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.

Deer-vehicle accidents spike significantly during the fall mating season known as the "rut,” which runs from October through January, with activity peaking in November. Tips for avoiding such collisions including driving with high beams on at night to make it easier to see eye reflections at the roadside. Remember that deer usually travel in groups or herds. If you see one deer cross the road, slow down and expect more to follow. Stay alert near wooded areas, fields and waterways. And, always wear your seat belt. If you do happen to hit a deer, Coffeyville Police Officer Tyler Hagebush says to stop and call 9-1-1.

Turn on your hazard lights, and stay inside your vehicle. Do not touch a live, wounded deer because it could be dangerous.

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk … the same times most people are commuting to and from work.

Neewollah releases the map of the food truck locations for 2026.

A favorite of Neewollah attendees is the wide variety of tasty treats available in downtown Independence during the annual celebration. From BBQ to fish and chips and Indian tacos to Cinnamon rolls, there's a little something to be had for every taste and preference. 

Neewollah runs from October 23^rd through 31^st in downtown Independence.

A convicted sex offender residing in Bartlesville has pleaded guilty to felony charges.

50-year-old Kenneth Cox pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender and residing within 2,000 feet of a school as a sex offender. Cox was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Cox will also pay $750 in court costs and fines. Cox pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in 2012 and 2023. Cox was sentenced to five years in DOC after his 2012 conviction and six years after his second conviction.

Cox was convicted and sentenced in January 2004 for rape by instrumentation and lewd molestation. He was sentenced to 15 years in DOC with seven to serve.

A bipartisan bill backed by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran has cleared the U.S. Senate and is now headed to the President’s desk.

The Criminal History Access Act, introduced by Moran and Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, would give state Peace Officer Standards and Training offices access to the National Crime Information Center, or N-C-I-C.

Supporters say the expanded access would help improve the background-check and hiring process for local law enforcement officers by giving officials additional criminal history information when evaluating applicants.

Moran, a Republican who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science and Justice, says strengthening the vetting process is important for communities that depend on law enforcement.

The legislation passed the Senate unanimously. Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt introduced the House version, which passed in May.

The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law.

A long-time business in downtown Independence is moving to a new location.

Magnolia Scents By Design will soon begin the process of moving into the Sayers Ace Hardware building at 314 North Penn Avenue.

Magnolia has been at its current location at 106 North Penn since the store first opened in 2008 by proprietors Brian Hight and Ryan McDiarmid. The shop specializes in soy candles in addition to handmade bath and body products, teas, herbs, spices and home décor.

Magnolia plans to complete the move by March 22, 2028, to mark the 20^th anniversary of the store's original opening.

Photo courtesy Magnolia Scents by Design

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in southeast Kansas.

KDOT has approved two projects: One in Cherokee County and another in Labette County. The Cherokee County project will involve pavement restoration on US-69-Alternate between 20^th and 23^rd Streets in Baxter Springs. The $1.9 million project was awarded to Heck & Wicker Inc. of Parsons.

In Labette County, KDOT approved a project to install pedestrian and bicycle paths in the City of Altamont for one mile along 5^th Street. The $580,000 project went to J. Graham construction of Coffeyville.

Drivers on the northwest side of Coffeyville will need to find an alternate route today.

The City of Coffeyville Public Works Department will be installing a water main near the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Cline Road. Construction will cause the closure of the eastbound lane of Woodland Avenue. Drivers are advised to find an alternate route and avoid the area while work is underway.

Kansas is launching a new Medicaid program aimed at providing additional support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced the official launch of the Community Supports Waiver, developed in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The program is for Kansans age five and older who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and need support, but do not require 24-hour paid care.

The state is initially inviting people who have been waiting the longest for services under the comprehensive Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or I-D-D Medicaid Waiver. waiver. Those who receive an invitation will work with their local Community Developmental Disability Organization and a Targeted Case Manager to determine whether the new waiver is appropriate.

The program is expected to serve up to 500 people in its first year, with services including employment support, respite care, therapies, personal care and assistive technology.

State officials say the goal is to help Kansans live more independently, participate in their communities and pursue competitive employment.

Dalton Defender Days starts today in Downtown Coffeyville.

The annual festival will kick off this afternoon with a prayer and national anthem plus craft vendors and food trucks opening at 4 p.m. Line dancing will start at 5, and there will be one reenactment tonight at 6 p.m., after a gun safety demonstration. After that, there will be live music and a street dance starting at 7 with the band Left of Center, which is a new event this year.

Events tomorrow include a car show starting at 9 a.m. plus three reenactments at 10 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m. KGGF staff will broadcast live tonight from 5 to 7 and 9 to 11 on US 98. All events take place in downtown Coffeyville.

There will be some rodeo action at the fairgrounds this weekend in Coffeyville.

The Jackie Perkins Memorial WRCA Ranch Rodeo will take place tomorrow, October 3rd. According to organizers, there will be 18 teams of six cowboys and cowgirls who will compete for a trip to the WRCA finals in Amarillo.

Gates will open tomorrow at 5 p.m., and admission is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 4-11. Admission is cash only.

A wellness fair is on the way this weekend in Elk County.

The Elk County Health Department is presenting its 2^nd Annual Wellness Fair tomorrow from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be a variety of labs available, including CBC, CMP and Lipids for $40, A1C for $15 and PSA for $40. Anyone getting blood work is reminded to fast before coming to the event.

Flu and Pneumonia vaccinations will also be available, in addition to a variety of information from different organizations that provide services to citizens of Elk County. It all takes place tomorrow morning at the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church at 1217 KS-99 in Howard.

Current Coffeyville City Commissioner and democrat candidate for Kansas House District 11 outlines his positions on property taxes and data centers.

Democratic Challenger William Kendall faces Republican incumbent Ron Bryce. Both candidates answered questions during a forum in Coffeyville. Kendall, during his opening remarks, emphasized public school funding, protecting freedoms and government accountability. On property taxes, He says relief should help residents who struggle to keep up with their bills.

Kendall also says Kansas needs to stop taxing residents out of the state and District 11. On data centers, Kendall says development agreements should protect taxpayers and be open to public scrutiny.  Kendall supports statewide standards that give residents a voice before projects move forward. He also suggests considering a public vote in the city or county where a data center would locate. Voters choose between Kendall and Bryce in the November 3^rd general election.

It's a sure sign that fall is here as the Neewollah flags go up in downtown Independence.

The annual event is the largest annual celebration in the state and this year's festival features Frozen the musical on October 23^rd through 25^th, The Queen Neelah contest on the 26^th and 27^th, and live music at Memorial Hall from acts The Dueling Pianos and Bleu Edmondson on October29th and 30^th. The chili cookoff happens at Riverside Park on October 24^th and the carnival midway opens downtown on the 28^th.

The Neewollah Store at 317 North Penn opens on Saturday at 8am. Ticket sales will begin in the Veterans Room at Memorial Hall at 8am with online sale starting at 1pm.

Neewollah has been a locally favorite celebration since it began in 1919 as a way to keep local youth from taking part in Halloween mischief. Neewollah draws nearly 75,000 to Independence each year.

The City of El Dorado in Butler County issues a statement regarding the signing of a non-disclosure agreement between the El Dorado City Manager and a data center company.

The issue of data center construction has been on the minds of many, including those here in southeast Kansas over the past few months. Cities, counties, and citizens have been keeping an eye on other communities and their dealings with data center companies, especially when it comes to non-disclosure agreements.

The City of El Dorado has confirmed its City Manager David Dilner signed an N-D-A in January with the Atlanta-based Beltline Energy LLC on behalf of the City. The City has acknowledged that a discussion was had with the company concerning possible development sites for a data center in or around El Dorado. The discussions were conceptual and were intended to understand the company’s infrastructure needs to allow the City to begin to understand the feasibility of serving a project. According to city officials, any action on a proposed data center project would take place during a City Commission meeting during open session.

In Montgomery County, Cherryvale has been in discussions regarding a possible data center with a broker for one company, while the City of Coffeyville has received proposals from several different companies. The Montgomery County Commission has considered a moratorium on data centers and other similar projects, but a motion to implement a moratorium was defeated at a recent meeting.

Dalton Defenders Days happens this weekend in Coffeyville.

Organizer Richard Elliott says downtown Coffeyville will be bustling with activity.

There will also be live music as well. A big part of the festival is the historic reenactment of the 1892 Dalton raid on Coffeyville, when the band of outlaws attempted to rob both the First National Bank and the Condon National Bank at the same time. The raid led to a shoot out with Coffeyville citizens. Elliott says the reenactment is always safety-focused and takes a lot of volunteers to create.

Dalton Defenders Days begins tomorrow at 4pm in downtown Coffeyville.

The City of Cherryvale is reminding residents that RVs, campers and travel trailers may not be used as permanent residences outside of am approved RV park.

The requirement is meant to ensure compliance with the City's minimum housing codes, zoning regulations, and health and safety requirements. Exceptions may be made if the residents secures the proper permit.

According to the City, the reason for the requirement is to make sure residents are living in adequate housing with water, a sanitary sewer, and other services in order to maintain habitable living conditions.

Anyone with questions should contact Cherryvale Code Enforcement at 620-336-2400 or visit the Cherryvale Police Department during regular business hours.

The Nowata Cemetery Board hears resident concerns about a city ordinance on the removal of gravesite decorations.

The meeting was held on Wednesday morning after a Facebook post two weeks ago announced that graveside decorations would be removed from the city cemetery beginning on September 21^st. The ordinance authorizes the removal of structures and decorations that are not placed on the concrete plot paid for by an individual. Nowata City Commissioner Cary Robinson says he encourages people to care about the cemetery.

Tensions rose at the beginning of the meeting when many residents voiced their concerns over mowing performance by crews at the cemetery. Robinson says the contract for cemetery maintenance is up for a vote each year.

The cemetery ordinance states that “the placing of curbs, trees, bushes, structures, benches, or statues around cemetery lots—other than the original markers or its replacement around or upon cemetery lots—is prohibited, except by the City Cemetery Caretaker.”

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signs an executive order directing the development of a 10-year plan to prepare the state for its growing older adult population.

Kelly signed the order Tuesday, at the opening the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging at the University of Kansas Conference Center.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services will coordinate the plan with other state agencies, community organizations and the public.

The Multi-Sector Plan on Aging will address health care, long-term services, housing, transportation, economic security, the workforce, caregiver support, social connection and emergency preparedness.

Kelly says Kansas is aging, and the state must work across agencies and sectors to help older Kansans live with dignity, independence and connection in their communities.

The plan builds on Kansas’ existing aging initiatives and its participation in a national planning collaborative.

The conference, which ended on Wednesday, brings together health professionals, policymakers, educators and community leaders.

Kelly also presented the first Kathy Greenlee Award for Public Service to Older Kansans. The award honors those who strengthen the lives of older adults through public service.

Independence Community College reports an increase in overall enrollment.

According to the school, ICC, showed a year-over-year growth in overall headcount, increased high school enrollment and continued gains in student retention for the Fall 2026 semester. ICC also showed growth with younger students with high school enrollment increasing by more than 3% . Additionally, first-time, full-time student retention reached 50%, up from 47% the previous year and 44% in 2023-24, marking the third consecutive year of improvement for the college.

“This is a big step, but our goals are bigger than one semester,” said ICC President James Arnold. “We want every student in Southeast Kansas and beyond to see ICC as the place for them. We’re in a strong position to build on this momentum, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

ICC’s growth comes as community colleges across Kansas are collectively experiencing an enrollment decline. Preliminary Fall 2026 census data released by the Kansas Board of Regents shows community college headcount statewide decreased by 1.9%, while all of public higher education in Kansas, enrollment fell by nearly 1%.

ICC is one of just six Kansas community colleges to report growth this year.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Cherokee County Rural Water District #4.

The original advisory was issued on September 25^th  because of possible contamination due to an equipment malfunction. . Laboratory testing of the Cherokee County Rural Water District #4 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.

Property taxes and data centers are among the top issues facing the citizens of Kansas House District 11.

Republican Incumbent Ron Bryce faces Democratic challenger William Kendall. Both candidates answered questions during Tuesday’s forum in Coffeyville. Bryce grew up in Coffeyville and worked as a physician before returning to the community and becoming involved in restoring properties and operating businesses. On property taxes, Bryce says he supports changes aimed at slowing increases in what homeowners pay.

Bryce also encourages residents to participate in local government, where school boards, city commissions and county commissions set property-tax rates. During the discussion on data centers, Bryce says potential economic benefits should come with protections for the communities hosting them.

Bryce says he believes the right agreement with a data center could generate enough property-tax revenue to substantially reduce the burden on other property owners. The general election is November third. KGGF News continues its District 11 candidate profiles tomorrow with Challenger Kendall.

The first court appearances for a man accused of escaping custody in Cherokee County are canceled.

28-year-old Terron Allen of Baxter Springs was scheduled to appear in Cherokee County Court on Monday morning to face charges of aggravated escape and aggravated criminal sodomy. Allen was being transported back to Kansas when Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies say he escaped from custody on September 21. He was recaptured on September 24.

The Cherokee County Attorney's Office has not yet set a new date for the hearing.

The City of Coffeyville will be holding a volunteer stream bank clean up at LeClere Park next Tuesday, October 6.

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 next Tuesday.

The 2027 general election is just over a month away, and the Nowata County Election Board has been busy with state-mandated live ballot testing.

Election Board Secretary Dave Neely was at this week's commission meeting to update commissioners on progress. Neely says the hand-count audit of August's primary election went well.

Neely also says the results of the live ballot testing were also excellent.

The general election will take place on November 3^rd.

A Pawhuska woman is facing a felony charge after an alleged assault on a jail employee in Bartlesville.

30-year-old Blake Cunningham was charged on Monday with assault and battery on a police officer. Cunningham also faces a misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to Jane Phillips Medical Center after Cunningham allegedly refused to leave. Police say she got out of a vehicle that was taking her from the hospital, yelled at the person who picked her up, and returned toward the hospital entrance before allegedly resisting officers’ attempts to handcuff her. After being taken to the Washington County Jail, Cunningham allegedly attempted to elbow a jailer in the face.

Cunningham was allegedly intoxicated during the incident.

Cunningham will appear in court again on October 16^th. Her bond is set at $10,000.

The administration of Fort Hays State University announces that the school will close the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in December.

According to a statement issued this week by University President Dr. Tisa Mason, the museum will close on December 18 due to budget cuts. During the most recent legislative session, state lawmakers cut $2.4 million from the school's recurring base budget and also asked the school administration to identify an additional 10% administrative reduction.

Mason notes that the museum has not been financially stable for some time. On average, it spends about $1.3 million a year and generates about $470,000 in revenue from visitors, memberships, grants, and sales. Additionally, the building that houses the Sternberg Museum faces more than $20 million in deferred maintenance.

The university has stated that museum faculty and staff will spend the remainder of the year reviewing the collections and determining which specimens need to be retained for research and teaching.