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.

Columbus firefighters respond to a second grass fire in as many days.

Fire crews were called to the scene on Monday afternoon to a large grass fire that had spread to a nearby pile of railroad ties. Columbus Fire responded with five firefighters and three apparatus. Crews worked to contain the fire, ensuring that it did not spread further into the surrounding area. C-F-D remained on the scene while allowing the railroad ties to burn under controlled conditions.

The repair of a railroad crossing near Cherryvale will cause the closure of a county road for several days this week.

The South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad will begin repairs on August 5 at the intersection of County Roads 5000 and 5900, located east of Cherryvale between the City and Big Hill Lake. During repairs, County Road 5000 will be closed at the rail crossing. Drivers are asked to plan an alternate route of travel and allow extra time while using caution near the work zone.

The repairs are expected to be completed on Friday, August 7.

Coffeyville Police invite the public to take part in the City's 12^th Annual National Night Out event this evening.

The event will be held at the Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center and will feature free admission for the evening. Attendees will also be able to enjoy music, bounce houses, and fun games for the whole family. There will also be booths from local organizations, prize giveaways, and a chance to meet local first responders from the Coffeyville Police Department and Coffeyville Fire & EMS.

Coffeyville's National Night Out happens at the Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center tonight from 5:30 to 8pm.

Nowata County commissioners table a vote regarding the Northeast Oklahoma Transmission Enhancement Project or NEOTEP.

NEOTEP is a $342 million regional grid expansion plan by A-E-P Transmission and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma to construct roughly 100 miles of 345-kilovolt transmission lines across Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa counties. Commissioners discussed sample documents to be sent to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, but no formal letter was presented. Commission Vice-Chair Brandon Wesson says he is against the project

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Kane sent a letter to the board advising against intervening on the project. At next week's meeting, commissioners are expected to review a letter and possibly vote on the item. 

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

The pond at Neodesha’s Riverwalk remains under watch status for a harmful blue-green algae bloom.

The pond has been under the watch status from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for several weeks as city crews work to repair the fountain in the water. A Watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

Parsons Lake in Neosho County is was also added to the watch status list this week.

The Sedan City Council will meet tonight and address several items of business.

On tonight’s agenda, council members will discuss two items of old business: The first is a rate analysis by the Kansas Rural Water Association and the second is a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Council members will also discuss future city audits with the firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips. There will also be the removal of a former City employee from city accounts.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 5:30 at the Sedan City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed online via the City of Sedan Facebook page.

Neodesha will be celebrating National Night Out tonight at the Neodesha Civic Center.

The community is invited to enjoy the evening of family-friendly fun and a chance to meet local first responders from the Neodesha Police Department, Neodesha Fire & EMS, and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department. There will also be face painting, giveaways, and games for the kids. Residents can also enjoy popcorn, watermelon, pizza and snowcones.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.

 It all happens from 5 to 8pm at the Neodesha Civic Center. There will also be free swimming at the Neodesha Splash Zone from 5 to 7 in honor of National Night Out.

Montgomery County will keep its own employees for in-house janitorial service for the coming year.

That was the decision at Monday’s county commission meeting. Interim County Administrator Kori White told commissioners that a breakdown of the pros and cons of keeping an in-house staff versus contracting the cleaning services was in favor of keeping the current staff. White says changing to a contractor would be more expensive.

Commissioner Phil Clubine says the money savings isn’t the only upside to keeping in-house staff.

In other business, commissioners also approved a request from Juvenile Community Corrections to appoint Chris Williams to serve on the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.

The City of Caney is asking residents to conserve water as city crews work to make repairs at the water treatment plant.

Issues with the chlorine pumps at the Caney water plant have prompted City officials to issue a water conservation notice. Crews are currently working to repair the problem as quickly as possible. Until repairs are complete, customers of the Caney water system are asked to conserve water.

An Independence man faces several charges following a vehicle pursuit and overnight search.

Independence Police say officers attempted to stop 49-year-old Harold Edward Bagwell on July 25^th in connection with outstanding warrants and multiple investigations. IPD says Bagwell fled, leading officers through Independence and rural Montgomery County before abandoning the vehicle near a hayfield and running away. Officers searched the area with help from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol. Bagwell was arrested the following morning.

He faces several allegations across three cases, including fleeing from law enforcement, felony interference, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic battery, criminal threats, property damage and other traffic-related charges. Bagwell made his first court appearance July 28^th. His bond is set at $20,000.

The Independence Police Department is warning drivers to slow down as they enter the city on South 10^th Street.

The department has received several complaints about speeding in the area. IPD says the speed limit drops to 30mph before drivers reach the city limits. Officers have recently monitored South 10^th Street and observed a significant number of vehicles traveling well above the posted limit.

Drivers are asked to watch for speed limit signs and slow down before entering the city.

Live Healthy Montgomery County is hosting an Opioid Town Hall in Cherryvale next month. Executive Director Marci Roberts says the town hall is from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, September 15^th.

The Town Hall is at the Cherryvale Community Center located at 712 South Liberty Street. All of the town hall events are funded through the opioid settlements funds.

The USD 445 Board of Education approves the bid for the Natatorium Project from Decker Construction for almost $1.8 million dollars. Assistant Superintendent Michael Speer says the board will encumber the entire $1,1779,000.

The board unanimously approved the bid from Decker Construction. In other business, the board approved the purchase HVAC unit for the Natatorium for $332,144. The board also approved rate and salary increases for district staff.

Tomorrow is the primary election for Kansas.

On the ballot are several national offices, including U.S. Senator and U.S. House of Representatives 2^nd Congressional District.

State offices include contested races on both the Republican and Democrat sides for Governor, in addition to the State Board of Education.

The statewide Supreme Court retention question is a “yes” or “no” vote on whether voters have the right to elect justices of the Kansas Supreme Court. A vote for this proposition would give Kansas the right to elect justices as provided by law. A vote against this proposition would leave the current system in place, which involves a nominating commission and a final pick by the governor.

Locally, the City of Coffeyville ½ cent sales tax question is also on the ballot, which would split the proceeds 50-50 between the city and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center for first-response and EMS services. This tax would replace an existing sales tax that is set to expire.

Contested primaries for county commission in Montgomery and Labette Counties are also on the ballot for some voters.

Polls are open tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and KGGF will provide full election coverage during tomorrow's Royals game. A link to past political interviews, forums and sample ballots is available HERE.

Two men are dead following a weekend ATV crash in western Kansas.

The accident occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday as two men were riding a Polaris four-wheeler along the bank of the Arkansas River just west of Dodge City. The driver, 19-year-old Camacho Ovalle, crashed the ATV, causing it to roll into the river, trapping the driver and a passenger 26-year-old Julio Perez-Pantaja.

Both men were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Columbus firefighters respond to a large grass fire north of the City.

On Sunday afternoon, firefighters were called to the scene along K-7 just north of the City of Columbus after reports of a large grass fire in the area. The fire had spread along a two miles stretch of the roadway, prompting a quick response from Columbus Fire with mutual aid from the West Mineral and Scammon Fire Departments.

Firefighters quickly deployed several trucks and personnel to extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries reported and no structures were damaged.

Firefighters remind drivers that the recent hot weather has dried grasses and brush along roads and highways and ask that everyone use caution to avoid sparking a fire. Avoid dragging items such as chains and tie-downs and refrain from throwing cigarettes out of vehicle windows.

Photo courtesy Columbus Fire Department

The Parsons Police Department is holding a free, virtual naloxone training session next week.

Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It acts as an opioid antagonist, attaching to brain receptors to block drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. Next week’s training will educate attendees on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to an opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone if an overdose is suspected. The training will also cover the impacts of opioids as well as providing resources associated with drug abuse in Kansas.

The training is held in conjunction with the D-C-C-C-A, a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health, child welfare, and community services across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

The training class will be held on Monday, August 10 from10 to 11am. For a link to register, follow this link.

The City of Coffeyville will be holding a public forum this week to allow Coffeyville residents to hear from City officials about the potential construction of data centers.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says the purpose of this week’s meeting is to provide factual information to residents and to answer questions.

City of Coffeyville residents and Coffeyville Municipal Light and Power customers are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and hear directly from City leadership. No decisions will be made during the Public Information Session.

The public is invited to attend the session this Thursday evening at 6pm at the Boys and Girls Club Gym located at 502 Walnut in Coffeyville.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a bridge replacement project today in Neosho County.

A KDOT contractor will start work on the Little Canville Creek Bridge on US-59 between Stark and Moran. The first step in the project will be to construct a temporary bridge to carry traffic around the project. This temporary structure is expected to be complete by October. After that, U.S. 59 traffic will be diverted to the temporary road as the Canville bridge, built in 1959, is removed and replaced. The new bridge is expected to be in place by June 2027.

The $3.6 million project was awarded to Bridges, Inc. of Newton.

The Caney City Council is set to meet this evening for their regular bi-weekly meeting.

At tonight’s meeting, council members will hear a presentation from the Caney Historical Society. The group is expected to propose a private-public partnership with the City. The council will also be asked to provided approval for the submission of a grant proposal by the Caney Police Department for a K-D-H-E Rural Interfacility Transport Grant to create a one-year Interfacility Transport Division for Caney EMS. The purpose of the grant would be to reduce transport delays and improve patient outcomes.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30 at the Caney City Hall. The meeting is open to the public. The City asks that anyone who plans to attend the meeting enter City Hall through the east doors.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is offering a hunter safety course this weekend in Chanute.

Hunter safety courses are required for all Kansas hunters 16 years of age or older who was born on or after July 1, 1957. Kansas Hunter Education teaches new hunters to be ethical, safe and knowledgeable. The course covers hunter responsibility, ethics, fair chase, history of firearms, firearms basics, ammunition, and basic gun safety. The course also covers Kansas-specific hunting laws, wildlife identification, basic survival and outdoor emergency skills, and wildlife conservation.

The Chanute class will run from 8am to 4:30pm on Friday and from 8am to 11:30am on Saturday. Students must attend all sessions. Space is limited.  Students must be certified as 11 years of age or older. To register or to get more information, folllow this link.

Firefighters from Wilson County Rural Fire respond to a hay bale fire.

A report of the fire came in just before 7pm on Saturday. Crews responded to a location in rural Wilson county located north east of Altoona. Upon arrival, firefighters found a row of large, round bales with one of the bales on fire. The flames were quickly extinguished before the fire could spread. No injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy Wilson County Rural Fire

The Montgomery County Commission will hold their regular weekly meeting today in Independence.

On the agenda will be Interim County Administrator Kori White to discuss janitorial services. Work on the issue began during last week’s commission meeting and continued during a commission work session held later last week.

Director of Community Corrections Juvenile Services Kenneth Fecke will also appear to discuss an appointment to a state advisory board.

Commissioners will also hear correspondence from citizens regarding data center concerns.

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 Cherryvale City Council will hear the 2025 city audit at tonight's meeting.

Emily Franks of Jared, Gilmore and Phillips will present the audit to the council. In other business, Ben Coltrane of Midwest Engineering Group is expected to give an update on the city's potential sewer lift station project. The council is also expected to approve compensation for officers and employees and the sale of an ambulance.

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