The Nowata County Commission approves their meeting and holiday schedule for 2027.

In addition to approving the schedule for next year, Commissioners Troy Friddle and Brandon Wesson discussed with County Clerk Kay Spurgeon canceling meetings for the upcoming holidays.

The commissioners will not hold meetings on November 23rd, December 21st and December 28th due to the holidays.

USD 445's Roosevelt Middle School is looking for volunteers to help students practice job interviews.

Mock interviews take place November 17th and 18th in the school gym, with sessions beginning at 8:30 each morning. Volunteers will interview four to eight students. Instructions, interview questions and evaluation forms will be provided.

Several time slots are available throughout both days. Organizers can accommodate volunteers who cannot stay for an entire session. Anyone interested is asked to provide their preferred date and time to Jennifer Foraker, Samantha Hintz or Amanda Rains at RMS.

An emergency siren test is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Coffeyville.

CVR Energy plans to test their community emergency alert system starting at 9:00am. The test includes a facility evacuation drill. Sirens will sound for one minute, followed by a voice announcement. An “all clear” announcement will follow the drill.

The sirens are located west of Linden Street between 4th and 5th streets, and at 1st and Maple streets. The test depends on safe weather conditions. If severe weather threatens, it will be postponed.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to buckle up and put down their phones.

Wednesday is Buckle Up Phone Down Day, encouraging drivers to wear seat belts and avoid distractions every time they get behind the wheel. Preliminary state data shows 368 people died in Kansas crashes last year. Of those, 110 weren't wearing seatbelts. Another 60 people died in crashes involving distracted driving.

Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed says adults can set an example for younger drivers by practicing safe habits. KDOT encourages drivers to silence notifications, let a passenger handle messages or park somewhere safe before texting.

The Altamont City Council will hold its regular meeting tomorrow night.

The council usually meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, but ran into a problem at last week’s meeting. Mayor Richard Hayward explains that the meeting was postponed due to a lack of quorum.

The council will once again consider last week’s published agenda which includes a discussion of Motor Fuel Tax Relief and a possible increase of City trash rates.

The meeting will be held at the Altamont City Hall. It is open to the public and can be viewed online via the City of Altamont Facebook page.

The Montgomery County Clerk’s and Elections Office is inviting students in grades kindergarten through twelve to take part in its 2027 “I Voted” sticker design contest.

Students can create designs celebrating voting, civic pride, and their community. Elementary school winners will be selected by popular vote, middle school winners by the Clerk’s and Elections Office, and high school winners by poll workers.

First- and second-place winners in each category will receive certificates and privately donated gift cards. Winning designs will also appear on official “I Voted” stickers distributed during the 2027 Montgomery County elections.

The deadline to submit designs is November 30th, and winners will be announced December 18th.

Students and families can find contest rules and entry forms on the Montgomery County website.

It’s Neewollah week in Independence and that means drivers will need to use extra caution in and around the downtown area.

The set up of food vendors and the carnival midway this week will cause road closures. Additional caution will be needed on Thursday for the DooDah Parade, on Friday for the Kiddie Parade, and on Saturday morning for the Grand Parade. Independence Police Chief Dustin Stafford says it’s important for drivers to obey the no parking signs and barricades.

West Laurel Street will be closed tonight beginning at 5pm to allow the carnival midway to set up. Stafford says downtown Penn Avenue will close tomorrow to allow food vendors to set up.

ADA parking is available at the Municipal Parking lots at 6th and Myrtle and at 8th and Chestnut as well as in the 100 block of East Laurel Street.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office releases the identities of the victim and the suspect in a Friday morning shooting.

In the early hours of Friday morning sheriff’s deputies were called to a location in rural Cherokee County just north of Riverton. There they discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Gannon Reece of Riverton. Reece was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect in the shooting was located at the scene as well. 19-year-old Joshua Wilson, also of Riverton, was taken into custody and booked into the Cherokee County Jail in Columbus where he faces a charge of Intentional 2nd Degree Murder.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing.

FFA students from chapters across southeast Kansas celebrate a successful trip to the 99th Annual FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Over 70,000 FFA members, advisors, and supporters from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands gathered for the organization's largest annual event. Among those participating were students from Neodesha High School and Labette County High School.

The Neodesha Chapter sent their first Career Development Event or C-D-E team to compete at Nationals since 1996. Delaney Bradford, Sofia Ecton, Harlie Keller and Jenna Meseraull competed in Agricultural Communications and won Silver honors.

From Labette County High School, Noah Wiley was an American Star Finalist while Jaci Falkenstein was a Proficiency Finalist in Goat Production.

Congratulations to these students for their hard work in becoming the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Four people from Pittsburg are injured when their SUV strikes a deer on US-69.

The accident happened on Saturday evening around 10:30pm about 1 ½ miles south of Pittsburg. 34-year-old Yvonne Plascencia was driving a 2010 Chevy Tahoe when she struck a deer crossing the highway. Plascencia along with passenger 23-year-old Jesus Medina and two minor children sustained minor injuries in the crash.

All four were treated at a Pittsburg hospital.

A Girard man is seriously injured in a Saturday evening motorcycle crash.

47-year-old Jimmy Schmidt was traveling on a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle along Brunetti Drive in McCune just after 8pm on Saturday night. He failed to negotiate a curve in the road, lost control of his motorcycle and struck a tree. Schmidt was not wearing a helmet and suffered serious injuries.

He was taken to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin for treatment.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today as they address a light agenda.

On today’s agenda, commissioners will hear from Public Works regarding the results of recent bids for the County’s Bi-annual bridge inspection. There will also be a quarterly report from the county health department and consideration of an agreement with Kansas Workforce One.

Commissioners will conduct a thirty minute executive session on economic development that will include Interim County Administrator Kori White,  Director of the Montgomery County Action Council Melissa Johnson,  and County Appraiser Melody Kikkert. The commission will also continue its ongoing selection of volunteers for the County-wide Steering Committee for the comprehensive zoning plan.

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.

Oklahoma voters can begin casting early ballots on Wednesday ahead of the November 3^rd general election.

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax says in-person absentee voting will be available Wednesday through Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 8am until 2pm. No excuse is needed to vote early, but voters must complete an absentee ballot application when they check in.

Secretary Ziriax encourages voters to make a plan to vote.The November 3^rd ballot includes state and federal candidates, two state questions, numbered 845 and 847, and judicial retention questions. Some voters may also see local candidates or ballot questions.

Voters can find sample ballots through the Oklahoma Voter Portal and early voting locations on the State Election Board website. Remember, early voting sites may differ from Election Day polling places, and voters must cast their ballots in the county where they’re registered.

For information about County Election Boards, go here. You can also learn more by contacting the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov for more information

The Coffeyville Police Department is among the first departments in the nation to acquire a drone to respond to emergency situations.

As of the latest information received a few months ago, Coffeyville is the first city under 10,000 people with a drone-as-a-first-responder program, which will be used by both the police and fire departments.

The program was approved by the Coffeyville City Commission as part of funding for body worn cameras, car cameras and interview rooms.

Coffeyville Police Chief Kwin Bromley says there has been a lot of planning to make this a reality, and the drone is finally ready for use. Bromley says the drone will be able to arrive first on scene to specific emergency calls and will start relaying video back to police officers and firefighters.

Bromley says this technology is transformational for first responders.

Bromley says the goal of this technology is not to be intrusive, rather, he compares it to a cheap version of a helicopter.

Bromley says this will also help better allocate resources when it comes to mutual aid fire calls. He also says they are also working on a transparency portal on the city website for the drone program.

The city has two drones at this time, made by a company called Skydio. One drone is docked on top of city hall while the other can be taken to a site and be manually deployed. Drones are controlled by dispatchers, who have received required training and certifications through Wichita State and the company. You can listen to the full interview regarding the program HERE.

Two people are killed in a truck vs motorcycle accident north of Caney.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2015 Harley Davidson was traveling eastbound Friday afternoon near the north junction of US 166 and 75. The accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. when the driver of the motorcycle failed to negotiate the curve to the south and crossed the center line on US 166.  The motorcycle then struck a 2025 GMC Sierra head-on on the westbound shoulder.

The motorcycle riders were identified as 71-year-old Michael Schmidt and 63-year-old Barbara Schmidt of Preston, KS.  Despite efforts by first-responders, both sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.  The driver and occupant of the Sierra were not injured.

A Las Vegas man is killed in a two-vehicle crash in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 4:05am this morning on Highway 400, about eight miles west of the Highway 47 junction. A westbound car driven by 47-year-old Lavor Clayton Sparks crossed the center line and struck an eastbound semi.

Sparks died in the crash. The semi driver, 51-year-old Eno Cassy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had no apparent injuries. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

A staff member experiences a medical emergency at South Coffeyville Public School.

School officials say an ambulance responded, and there was no threat to student safety. According to the school, emergency personnel responded promptly, and staff worked together to help handle the situation safely.

The school asks the community to respect the privacy of the staff member and their family.

Neewollah begins a weekend of activities in Independence with “Frozen” opening tonight at Memorial Hall. Generalissimo Cody Dixon says tickets remain available for the musical.

Children attending the performances are encouraged to wear Frozen costumes for a parade across the stage during intermission. Activities move to Riverside Park tomorrow for races, a pumpkin decorating contest and the chili cook-off. Dixon says this year’s food competition includes another option.

Tomorrow’s 5K and 10K races begin at 8:30am, followed by the fun run at 10:00am. Decorated pumpkins can be dropped off at the shelter house between 8:30am and 10:30am.

Authorities in Cherokee County are investigating a homicide.

The incident occurred early this morning , on October 23, 2026, in a rural area of Cherokee County about two miles north of Riverton near the intersection of Southeast 67^th and US-400.

Deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call indicating a shooting had occurred. Law enforcement arrived to find a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wound.

Cherokee County EMS determined at the scene that the victim was deceased.

The suspect was still on scene and was taken into custody. No names have yet been released.

Southeast Lostine Road is currently closed between Hwy 69A and SE 60th, motorists will need to take an alternate route until further notice.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office is assisting the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

The Independence City Commission approves a Memo of Understanding with Labette Health regarding patient transfers.

At Thursday's meeting, Independence Fire & EMS Chief Aaron Cook presented the request from Labette Health to commissioners. Cook says the agreement would allow Labette to handle patient transfers while leaving Independence crews available for local emergencies.

Labette Health asked Independence to join a regional ambulance service for long-distance transfers between medical facilities. Cook says this will help when local ambulances are busy.

Independence Mayor Dean Hayse says these types of agreements are common.

Commissioners approved the agreement on a unanimous vote.

In other business, Independence Police Chief Dustin Stafford updated the commission on upcoming street closures and safety measures for Neewollah.

The Independence Fire & EMS Department and Independence Police partner with the American Red Cross to install smoke detectors in dozens of local homes.

Last weekend, firefighters and police officers went door-to-door on the east side of Independence offering to install smoke alarms in homes. Together, the group installed 38 detectors in the area of the City that was the site of a recent fire that claimed five lives.

During the past week, first responders installed an additional 50 smoke detectors at the request of residents.

Independence Fire and I-P-D thanked the local individuals and businesses who donated the smoke detectors to help ensure everyone has the potentially life-saving protection in their home.

Anyone in need of a smoke detector, can contact the Independence Fire Department at 620-332-2537.

Photo: An Independence fireifighter installs a smoke detector in a home. Courtesy Independence Fire/EMS

The Coffeyville Police Department is hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back event tomorrow October 24.

The event is part of the National Drug Take Back Day and the City of Coffeyville's Clean Up Week. It's a chance for people to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs, patches and ointments, pet medications, and over-the-counter medicines. Coffeyville Police Chief Kwin Bromley says the drop off location will be at the Coffeyville Police Department on West 11^th Street.

Bromley says the medications collected will then be safely disposed of.

For those unable to attend the scheduled event, a 24/7 MedSafe Prescription Drug Drop-Off box is available in the C-P-D lobby year-round.

Flags in Greenwood, Wilson, Woodson, Elk, and Neosho counties will be flown at half staff tomorrow, October 24, in honor of a former member of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Governor Laura Kelly issued the order to honor the passing of former District 13 Representative Larry Paul Hibbard.

Hibbard was a native of Toronto, Kansas, who served in the State House from 2013 through 2019 when he resigned for health reasons.

He passed away on Sunday, October 18, in Fredonia at the age of 81.

Flags will fly at half-staff from sun up to sundown tomorrow in his honor.

Independence Community College is adding men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs beginning in the 2027-28 academic year.

The I-C-C Board of Trustees approved all four programs at its October 19th meeting. Cross country will begin in fall 2027, followed by track and field in spring 2028. The track programs will initially focus on middle- and long-distance events.

Athletic Director Melissa Anderson says the new teams will give students from Independence and across Kansas more opportunities to compete in college while pursuing their education.

“For local runners who want to compete after high school, having a college program here in Independence opens another door,” said Marcus Lanning, Independence High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director “It gives them a chance to keep developing as athletes while continuing their education close to family and the community that has supported them.”

The programs are expected to compete at the N-J-C-A-A Division One level, pending association and conference approvals.

I-C-C will begin searching for coaches and recruiting athletes ahead of the inaugural seasons, giving local runners another opportunity to continue competing after high school while staying close to home.

The City of Caney says its Facebook account has been compromised.

City Administrator Andrea Sibley says unauthorized videos have appeared on the page, and the city currently cannot remove them because it has lost administrator control.

She says the issue has been reported to Facebook, and she is investigating what can be done to restore access.

A state grant will help expand high-speed internet access in Labette and Montgomery County.

The Junction Internet is awarded nearly $470,000 through the Kansas Broadband Acceleration Grant program. The project will serve 380 homes and businesses across the two counties. The program supports broadband construction in rural areas where distance and low population density make network expansion difficult without public funding.

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development administers the grants, with funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s IKE program. The latest awards bring the program’s total broadband infrastructure investment to nearly $44.6 million.

Crawford County emergency crews respond to three crashes, including two that send people to the hospital.

Fire District One reports earlier this week, two vehicles collided nearly head-on at Highway 69 and West Quincy Street. Firefighters performed minor extrication, and EMS transported one person to Mercy Pittsburg. Yesterday afternoon, on South 220th Street, a vehicle left the road, crossed a residential yard and struck a detached garage. The driver was transported with suspected minor injuries. The garage sustained minor damage.

Fire District Four responded to a rollover at South Highway 7 and 590th Avenue around 10:00pm yesterday. Crews say the vehicle appeared to roll several times before landing upright in a field. One patient refused care, and no other injuries were reported. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office responded to all three crashes.

The Montgomery County Commission discusses incentives for economic development at Thursday's special meeting.

Commissioners began by rescinding a resolution that established an Economic Development Incentive Policy for the County. That resolution was adopted by the County a year ago at the October 27, 2025 meeting. Interim County Administrator Kori White says the County will still be able to incentivize prospective businesses to set up shop in Montgomery County.

Commissioner Phil Clubine says the lack of an official policy will allow the County to consider projects on a case-by-case basis.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve rescinding the policy. They then entered executive session to discuss an economic development project. When they returned, Commission Chair Mike Cordray made this motion.

Montgomery County Action Council Director Melissa Johnson says Project Fun Town will add 150 full-time jobs to the area in the I-T industry with an average salary of $43,000 and a total of $5.2 million in capital investment.

Johnson says during the meeting the County Commission indicated they were no longer willing to provide the job creation incentive that was originally promised.

MCAC has been working with the county on Project Fun Town since 2023.

A recent traffic stop in Independence leads to the arrest of three people on drug charges.

On Thursday, October 15^th, officers from the Independence Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 2300 block of West Main Street around 9pm.

Following an investigation, the driver of the vehicle 42-year-old Michael Walker was placed under arrest along with his passengers 22-year-old Kataya Lanning and 44-year-old Mistry Clark. All three face charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Walker faces an additional charge of and driving while suspended and Lanning was also charged with interference with a law enforcement officer.

The Sedan City Council agrees to help the Emmett Kelly Museum with some needed repairs.

Rosie Sweaney with the Museum says the building is in need of a major repair.

The Museum asked the City to help hire a consultant to write a grant application that could net $100,000 to cover the cost of the windows. Council Member Adam Clark says the historic building is worth the effort to save it.

The Council agreed to spend $4,200 to C-D-F Consulting of Kansas City for grant writing fees from the City's general fund and to also contribute another $10,000 in Appleby funds to cover the require match fro the grant. The Museum will know if they have been awarded the grant in February.

In other business, council members tabled a scheduled 6-month performance review of new Police Chief Will Tunstall until the November 3^rd meeting.

The Independence City Commission will meet tonight and continue its efforts to address the issue dangerous and unsafe properties.

At tonight's meeting, commissioners will conduct public hearings on ten properties deemed dangerous and unsafe. The hearings will determine whether the property owner is willing to take steps to improve the structure or if the city will proceed with the condemnation process.

In other business, commissioners will consider a Memo of Understanding with Labette Health for ambulance service. Labette Health is asking Independence to join a regional ambulance service for long-distance transfers between medical facilities. This would provide a backup for long-distance patient transfers so local ambulances remain available for emergencies in Independence.

Commissioners will also consider rezoning a tract of land in the 200 block of South 10^th Street from residential to commercial along with the expected approval of conditional use permits for two short-term rentals.

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

Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri are among 17 states reaching a nearly $664 million settlement with consumer finance company Snap Finance over allegations of misleading lease-to-own practices.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says a multi-state settlement with the company will provide the sum in relief and payments.

Under the agreement, Snap Finance will automatically forgive more than $18 million in lease payments owed by Oklahomans who entered lease-to-own agreements between 2017 and 2022. Those consumers will be allowed to keep their merchandise without making additional payments.

A coalition of 17 attorneys general investigated allegations that Snap Finance misled customers about lease terms, costs, credit scores and product returns.

The company denies no specific allegations in the announcement but has agreed to change its business practices, including providing clearer contract disclosures and making it easier for customers to terminate leases and return merchandise.

The settlement includes more than $662 million in lease forgiveness nationwide, plus $2.75 million paid to the states.

Several southeast Kansas airports are set to receive grant funding to improve infrastructure.

Airports in Allen County and in the cities of Chanute and Eureka are three of 11 communities that have been awarded grant money through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant program.

Governor Laura Kelly says the communities will share more than $4.2 million in federal funding to improve local airports.

Allen County will receive nearly $435,000 for taxi way paving. The City of Eureka has been awarded $115,000 for apron reconstruction and the City of Chanute will receive a one-half million dollar grant for runway rehabilitation.

With more than $212,000 in state matching funds and additional local contributions, the total investment tops $4.5 million.

State aviation officials say the projects will improve airport safety and access, while supporting services such as air ambulances, agricultural operations, firefighting, flight training and local businesses.

Since 2024, the state’s Build Kansas Fund has invested nearly $52 million to help secure federal grants. That funding has helped bring nearly $169 million in federal awards to Kansas.

Officials say another 29 applications are awaiting federal decisions, with the potential to bring an additional $177 million into the state.

Night of Fright is coming to Cedar Bluff Camp this and next weekend.

According to Coffeyville Chamber President Candi Westbrook, the annual fundraiser for the camp will feature a totally revamped spook trail.

Ticket sales will open on Friday, October 23^rd and Saturday October 24^th at from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and rides will continue through 11.

The event will also take place on Halloween weekend, October 30^th and 31^st. Concessions will be available. It all takes place at Cedar Bluff Camp at 4707 County Road 2475. Admission is $10 cash.

The Nowata Police Department is adding two new patrol trucks to its fleet thanks to a donation.

The department announced the purchase of two new patrol vehicles, made possible through funding provided by the A.E. and Juanita Richardson Charitable Foundation. According to the department, the foundation donated 100% of the funding needed to purchase both vehicles, allowing the department to expand its fleet without using local funds for the purchase.

The new trucks will help officers continue serving the Nowata community safely and efficiently. Nowata PD says the appreciate the Richardson Foundation for its generosity and continued support of local law enforcement and the community.

The Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is offering a chance to win a handcrafted plant hanger.

The CRMC Auxiliary is holding a raffle for a decorative iron plant hanger designed and donated by local craftsman Wayne Joplin of Joplin Blacksmithing and Ironworks. The plant hanger is similar to one currently on display in the CRMC Healing Garden. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or five tickets for $20.

Tickets can be purchased online and are also available from CRMC Auxiliary members or at the hospital's Foundation Office. The winning ticket will be drawn on Wednesday, December 23rd, at noon.

Halloween might not yet be here but that doesn't mean it's too early for the Salvation Army to be looking for bell ringers. Montgomery County Coordinator Joe Brooks says he's already started recruiting them.

Brooks says he encourages any individual or group looking for community service hours to sign up to ring the bells. In addition to the bell ringers at King Food Saver and Walmart, they will also have counter kettles at stores around town.

Even though there is still over a week until Halloween, trick-or-treating is available tomorrow in Coffeyville. Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says there are two events that were rescheduled from last week.

Coffeyville Community College's Hometown Halloween is from 5:30pm to 7:00pm on the main campus. Westbrook says for those not attending Spooktacular to avoid the downtown area, because it will be packed with over 1,000 people hunting for their tricks and treats.

**UPDATE** 11:30am

The Montgomery County Commission will hold a special meeting tomorrow morning.

On the agenda is a discussion to rescind the resolution that establishes an Economic Development Incentive Policy for the County. This is a move that the commission has been considering over the course of the past few regular commission meetings.

An executive session is also planned to discuss a prospective economic development project. That session will include Interim County Administrator Kori White, County appraiser Melody Kikkert and Director of the Montgomery County Action Council Melissa Johnson.

 Tomorrow's meeting will begin at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The meeting will be live-streamed on the county's website.

A Nowata man is facing a felony charge for allegedly driving a stolen U-Haul truck in Washington County.

41-year-old Robert Valentine was charged on Monday with possession of a stolen vehicle.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, Valentine allegedly told authorities he rented the truck and was due to return it October 13, warning the rental company would report it stolen if he failed to do so. He reportedly promised the company he would return it the next day but did not. Authorities approached Valentine on October 15 after the vehicle was reported stolen. Police say he did not have a rental agreement.

Valentine was previously given a suspended sentence for a 2025 convitcion. The State of Oklahoma has filed a motion to revoke that sentence due to the new felony charge.

Valentine will appear in court again on October 30. His bond is set at $10,000.

Students from the Neodesha High School FFA program are in Indianapolis this week to compete at the National FFA convention.

Students Delaney Bradford, Sophia Ecton, Harlie Keller, and Jenna Meseraull will compete in Ag Communications. The quartet won the state competition in May and will represent Kansas in the national competition today. They studied exam materials and terminology, worked on their communications plan, and explored National FFA Brand Center resources to use in their practicums. The team should learn the results of the their efforts tomorrow.

The National FFA convention brings together over 70,000 FFA members, advisors and agricultural leaders from across the nation. The convention runs through Saturday.

Photo courtesy Neodesha High School FFA

Nowata County Commissioners discuss disaster relief at their most recent meeting.

On Monday, commissioners heard from County Emergency Manager Laurie Summers regarding state assistance for storm damage from 2025. Summers says she needs a dollar amount for the damage.

In other business, the board approved a transcript from the Treasurer's Office on the sale of county property and a reimbursement claim from the Election Board. Commissioners also approved an estimate of needs for the previous fiscal year and approved a financial statement of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Commissioners also tabled the county certification map and county action report. The item must be approved by October 31^st. Action is expected to be taken on the item in next week's meeting.

Independence Community College will keep tuition rates steady for Kansas residents and high school students for the 2027-28 academic year.

The ICC Board of Trustees approved the plan at Monday night's meeting. In-district students will continue to pay 76 dollars per credit hour, while other Kansas residents will pay 82 dollars. The high school rate remains 50 dollars per credit hour.

ICC also offers scholarships that can cover tuition, fees, and textbooks for eligible students. The Presidential Scholarship application priority deadline is February first.

The college reports enrollment growth in fall 2026, along with improved student retention.

While tuition stays the same, the academic fee will increase six dollars per credit hour, and the facilities fee will go up two dollars.

Textbooks will continue to be provided on loan at no additional cost.

The Parsons City Commission holds a public discussion on the City's flood plain map.

At this week's meeting, commissioners discussed expected changes to the map and held a public hearing to allow citizens to comment on the matter. Parsons Public Works Director Darrell Moyer says the update is a recurring requirement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

City Attorney Ross Albertini says FEMA requires municipalities to update floodplain maps to reflect changing physical conditions, new development, and climate impacts.

. Accurate maps ensure proper building codes, set fair flood insurance rates under the National Flood Insurance Program , and help protect communities from unexpected disaster losses. Communities must maintain up-to-date Flood Insurance Rate Maps to legally enforce local floodplain ordinances and keep residents eligible for federal flood insurance.

The Wilson County Commission gets updates on projects in Neodesha and Fredonia.

At the commission's most recent meeting, Road & Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum presented right-of-way permits for the City of Fredonia's water system project through the Us Department of Agriculture. Tatum also told commissioners that, due to the recent cooler temperatures, that the asphalt road repair project was likely done for 2026.

Commissioners also heard an update on Neodesha's Granby Street project from Garrett Nordstrom, a consultant with Governmental Assistance Services. Nordstrom told the commission that he was in the process of sending out requests for qualifications to engineering firms interested in designing the project according to KDOT requirements.

In other business, County Coordinator Kris Marple discussed a request from Starbuck Trucking for an $4,000 per month in their contract for fuel costs adjustments until prices decrease to average levels. Commissioners approved the request.

County Clerk Kayla Busch also reported that in-person advance voting for the general election was underway and that mail ballots had been sent to voters who requested them.

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

Emergency crews respond to a two vehicle accident on US-166 east of Tyro.

The accident occurred just before 6pm on Tuesday night near the intersection with County Road 3700. Coffeyville Police, EMS, Dearing Fire and Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene of a rollover accident with possible injuries reported. One patient was cleared by EMS at the scene and refused further treatment.

No other injuries have been reported.

This is the second accident at that location in less than a week.

Medical Assistants Recognition Week is underway at Coffeyville Community College.

The event celebrates the health care professionals who help keep medical offices running and patients cared for.

The national observance runs October 19th through the 23rd, recognizing the contributions medical assistants make to patients, health care teams, and communities.

This year’s theme is “Educated, Equipped, Empowered.” Medical assistants support doctors and other health care professionals by helping patients, performing clinical tasks, and handling administrative duties.

The week also recognizes the educators, employers, and volunteers who help train and support current and future medical assistants.

Organizers say medical assistants play an important role in delivering quality patient care and creating positive health care experiences.

Medical Assistants Recognition Week encourages medical assistants, students, and supporters to celebrate the profession and raise awareness of its value in today’s health care system.

The bridge over the Verdigris River on US-75 in Neodesha reopens.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the bridge is now open to two-lane traffic.

Work began in June 2025 to patch and resurface the bridge deck and replace a drainage culvert. According to KDOT, some work remains for the project to be completely finished, but it should have limited impact on traffic. The project $4.6 million project was done by Bridges Inc., of Newton.

KDOT reminds all drivers  to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones.

The City of Coffeyville is offering several opportunities for residents to dispose of unwanted items this week during Coffeyville Clean-Up Week.

Bulk trash disposal is available at the City Tree Dump at First and Union. Hours are 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday, and 8am to 3pm on Saturday.

Household hazardous waste collection is this Friday, October 23^rd, from 8am to 2pm at the lot north of Pete’s Convenience Store on West Eleventh Street. Residents can safely dispose of accepted household chemicals, paint, used oil and more.

Then, on Saturday, October 24^th, the Coffeyville Police Department will host National Drug Take Back Day from 10am to 2pm, giving residents a safe way to dispose of unused or expired medications.

Autumn has just began and it’s almost Halloween, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas.

Several Toy Runs have been scheduled for November to collected gifts to ensure that area kids have a nice Christmas.  The first toy run is coming up on November 7th in Cherryvale. Coffeyville’s toy run is slated for November 21st while the Independence event will be held on November 28th. Area bikers are invited to participate by bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift for the event.

More details will be provided on each toy run as the date gets closer.

Improvements to Neodesha’s historic Brown Hotel continue.

Work continues to transform the building in downtown Neodesha into a restaurant, entertainment venue, office spaces, and apartments. City Administrator Brogan Jones says the renovation is coming along nicely.

The project is funded by a Community Development Block grant that was awarded to the City in 2025 through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Neodesha City Commissioner Ed Truelove says that means the project is not being paid for by taxpayers.

The Brown Hotel was originally built in 1886 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

The City of Coffeyville signs an agreement to move forward on a study of available electric power in the City.

The City of Coffeyville has submitted an application to the Southwest Power Pool to conduct an electric transmission feasibility study for potential data center developments in the city. The evaluation assesses regional electric capacity, transmission infrastructure requirements, routes, and potential interconnection needs. City Manager Ben Brubaker says the agreement only applies to the study.

Taxpayers will not foot the bill. The City has received funding from the developers to cover the cost of the transmission study, and the study application has been submitted. Brubaker says the study is expected to take around five or six months to complete.

The City officials say the City remains in the evaluation stage, gathering information to determine whether these proposals can benefit Coffeyville while protecting the City’s electric utility and ratepayers.

The Altamont Police Department is investigating an alleged aggravated battery that led to a multi-agency search for a suspect later found deceased in Oklahoma.

Police say the incident occurred October 10^th at a residence in the seven-hundred block of South Wells in Altamont. The victim was later located in Parsons and received treatment at Labette Health.

Following an interview with the victim, investigators identified Jack Melton as the suspect and determined there was probable cause for multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated kidnapping and domestic battery.

Authorities searched for Melton, who was eventually reported to be in Grove, Oklahoma.

On October 11^th, officers were notified that Melton was deceased and had taken his own life. Altamont police later confirmed his identity while coordinating with Oklahoma authorities.

The Grand River Dam Authority is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Melton's death.

Kansas Works will be hosting a virtual job fair this weekend.

The job fair will occur online from 8am on Friday to 5pm on Sunday and will be accessible through any digital device. The event is designed for jobseekers who are unable to attend in-person job fairs during the standard work week. Those seeking employment will be able to fill out applications, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers. Training videos, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in are also available through the job fair online portal. Participants are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Registration is required even for those who have participated before. For more information or to register, follow this link.

KGGF Radio is recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters as the 2026 Medium Market Station of the Year.

KGGF took home top honors with the Station of the Year award, which recognizes overall excellence, achievement, and cumulative performance across the K-A-B competition categories. Voice of the K-State Wildcats Wyatt Thompson announces the award.

KGGF placed first for complete newscast for KGGF News at Noon and also for Station Promotion Announcement for the Spring Severe Weather Promo. The station took second in that category as well.

KGGF garnered another 2^nd place award for Excellence I Diversity for Frybread Journeys, and for Spot News for coverage of the Kiwanis Buck Out, while taking home Honorable Mention for Best Morning Show.

KGGF thanks all of our listeners and supporting businesses for their support. To see a full list of this year's winners, go here.

A 24-year-old Parsons man is under arrest following an alleged machete attack on his roommate early Thursday morning.

Parsons police say officers were called to a residence just after midnight on October 17^th, in the twenty-three-hundred block (2300) of Belmont Avenue, following reports of a disturbance.

Investigators say an argument between the two individuals escalated when the suspect, identified as Rodolfo Mazariegos Gomez, allegedly attacked the other man with a machete.

According to police, the victim tried to flee but fell to the ground. Gomez allegedly caught up with him and struck his hand with the weapon.

The victim was later located at Labette Health, where he was receiving treatment for his injuries.

Officers reportedly found a machete with what appeared to be blood on the blade, along with suspected blood evidence along Belmont Avenue.

Gomez was taken into custody at approximately twelve-thirty-three A-M without further incident.

Police detectives have obtained a search warrant to collect additional evidence as the investigation continues.

Gomez was arrested in connection with the incident and taken to the Labette County Jail where he faces charges of Attempted 2nd degree Murder, Domestic Battery and Aggravated Assault.

Advance voting for the 2026 general election is underway across Kansas.

Kansas allows voters to advance vote in person at county election offices or satellite voting locations and by mail up to 20 days before an election.

For this election, the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office reports that just over 90,000 ballots have been mailed to Kansas voters with 943 returned as of Friday afternoon. More than 6,000 Kansans have also cast their votes in person.

Those who wish to vote early in Montgomery County can do so at the county courthouse in Independence, Monday through Friday until November 2nd between 8:15am and 4:45pm. The courthouse and in-person voting will close early on October 30th at 1:45 for the Neewollah Kiddie Parade.

In Labette County, voters may cast advance ballots at the County Election Office in Oswego weekdays from 8 to 5 until noon on November 2nd.

For voters in Wilson County, advance in-person voting begins today at the Wilson County Courthouse in Fredonia from 8 to 5 Monday through Friday.

Voters in Chautauqua County can advance vote at the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Sedan Monday through Friday from 8:30 to Noon and from 1 to 3:30 in the county clerk’s office.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd.

It was standing room only with overflow into the hallway as the Cherryvale City Council meeting room met maximum capacity. Six residents were on the agenda for public comments with data centers the main topic of focus.

Cherryvale Residents say they are split on their feelings when it comes to data centers.  Residents, despite disagreeing on data centers, say they all want to see Cherryvale thrive and grow.

In other business, Councilor Norman Johnson announced next meeting would be his last as he is moving. The council approved a bid for HVAC at the fire department and approved street closures on October 31^st for the Library's Book or Treat Event and on December 5^th for the Christmas Parade.

The next meeting will be on Monday November 2^nd at 6:00pm with the location of the meeting moved from City Hall to the Logan Park Building.

Montgomery County is still looking for volunteers willing to serve on the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations steering committee.

Interim County Administrator Kori White says the committee will help guide new county planning and zoning regulations, including discussions about data centers.

White says there is no travel involved, but that it will require a few hours per month.

Commissioners are currently in search of people who are either in favor of data centers or are neutral on the topic. Interested individuals should contact their commissioner. 

  District 1 Commissioner Robert Bever

District 2 Commissioner Phil Clubine

   District 3 Commissioner Mike Cordray

In other business at this week's county commission meeting, Jeff Culver was named at Director of Facilities Maintenance following the retirement of Jeff Phelps.

The Caney City Council will meet tonight to discuss details of the 2025 audit of the City's finances.

The yearly audit was conducted by the C-P-A firm Jarred Gilmore & Phillips to make sure public money is being handled properly, financial records are accurate, and taxpayers can trust how their money is being spent.

There will also be a discussion about the Caney Fall Fest that is set for this Saturday and the Fall Clean-up scheduled for November.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30pm at Caney's City Hall and is open to the public. Those who wish to attend the meeting in person are asked to enter the building through the east doors.

Montgomery County celebrates the retirement of a long-time county employee.

On Friday, county staff threw a surprise retirement party for Director of Facilities Maintenance Jeff Phelps. Friday was Phelps’ last day in the position after serving for 13 years in the role. Friends and family of Phelps joined community members thanking Phelps for his years of hard work in keeping county buildings and facilities in good, working order and keeping the county running smoothly

Those present joined county staff and officials in wishing him the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.

The Cherryvale City Council will meet tonight with plans to approve HVAC improvements at the fire station.

At tonight’s meeting, Acting City Administrator Karen Davis will present bids for work on the heating and cooling system at the Cherryvale Fire Department and council members will be asked to select a contractor for the project.

In other business, there will be an expected announcement of a Community Development Block Grant by Carey Spoon of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning. Council members will also hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to vacate a portion of West 2nd Street, while also considering requests for street closures for two upcoming events.

Several area residents have also signed up to speak regarding data centers. The public comment period will be limited to 30 minutes and each individual is limited to five minutes with no time extension permitted. Priority will also be given to individuals residing within the city limits of Cherryvale.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6pm at the Cherryvale City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

The Democratic and Republican candidates for Kansas governor will speak on Wednesday at an event in Baxter Springs.

Democrat Cindy Holscher and Republican Ty Masterson will make remarks at the event hosted by the Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce. The candidates will also be joined by State Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Dale Helwig. Following the main program, refreshments will be served at a meet-and-greet event with the candidates.

Wednesday’s Meet the Governor Candidates program runs from noon to 2pm with the meet-and-greet portion starting at 1. The public is invited to attend at the Maple & Rose Event Center, located at 1046 Military Avenue in Baxter Springs.

Authorities in Wichita are investigating a Saturday incident that left two people dead and 11 others injured at a youth soccer field.

The incident happened around 3:30 on Saturday afternoon at the Stryker Sports Complex near 29th Street and Greenwich Road in northeast Wichita. Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses says, at that time, a vehicle plowed into a crowd at the field and emergency responders were called to the scene.

Two people from McPherson were killed in the incident: 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer. Police say the two were not related. Eleven other people were injured including 5 children under the age of 10. None of those injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan says citizens on the scene began first aid before emergency crews arrived.

The driver of the truck – a 34-year-old woman from Garden City – was briefly taken into custody, but was released on Sunday, pending the results of a toxicology report and a mechanical examination of the vehicle. No charges have been filed at this time.

Authorities continue to investigate. 

A minor accident on Saturday at the Parsons Tri-City Airport results in minor damage and no injuries.

The accident occurred on the ground around 4pm Saturday afternoon. 25-year-old Aman Sharma of Waco, Texas, was towing his small plane for fuel when he clipped the wing of another plane that was parked at the airport.

The public airport is located about 13 miles west of Parsons near the US-400/US-169 interchange and offers a pilot's lounge, Internet access, small meeting space and hangar rental.

A Tulsa woman is seriously injured in a Friday afternoon crash near Tyro.

28-year-old Khyra Chapelle suffered serious injuries when her 2026 Isuzu Truck left the roadway and struck a culvert and a tree near the intersection of US-166 and County Road 3700 around 3:15 on  Friday afternoon. The accident occurred about 5 miles east of Tyro. Chapelle was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today and hear reports from two departments.

On today’s agenda, commissioners will hear a quarterly report from Director of Environmental Health and Zoning Joey Midgett and a monthly report from Register of Deeds Marilyn  Calhoun. In continuing business from last week’s meeting, Interim County Administrator Kori White is expected to announce volunteer appointments to the steering committee for the County Comprehensive Plan.

Commissioners will also consider two neighborhood revitalization plans in Neodesha and Independence. There are also three executive sessions planned. One will be to discuss personnel matters while the other two will cover the topic of a prospective economic development project.

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.

Several area residents have signed up to speak at Monday's Cherryvale City Council Meeting regarding data centers.

During the public forum time, Tyler Edwards, Jonathan Rozell, Theresa Cameron, Jennifer Williams, England Porter and Ryan York plan to address the council regarding data centers and economic development. The public comment period will be limited to 30 minutes and each individual is limited to five minutes with no time extension permitted. Priority will also be given to individuals residing within the city limits of Cherryvale.

At a meeting a month ago, information was shared regarding companies interested in building a data center that could use up to 6 million gallons of water a day. Members of the community have recently organized several meetings to oppose a potential data center.

In other business, there will be a public hearing the the vacation of West 2^nd Street, and information shared regarding a CDBG grant agreement. The city will also consider a bid for HVAC improvements at the fire department and consider an application for a street closing for the Library's Book 'n' Treat event on Halloween in place of Trunk or Treat which will not be held this year.

The meeting on Monday the 19th is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. at the Cherryvale City Hall.

***** Update *****

Wilson County in Kansas and Osage and Washington County in Oklahoma have now been added to the frost advisory.  The area included in the freeze watch has now been upgraded to a freeze warning.

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

The first frost of the season is possible late Tonight into Saturday morning with lows approaching the freezing mark for a portion of southeast Kansas.

According to the National Weather Service, counties in southeast Kansas including Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Cowley, Elk and Chautauqua counties will be under a frost advisory from 1 to 9 a.m. Saturday morning.  Montgomery County is not currently included in the advisory.

Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation and those with sensitive plants should take action to protect them. Further to the west, a freeze watch is in place as temperatures could get down to the upper 20s for areas west of Wichita.

Two people are dead following a single-vehicle crash in Cherokee County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 5:45pm yesterday evening on Southeast 110th Street, about a quarter-mile north of Southeast Turkey Creek Road, three miles north of Galena. Troopers say a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling northbound when it struck the right side of the Spring River Bridge. The vehicle then entered a skid, left the roadway to the left and struck a tree.

The driver, 19-year-old Cameron Witham of Webb City, Missouri, and a passenger, 18-year-old Audrey Witham of Joplin, Missouri, were both killed in the crash. According to KHP, both occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The crash remains under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The Chanute Police Department reports four arrests over a three-day period, including three involving methamphetamine.

On Monday, officers arrested 47-year-old Stephanie Knavel following a traffic stop in the 600 block of North Santa Fe Avenue. Knavel was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. On Tuesday, officers responded to a trespassing call in the 200 block of South Wilson Avenue. Police arrested 49-year-old Tammy Swink on suspicion of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

Also Tuesday, officers arrested 64-year-old David Wilhite following a traffic stop near 21st Street and Santa Fe Avenue. Wilhite was arrested on suspicion of distribution of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. On Wednesday, officers arrested 67-year-old James Carter following a traffic stop near 9th Street and Katy Avenue. Carter was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and failure to signal a turn.

Chanute PD says reports from the arrests will be forwarded to the Neosho County Attorney's Office for review and consideration of formal charges.

Rain forces a change of plans for the Kansas Department of Commerce's Impact Tour stop in Coffeyville.

The city was one of 19 communities selected for the three-day tour, which highlights projects supported by state grant funding. Yesterday's stop was originally scheduled to take place along Coffeyville's Rails-to-Trails pathway near LeClere Park. However, rain forced the presentation indoors.  Instead, city officials used videos from the Walk the Town series and photos from the pathway's grand opening in July to showcase the project. Kansas Assistant Secretary of Commerce Matt Godinez attended the presentation. He says visiting communities and seeing the results of state investments firsthand is one of his favorite parts of the job.

The 1.26-mile pathway was developed through the Safe Routes to School and Rails-to-Trails project, with funding assistance from the Kansas Department of Transportation and a Community Development Block Grant. The project is designed to improve pedestrian safety, recreation and connectivity throughout Coffeyville. Representatives from Kansas Main Street and the Office of Rural Prosperity also attended the presentation, along with State Representative Ron Bryce.

The Nowata Fire Department announces the winner of its ladder truck raffle.

The department sold 131 tickets at $100 each, generating $13,100 in ticket sales. Nowata Fire Chief Brandon Jarvis says the money will help the department purchase equipment.  Jarvis conducted the drawing using Random.org, entering all 131 ticket numbers into the system before selecting the winners. Jarvis says the winner is Mark Stevens.

Jarvis says every ticket purchased made a difference, and they are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the department.

This year’s Montgomery County sale is a success.

That’s the word from County Treasurer Mandi Hargis. She says a big part of the success was a change is the way buyers were able to register for this year’s sale.

Hargis says the sale went a long way in helping the county recoup taxes.

 Hargis also thanked the Treasurer’s Office staff along with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Paul Kritz and his staff for their work on the sale.

A longtime Neodesha firefighter and former fire chief is being recognized at the White House.

Current Neodesha City Commissioner Duane Banzet was invited by the National Volunteer Fire Council and President Donald Trump to attend a reception honoring first responders from across the country. City Administrator Brogan Jones says that is why Banzet is absent from this week's commission meeting.  The reception was at noon today in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C. Banzet has spent several decades serving Neodesha and southeast Kansas in fire and emergency medical services. His career includes responding to a plane crash rescue and the aerosol fire in Neodesha.

National Volunteer Fire Council Chairman Steve Hirsch called Banzet a hero, saying he exemplifies service above self. Banzet continues to volunteer with the Neodesha Fire Department and teaches classes for the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute.

A potentially deadly situation ended peacefully yesterday evening after Parsons Police Officers successfully negotiated the surrender of an armed individual who had barricaded himself inside a local sober living facility.

According to the Parsons Police Department, on Wednesday, October 14^th around 5:30 p.m., Parsons Police Officers responded a sober living and recovery home located at 2601 Kimball Avenue regarding a possible criminal trespassing complaint.

Upon arrival, officers were met by residents of the facility who directed them to a bedroom occupied by 59-year-old Laughn Seltmann of Parsons. Officers learned that Seltmann had reportedly violated the facility's house rules and had been asked to leave the residence.

While officers attempted to resolve the situation, Seltmann reportedly made statements indicating that he would not leave. Moments later, Seltmann emerged with a weapon, pointed it toward his own head, and barricaded himself inside the bedroom. He later stated that he would "only leave in a body bag".

Responding officers and other occupants of the residence took cover then established a secure perimeter. Officers evacuated all civilians from harm's way and began negotiations in an effort to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.

Parsons Police Detectives worked to obtain the necessary search warrants, while the Kansas Highway Patrol's High-Risk Warrant Team was contacted and responded to assist.

By 9 p.m., after more than three hours of negotiations and police response, Seltmann voluntarily surrendered and exited the bedroom. He was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.

Seltmann was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.

The case will be forwarded to the Labette County Attorney's Office for review and formal criminal charges.

A new Casey's convenience store could break ground in Neodesha next spring.

During the Neodesha City Commission meeting, city officials discussed a recent meeting with Casey's representatives concerning the proposed location near Highway 75, west of the city shop. City Administrator Brogan Jones says the company is anticipating a May 27^th groundbreaking.

The discussion also addressed access to the property and whether additional road improvements could be needed before construction begins. The proposed entrances have received state approval, although additional requirements could still arise. A completion date for the new Casey's location has not been announced.

The Coffeyville FFA Chapter will host a pancake feed fundraiser tomorrow.

This Friday, October 16^th, the public is invited to the Coffeyville Community College Technical Campus at 700 Roosevelt Street from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be pancakes, sausage or bacon and a drink of your choice for $8. Raffle tickets are available for $2 each, and include various gift baskets, blue and gold prizes and home-baked goods. There will also be door prizes just for showing up and buying a plate. The prize drawing will be at 7:30 and prizes must be picked up before 8 p.m. It all happens in the Ag room on the first floor of the building.

Coffeyville utility customers have until the end of the month to enroll in the city's Average Monthly Payment Plan.

The program allows residential customers to spread their utility costs throughout the year, with monthly payments calculated using a rolling 12-month average. Customers will continue to receive monthly bills showing their actual utility usage. To qualify, residents must have at least 12 months of utility billing history at their current address and have an account in good standing. Enrollment remains open through October 31.

The city also offers paperless billing, allowing customers to receive bills by email and make payments online. For more information or to enroll, visit coffeyville.com or contact the Utility Billing Office at (620)252-6100.

Coffeyville FFA members earn a top-five finish at a horse judging competition in Fredonia.

The Coffeyville FFA A team finished fifth overall during the competition, which brought students together to test their knowledge of horse evaluation and judging. Despite rainy and cold conditions, Coffeyville members participated in the event while wearing pink as a team.

Caney FFA members qualify for state competition in two events following a contest in Fredonia.

The Caney FFA Horse Judging A team finished third overall to qualify for state. Andyn Miller led the team with a fifth-place individual finish, followed by Jarrett Hodges in ninth, Piper Perkins in 11th and AnnaMarie Dixon in 14th. Addalyn Parker also competed for the team. The Horse Judging B team finished sixth overall, with Peter Brubaker placing 12th individually and Abi Benfer finishing 15th.

In Milk Quality, Caney's A team finished second to earn a spot at state. Hadley Fields placed third individually, Allyson Wade finished fifth and Nadaley Gulick took eighth. Brooke Gaff and Alex Theiss also competed. Caney's Nursery Landscape B team finished sixth overall. Team members included Cambree Lukens, Harper Stallsmith, Neve Seger, Charli Bush and Kenzee Drye.

A second person is facing a felony animal cruelty charge following an investigation into the death of a dog in Bartlesville last year.

49-year-old Andrea Pinkston of Bartlesville was charged with cruelty to animals in connection with a July 2025 incident. According to the Bartlesville Police Department, officers responded to a residence on July 12, 2025, for an animal welfare check. Officers reportedly found a dead brown dog tied to a chain-link fence, with its leash pulling against its throat and leaving its head suspended off the ground. A second dog was found alive outside the fence on a short leash.

Investigators also reported poor living conditions, including an overgrown backyard and flies collecting near a window. The dead dog's leash restricted its movement to less than three feet. Pinkston shared the residence with 54-year-old Grant Rehor, who was charged with animal cruelty in August. A warrant for Pinkston's arrest was issued in July 2025. She has posted a $7,500 bond and is scheduled to return to court on November 13^th.

GED preparation classes are now being offered in Coffeyville. Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says the classes are being offered through Neosho Community College.

Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00am at the library. Participants can stop by during those times to meet with an instructor and enroll. Contact the library at (620)251-1370 or Angela Rowan at Neosho County Community College at (620)431-2820.

The Little House on the Prairie Museum is preparing to close for the season.  Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says visitors have until Saturday, October 31^st, to tour the museum's buildings and gift shop.

The museum, located southwest of Independence, features a replica of the Ingalls family cabin, a one-room schoolhouse and other exhibits highlighting pioneer life. The museum in open seven days a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is $5 for those 18 and up, $3 for ages four to 17 and free for children under three.

Coffeyville residents will have an opportunity to get rid of unwanted items next week as the city holds Clean-Up Coffeyville Week.

The event runs Monday through Saturday of next week, with bulk trash disposal, household hazardous waste collection and a prescription drug take-back event. Coffeyville City Clerk Melissa Carter says the city will provide dumpsters for residents to dispose of unwanted items.

The tree dump is located near First and Union. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Furniture, appliances and residential building materials will be accepted, but tires and regular household trash will not. The city is also providing a separate collection site for materials that cannot be thrown away with regular trash. Carter says several types of household chemicals will be accepted.

Clean-Up Week also includes an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of medications they no longer need. Carter says the prescription drug take-back event will accept several types of medications.  The drug take-back event is Saturday, October 24^th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Coffeyville Police Department.

Trick-or-treat events planned for tomorrow in Coffeyville are being moved back a week due to forecast rain.

The Coffeyville Chamber's Spooktacular event and Coffeyville Community College's Hometown Halloween originally schedule for Thursday, October 15^th will now be Thursday, October 22^nd.

Organizers say they feel that moving the event is the best decision for families and everyone helping make the event happen.

Spooktacular will be from 4:30 to 6 in downtown Coffeyville, which will lead directly into the Hometown Halloween event from 5:30 to 7 on the CCC campus.

One person is dead and six others injured following a two-vehicle crash in Rogers County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 8:15pm last night at the intersection of Highway 66 and County Road 410. Troopers say 42-year-old Joseph Ferrell of Claremore was traveling eastbound when he failed to yield and was struck by a northbound vehicle driven by 29-year-old William Pendergraft, also of Claremore.

A passenger in Ferrell's vehicle, 42-year-old Arnold Kingbird of Claremore, was killed in the crash.  Both drivers were injured, along with two passengers in each vehicle. Ferrell had three passengers, while Pendergraft had six.

No injuries are reported following a crash involving a semi and passenger car in Crawford County.

Crawford County Fire District Number Four was dispatched around 5:30am this morning to assist Girard Fire at the intersection of 160^th Street and East K-47 Highway. Fire personnel assisted with traffic control while emergency crews responded to the scene. Units remained on scene for about an hour and a half.

Girard Fire, Girard Police, the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, Crawford County EMS and Crawford County Fire District Number Four responded.

A flood watch is in effect today for southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma and western Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, a flood watch is in effect for the area through Thursday afternoon. Localized flooding is possible as off-and-on scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms remain likely across the region today and tonight, gradually exiting to the east tomorrow. Some pockets of rain may be heavy. Between one and four inches or rain are likely, with up to five inches possible, mainly in the Tulsa area and west. Rain chances should taper off by tomorrow evening.

The Wilson County Commission approves a change in EMS funding for 2027.

During last Wednesday’s meeting, commissioners voted to change how EMS sales tax revenue is divided between Fredonia and Neodesha. Currently, the two services receive an equal share of the funding. However, after reviewing statistics on emergency calls, transfers, staffing and service areas, commissioners voted to give Fredonia EMS 60% of the funding and Neodesha EMS 40%. The change takes effect January 1^st. Commissioners also approved a $.50-per-hour pay increase for a deputy sheriff who completed his introductory period, along with right-of-way permits for two waterline crossings. The Road and Bridge Department also provided updates on asphalt repairs and upcoming bridge projects.

The commission is scheduled to meet again this morning at 9:00am. Today's agenda includes reports from County Coordinator Kris Marple, Road and Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum and County Clerk Kayla Busch. Commissioners are also scheduled to receive an update on Granby Street at 10:00am, followed by public comment at 10:45am.

A 3-year-old is injured after being hit by a vehicle in Nowata County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision happened around 7:40pm last night at the intersection of Highway 169 and East 230 Road. Troopers say the child was struck by a vehicle driven by 61-year-old Steve Pluta, of Nowata. Pluta stopped following the collision and called 911. The child was reported injured, but the extent of those injuries has not been released. Pluta and a passenger in his vehicle were not injured.

The collision remains under investigation by OHP.

In the wake of a devastating home fire that claimed lives on September 11th, the community of Independence is coming together to install free smoke alarms in their community.

The Red Cross and the Independence Fire/EMS Department are seeking volunteers for installation as well as taking registrations for homes to have smoke alarms installed.

Since 2014, the Sound the Alarm program has installed over 3 million smoke alarms. Volunteers don’t need installation experience, only the willingness to help. During home visits, the volunteers will also educate residents on fire safety and share preparedness information.

To apply for your free smoke alarm, call the Independence Fire/EMS Department at 620-332-2537. There will also be an open call for community members to receive free smoke alarms or become a volunteer this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To register as an installation volunteer, sign up through this link.

USD 445 is beginning work on a new long-range strategic plan, with the goal of having it ready by the summer of 2027.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll says they have outlined four areas that will serve as the foundation of the plan.  The district plans to incorporate feedback gathered during the recent One Coffeyville initiative into the planning process. Correll says community involvement will also play a role in developing the plan.

The district plans to spend the winter gathering input and drafting the plan, followed by a review in the spring. The Board of Education will determine whether the strategic plan covers three, four or five years. District leaders hope to adopt and begin implementing the plan during the summer of 2027.

The Coffeyville City Commission is unable to hold its scheduled meeting after two commissioners fail to attend.

During roll call, city officials confirmed that Commissioner Alec Hendricks was absent and Mayor Jim Faulkner had not arrived. Hendricks had previously notified the city of his absence, while officials say they had expected Falkner to attend. City Clerk Melissa Carter says they did not have enough commissioners present to have the meeting.

City Manager Ben Brubaker says they looked outside and attempted to contact Faulkner but did not hear from him. Because the meeting never officially began, no city business was conducted.

Plans are moving forward to reestablish a fire district at the Great Plains Industrial Park near Parsons.

During the Labette County Commission meeting, Director Brad Reams and GPDA Board Chairman Bob Wood outlined plans to establish a fire department that would serve as the primary responder to emergencies at the facility. Surrounding fire departments would provide additional assistance through mutual aid agreements. The proposed district would initially cover approximately 6,500 acres owned by the industrial park. However, the Commissioners suggested expanding the boundaries to include the entire industrial park to avoid confusion over which department would be responsible for responding to emergencies.

Reams and Wood say the plan includes having personnel on-site 24 hours a day, with firefighters receiving specialized training to respond to emergencies at the industrial facility. Concerns were also raised about the condition of existing buildings at the park. County Fire Chiefs discussed the need to bring buildings up to fire safety standards, including repairs to sprinkler systems and other fire protection equipment. Funding for the proposed district was also discussed, including questions about property tax revenue and the cost of providing fire protection services. Reams and Wood say they industrial park would cover all costs. Documents have been prepared to move forward with reestablishing the district. A timeline for completing the process has not been finalized.

The Montgomery County Commission agrees to a request to assist the City of Coffeyville in applying for a state housing grant.

At Tuesday’s commission meeting, Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC) Director Melissa Johnson asked commissioners for the county’s support in applying for a $1.2 million dollar Moderate Income Housing or MIH grant for the Bricktown Lofts project in downtown Coffeyville. Johnson says the grant is specifically designed to make housing projects financially feasible and expand the supply of homes people can afford in rural areas.

Each county or city can only apply for one grant through the program. The City of Coffeyville is also applying for an MIH grant for the Gibson Housing Development. Johnson says MCAC is asking for the county’s help in bringing more housing to Coffeyville.

The Bricktown Lofts project would be implemented in three phases, with 15 units added in the first phase and another 15 in phases two and three. The county would not be responsible for any funding. Any matching funds for the project would be the responsibility of the developer. Commissioners approved the request on a unanimous vote.

Renovations to the Osage County Courthouse continue, with crews making progress on the building's interior.

During this week's comission meeting, Kyler Construction Josh McNett provided an update on the project. He says crews have encountered some unexpected challenges since work began.  Scaffolding around the courthouse is expected to come down next week as work continues inside the building. District Two Commissioner Steve Talburt recently toured the courthouse to see the renovations firsthand. He says he's seeing significant changes throughout the building.

Construction Manager Dalton Higgins is expected to attend next week's meeting to provide a more detailed update on the project.

Governor Laura Kelly appoints a Neodesha attorney to serve as a district judge in Wilson County.

Dennis Depew will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Rogers, who will retire in January. Depew has more than four decades of legal experience, including serving as a partner at the Depew Law Firm in Neodesha beginning in 1983. He served as Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation with the Kansas Attorney General's Office from 2015 to 2023. Since June 2023, Depew has worked as managing attorney for Kansas Legal Services' southeast Kansas office, providing civil legal services to low- and moderate-income residents across nine counties.

Governor Kelly says Depew's legal experience, community involvement and commitment to the rule of law will benefit residents of the 31^st Judicial District. Depew says he looks forward to continuing his public service in Wilson County and maintaining the district's tradition of fair and timely judicial decisions. Depew has also served 21 years on the USD 461 Board of Education and is a past president of both the Kansas Bar Association and Kansas Association of School Boards. The 31^st Judicial District serves Allen, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties.

Nowata County receives federal funding from the July 4^th storms.

President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the county, as well as Washington and Osage County. Emergency Management Director Laurie Summers says she was surprised to receive the funding.

Federal disaster relief will now be available to state, tribal and eligible local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations for needed repair work.

The USD 446 Independence Board of Education approves the purchase of a new bus and an online policy management service offered by the Kansas Association of School Boards.

The service, called KASB Policy Plus, will cost $4,500 for an audit of the district’s current policy manuals, along with a $3,500 annual subscription fee. The service is designed to make school policies more accessible and easier for parents and students to navigate online.

The board also approved a $175,000 bus equipped with air conditioning and wheelchair accessibility. The district currently has one air-conditioned activity bus and plans to add another to improve comfort for students and athletes during trips, particularly during the high temperatures common in August and September.

In other business, Director of Learning Services Kellie Puderbaugh provided updates on Bulldog Buds Mentoring, accreditation and at-risk accountability. Bulldog Buds pairs students in grades 3 through 12 with mentors who meet with them weekly during the school day to provide guidance and encouragement.

The next USD 446 Independence Board of Education meeting is scheduled for November 9 at 6 p.m.

The Salvation Army's Souplicious lunch is today in Coffeyville.

Community Service Volunteer Terry Gregory says you get a lot for the $10 suggested donation.

The event will be held at the First Baptist Church at 9^th and Elm today, October 13th, from 11 to 1. The fundraiser supports the needy of Coffeyville and the salvation army's many programs including the Angel Tree.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today as they address economic development.

On today’s agenda Montgomery County Action Council Director Melissa Johnson will be on hand in regards to a Moderate Income Housing or M-I-H grant. The grant helps fund housing for moderate-income households in rural Kansas who make too much for traditional federal housing. There will also be a continued discussion over the county’s Economic Development Incentive Policy.

Interim County Administrator Kori White will also appoint volunteer citizens to the steering committee to assist with the County Comprehensive Plan. Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins will present the commission with a project agreement for work on bridge #67, located northwest of Sycamore.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, two Montgomery County residents have requested time to discuss the issue of data centers.

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 victim of a Sunday morning house fire in Columbus passes away from her injuries.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, the family of the 71-year-old female says she has succumbed to her injuries.

Columbus firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire with a victim still inside the residence around 6am on Sunday morning.

Emergency crews arrived on scene within five minutes of receiving the 9-1-1 call and proceeded to locate and remove the victim from the structure.

Cherokee County Ems provided emergency treatment before the patient was transported to a hospital via helicopter for medical treatment.

The victim's name has not yet been released and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The deadline to register to vote or to update voter registration for the November 3^rd general election in Kansas is today.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says if you need to make changes to your registration, you must do it today.

Anyone who is a US citizen, 18 years or older, a resident of Kansas, and has completed the terms of any sentence from a felony conviction, is legally qualified to vote. Schwab says tomorrow is another important date.

Find important election dates here.

For online voter registration, go here.

The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight and discuss several items of business.

On tonight's agenda is a resolution to authorize engineering design services for the Gibson Housing Development. The City of Coffeyville is working with a developer to increase housing in the community. The Gibson Housing Development will prepare 16 lots for development.

Commissioners will also be asked to approve an application for a 2026 Moderate Income Housing Grant Application to the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation for $750,000 for the Gibson Street Development.

There will also be a discussion to amend the 2026 City Fee Schedule to bring the City into compliance with credit and debit card processing agreements by imposing a transaction fee.

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

Autumn in Kansas means drivers must be careful to avoid hitting deer.

Due to breeding season, collisions are more likely to occur from October through the end of the year. Shawn Steward with Triple-A Kansas says it's a particularly dangerous time of year for car-deer collisions.

Tips to avoid collisions with a deer include being watchful when driving at dawn and dusk when the animals are most likely to be on the move, and reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas. Steward says it's always a good idea to wear your seat belt.

Anyone involved in a collision with a deer or other animal resulting in personal injury or property damage totaling $1,000 or more is required to report the accident to local law enforcement.

The City of Nowata is offering a city firetruck as a raffle prize.

The Nowata Fire Department is raffling off a 1986 E-ONE ladder truck. The truck comes equipped with a 1,500 gallon per minute pump, a 100-foot aerial ladder, multiple ground ladders and various lights and sirens. The truck is fully functional though it is not currently certified for use as a fire apparatus.

The tickets are $100 apiece and a minimum of 100 tickets must be sold for the raffle to take place. Entries will be accepted until this Thursday evening at 8pm. All proceeds benefit the Nowata Fire Department.

Tickets can be purchased at this link.

Leadership at South Coffeyville Public Schools are looking at the possibility of starting a building trades program.

At Monday's school board meeting, board members discussed the potential of starting the program. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says the main goal would be to get the program off the ground and make it financially self-supporting.

Pruter says they have an individual who is interested in teaching the class.

Pruter says ideally, the money made from sale a house or remodeling project built by the students would pay for the instructor. Nothing has been decided yet as the board continues to explore the feasibility of the program. Pruter says similar programs have been started in area communities including Neodesha and Altamont.

Questions remain about the financial situation at Tri-County.

During the USD 445 Board of Education meeting, district officials discussed ongoing financial concerns at Tri-County and efforts to get a clearer picture of what led to the organization's budget problems. According to discussion, a proposal to pursue a special or forensic audit came up during a previous Tri-County board meeting. Five of the seven board members were present, and the proposal failed by a four-to-one margin. The matter was discussed as a question rather than a formal action item.

Coffeyville Superintendent Craig Correll says he believes a more thorough examination of Tri-County's finances is needed.  Correll says Tri-County is considering reinstating a coordinator position previously eliminated because of budget cuts.  Correll says he believes further financial review would help explain the budget shortfall and provide answers to participating school districts. The possibility of restoring the coordinator position is expected to be discussed at Wednesday's Tri-County meeting.

Coffeyville Community College will kick off its concert season this week with a fall band and choir concert.

The performance is scheduled for Thursday 7:00pm at Spencer/Rounds Theatre on the CCC campus and is free and open to the public. CCC Director of Music Aaron Burke says the concert will feature a variety of musical styles.

The concert comes at the end of a busy Thursday in Coffeyville, with downtown Spooktacular activities and the college's Hometown Halloween celebration also taking place. Burke says the college's music programs provide opportunities for students and community members alike to participate in the performing arts.

The college's choir rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00pm, followed by band rehearsals at 4:00pm. Those interested in participating can contact Burke at band@coffeyville.edu.

A large barn near Dearing is destroyed in a blaze.

Fire crews from Coffeyville along with rural fire departments from Dearing, Independence, Liberty and Tyro responded to a report of a structure fire in a large ban located at a residence northeast of Dearing on Friday morning. The three-story structure was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived on the scene. Crews were able to bring the fire under control and extinguish the blaze without injury.

The structure, however, was a total loss.

One person is injured in an early morning house fire in Columbus.

The initial call came in around 6am on Sunday morning. Columbus Police and Columbus Fire responded to a residence on West Sycamore Street for a reported structure fire with an occupant still inside the home.

Responders were able to safely remove the victim from the home. Firefighters then extinguished the blaze.

The victim sustained facial burns and airway injuries. Cherokee County EMS then transported the individual to a nearby hospital. The person was then flown by medical helicopter to another medical facility to receive a higher level of care.

No additional injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy Columbus Fire & Rescue

The Nowata County Commissioners will hold a regular meeting tomorrow morning, due to the Columbus Day holiday today.

The commissioners will discuss an estimate of needs for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and review a financial statement from the past fiscal year. They will also possibly take action on two resolutions for financial assistance through the Rural Economic Action Plan or REAP fund. One is through District Two of the county and the other is with the Sheriff's Office.

The board will also review requests for bids to be let for hot mix, hot lay and cold patch, as well as the loading and hauling of miscellaneous road materials and the printing of ballots.

In other business, the board will accept a donation and possibly act on a resolution for a safety award. They will also discuss improvements to the courthouse, the county certification map and county action report and hear an update from Emergency Manager Laurie Summers.

Tomorrow's meeting begins at 9am at the Nowata County Annex Meeting Room, at 228 North Maple Street in downtown Nowata.

The USD 445 Coffeyville School Board will meet this afternoon for its regular October meeting.

On the agenda are two requests for the purchase of curricula material as well as the expected acceptance of the resignation of several staff members and the approval of the employment of five candidates. There will also be a discussion of long range planning for the district.

Today's USD 445 board meeting begins at 4pm at the district office at 615 Ellis Street in Coffeyville. The public is invited to attend.

Voters in Fredonia will be asked for their opinion on a $12.4 million school bond in the upcoming November 3rd election.

The bond would go to pay for improvements at Fredonia schools. Funding would go toward a new cafeteria with a storm shelter at Lincoln Elementary School along with a new library and media center, a connecting corridor and a classroom remodel. Fredonia JR/SR High school would get a new physical education facility and weight room, a new wrestling room and Career and Technical Education room, plus renovations to the art building and auditorium, and a new greenhouse.

For a residential home with a $100,000 appraised value, approval of the bond would mean an additional $12.91 per month.

There will be a community meeting to discuss the bond coming up at the high school on October 25th. For more information on the USD 484 school bond, follow this link.

The Altamont City Council approves changes to floodplain management and agrees to assist with downtown business grants.

The council held a public hearing at its most recent meeting to hear citizens comments on proposed changes to the floodplain. City Manager LeaAnn Myers says the changes were needed to be in line with the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA’s most recent map updates.

The three council members present -- Tyler Julich, Lyle Sykes, and Kyle Wiford – all voted in favor of the changes.

In other business, Julie Beeman with the Altamont Hometown Economic Leadership Program or HELP Committee addressed the council regarding the City’s Façade Grant Program. The program is a local initiative designed to help commercial property owners improve and revitalize the exterior of their business buildings. Beeman says the program will begin with a total of $15,000 dollars to assist Altamont business owners.

The grant program is designed to give local business owners a jump start on making improvements to storefront aesthetics, fix worn or aging exterior elements, and stimulate local economic development in Altamont's business district. The council agreed to provide the group with $5,000 for the project.

Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously named Council Member Lyle Sykes as Leland.

Two people are seriously injured in a Saturday crash in Allen County.

The two-vehicle crash occurred on US- 54, just east of the City of Piqua.

The Woodson County Sheriff’s Office says dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call around noon on Saturday. Responders found both vehicles in the ditch, with two occupants trapped inside. Crews used the Jaws of Life to free them. Both suffered significant injuries and were flown by air ambulance to regional trauma centers. A third person was able to get out of their vehicle before emergency crews arrived and was walking at the scene with apparently minor injuries.

Highway 54 was closed for about three hours to protect emergency responders and allow aircraft to land.

The cause of the crash has not been released.

Photo courtesy Allen Co. Sheriff's Office

Parsons police arrest two for suspected burglary.

The incident occurred on October 5th in the 900 block of South 16th Street in Parsons. P-P-D officers responded to the scene, canvassed the area, collected evidence, and conducted interviews to identify potential suspects.

The investigation led to a search warrant for a residence on Appleton Avenue. Officers searched the home and arrested 39-year-old Jake Cervantes and 62-year-old Roxena Barger. Both have been charged with burglary and theft in the case.

Formal charges were submitted to the Labette County Attorney's Office for review and prosecution. The case remains ongoing.

Parsons Police respond to a weekend disturbance at Forest Park.

Police were called to the park around 2pm on Saturday afternoon after a 9-1-1 caller reported two males yelling at each other. Upon arrival, officers interviewed both men and determined that no crime had been committed. Law enforcement remained in the area for several hours to observe activity and ensure public safety. During that time, another 9-1-1 call was made to Parsons Police regarding one of the men involved in the original incident. Officers at the park reported that no crime had been committed.

Parsons police remind citizens to call 9-1-1 if they see something of concern and officers will respond.

Textron Aviation celebrates the 30^th anniversary of its Independence facility with an open house and air show over the weekend.

The public got a chance to go on a self-guided tour of the facility which manufactures single-engine aircraft models including the Skyhawk, Skylane, Stationair, Caravan and the Citation M2.  Hundreds of people were able to attend and enjoy a free lunch and air show plus kids games and activities.

The facility was built from scratch when Cessna decided to restart the production of single-engine piston aircraft in the mid-1990s. At the time, Montgomery County was among several regional communities hoping to attract the company. Since that time, the plant has had several expansions and continues to serve as a major employer in the county.

A local business is honored at the 2026 Kansas Business Awards.

This year’s annual awards ceremony was held Thursday in Overland Park and the winner of the Mainstreet Momentum Award for southeast Kansas went to Carver Home, Office, and Furniture Outlet or CHoFO of Neodesha. The store offers new and open-boxed furniture for homes and businesses and is located on Neodesha’s Main Street.

The Mainstreet Momentum Award honors businesses that actively work to revitalize downtown areas and commercial districts through ongoing growth, investment, and community engagement. CHoFo is located in one of Neodesha’s historic buildings, one that formally housed one of the Ben Franklin's Five-n-Dime stores as well as once being the home of a bowling alley.

ChoFo officially opened its doors in Neodesha on May 8th of this year.

Photo: (l to r) Neodesha Community Development Director Chris Bauman, Miranda Carpenter, CHoFO Proprietor Larry Carver, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, Neodesha Mayor Devin Johnson, and Neodesha City Administrator Brogan Jones. Courtesy City of Neodesha

A suspect is in custody in a weekend stabbing in Baxter Springs.

Baxter Springs Police and Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Saturday night report of a stabbing in the 300 block of East 11th Street. Upon arrival at the scene, the victim was located and found to be suffering from multiple stab wounds.

The suspect fled the scene before law enforcement arrived but was soon located walking along US-69 Alternate just north of the city. The suspect was taken into custody and identified as 23-year-old Tramone Howard-Hill of Baxter Springs. He was transported to the Cherokee County Jail and booked for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. Police also learned that Hill had an outstanding warrant out of Shawnee County, Kansas, for Electronic Solicitation of a Child.

The victim in the case remains hospitalized in critical condition. This investigation is ongoing and formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.

The Quapaw Nation Marshal Service and the Galena Police Department also assisted on the case.

The Montgomery County Commission will not hold their regular weekly meeting today, due to the Columbus Day holiday.

All other county offices will also be closed today for the holiday. 

Tomorrow’s Montgomery County Commission agenda will include items dealing with economic development and the repair of a county bridge located near Sycamore. Interim County Administrator Kori White will also appoint volunteers to the steering committee for the County Comprehensive plan and two county citizens will address commissioners on the topic of data centers.

The Montgomery County Commission will meet tomorrow morning at 9am at the Judicial Center in Independence.

Pre-K students in Nowata receive a hands-on lesson in fire safety as part of Fire Prevention Week.

The Nowata Fire Department welcomed local Pre-K classes to the station, where firefighters and EMS personnel taught students about fire prevention, showed them emergency equipment and explained the role of first responders. Firefighters also demonstrated their full protective gear, including air packs and masks, to help children recognize what firefighters look and sound like during an emergency. The department says the goal is to make sure children understand firefighters are there to help, even if their equipment appears frightening.

Students also got an opportunity to spray water from a fire hose. The department thanked the firefighters, EMS personnel and teachers who helped make the visit possible.

A Parsons man is in custody following a vehicle pursuit and a search that lasted into the following afternoon.

The Parsons Police Department says an officer attempted to stop a speeding vehicle just before midnight Tuesday after the driver ran a stop sign at 13^th Street and Briggs Avenue. The driver fled into the Winway area before stopping in the 200 block of Stone Street and running away on foot. Police identified the driver as 22-year-old Jonah Teal but were unable to locate him during an initial search. Investigators later determined the vehicle had been taken without permission from a family member.  Officers located Teal Wednesday afternoon inside a camper in the 2300 block of Corning Avenue and arrested him without incident.

Police say controlled substances were also found in Teal's possession, resulting in additional charges.  Teal remains in the Labette County Jail in connection with suspected offenses including fleeing and eluding, possession of stolen property, interference with law enforcement and drug-related charges.  The investigation remains ongoing.

The City of Coffeyville has a successful stream bank clean up at LeClere Park on Tuesday afternoon.

Dozens of community volunteers helped city staff with the project to help pick up litter, remove debris, and clean along the stream banks to prevent pollution and protect water quality.

The project picked up over 30 pounds of trash from the stream bank, helping protect the environment and making LeClere Park a nice place for everyone in Coffeyville to enjoy.

The City of Chanute breaks ground on its new wastewater treatment plant.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday, October 8, as the City undertakes a $36 million project to modernize its outdated wastewater treatment plant. The move is part of a major overhaul and upgrade of Chanute's municipal infrastructure.

The existing wastewater treatment plant was put online in March 1983, but the facility no longer meets modern regulatory standards and a major overhaul has been delayed since 2010.

New construction includes a new lift station, motor-control centers, electrical/control systems, and site-wide grading, paving, and process piping integration. The project bid was awarded to Crossland Construction of Columbus.

In addition to the wastewater plant, Chanute is pursuing a simultaneous $26 million upgrade to its drinking water treatment plant.

Photo courtesy Chanute Chamber of Commerce

The Independence USD 446 Board of Education will consider a bus purchase and curriculum approval during its meeting next Monday night.

Board members will also review district enrollment numbers, receive updates on accreditation and at-risk accountability, and hear a report on the Bulldog Buds Mentoring program.

The board will meet Monday, October 12, at 6 p.m. in the Independence High School library.

The City of Parsons will hold a no charge bulk trash drop off day tomorrow.

Utilities Director Derek Clevenger says citizens can drop off items at the Parsons Tree Dump.

Other acceptable items includes TVs and appliances, batteries, car parts and furniture. Those dropping off items must bring a City of Parsons Code Enforcement Letter or a City Water Bill.

Anyone with questions can contact the City at 421-7020

A 77-year-old Afton, OK, man has died following a single-vehicle crash on Thursday afternoon, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Troopers identified the man as James Fuser. Authorities say Fuser was driving southbound on County Road South 520 near East 230 Road when his vehicle left the roadway to the left.

The vehicle then crossed three barbed-wire fences before striking an embankment.

The crash occurred at approximately one p.m. Fuser was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

The Highway Patrol reports Fuser died as a result of a medical event. No additional information about the circumstances surrounding the crash was immediately available.

Halloween is just around the corner and Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence is ready for the fun.

Zoolloween happens tomorrow evening and Riverside Park and Zoo staff have been working hard to be ready. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there be lots of fun activities for the kids.

Wilson says the evening is part of the yearly fundraising for the Zoo.

Zoolloween runs from 5 to 7pm tomorrow night in Independence. Admission is $2. Kids 2 and under are free.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect in a recent theft.

The incident occurred earlier this week at a residence located on US-166 just east of Tyro. One of the items stolen was a Dodge 2500 truck. The vehicle is described as a red 2006 3/4 ton Dodge single cab with a white drivers side door. Its an automatic with a gas engine and has a black flatbed with a headache rack and clearance lights on the cab.

The suspect also made off with a trophy saddle. The saddle is a C-R-A-A All Around Champion saddle for the 8 and under. The saddle has the name Hockett across the back of the seat.

Photos of the suspect can be seen in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com.

Anyone with information on the stolen items or the suspect should contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 620-330-1000

USD 436 in Caney says its effort in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition has ended, but plans to preserve the district’s historic stadium will continue.

The district is thanking community members for their support, despite not advancing to the next round of the competition. Caney schools will receive a five-thousand-dollar check at tonight's home football game.

The district also recognized the Caney Valley Historical Society for its work to get the stadium listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Meanwhile, the district’s November third bond proposal addresses other needs, including storm shelters, a secured entrance and improved learning spaces, while leaving the historic stadium intact.

More information about the district's bond proposal can be found at this link

More than 230 students from 10 area high schools visited Independence Community College for Cast and Crew Preview Day.

Thursday's event gave students an opportunity to explore campus and experience the arts through live theater, interactive workshops and a collaborative mural project.

The day began with a student matinee of the ICC production of Little Women, followed by a question-and-answer session with the actors. Students discussed the production, the characters and the experience of performing onstage.

After the performance, students participated in workshops, including beginning improv and photography. They also toured the campus and helped paint a mural that will be displayed at the college.

The event comes as Independence Community College reports a slight year-over-year increase in fall enrollment. The college continues to connect students from across the region with educational opportunities close to home, while introducing them to campus life and a variety of academic and creative programs.

The public is invited to attend performances of Little Women tonight and tomorrow at 7pm or on Sunday at 2pm at ICC's William Inge Theater. Admission is free.

The City of Independence is clarifying the appearance of new street signs across the City.

Recently, the City has installed new signs near several intersections, including over-sized advance “Stop ahead” warning signs. These street signs are a part of a grant-funded safety initiative through the Kansas Department of Transportation's High Risk Urban Roads program.

The goal of the program is to, install low-cost safety countermeasures, such as pavement marking and signing, at stop-controlled intersections on local roads that have been determined to be at high risk for traffic accidents.

The signs and posts come at no cost to the City of Independence, other than the cost to install them. These countermeasures have been proven to increase driver awareness and increase safety at intersections where they are in use, leading to 10% fewer crashes and 15% fewer nighttime crashes.

The program provides signs at intersections that are one size larger than signs that are required by federal regulation; additional signs to warn of the stop and intersection ahead; and the signs are also more reflective, making them more visible.

 When the project is complete, these signs will have been installed at seven intersections in the City.

A free event celebrating women in aviation is coming to the Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum.

Dr. Robin Hansen will portray aviator Micky Axton this Saturday, October 10th, at 1 p.m. The public is invited to come learn about her early years in Coffeyville, her first airplane ride and her incredible career.

Before the event there will be pulled pork sandwiches available from 11 – 1 for $8. The program will then begin at 1 p.m. Museum admission and the program itself are free. It all happens this Saturday at the Aviation Heritage Museum across from the pool in Coffeyville.

The Nowata County Commission hears an update on ongoing repairs at the county courthouse.

At this week's meeting commissioners discussed improvements to the county courthouse, specifically light fixtures and a problem with the water heater over the weekend.

Commissioner Brandon Wesson and County Clerk Kay Spurgeon discuss the issues with the water heater.

In other business, the board approved a request for leave sharing, tabled the county certification map and county action report and accepted a donation. Commissioner Troy Friddle says Rural Economic Action Plan grants funds will be used on infrastructure projects.

The commission also heard an update from Emergency Manager Laurie Summers.
 

The Nowata County Commissioners meet every Monday morning at 9 a.m. at the Nowata County Annex Meeting Room, 228 N. Maple St. in downtown Nowata.

The Sedan City Council hears a recap of the recent Kansas Fur Harvesters Convention.

The convention was held in Sedan last weekend at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds and has played an important part of the City's tourism and economic goals. Sedan Chamber of Commerce Secretary Priscilla Ellis says the event drew a large group to the City.

The Council also voted to approve a $965 reimbursement to the Chamber for promotional items. The Chamber says the items can also be used for other events to promote the City.

In other business, The council approved street closures on October 31^st for the Halloween Carnival and the Trunk-or-Treat.

A Baxter Springs, Kansas man is facing multiple charges following a police pursuit that began in Miami, Oklahoma, Wednesday evening.

Miami Police say an M-P-D officer stopped a motorcycle near 20th Avenue Northwest and F Street Northwest around 6:15 p.m. The rider, identified as Samuel Reffett, allegedly presented a driver’s license belonging to another person before fleeing on the motorcycle.

Officers pursued Reffett through northwest Miami. Police say he reached speeds of about 100 miles per hour. Due to the speed and heavy traffic, the pursuit was terminated for public safety.

Reffett later encountered Quapaw Nation deputy marshals and again fled, leading to another pursuit. The chase ended when Reffett crashed the motorcycle on East 50 Road. He tried to flee on foot but was taken into custody.

Reffett was not seriously injured. Investigators also determined the motorcycle had been reported stolen in Cherokee County, Kansas.

Montgomery County Public Works is preparing to begin a bridge replacement project that will require a road closure northeast of Sycamore.

The project will take place on County Road 4700, just north of County Road 6400, or about five miles northeast of Sycamore.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic beginning today, as crews begin replacing the bridge. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately eight to ten weeks, weather and construction conditions permitting. Motorists who regularly use C-R 4700 should plan ahead and find an alternate route while the project is underway.

Drivers traveling near the construction area are also urged to use caution, follow all posted road closure and traffic signs, and watch for changes in traffic patterns. Montgomery County Public Works says the project is a necessary infrastructure improvement and appreciates motorists’ patience and cooperation.

Officials say updates will be provided if the anticipated construction schedule changes.

A southeast Kansas man is facing charges for allegedly pointing a laser and then shooting at a police helicopter in Cherokee County.

Police say 45-year-old Jason Elmer Zwahlen pointed a green laser at a Kansas highway Patrol helicopter and then fired several shots from a rifle at the aircraft on September 22. The aircraft was involved in a search for a fugitive when the incident occurred. Police say Zwahlen then got into a vehicle and attempted to flee. K-H-P troopers were able to stop him and placed him under arrest.

Zwahlen faces two charges of Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer with a Deadly Weapon, as well as Possession of Methamphetamine.

The Altamont City Council will meet tonight and hold a public hearing on flood plain management.

At tonight' s meeting, Altamont citizens will be able to comment on proposed revisions to the City's floodplain regulations. The council will also hear a presentation from Julie Beeman from the the Altamont Hometown Economic Leadership Program or HELP regarding the Facade Grant Program. The program is designed to assist commercial property owners in making improvements to their businesses with an 80/20 match.

Council members are also expected to revisit the issue of an increase in trash rates.

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

The Kansas Drive To Zero Coalition is expanding its efforts to improve transportation safety with a new community recognition program and webinar series.

The Drive To Zero Community Award will recognize cities, counties and tribal governments for efforts to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.

Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed says communities across the state are taking meaningful steps to make roads safer, and the award will give them a chance to share what’s working.

Applications will be accepted November 2^nd through December 18^th. Award recipients will be recognized during the 2027 Kansas Transportation Conference, March 9^th and 10^th in Wichita.

The Kansas Department of Transportation administers the program with support from several state and local organizations.

The coalition has also launched a webinar series covering transportation safety projects, funding opportunities, the Safe System Approach and other strategies aimed at preventing serious injuries and traffic deaths.

Smoke detectors are being credited with helping everyone escape a house fire in Nowata.

Fire crews were dispatched to a home on McCaffrey Street at about 9:30pm last night(Tuesday). The first engine arrived within three minutes and found heavy smoke and fire coming from a residence. Firefighters entered the home and quickly brought the fire under control, containing the damage to about a room and a half. Additional crews ventilated the home and checked the attic and surrounding areas for any extension of the fire. All occupants made it out safely after being alerted by working smoke detectors.

A total of 30 personnel responded, including firefighters from Nowata, Delaware, Lenapah, Alluwe and Chelsea, along with Nowata Police. Nowata Fire Chief Brandon Jarvis says the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of working smoke detectors. Residents who would like the fire department to check their smoke detectors can call (918)273-3532.

Drivers in Coffeyville will need to find an alternate route around the intersection of 8^th Street and Washita Street.

The Coffeyville Public Works Department says the intersection will be closed all day tomorrow and remain closed through Friday while crews complete repair work in the area. Drivers are asked to plan ahead, use an alternate route and allow extra travel time while the intersection is closed.

The intersection is expected to reopen following the completion of repairs Friday.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is bringing its Community Impact Tour to Coffeyville next week.

The tour will stop at the city’s Rails to Trails Pathway near LeClere Park Thursday, October 15^th, from 11:00am to 11:45am. The Coffeyville stop will highlight the City’s multi-year investment in its trail network, including the recently completed 1.26 mile Rails to Trails Pathway. The project began in 2022 and was supported by funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program and a Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant.

The pathway connects existing trails to LeClere Park and provides additional space for walking, running and biking. City Manager Ben Brubaker says the tour is an opportunity to show what those investments look like once they become part of a community. The tour will also stop for lunch at Sunflower Soda Foundation in downtown Coffeyville from 12:00pm to 12:30pm.

Joplin Police say five juveniles have been taken into custody following an investigation into a string of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles.

Since mid-August, police have responded to 20 stolen vehicles and 22 thefts involving mostly Kia and Hyundai models from 2005 through 2018.

Investigators say the suspects, ranging in age from 13 to 16, also stole firearms from vehicles. Police say evidence indicates some of those guns were recklessly discharged during the crimes. No injuries were reported.

On October 1^st , officers served three search warrants and recovered two stolen firearms, ammunition, drugs, burglary tools and a stolen Kia Soul.

Police say 19 of the 20 stolen vehicles have been recovered. Charges of second-degree burglary and stealing have been submitted to the Jasper County Juvenile Prosecutor, with additional charges possible.

Police are reminding drivers to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and secure firearms. Kia and Hyundai owners are also encouraged to use a steering wheel lock.

The Cherokee Nation is the only tribe in the country selected for a new federal behavioral health grant totaling $3 million a year for four years.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the funding will help communities develop coordinated care for people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or both.

The program, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will distribute $96 million nationwide over four years.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently met with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in California to discuss healthcare priorities for the Cherokee Nation and Indian Country. Hoskin serves on the HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee.

Deputy Chief Bryan Warner says the Cherokee Nation is continuing to expand behavioral health services, including construction of its own substance abuse treatment center using opioid settlement funds.

The new grant will provide additional resources for behavioral health services across the Cherokee Nation.

The Parsons City Commission discusses e-bikes and safety.

At this week's meeting, City Manager Jeff Cantrell raised the issue of e-bikes and motorized scooters. He says the vehicles, which are popular with kids, have prompted concerned comments from residents.

Commissioner Eric Strait says he thinks the focus should be on safety.

Though no official action was taken, commissioners along with Police Chief Robert Spinks agreed to begin an education campaign in local schools to help educate Parsons kids.

The City of Bartlesville may be getting closer to hiring a new City Manager.

The Bartlesville City Council will hold a special meeting tonight to hold an executive session to interview two internal candidates for the position. The two candidates will be interviewed separately.

According to an agenda posted on the city of Bartlesville website, discussion and possible action regarding the city manager position could occur following the interviews.

The Bartlesville City Council is searching for a permanent city manager following the sudden resignation of former City Manager Mike Bailey on August 7.

Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders serves as interim city manager, though she is not applying for the permanent position and plans to return to her assistant role once a selection is made.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Citizens of Nowata continue to discuss issues at the Nowata Cemetery.

Monday evening's meeting of the Nowata City Commission turned tense during a discussion of the state of Nowata Memorial Cemetery.

The Nowata Cemetery Board held a special meeting last week to hear concerns from residents regarding an ordinance prohibiting structures and decorations that are not within the concrete plot paid for by an individual. City Manager Marie Gorley says it's difficult to enforce the ordinance with staffing shortages.

The cemetery sits in Ward One of the city limits, where Ward One Commissioner Cary Robinson has made attempts over the last three years to clean the cemetery up as much as possible. Gorley and Robinson sparred over the topic.

The Nowata Cemetery is located at 11-27 South Pecan Street in Nowata.

Tonight is Burger Night at the VFW in Independence.

Burger Night at VFW Post 11-86 is a local favorite and tonight's burger feed and dessert auction is going to support a local family that recently experienced tragedy. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says tonight's proceed will go to help the Landsaw-Davis family.

Five members of the Landsaw-Davis family perished in a house fire on September 11^th. Those wanting to help support them can attend tonight's burger feed at the VFW in Independence, located at 113 East Myrtle, tonight from 5 to 7pm.

The debate continues over the possible construction of data centers in Montgomery County.

This week’s county commission meeting saw a 90-minute public comment section in which most of those present spoke against data center construction. Residents voiced their concerns about water and electricity demands of such facilities in addition to potential health concerns.

Commissioner Phil  Clubine says he is still in favor of a county-wide moratorium.

Clubine made the motion for a moratorium at a past meeting. That motion died on the floor without a second from either of the other commissioners. Commission Chair Mike Cordray says he is cautious about telling others how they can use their own property.

Only one speaker was in favor of data centers. The man stated that he was an electrician who had worked on data centers and was confident in their operations, saying he had not encountered any issues while working in the facilities. His comments prompted a tense exchange with others in the audience.

Later at the Cherryvale City Council meeting, it was standing-room only as members of the public packed the room, although there were no public comments were allowed at this meeting.  There will be time for comments at the city's next meeting on the 19th.

An updated sign is in place at the Cherryvale Community Center thanks to effort by local residents.

Cherryvale City Council Member Curtis Whittley has been spearheading several community-improvement projects around town. He says the sign at the Community Center was deteriorating and in need of updating. Whittley says he got a hold of Cherryvale Art Teacher Casey Lickteig who had some students interested in the project.

The sign features lettering in Charger blue and cherries as a finishing touch.

The City of Coffeyville will be holding a volunteer stream bank clean up at LeClere Park this afternoon.

Participants can help pick up litter, remove debris, and clean along the stream banks to prevent pollution and protect water quality. The City will provide glove, grabbers, and buckets for the clean up. Those wishing to help should plan to meet at the main parking lot at LeClere Park on the south side at 1pm today.

Coffeyville will be one of the Southeast Kansas stops on the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Impact Tour Thursday, October 15th.

The tour will stop at the recently completed Rails to Trails pathway near LeClere Park at 11am.

The three-day tour is highlighting projects across Southeast Kansas made possible through state programs, local partnerships and community investment.

In Coffeyville, the spotlight will be on the one-point-2-mile multi-use pathway.

The project was funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program and a Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant.

After years of planning and construction, the pathway officially opened with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony July 29^th.

City officials say the project is now providing residents with a place to walk, run and bike, while showcasing the impact of state and local investment in the community.

The Wilson County Commission discusses a road closure between Altoona and Thayer.

The county’s Road and Bridge Department has closed a bridge on Wichita Road between 900 and 1000 Roads because repairs are needed for public safety. Road and Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum added that the department is no longer on summer hours. Regular hours are now from 7am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

County Coordinator Kris Marple also reported Wilson County will receive just over 99-thousand dollars this year through the state’s Federal Highway Funds Exchange program for road and bridge project reimbursement.

Commissioners also reviewed and accepted the county’s fiscal year 2025 audit. They then approved the chairman signing a representation letter and authorized an agreement with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips to conduct the county’s fiscal year 2026 audit.

The Wilson County Commission will meet again on October 7 at 9am at the courthouse in Fredonia. The meeting is open to the public.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has released its new eight-year construction work plan, outlining more than one-thousand-200 highway and bridge projects across the state.

The Federal Fiscal Year 2027 through 2034 plan, approved Monday by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, represents more than seven-point-three billion dollars in proposed construction.

ODOT says the plan focuses on critical safety, pavement and bridge needs. But inflation and rising construction costs are making it harder for the agency to keep pace with those needs.

Transportation Secretary and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz says DOTs nationwide have experienced nearly 18 years’ worth of inflation since 2020.

Gatz says growing demands on the highway system are also outpacing traditional transportation revenues, raising concerns about ODOT’s ability to make needed investments on time.

Some projects have been pushed beyond the eight-year window. ODOT says those projects remain priorities and will continue to be developed as funding becomes available.

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

The total tax receipts last month came in at $1.08 billion, making it five months in a row that taxes have exceeded estimates. That number is about 5.5% or $56 million above estimates. Receipts were also nearly 8% higher than in September 2025. District 12 State Representative Doug Blex says the numbers show a good start to Fiscal Year 2027.

Both corporate and retail taxes rose in September, driving the higher-than-projected numbers. Corporate taxes were $261.7 million or 28.6% above expectations while retail taxes showed a slight increase. Those receipts were $8.3 million or 2.8% above estimates and 5.2% more than a year ago.

Individual income tax collections was the only indicator to miss the mark at $477.7 million or 2.7% below estimates. To see the full report for September 2026, follow this link.

A popular October event returns to Independence this Saturday.

Independence Community College history professor emeritus, Doctor Isaias McCaffery, will lead a historical walking tour called “Crime and Vice in Historical Indy.” The tour will explore stories, events and scandals that helped shape the city. It begins at 10 a-m at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center on Eighth Street. The route is just under a mile, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tickets are 20 dollars for adults, 15 dollars for museum members, and free for children 14 and under. Payment can be made at the museum before the tour.

Montgomery County approves the search for a consultant to perform bridge inspections across the county

At Monday’s meeting, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins requested permission to go out for bids for the positions. He says all of the county’s 248 bridges must be inspected every two years.

The county also includes bridges in the Cities or Coffeyville and Dearing in their bridge inspections.

Kansas health care providers in rural areas have new opportunities to apply for more than 50 million dollars in state grants.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has opened applications for the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Regional Partnership Grant Program will provide 44 million dollars to support collaboration among rural providers, improve preventive care, strengthen the health care workforce, and expand innovative and value-based care.

Another 11 million dollars is available through the Transformative Capital Investment Grant Program. That funding will help providers invest in new ways of delivering health care in their communities.

Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, clinics, physician practices, local health departments, behavioral health providers and long-term care facilities.

Applications for both programs are due November 13th.

KDHE will also hold an informational webinar October 9th at 10 a-m. More information and application details are available through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Independence Community College Fine Arts Department will stage a production of Little Women this week.

The play is an adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott coming-of-age novel about the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—growing up in Massachusetts during the American Civil War.  The story is about sisterhood, growing up, finding one's identity, and deciding what makes a fulfilling life. Alcott uses the four sisters to explore very different ideas of womanhood—marriage, career, family, independence, creativity, and personal ambition.

Public performances will be Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday afternoon at 2pm at ICC’s William Inge Theater. Admission is free.

The Caney City Council approves a series of expenses during last night’s meeting, including payments to Conrad Fire Equipment, personnel expenses, and invoices from Main Street Auto.

In other business, the council approves authorizing the completion of an application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding a loan from the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund.

The council also approves an ordinance granting IDEATEK TELCOM, LLC, a contract franchise to construct, operate, and maintain a telecommunications system in the City of Caney.

The next Caney City Council meeting will be Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m.

It was standing room only at last night's Cherryvale City Council Meeting as the public packed the meeting room.

While no public comments were allowed at this meeting, and no decision regarding data centers was made, the council did have a 30-minute executive session on zoning likely related to the potential data-center project.

After the session, City Attorney Seth Jones recommended the council clear up an industrial zoning issue for an unspecified property.

Jones recommended the council pass a resolution to enable the planning and zoning commission to look at the property and make recommendations to be sent back to the council for a final vote.

In other business, the council approved a street closure for an community event in front of Lincoln Central on November 7^th and agreed to work with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips once again for assistance with the 2028 budget.

The next Cherryvale City Council meeting will be on Monday, October 19^th at 6 p.m.

For the fourth straight week, Osage County Commissioners table a contract to deliver meals to residents in the Fairfax area.

Osage County Nutrition Director Jeanie Howerton is asking commissioners to approve a contract allowing James Hunt to deliver meals for $350 a month. She says the department has relied on county employees and volunteers since its previous Fairfax meal delivery arrangement ended. Howerton says the contract would allow the department to get a regular driver back on the route.

The proposed contract is for the same $350 monthly amount the county paid its previous meal deliverers. Commissioners have cited budget concerns while delaying approval of the contract. District Two Commissioner Steve Talburt says his frustration is with how the nutrition department got into its current situation. He says commissioners had previously asked the department not to make changes while looking for possible solutions.

Talburt says replacing the previous delivery arrangement at the same cost does not help solve the department’s overall budget problem. The board ultimately tabled the contract for another week.

Two drivers are injured in a two vehicle crash in Nowata County.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the collision happened at about 5:30am yesterday at Highway 169 and County Road 27. 48-year-old Louis Cox of Ochelata was traveling east on County Road 27 when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a commercial vehicle traveling north on Highway 169. The commercial vehicle was driven by 65-year-old Lyndon Wright of Kansas City, Missouri.

Both vehicles left the roadway following the collision. Cox's vehicle came to rest off the road, while Wright's vehicle struck a fence and then a tree before coming to rest Both drivers were injured. The collision remains under investigation.

Washington County 4H presents to the Washington County Commission for National 4H Week.  Commissioner Mike Dunlap says he was excited to the see the group and is always excited to celebrate Washington County 4H.

In honor of National 4H Week and after the presentation by the Washington County 4H, the Commissioners named this week Washington County 4H Week.

Coffeyville Community College’s Humanities Project welcomes veteran country music entertainer Carl Acuff Jr to the Spencer Rounds Theater.

Acuff will bring his “Country Music Unplugged” show to the CCC stage, offering audiences an intimate acoustic performance featuring country favorites spanning from the 1950s to today, along with stories, humor, and plenty of audience entertainment.

Acuff has entertained audiences around the world for more than four decades, traveling more than 3 million miles throughout his career. His “Country Music Unplugged” brings his music and stories to the forefront, giving audiences an up-close and personal evening of familiar songs, laughter, and memories.

Acuff will perform tomorrow night at 6:30 on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Allen County Rural Water District #10.

The original advisory was issued on September 3rd  because of possible contamination due to water line break. Laboratory testing of the Allen County Rural Water District #10 water supply showed no contamination and the K-D-H-E has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

A Columbus woman suffers serious injuries in a single vehicle accident near Baxter Springs.

84-year-old Linda Roark was injured in the crash that occurred around 9:15 on Sunday night at the intersection of US-400 and US-69 Alternate or about a mile north of Baxter Springs. Roark was a passenger in a 2019 Honda Civic driven by 24-year-old Adam Roark also of Columbus. The Civic was westbound on US-400 and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection. The vehicle crossed the roadway and went into the ditch before striking the tree line. The driver was not injured in the accident.

Both occupants were wearing seat belts.

A driver suspect of driving under the influence is arrested near Girard.

The incident began on Saturday when Crawford County Sheriff’s deputies attempted a traffic stop on K-47 west of Girard. The driver was suspect of driving under the influence and refused to stop for law enforcement, leading to a short chase. The driver was stopped using a tactical vehicle intervention.

The driver was identified as 55-year-old Ronald Robert Paulie. Deputies arrested Paulie and took him to the Crawford County Jail where he faces charges of DUI, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, no insurance, unlawful registration, and ignition lock required.

Paulie is also facing similar charges in Labette County after a September 23rd incident in Parsons.

Photo courtesy Crawford Co. Sheriff's Office

Fire crews in Elk County respond to a weekend house fire.

Crew were called to the scene on 3rd Street near the intersection with Pine in Moline on Saturday afternoon. Reports indicate the fire was mostly confined to the home’s garage. Two vehicles were lost in the fire, but no injuries were reported.

Elk County Rural Fire was among the departments that responded to the blaze.

Photo courtesy City of Moline

The Galesburg Fire Department is set to receive a grant through the Kansas Forest Service.

The department has announced that it will receive the funding in the form of a Volunteer Fire Assistance grant. The money comes through a 50/50 cost-share program using federal funds from the U.S. Forest Service. Officials say they will use the funds to update fire hoses, pagers, and a new pump for one of the fire trucks.

This is the third year in a row that Galesburg Fire has received this grant.

A four-vehicle accident on Friday night on US-59 north of Garnett kills two and leaves three more injured.

The accident occurred around 9:30 on Friday night when 18-year-old Auriana Davis of Kansas City, Missouri, attempted to pass a 2014 Chevy Cruze and collided head-on with a 2008 Cadillac driven by 73-year-old Myron Wolken of Beloit.

That collision killed both Davis and Wolken while leaving 22-year-old Christian Wellbrock who was a passenger in the Cadillac with serious injuries.

The driver of the Cruze, 18-year-old Emma Franlkin of Uniontown also suffered serious injuries. The driver of the fourth vehicle, 20-year-old Jolee Olsen of Lawrence received minor injuries in the crash.

Drivers in Coffeyville are advised of a minor traffic disruption that’s underway today.

Crews from Coffeyville Public Works are in the process of paint striping on 11th Street today. Work will be done between Willow and Walnut Streets. Drivers are asked to use caution and to remain alert for lane closures while work is underway.

Fire crews in Wilson County respond to a grass fire just south of Neodesha.

The call came in around 6pm on Saturday night, calling crews to a location on Pratt Road near the Fall River. Upon arrival, firefighters found a grass fire in progress. Responders were able to bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be an arc from a broken ground wire on a nearby power pole.

No injuries were reported. Crew from Neodesha Fire and Wilson County Rural Fire worked the call.

Photo courtesy Neodesha Fire Dept.

Five people including four children are injured in a two-vehicle accident in Cherokee County.

The accident happened just before 6pm on Friday at the intersection of US-400 and K-7, just west of the City of Cherokee.

A Kia Sedona Van had stopped at the stop sign at the intersection. When the driver 43-year-old Shelly A. Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, proceeded through the intersection, her vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by an eastbound 2015 Nissan Pathfinder driven by 57-year-old Vickie Goodman of Fredonia.

Five passengers in the van received minor injuries including one 18-year-old female and four juveniles. All were properly restrained in the vehicle when the accident occurred.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today as they address several requests from Public Works.

On today’s agenda Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins  is expected to engage in a discussion over speed limit signs in the county and also make a request to go out for bids for bridge inspections. Commissioners will also consider an occupational license for a Cherryvale business located just south of the city. There will also be a discussion regarding the Economic Development Incentive Policy. A Montgomery County citizen has also requested 15 minutes to address the commission on open positions within the county, requests for information, and transparency.

There is also an executive session planned to discuss confidential information related to a prospective economic development project in the county.

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 meet tonight for its regularly scheduled meeting.

On the agenda is the signing of a letter of engagement with a firm for preparation with the city's 2028 budget. The Council will also consider an application for a street closing on November 7^th and hear from Jonathan Rozell on community improvements. An executive session related to attorney-client privilege is also on the agenda.

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

For the first time in more than two decades, the public got a chance to walk the halls of the Longfellow School in Coffeyville.

On Friday, an open house was held at what is now called the Longfellow Center, giving former students the chance to walk the halls and reminisce about their school days.  

While the building has most recently sat vacant and vandalized after being closed by this school district more than 25 years ago and changing ownership several times, the facility is being reborn as the region's first transitional housing facility with the completion of the first apartment. 

The venture is being spearheaded by Robert Cooper and his daughter Emily Lewis of Friend and Kin Properties, a non-profit in Coffeyville.  Cooper says he became aware of the need for temporary and transitional housing through a personal experience.

Cooper says there will eventually be several individual apartments and one large shared apartment in the old kindergarten room.

Cooper says the idea of transitional housing is short term hand-up assistance to help people get back on their feet.  The housing will be managed by a third-party, most likely Four County Mental Health and Friend and Kin is working towards an agreement.

The Longfellow Center is already host to KFAN's assistance center and a local furniture ministry headed by Doug Mund and Joe Brooks.  Cooper says after the apartments are finished, work will begin on the other wing of classrooms.

Friend and Kin acquired the property more than three years ago from a pastor in Parsons, while the apartments have been in the works for about two years.  Cooper says the project has been funded largely by private grants and donations, and built through volunteer hours.  To learn more about the Longfellow project, listen to the full interview here.

To learn more about Friend and Kin and how you can help, click here.

Inside the north wing - home to transitional housing apartments.

Inside the first finished 2-bedroom apartment, complete with private bath.

Longfellow School in 2022 vs Today

Gym in 2022 - now used as a furniture ministry warehouse

Classroom in 2022 - Secured and ready for the next phase

Kindergarten Room in 2022 - Robert Cooper shows future site of Veterans' housing

The South Wing - eventual home for non-profits, ESL classes, etc.

All photos by James Copeland

A meeting organized by concerned Montgomery County Citizens against a proposed artificial intelligence data center in Cherryvale is coming up this Sunday.

According to organizer Jennifer Williams, area residents are invited to gather at 6:30 p.m. this Sunday, October 4^th at the Cherryvale Community Center to sign a formal protest petition and coordinate public testimony.  Because the building was not rented before City Hall closed on Friday, organizers say it will still be held outside in the parking lot.

This gathering will be ahead of the regularly scheduled Montgomery County Commission Meeting at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence and the Cherryvale City Council meeting at 6 p.m. in city hall.

According to the agenda for the upcoming Cherryvale City Council meeting, there is no proposed action on the agenda regarding a potential data center, although there is a 30-minute executive session scheduled related to attorney-client privilege.

Citizens have expressed concern after discussion at the last Cherryvale City Council meeting with Texas-based broker Bevlaurent regarding a proposed hyperscale data center to be built on a certified site at the Cherryvale Industrial Park north of town. A preliminary proposal would be to use between 1 and 6 million gallons of water a day piped directly from Big Hill Lake.

According to community members organizing the effort, they are demanding “transparency, an independent state hydrological study and an immediate moratorium on data center zoning.”

At the last Cherryvale City Council Meeting, approval was given to begin drafting what terms the city would like in place to regulate issues such as water and power consumption as well as noise with any future center. CLICK HERE to read about the discussion at the last meeting.

Coffeyville Community College continues to show positive long-term enrollment growth, according to Fall 2026 census data released by the Kansas Board of Regents.

CCC reported a 1.9% decrease in headcount this year, compared with Fall 2025, following an 11.4% increase the previous year. The College's 2026 change mirrors the overall trend among Kansas community colleges, which collectively experienced a 1.9% decline in headcount this fall.

Despite the decrease from fall 2025 to fall 2026, CCC says longer-term enrollment trend remains strong. Over the past five years, the College has experienced a 14.3% increase in headcount and a 4.9% increase in FTE and credit hours. Kansas resident enrollment has also grown significantly, increasing 26.2% from Fall 2020 to Fall 2025.  

The Coffeyville Fire Department sends personnel and equipment in northern Kansas in anticipation of flooding.

Coffeyville Fire sent three firefighters, an inflatable rescue boat, and a pickup as part of Kansas Task Force 4 to support flood standby operations in northern Kansas earlier this week. With flooding concerns across portions of northern Kansas, the State Emergency Operations Center pre-staged swift water rescue teams in several areas to ensure resources were positioned and ready to respond if needed. As the danger of flooding receeded, Task Force 4 was released from their assignment and returned to Coffeyville on Friday afternoon.

The Coffeyville crew was joined by team members from the Pittsburg, Chanute, and Cherryvale Fire Departments.

Photo courtesy Coffeyville Fire Department

The Independence High School Theater Department is hosting its annual Mystery at the Museum Fundraiser.

The event features an interactive mystery play written and performed by IHS theater students. This year's play is called Western Showdown and will be performed on October 16^th an 17^th at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center.

The evening includes the play, a full dessert bar, silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $20 per person and all proceeds go the fund the IHS spring musical.

As the greenery of summer changes to the vibrant colors of fall, wildlife in the four-state region is on the move.