A 4-year-old child in Allen County is dead following an electrical shock.

According to a statement from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the child was reported to have been playing at a residence in the 200 block of North Walnut Street in the City of Savonburg on Thursday evening, August 6, around 9:pm. At some point the child received an electrical shock from a 220-volt dryer. The parents took the unconscious child to the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, where the child was pronounced deceased.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, but foul play is not suspected.

A weekend car chase across two counties leads to an arrest.

Early Saturday morning, a deputy with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram 1500 on US-69 near the Kansas Crossing Casino. The vehicle had been spotted traveling at three times the posted speed limit. However, the driver fled, traveling west along US-400. The driver failed to negotiate the turn and struck a curb at the Labette Bank in Cherokee near the US-400/K-7 intersection.

The driver re-entered the highway and continued to flee, traveling north on K-7 until one of the tires on the vehicle became deflated and eventually came apart. At that point the driver ceased his flight and surrendered to police. The driver was arrested an identified as Nathan Adriel Hernandez.

A juvenile female passenger was held until her parent/guardian could arrive, at which point she refused to go with them. She was transported to the Crawford County Sheriff's Office and seen by a Juvenile Intake Officer.

Hernandez was transported to the Crawford County Jail and faces multiple felony charges. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.

The City of Neodesha receives a $50,000 grant to build new restrooms at Riverwalk Park.

The funding comes through a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant. The project will allow the City to build ADA-accessible public restrooms at Riverwalk Park and is the result of citizen input in a recent community survey, showing the desire of residents to see more events held at the park, located on West Main Street/US-75 on the west side of Neodesha. According to the City, adding the ADA facilities will help make it possible to hold more events at the park.

A previous Pathways grant also funded the walking trail around the park’s pond.

Construction is expected to begin soon with completion planned for next spring.

A storage shed at the Fredonia golf course is destroyed by fire.

Just before 4am on Sunday, fire crews were called to the scene of the  Fredonia Golf Club on Harper Road just south of the City for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a storage shed on the property fully engulfed in flames. After learning that the shed did not contain golf carts, which use chemical batteries, the decision was made to let the fire burn out on its own. Fire crews remained on the scene to ensure the blaze did not spread. The building was total loss.

Wilson County Rural Fire reported no injuries.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

The Montgomery County Commission will meet today and citizens will have the chance to learn more about the results of a recent wage study.

At today’s meeting, Phil Hayes with the Arnold Group will be in attendance to discuss the wage study. This study was the basis for significant wage increases for certain county employees over the past few years. Citizens will have the opportunity to learn more during a question-and-answer session.

In other business, commissioners along with Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will take part in a road viewing at 9:30 for a potential vacation of the road on County Road 4800. County Emergency Management Director and District Fire Chief Michael Smith will appear to request approval to trade in a vehicle and Register of Deeds Marilyn Calhoun and I-T Director Jason Clubine will present quarterly reports. Brandon Beurskins will also request signatures for a High Risk Rural Roads grant  from the Kansas Department of Transportation for the Buckeye Street project south of Coffeyville.

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.

It's exhibit check-in day today at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo.

Events kicked off at the fairgrounds in Coffeyville Yesterday with the Royalty BBQ Dinner Fundraiser and Auction and Royalty Horsemanship in the grandstand.

Today, inside exhibits and livestock will be check in, with exhibit judging taking place this afternoon. Tonight's public events include the bake sale and silent auction in the rec center at 5 p.m.  Auctioneer Matry Hill says they've got a lot of entries this year.

The PRCA Rodeo Slack will start the day off tomorrow at 8, and the swine show will kick off the livestock shows, also at 8 a.m. Inside exhibits will open from 2 to 7 tomorrow, and the carnival will open at 6 p.m. The fitting contest is tomorrow at 6:30 and tomorrow's grandstand entertainment includes the LJ Jenkins Bull Riding at 7:30, with gates open at 6. KGGF staff will broadcast live tomorrow from 5 to 7 on US 98. All events take place at the Coffeyville Fairgrounds.

The City of Bartlesville is undergoing a change in leadership. City Manager Mike Bailey resigns effective immediately after 21 years with the city.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Jim Curd and the City Council, Bailey says he decided after considerable reflection to pursue opportunities outside the city. Bailey describes serving as city manager as the greatest honor of his professional life. He says he has complete confidence in the city’s leadership team and employees and believes Bartlesville is well-positioned for the future because of their commitment and talent.

Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders will serve as acting city manager. Sanders will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations to ensure municipal services continue without interruption. Curd thanked Bailey for his years of service and wished him well in his future endeavors. The Mayor says the council has full confidence in Sanders and believes her experience and leadership will provide continuity during the transition. The City Council will determine the next steps for filling the city manager position and announce its plans as soon as possible.

Full resignation letter

Update 4:45 pm:

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has canceled the endangered persons advisory that was issued on behalf of the Yates Center Police Department. Tava Glover, 44, of Yates Center, was located safe in Oklahoma.

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

Police in Yates Center are looking for a missing woman.

44-year-old Tava Glover was last seen by her family on Tuesday. when she was expected to be driving home to Yates Center from Kansas City. She is believed to be driving a 2016 white Lincoln MKZ bearing Kansas tag 9-2-6-1-A-G-M.

Glover is a white female who is approximately 5'4” tall and weighs around 175 pounds. She has light brown hair and hazel eyes. Authorities believe she may have traveled in Pittsburg, Kansas; Miami, Oklahoma; and Ottawa, Kansas, since Tuesday. Glover has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and is without necessary medication.

An endangered persons advisory has been issued for Glover by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone who thinks they have seen Tava Glover, should call 911 immediately. Anyone with information about her whereabouts, should call the Yates Center Police Department at 620-625-8640.

A Kingman man who owned a home daycare center and also worked as a bus driver for the Kingman-Norwich school district is arrested for child sex crimes.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation  are investigating multiple allegations of child sexual abuse made against 47-year-old Tony Streight. Streight was one of two adults operating a home daycare at 250 East H Avenue, in Kingman. The daycare, Little Explorers Playschool, had operated since 2017, and was licensed since 2022.

He was taken into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Kingman County Jail on charges of  rape of a child under 14 years of age, and indecent liberties with a child. The K-B-I continues to investigate the case.

Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announce that Kansas and the Czech Republic have signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation.

The announcement on Thursday stated that the statement is aimed at expanding collaboration in trade, business development, technological research, and other shared priorities. The agreement establishes a framework for closer cooperation between Kansas and the Czech ministries responsible for foreign affairs and industry and trade, while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, universities, scientists, artists, and other institutions.

The partnership focuses on four key industries: aerospace; agriculture, animal health and biotechnology; advanced manufacturing; and nanotechnologies.

State leaders said the agreement also strengthens cultural ties between Kansas and the Czech Republic, building on the state's longstanding Czech heritage. Kansas is home to several Czech-owned businesses and the town of Wilson, known as the Czech Capital of Kansas and one of the nation's largest Czech-American communities.

Three people are injured in a head-on crash in Cowley County.

The accident happened around 4:30 on Thursday afternoon on US-77 near the intersection with 102^nd Road or about 6 miles north of the City of Winfield. 58-year-old Jeffery Nicoll of Denver, Colorado, was driving a 2024 Ram 2500 south on US-77 when he attempted to pass another vehicle. Once in the northbound lane, Nicoll saw an oncoming Chevy Volt driven by 36-year-old George Brady of Rose Hill. Nicoll attempted to avoid a collision by swerving into the east ditch. Brady also swerved into the east ditch. The two vehicles then collided head-on on the shoulder. The collision caused Brady's vehicle to spin and Nicoll's vehicle to roll.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries. A passenger in the Ram pickup identified as 60-year-old Amy Nicoll also received minor injuries. All drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

An Independence health group receives a microgrant from the Community Foundation for Independence.

The Foundation has announced that Indy Women United will receive $500 to assist with the purchase of basic hygiene products for local students. Indy Women United is a group that helps USD 446 students have access to essential hygiene products when they need them most. The group works through each local school's nurse's office to distribute items to students in need, helping them feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn. For many families, rising costs can make it difficult to afford necessities. By helping meet these basic needs, Indy Women United is making a meaningful difference in the lives of local students and creating a stronger, more compassionate community.

The Community Foundation for Independence connects donors and organizations to support projects to improve the quality of life in Independence and other surrounding communities.

Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Independence

The Caney Police Department will begin activating school speed zone lights beginning today.

Today's activation will be to test the lights before the beginning of the new school year. The lights in the school zone on US-75 near Caney High School as well as those near Lincoln Elementary will turn on automatically starting on Monday morning. The lights will be active all next week to ensure the system is working properly.

The first day of classes for Caney students is Thursday, August 13^th.

Emergency crews respond to an injury car accident on US-400.

The accident occurred around 7pm last night near the intersection of US-400 and County Road 5300 or about 2 miles west of the US-169 junction. The Montgomery County sheriff's Office along with Independence Fire & EMS and Cherryvale Fire & EMS. Preliminary reports indicate that at least one person was injured in the two-vehicle accident, but no further details have been released.

Wilson County Rural Fire responds to a grass fire along US-400.

The call came in around 3 yesterday afternoon. Crews responded to a corn field near the intersection of US-400 and 600 Road, just northwest of Neodesha. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to crops.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

A representative from the human resources group that conducted the recent wage study for Montgomery county will attend Monday's commission meeting to field questions from the public.

Phil Hayes with the Arnold Group will be at Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting to answer questions regarding the compensation study that was conducted for county employees. The issue recently came to light after public documents showed significant wage increases for some county employees over the past few years. While the county has requested that question be submitted before the meeting, there will be the opportunity for the public to ask questions at the meeting.

Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting will be held at 9am at the Judicial Center in Independence.

Standing room only as a large crowd gathers to ask questions and express concerns on a potential data center project in Coffeyville.

City Manager Ben Brubaker, Director of Electric Services Chris Weiner and Montgomery County Action Council Director Melissa Johnson spoke during the meeting about the potential project and the impacts it could have on the area. Brubaker says they have received four proposals for a data center.

A number of Coffeyville residents and residents from surrounding areas spoke during the meeting, with a majority of the crowd not in favor of the data center. The meeting was just informational and no decision was made. The City Commission will consider the four proposals at the upcoming meeting on Tuesday. The first step is for a study to be done to determine if the area can support any of the proposed data centers.

The U.S. Postal Service is proposing the permanent closure of the Longton Post Office.

Postal services at the location have been suspended since November 2020. The Postal Service says the building has safety and health concerns that cannot be repaired. In-person retail services will remain available at the Independence Main Office Post Office.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 2:00pm to 2:30pm. Residents will be able to ask questions and provide comments. People can also listen by calling 1-855-860-4313 and entering meeting ID 165-483-8012. Telephone participants will not be able to submit questions during the meeting. The letter sent to Longton Residents with website information for the meeting can be seen here.

Work is underway on a water system improvement project in South Coffeyville.

Crews have started open trenching for a new 10-inch waterline along Willow Street. Work will eventually move north from 5^th and Willow Streets. Crews will also work west from 3^rd and Willow Streets toward Delaware Street. The project includes nearly 4,000 feet of new waterline, improvements to a booster pump station and repairs to the valve vault below the city’s 250,000-gallon water tower.

The improvements are expected to reduce water loss, improve water pressure and help the system meet peak demand. Drivers are asked to use caution in the construction areas.

A garage fire in Coffeyville is under investigation.

Firefighters responded to the 1200 block of Stark Street shortly before 2:00am this morning. Crews arrived to find a detached garage with heavy fire on all sides. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished without incident.

The Dearing and South Coffeyville fire departments provided additional manpower. The Coffeyville Police Department and Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause.

Coffeyville Community College's move in and welcome event is next weekend.

Organizer Donna Chambers says this year's event is called Aloha Welcome Weekend.  Chambers says they are looking for volunteers to help move the students into the dorms.

Chambers says for those that want to volunteer to contact here at (918)808-2018. Move in will from around 9:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The City of Sedan considers changes to city water rates.

At this week's city council meeting, Jim Koger of the Kansas Rural Water Association discussed a possible increase in water rates for Sedan water customers. Council member Crystal Wade says raising rates only on high quantity users won't improve the problem.

Council member Wellington Butler says spreading the increase among all users would reduce the impact of rising rates.

No decision was made at this week's meeting. Council members will continue to consider the issue as they work through the 2027 budget over the coming weeks.

Demolition has started on the former Coffeyville Fire station in downtown Coffeyville ahead of a planned housing development.

Earlier this year, the Coffeyville City Commission approved a housing redevelopment incentive package with MTI Commercial Construction of Springdale, Arkansas.

The company plans to build 30 condominiums in downtown, with a $20,000 incentive paid per unit, split upon completion and occupancy. According to minutes from the Coffeyville Planning and Zoning Commission, the buildings north of the Terminal building at 709 and 711 S Walnut will be combined to house the 30 units. MTI told the City earlier this year they were hoping to at least save part of the tower structure of the station to incorporate into the new design, but also notes additional parking will be needed for the units.

The former fire station at 7^th and Walnut was built in the 1950s and served the city for decades before being eventually replaced the the Emergency Services building on 11^th.

Students across the four-state area are getting ready to head back to class and drivers are urged to take extra care.

Drivers should be on the lookout for students walking and biking to and from school as students head back to class, and remember that it is against the law to pass a school bus that is loading or unloading children. Pay careful attention near bus stops and crosswalks, obey speed limits in school zones, and avoid distractions while driving to make sure students can safely travel to and from school.

Students in Howard, Caney, and Cedarvale-Dexter all head back to class next week.

Fans of the spooky, the unusual and the paranormal will have a chance to experience panels, presentations, workshops, and vendors at the Bordertown ParaCon coming up in Caney.

The 8th Annual Bordertown ParaCon is a full day dedicated to ghosts, cryptids, UFOs, high strangeness, and other mysteries. The event is held annually by the SEK Bordertown Paranormal Society. Organizer Pam Earnest says there will be lots of information and activities.
 

Earnest says the one-day event is coming up on Saturday.

Admission is free.

The City of Parsons continues an ongoing discussion over the construction of a micro data center in the Tolan Creek Industrial Park.

At this week's meeting of the Parsons City Commission, during the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident presented a petition with dozens of signatures in favor of a temporary moratorium on the construction of data center facilities. At issue is a proposed micro data center from the company HyperDataGrid. Director of Economic Development Jim Zaleski says the proposed facility would generate a great deal of income for the City.

Commissioner Verlyn Boulanger stated that he had concerns with promises from HyperDataGrid that have not been put in writing. Boulanger says that's a major problem for him and spars with Zaleski over the issue.

A major part of the concern over data centers is over water usage. Commissioner Eric Strait says a lot of that concern stems from much larger structures than what Parsons is considering.

After a lengthy discussion, the commission voted 4 to 1 in favor of accepting a six month option to buy 20 acres of land in the Tolan Creek Industrial Park as a future site for a data center, with Commissioner Boulanger voting no.

To view the data center discussion during this week's meeting, follow this link. The discussion begins at the 13:20 mark. To view a previous commission work session on the issue, go here.

Coffeyville's Community Elementary School announces new guidelines for parents picking up and dropping off their students in the upcoming school year.

School officials have updated the traffic map and ask that parents review the new map before the beginning of the new school year. The changes have been made to keep students safe while ensuring that traffic moves freely and efficiently during both mornings and afternoons. Parents who would like to walk their children into the building are asked to park in the parking lot located near the soccer fields.

The first day of classes for USD 445 Coffeyville students is August 17^th.

The suspect in a fatal shooting in Parsons is charged with First Degree Murder.

27-year-old Billy Ray Duncan has been charged with one count of intentional and premeditated first degree murder in the shooting death of 35-year-old Gabriel Kane Duncan. The incident occurred yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon around 1:30 when Parsons Police were called to a residence in the 1200 block of Southwest 10^th Street. There they found one individual who was deceased. Billy Ray Duncan was arrested without incident. In addition to the murder charge, Duncan is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

The case remains under investigation.

Local fire departments respond to a garage fire in Coffeyville.

Early this morning around 2 a.m., firefighters from Coffeyville, Dearing and South Coffeyville Fire Departments responded to the 1200 block of Stark Street near the Public Services Department to a report of a fully-involved structure fire.

Firefighters were able to control the fire. There's currently no word on any injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Parsons Police arrest a man following a fatal shooting.

PPD officers responded shortly before 1:30pm this afternoon to the 1200 block of Southwest 10^th Street. Police identified and detained 27-year-old Billy Ray Duncan on suspicion of homicide. The victim, 35-year-old Gabriel Kaine Duncan, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Labette County deputy coroner. Police say both men lived at the residence.

Detectives continue to process the scene, conduct interviews and gather evidence. The Labette County Attorney’s Office will determine formal charges after reviewing the completed investigation.

The City of Caney continues to look at the budget for the upcoming year after voting to raise the mill ceiling by 10 mills.

City Administrator Andrea Sibley says they are working to determine the needs of the City.  Sibley says there will be a budget workshop on August 17^th and the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing will be on September 7^th.

Coffeyville is just a few days away from the 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo.  Exhibits Organizer Shanna Motl says there is one big change to the inside exhibits for this year.

Check in for food projects is from 8:00am to 10:00am and all other inside exhibits check in is from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Registration is available online but exhibits can be registered during check in as well. Motl says judging of the inside exhibits if from 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Monday.

Grandstand entertainment at the ISFR starts and Tuesday and will run through Saturday with the carnival running on the same days. The swine show is on Tuesday, the poultry, rabbit, sheep and goat shows are on Wednesday, the market steer and bucket calf shows are on Thursday and the Junior Livestock Sale is on Friday.

Firefighters from two Montgomery County departments respond to a grass and hay bale fire northeast of Tyro.

The Dearing Fire Department says Brush 23 and Tanker 27 were called to assist Tyro Rural Fire at around 11:20am this morning. Crews worked together to bring the fire under control quickly. The fire damaged several hay bales and surrounding grass.

The cause of the fire has not been released.

The intersection of 8th and Buckeye in Coffeyville is closed due to a natural gas leak.

The incident was first reported this morning around 10:30. According the the Coffeyville Fire Department, crews are currently on scene with Atmos Energy at an active natural gas leak near the intersection of 8th Street & Buckeye.

The intersection and surrounding area will be closed to traffic for the next few hours while crews work to safely control the leak.

For everyone’s safety, please avoid the area and use alternate routes. Several neighboring businesses have also been asked to close for the remainder of the day as a precaution.

The Wilson County Commission meets and hears updates on road projects around the county.

At the commission's most recent meeting, Road & Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum gave an update on repairs on a asphalt roadway and culvert work currently underway near the City of New Albany. Tatum also presented a right-of-way request on Gove Road and presented a repair estimate on a county Freightliner for $9,000.

In other business, County Coordinator Kris Marple presented an agreement with the company Vertical Bridge for a 9-1-1 repeater near the City of Buffalo as well as a quote of nearly $5,000 for sprinkler heads for the Law Enforcement Center. Both were approved by commissioners. Also approved was a pay increase for three corrections officers.

The Wilson County Commission will meet today at 9am with details of the 2027 budget on the agenda. The meeting will be held at the courthouse in Fredonia. The public is invited to attend.

In-person central enrollment continues today for students in the USD 446-Independence public schools.

All families with children who will attend public school in Independence for the 2026-27 school year must attend central enrollment. Students in 6^th through 12^th grades will be able to have their school photos taken and sports physicals and immunizations will also be available. Fees will also be due during enrollment.

USD-446 enrollment runs from 9am to 6pm today at Independence High School.

The City of Independence is looking to fill a vacant seat on the City's Economic Advisory Board.

The selected individual would fill an unexpired term that will end on January 1, 2028. The Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 3:30pm. Its is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations concerning the City’s economic development policies, strategies, incentives, and other economic development matters requested by the City Commission.

Applications must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, August 18.

For more information, go here.

To apply, follow this link.

A representative from the human resources group that conducted the recent wage study for county employees will be at Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting to field questions from the public.

Phil Hayes with the Arnold Group will be at Monday morning's meeting to answer questions regarding the compensation study that was conducted for Montgomery County employees. Members of the public are invited to attend and to submit questions that Hayes will address during a Q & A session. The County is asking that questions be submitted prior to the meeting. They can be submitted via email to hr@mgcountyks.org.

Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting will be held at 9am at the Judicial Center in Independence.

An Independence running group receives a microgrant from the Community Foundation for Independence.

The Foundation has announced that Run 4 Fun Indy will receive $500 to assist with the purchase of running shoes and other essential supplies. Run 4 Fun Indy is a group that encourages local youth to build confidence, stay active, and develop lifelong healthy habits through its after-school running program for students in kindergarten through 6th grade. The program sponsors programs like the annual Saturday In The Park 5K, Fun Run, and Tot Trot. The group works to create opportunities for families, runners, and volunteers of all ages to celebrate fitness together.

The Community Foundation for Independence connects donors and organizations to support projects to improve the quality of life in Independence and other surrounding communities.

Photo courtesy Community Foundation for Independence

Chuck Voelker defeats Rick Whitson in a close race for District 1 Commissioner in Montgomery County.

Voelker edged past Whitson in yesterday's election to defeat the former County Emergency Management Director by a 40 vote margin. Voelker's unofficial final tally was 690 to Whitson's 650. Leroy “Rusty” Duke finished third in the race with 238 total votes.

In last night's other local race, the Coffeyville half cent sales tax was approved by voters on a vote of 703 to 359. The proceeds from the tax will be split 50-50 between the city and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center for first-response and EMS services. This tax replaces an existing sales tax that is set to expire.

Kansas voters reject a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the direct election of state Supreme Court Justices.

This means that the status quo will remain, leaving Kansas as the only state in the country that allows the governor to appoint supreme court justices from a list created by a nine-member commission.

Proponents of the measure argued that Kansans should have more say in picking supreme court justices, while opponents argued that the decision should be in the hands of legal experts and could result in more pro-life justices being placed on the court.

The candidates for the Kansas Governor's Race appear to be set.

According to unoffical results, Ty Masterson has won the Republican Primary for Kansas Governor, with Cindy Holscher named the winner among the Democrats.

Masterson defeated six other Republican candidates including Charlotte O’Hara, Nick Reinecker, Philip Sarnecki, Scott Schwab, Stacy Rogers and Vicki Schmidt.

Holscher had a closer race between Ethan Corson and Curt Skoog with a more distant third.

Both will face off during the general election in November.

Unofficial election results are in for the 2026 Kansas primary.

Incumbent Vincent Schibi defeats Rich Falkenstien in the Republican primary for the Labette County Commission District One seat. Schibi receives 518 votes, while Falkenstien finishes with 418.  There isn't a Democrat candidate for the District One seat.

Voters also approve sales tax questions in four Labette County communities.  The Chetopa sales tax passes 100 to 41. Edna voters approve their sales tax 52 to seven, while the Oswego proposal passes 238 to 74.  In Parsons, the sales tax receives 886 yes votes and 498 no votes

Full unofficial results

Incumbent Republican Congressman Derek Schmidt of Independence wins the Republican nomination for Kansas' Second Congressional District

Schmidt says he's honored Republican voters have again trusted him as their nominee for the 2nd District and congratulates his opponent Chad Young on a race well run.

Schmidt will go on to face a Democratic challenger Don Coover and Libertarian Candidate John Hauger.

Below are the unoffical primary election results for area counties. Election coverage is a service of Imperial Vending and Schenck Insurance.

Montgomery County

County Commission District 1

Leroy (Rusty) Duke - 238

Chuck Voelker - 690

Rick Whitson - 650

Coffeyville 1/2 Cent Sale Tax Question

Yes - 703

No - 359

14th Judicial District Judge (MG and CQ Counties)

William Cullins: 2663

Robert Lattin: 1818

Labette County

Labette County Commission District 1

Rich Falkenstien - 419

Vincent Schibi - 518

Chetopa Salex Tax

Yes - 100

No - 41

Edna Sales Tax

Yes - 52

No - 7

Oswego Sales Tax

Yes - 238

No - 74

Parsons Sales Tax

Yes - 886

No - 498

Chautauqua County

Unofficial Results

The Coffeyville Fire Department responds to a rail car fire.

At around 2:00pm, CFD Units responded to a call of a fire inside a rail car container. Early reports indicated it was just trash burning inside the rail car.

At around 3:15pm, reports indicated crews were on the scene doing mop duty on the fire. No additional information has been released at this time.

The Independence Chamber of Commerce's First Friday for the month of August is this week.

Chamber President Lisa Wilson says this month's event is co-sponsored by USD 446 and the USD 446 Education Foundation.  Independence First Friday is from 7:30am to 9:00am at the Memorial Hall Civic Center located at 410 North Pennsylvania Avenue.

The City of Cherryvale receives its 2025 audit.

At last night's Cherryvale City Council Meeting, Emily Franks of Jared, Gilmore and Phillips presented the audit, and says the city's financial statements are materially correct.

Franks did mention three items considered material weaknesses, including preparation of financial statements, and segregation of duties. Franks says that these issues are difficult to avoid with a small staff, and encouraged financial oversight by the council and mayor. An issue with the way utility bills were calculated during a software changeover was also brought up.

In other business, a mill levy increase was brought up, with options for a 3 or 5 mill increase. Council members decided to discuss the issue at the next meeting on August 17^th.

The council also heard an update on a state revolving fund application from Ben Coltrane with Midwest Engineering Group. Coltrane says the city has qualified for a loan from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment of up to $538,000 at a 60% interest rate with 30% loan forgiveness for the project to replace pumps at the city's sewage lift station. The City has until October 15^th to make a decision on the measure, and the council will also review an financing option from the Rural Water Financing Agency.

The Council also approved a measure eliminating the assistant police chief title and converting the position to a lieutenant with no change in pay. Finally, council members approved listing an ambulance for public auction. The next Cherryvale City Council Meeting will be on Monday, August 17^th at 6 p.m.