Moderate flooding is ongoing for the Verdigris River near Lenapah.

As of Saturday morning, the river was near its crest at just under 34.5 feet, which is considered moderate flooding.  At 34 feet, serious agricultural flooding occurs between the Kansas border and the headwaters of Lake Oologah. State Highway 10 also becomes impassable at a point five miles east of Lenapah.

Waters are expected to recede below flood stage by Sunday morning.

Click here for a look at other gauges around the area.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect through 1 a.m. for the following locations in the KGGF listening area:

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

CHAUTAUQUA           CHEROKEE            LABETTE
MONTGOMERY

.    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALFALFA              BLAINE              CRAIG
CREEK                CUSTER              DELAWARE
DEWEY                ELLIS               GARFIELD
GRANT                HARPER              KAY
KINGFISHER           LOGAN               MAJOR
MAYES                NOBLE               NOWATA
OSAGE                OTTAWA              PAWNEE
PAYNE                ROGERS              ROGER MILLS
TULSA                WASHINGTON          WOODS
WOODWARD

.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              CAMDEN
CEDAR                CHRISTIAN           DADE
DALLAS               DOUGLAS             GREENE
HICKORY              HOWELL              JASPER
LACLEDE              LAWRENCE            MCDONALD
NEWTON               OZARK               PHELPS
POLK                 PULASKI             STONE
TANEY                TEXAS               WEBSTER
WRIGHT

.    ARKANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BENTON

 Mound Valley's Flagpole Festival is underway with a new location for most activities. Festival organizers say the majority of events have been moved to the area surrounding the Flagpole at 5th and Hickory, rather than the ballpark as originally planned.

Saturday's lineup includes a 5K and fun walk, parade, car show, vendors, food trucks, tractor pull, mud volleyball, inflatables, live music, and fireworks. In case of inclement weather, activities will move to and around the community center.

Organizers encourage everyone to come out and enjoy one of Mound Valley's biggest weekends of the year.

The KGGF staff will be broadcasting live tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

A lightning strike causes minor damage to a home in eastern Wilson County.

According to the Wilson County Rural Fire Department, units responded just before midnight last night to a report of a house that had been struck by lightning. The lightning hit a satellite dish, sending electricity through the home's coaxial cable system and igniting a mattress. Crews extinguished the fire and checked the home for additional hot spots.

WCRFD says damage was minimal, and firefighters also assisted with removing smoke from the residence. No injuries were reported.

Here are the latest river forecasts and flooding concerns for area rivers in the KGGF listening area:

Moderate Flooding:

Verdigris River at Altoona – 21 feet by this afternoon.

• 21 - Flood waters begin to threaten outlining facilities of the city's water plant. Water Plant's clearwell may become flooded.

Verdigris River near Lenapah – 32.10 feet by this evening

• 32 - moderate flooding affects mainly farmland and rural roads. State Highway 10 is threatened by high water at a point 5 miles east of Lenapah.

Neosho River at Erie – 35 feet by this afternoon

• 33 - The road 7 miles northwest of Erie at 190th Road just west of Big Creek becomes flooded.

Neosho River near Parsons – 25.7 feet by Saturday evening

• 23 - Flood waters spread over fields to a distance of 1 and one fourth miles. Several county roads, mainly along the left bank are inundated. Several residents which live along the right bank in the vicinity of Highway 400 may experience water entering their homes at basement levels.

Neosho River at Oswego – 22.5 feet by Saturday afternoon

• 22.5 - Riverside Park Drive floods from east of Xavier Road, just south of the river gage bridge, to 100 yards east towards the water plant.

Neosho River near Commerce – 20.5 feet by Sunday afternoon

• 20 - moderate agricultural flooding occurs. Riverview Park experiences moderate flooding. State Highway 125 near the fairgrounds will be closed.

Minor Flooding:

Fall River at Fredonia – 24.3 feet by this afternoon

• 17 - Flood waters backup into residential yards located 1 mile south of Fredonia near the gage site off of Highway 96. Expect bank overflows on both banks.

Verdigris River at Independence – 35.5 feet by Saturday afternoon

• No impacts

Verdigris River near Coffeyville – 19.1 feet by Saturday afternoon

• 18 - Flooding of low-lying areas is expected, especially along the left bank near the Water Plant. Further upstream and downstream from the gage site the river spreads out into the flood plain.

Neosho River Near Chanute – 27.5 feet by Saturday afternoon

• 25.5 - Flooding occurs along 800 Street from Patrolia down to Chanute. Also 3/4 of a mile east of Chanute, Dump Road floods.

Neosho River at Iola – 16.2 feet by this evening

• 15 - Flooding occurs for about 1.5 miles over Dry Lake Corner on 1000 Street north of Highway 54.

For more, click this link

Two people are dead following a head-on crash in Rogers County.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened at around 7:45am Wednesday morning on State Highway 88 near East 523 Road. Troopers say a vehicle driven by 64-year-old Rhonda Brewer of Sapulpa was traveling southbound when it crossed left of center and struck a northbound vehicle driven by 24-year-old Shaylee King of Inola head-on.

Both drivers sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead as a result of the crash. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports Brewer was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, while King was properly restrained. The crash remains under investigation.

Flooding on the Caney River is expected to impact several areas of Washington County.

The river is expected to crest about three feet above flood stage in Bartlesville. Washington County Emergency Management Director Kary Cox says this will impact low-lying areas near the river and cut off access to the Oak Park neighborhood from the south.  Cox says higher waters are expected from Ramona to the south, potentially closing multiple county roads.

Cox says the water is expected to recede late today, but some minor flooding could continue through the weekend.  Updated expectations for the Caney River is to crest this morning at around 14 feet with is about six inches less than previously expected.

The Okie Hillbilly Handfishin Tournament is tomorrow in Nowata.

Organizer Robbie Moreland says she started the event in 2020.  Moreland says the event is more than just the noodling tournament.

The event is from 12:00pm to 10:00pm tomorrow at Jack Gordon Park in Nowata. The weigh in for the handfishin tournament is at 8:00pm.

Seven football players and a coach will represent Southeast Kansas in tomorrow's Shrine Bowl.

Labette County Head Football Coach Bradley Argabright says he's looking forward to watching those guys get to play together.  Those players include, Kegan Bates and Mikel Reed from Labette County, Brady Alonzo from Chanute, Chandler Hentzen from Parsons, Klayton Adamson from St. Mary's Colgan and De'Marus Partee and Parker Pinamonti from Pittsburg.  Argabright, who will coach the defensive backs in the game, says he appreciates the opportunity to coach the position group of two former players.

Tomorrow's Shrine Bowl can be heard on the Mighty 690 KGGF starting with pregame at 6:30pm and kickoff at 7:00pm. Tomorrow's broadcast is brought to you by Thomas Implement, Pop Pop's Liquor, Labette Hardware, Chanute Public Schools, Bank of Commerce, Labette County Public Schools, The Corner Store in Altamont and the City of Parsons.

A dog dies in an Independence house fire.

The Independence Fire Department responded to the 400 block of South 10^th Street just before 7:00pm yesterday for a reported structure fire. Fire Chief Aaron Cook arrived to find moderate smoke coming from a duplex and requested a second alarm, bringing the Independence Rural Fire Department to assist with suppression efforts.

Firefighters were advised that a dog was inside the residence. During an interior attack, crews located the dog and immediately began CPR using the department's K-9 oxygen mask. Despite their efforts, the dog could not be revived. The fire remains under investigation. No firefighters were injured, but the residence sustained significant fire and smoke damage.

A vehicle crashes into the Independence Dairy Queen.

The Independence Fire Department responded to Dairy Queen at 1325 North Pennsylvania Avenue at around 5:15pm yesterday after receiving a report of a vehicle crashing into the building with the driver reportedly trapped. Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle had traveled completely into the restaurant, causing moderate structural damage. Firefighters and EMS personnel made contact with the driver, who was able to exit the vehicle and declined medical transport.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No customers or employees inside the restaurant were injured. IFD says for those wondering there were no Dilly Bars injured in the incident as well.

As rain continues to fall, some area rivers are nearing flood stage. Here is a summary of expected flooding impacts:

Moderate Flooding:

Verdigris River at Altoona – 21 feet by Friday afternoon

Verdigris Rier near Lenapah – 34.7 feet by Friday evening

Neosho River at Erie – 33.6 feet by Friday afternoon

Neosho River near Parsons – 26 feet by Saturday evening

Neosho River at Oswego – 22.4 feet by Saturday afternoon

Neosho River near Commerce – 21.8 feet by Sunday afternoon

Minor Flooding:

Fall River at Fredonia – 26.9 feet by Friday afternoon

Verdigris River at Independence – 39.8 feet by Saturday afternoon

Verdigris River near Coffeyville – 22.7 feet by Saturday afternoon

For more river updates, check this link.

There are some changes coming to this year's Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

Organizer Shanna Motl says one of the biggest changes this year is that the inside exhibits are open to everyone. Categories include arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, food preparation and preservation, clothing and textiles, agronomy, and STEM projects such as welding, woodworking, and 3D design.

Motl says Wednesday is expected to be a highlight night at the fair, with plenty of activities and entertainment planned. She says families will find something to enjoy throughout the evening.

Fair officials say subcategories and rules will be announced soon. For more information, visit fairandrodeo.com.

The Coffeyville Salvation Army is working with Westlake Ace Hardware for a community fan drive to help local residents stay cool during the summer heat.

Montgomery County Salvation Army Coordinator Joe Brooks says donated fans are distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the area.  Brooks says that the Salvation Army serves local families year-round.

Anyone needing assistance, wishing to schedule an appointment or interested in supporting the Salvation Army can contact Brooks at 620-870-9261.

The new tennis and pickleball courts have become a popular spot in Coffeyville.

Police Chief Kwin Bromley says they've gotten some complaints about kids being on their bikes and skateboards on the courts.  The City says no dogs are allowed on the courts as well and they ask no one draw on the courts with chalk or rocks.

The Interstate Fair and Rodeo Fun Pass One Day Sale is tomorrow.

Coffeyville Chamber of Commece President Candi Westbrook says Fun Passes can be purchased at the Chamber office.  One Day Sale Fun Passes can also be purchased online at fairandrodeo.com from midnight until 11:59pm tomorrow. Westbrook says they have a full lineup of grandstand entertainment.

After the One Day Sale the price of Fun Passes goes up to $40 until August when they go up to $50. Ticket prices at the gate for each night of grandstand entertainment is $15 a night.

The Labette County High School trap team wraps up its season.

A total of 26 athletes competed at the state tournament earlier this month, including 17 trap shooters and nine skeet shooters. Several shooters earned High Gun honors by posting the top scores on their respective teams. Teige Thiesing led the varsity trap squad with a score of 95 out of 100, finishing 61^st overall. Jay Alloway earned High Gun honors in junior varsity trap after shooting an 87, which placed him 29^th overall. In junior varsity skeet, Alex Dolechek posted a 78 to finish 10^th and claim team High Gun honors.

In other area trap scores from the state tournament, Jayla Wakefield of Bluestem finished second in the female junior varsity tournament and Casyn Johnson and Kayden Swaggert both of Cedarvale-Dexter finished second and third in the male varsity division. Cedarvale Dexter finished first in the male varsity division and first overall.

Families can pick up weekly summer meal boxes this morning through the Native American Fellowship's Summer Meal Program. Distribution takes place each Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm at the NAFI Warehouse, located on 3^rd Street between Seminole and Oklahoma streets.

NAFI's Kris Crane says there are guidelines on who can pickup meals.  Crane says grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and other relatives may pick up a meal box only if the child is present. The pickup requirements are established by the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the organization is required to follow those guidelines.

The program is open to Oklahoma residents ages 18 and younger, and participants do not have to be Native American to qualify. Weekly distributions will continue through August 6^th.

***** Update 3 p.m. *****

A tornado watch has been issued for all of northeast Oklahoma and southwest Kansas through 10 p.m. tonight.  Currently, southeast Kansas is not icnluded in the watch.

.    KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARBER               CLARK               COMANCHE
EDWARDS              FINNEY              FORD
GRANT                GRAY                HARPER
HASKELL              HODGEMAN            KEARNY
KINGMAN              KIOWA               MEADE
MORTON               PRATT               SEWARD
STANTON              STEVENS             SUMNER

.    OKLAHOMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ADAIR                ALFALFA             BEAVER
BLAINE               CHEROKEE            CRAIG
CREEK                DELAWARE            DEWEY
ELLIS                GARFIELD            GRANT
HARPER               KAY                 KINGFISHER
LOGAN                MAJOR               MAYES
NOBLE                NOWATA              OSAGE
OTTAWA               PAWNEE              PAYNE
ROGERS               ROGER MILLS         TULSA
WAGONER              WASHINGTON          WOODS
WOODWARD

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

Severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening across the four-state area.

Potential hazards include 60 to 70 mph winds, ping-pong ball size hail and a few brief tornadoes. Timing is expected between 4 p.m. and midnight.

The entire four-state area is in the “slight” level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, with the greatest risk of a brief tornado in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma that now includes areas along the state line east to Missouri.

Flooding remains the primary concern with flash flood warnings issued this morning in northeast Oklahoma and a flood watch continues through Friday morning for southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, southwest Missouri and portions of northwest Arkansas.

So far, the month-to-date rain measured at KGGF in Coffeyville is 8.02”.

Today is the deadline to register to compete in this weekend's handfishing tournament in Nowata.

Event Organizer Robbie Moreland says teams can be made up of one to three people.  Moreland says first, second and third will all take home prize money as well as prize money being available for other categories.

Registration ends at 11:59pm tonight. A link to register can be found here. The event is Saturday at Jack Gordon Park in Nowata.

Nearly 13,000 marijuana plants are seized and several people taken into custody after a raid in Osage County.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics' Marijuana Enforcement Teams and the Osage County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant yesterday at Linda Wood LLC along State Highway 11 near Barnsdall as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. OBN Public Information Officer Mark Woodward says investigators allege the operation involved illegal marijuana cultivation, black-market marijuana production and distribution and the cultivation of marijuana without an OBN registration.

During the search, agents and deputies seized 12,899 marijuana plants and more than 840 pounds of processed marijuana. One person was arrested, while five others were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorities say additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

The Coffeyville Walmart is evacuated last night with the report of a fire.

At around 9:30pm last night, the Coffeyville Fire Department was dispatched to Walmart for the report of a fire. Upon arrival units found the Pickup sign on the outside of the store on fire. Witnesses at the scene say they were evacuated from the store. Reports say there were visible flames and smoke and also an electrical smell. The incident was under control by around 10:00pm.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center and Dearing and Liberty Fire Departments assisted on the call.

Mosquito season is underway across Southeast Kansas, and many communities are using fogging to help reduce mosquito populations.  Residents can also take steps at home to help keep numbers down.

Wildcat Extension Crop Production Agent James Coover says one of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is by eliminating standing water.  He says mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water.  Coover says nature can also lend a hand.

Dragonflies are natural mosquito predators, feeding on both mosquitoes and their larvae, making them a helpful ally in controlling mosquito populations.

The Cherryvale Youth Fair returns July 8–11, bringing together young exhibitors from across the area for four days of livestock shows, exhibits and competition.

Fair Organizer Jackie Chandler says the Cherryvale Youth Fair is unique compared to other area fairs.  Chandler says Friday is her favorite day of the fair. 

Other events on Friday include the exhibitors' breakfast at 8 a.m, the annual Skillathon competition, a silent auction of baked goods running from 2 to 8 p.m. and livestock judging beginning at 6 p.m.

The Independence Rotary Club is getting closer and closer to their $25,000 goal.

The club is raising money for their 4^th of July fireworks show. Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says the hot dog fundraiser was very successful.  Wilson says they've raised over $21,000.

The link to donate can be found here.