After nearly a year, Montgomery County authorities are still looking for a suspect in an animal cruelty case near Liberty.

Nearly one year ago, on July 9, 2025, Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area a McTaggert's Dam northwest of Liberty where they found the remains of five dogs. Deputies determined that the dogs had been shot and left in the open to die.

Officials say, since that time, no arrests have been made and all leads have been a dead end, though the case remains open.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information on the case to contact them at 620-330-1000 or message them on their official Facebook page.

Hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts will visit Independence next week as part of a major biking event.

Biking Across Kansas will be in southeast Kansas as they make their way across the state. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says the group will spend the night in Independence as one of the last stops on their cross-state trek.

This year marks the 51^st year of Biking Across Kansas, traveling the long way across the Sunflower State. The group began this year's trek on Friday, June 5^th at the Colorado border and will travel a total of 550 miles by the time they reach the Missouri border near Pittsburg on June 13^th.

The City of Parsons will mark today as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

The official proclamation came at this week's Parsons City Commission meeting. Mayor Kevin Cruse cites some of the national statistics on gun violence.

Gun violence is also prevalent in Kansas. Cruse says it's a problem that is costly to everyone.

Everyone is encouraged to observe National Gun Violence Awareness Day by wearing orange in honor of those whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence.

The Annual KGGF/KUSN/KQQF Auction is coming up tomorrow in Coffeyville.

Organizer Tina Romine says the auction features all-new items from local stores and a unique format where the bidding stops at 80% of the retail value.

In addition to the traditional auction, a silent auction for smaller items is being added this year. Free numbers are available at the door and prizes will be drawn throughout the event. Doors open at the Coffeyville Rec Center in Walter Johnson Park this Saturday at 8 to preview items, and the bidding starts at 9 a.m. A list of some of the items in the auction is available HERE.

A household and e-waste collection event is coming up this weekend for those in Elk County.

Coming up this Saturday, household waste including paint, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, cleaners, pool and photo chemicals, batteries and aerosols will all be collected. Electronic waste including consumer electronics will be accepted, with the exception of tube TVs and monitors.

Items will be accepted tomorrow, June 6^th from 8 to noon at the Moline rodeo grounds for Elk County residents only.

Kansas continues to solidify its place as one of the nation's fastest-growing dairy states.

According to the latest United States Department of Agriculture Milk Production Report, Kansas added 47,000 dairy cows between March 2025 and March 2026, bringing the state's total herd to 234,000 head. That growth moves Kansas into a tie with New Mexico for 12^th in the nation for dairy cow numbers. The increase in herd size has translated into a jump in milk production. USDA data shows Kansas milk production rose 25.4 percent during the same period, the largest increase of any state in the country. The growth was 18.5 percentage points higher than the second-largest increase reported nationwide.

The continued expansion reflects ongoing investment in dairy operations across the state and highlights the growing role dairy farming plays in Kansas agriculture. June is recognized as National Dairy Month, celebrating dairy farmers and the products they provide to consumers across the country. The figures are based on data released in the USDA's April Milk Production Report.

A Claremore man is facing charges after making threats against the Oklahoma governor and attorney general.

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, agents were notified of threats made toward the two state officials. The investigation found that 52-year-old William Rasmussen had contacted the Oklahoma State Banking Department multiple times regarding a complaint involving a Claremore bank, claiming money had been stolen from his account while he was incarcerated. Authorities say Rasmussen made several calls to the agency, with the most recent including threats directed at Governor Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

Investigators also learned Rasmussen had previously been arrested for threatening to destroy the Rogers County Courthouse. OSBI special agents located Rasmussen at a motel in Claremore and, with assistance from the Claremore Police Department, arrested him. Rasmussen was booked into the Rogers County Jail on complaints of threat to perform an act of violence and violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. The investigation remains ongoing.

Applications for Farm Bureau's Farm Dog of the Year are now open.

The 2026 winner is a dog named Max from Oklahoma. Owner John Enns says an injury led him to get Max.  Max's primary role is to herd cattle on the farm, but Enns says he does much more than that.

Applications close on July 11^th. The grand prize winner takes home $5,000 and a year’s worth of Purina dog food.

A traffic stop north of Cherryvale results in the seizure of more than two pounds of methamphetamine and leads to two arrests.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says deputies stopped a 2016 Toyota Tundra near Highway 169 and County Road 6000 shortly before 10:000pm after observing a traffic violation. Deputies identified the driver as James Sims and the passenger as Sherry Hester. During the stop, K-9 Sancho conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs. A search of the vehicle uncovered more than two pounds of methamphetamine.

Both Sims and Hester were taken into custody and booked into the Montgomery County Department of Corrections on requested drug distribution and drug paraphernalia charges. Sheriff Ron Wade says the seizure removed what could have been several thousand individual doses of methamphetamine from reaching area communities.

The Kansas Department of Transportation approves the funding for the repair of a bridge located near Sycamore in Montgomery County.

The $1.9 million in funding comes through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program and will go toward repairs to a bridge located three miles north and three miles west of Sycamore. Another $1.6 million will go to similar repairs to an Elk County bridge located northwest of Howard.

Additional funds through the Off-system Bridge Program will go toward bridges over Pumpkin Creek in both Wilson and Labette Counties.

Both local bridge programs are part of the KDOT Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program.

“Programs that provide funding opportunities for local bridge projects are key to helping communities address infrastructure needs that might otherwise go unmet,” said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “By working together, KDOT and local communities are providing reliable infrastructure that Kansans can depend on for years to come.” 

Former Nowata County Sheriff James Hallett passes away.

Current Nowata County Sheriff Jason McClain says Hallett made an impact on the community.  McClain says what it was like getting to work with Hallett.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, the family will be present from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service in Nowata. The funeral service is set for Tuesday at 10:00am. 

The Oklahoma State Treasurer’s Office released the May 2026 State Tax Revenue Report this week, showing continuing positive growth as the Gross production Tax remains strong.

 Total monthly collections reached $1.3 billion, up 2.7% from a year ago. While revenues declined 46.9% from April’s tax-season peak, Oklahoma’s rolling 12-month revenue total continued to strengthen, reaching $17.8 billion .

 The state’s 12-month revenue trend has strengthened steadily over the past nine months, with incremental gains each month. The .19% increase in the rolling 12-month total represents the continued growth in the State's finances.

 Income Tax collections were down .9%, following April's peak filing month. Gross Production Taxes are up 22.3% from last year, supported by continued growth in Oklahoma's energy sector. Motor Vehicle Taxes were down 2.9%. The the Sales & Use Tax was up 4.6%, signaling continued consumer spending stability.

 Oklahoma's Unemployment rate was 4%, compared to 4.3% nationally.

 The complete May 2026 Tax Revenue Report is available at this link.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday night in Pittsburg.

The incident occurred around 10pm on Wednesday when Pittsburg Police were called to the Pittsburg Public Library for a disturbance in the parking lot. Police made contact with an adult male identified as 29-year-old Jalen Dior Green of Pittsburg. Green was described as “acting bizarrely.” Officers say Green threw personal items into a police car and then proceeded to remove his clothing. When officers attempted to take the man into custody, a struggle ensued. Green was tasered, but the weapon had no effect on his behavior. A P-P-D officer then drew his gun and fired at the man, striking him.

Green was given first aid at the scene and then taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

The officer involved in the incident sustained an injury to his head and was treated at a local hospital. He was released and is expected to fully recover. He has been placed on administrative leave as the K-B-I investigates the shooting.

Firefighters from several Wilson County fire department respond to an evening structure fire.

Just before 8pm on Wednesday night, crews from Wilson County Rural Fire and Neodesha Fire were paged to a structure fire west of Neodesha. Members of both of those departments were on a training mission at the time the fire was reported, so a call for mutual aid was requested from Fredonia Fire.

Crews arrived on the scene and made a quick interior attack in and effort to minimize fire damage. The blaze was quickly extinguished but the home received heavy smoke damage throughout the structure.

However, there were no injuries reported.

Flags across the State of Kansas will be flying at half-staff today in honor of a Ford County firefighter who died in the line of duty.

Governor Laura Kelly issued the order in honor of William Cory “Liam” Price, who passed away on April 19 after suffering a medical emergency while on duty. Flags will remain at half-staff from sunup to sundown today in memory of Price.

“William Cory “Liam” Price’s commitment to serving Kansans as a firefighter and paramedic in communities across our state will not be forgotten,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this unimaginable time.”

The Sedan City Council considers the inspection of a dam at one of the City lakes.

At this week’s meeting council members considered a proposal for the inspection of the dam at Old City Lake. City Public Works Superintendent Caleb Ironsyde says the contractor would go through basic steps to ensure the structure’s safety.

The council tabled a final vote on the proposal until the next meeting to in order to secure a date for the inspection to be done. In other business, the council discussed upcoming open house events by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources regarding proposed changes to the flood plain map for Chautauqua County. Council member Adam Clark says it’s a chance for local citizens to give input to the state.

The proposed maps can be viewed at this link.

A Bartlesville man is facing felony charges after a robbery investigation.

27-year-old Devin Blackfeet was charged with attempted robbery with a weapon and feloniously pointing a firearm. The Bartlesville Police Department says Blackfeet approached the victim at a convenience store on the evening of May 24^th. Blackfeet pointed his firearm at the victim as the victim was in his car. Video footage shows the victim taking off his shoes, reaching into his pockets and lifting up his pant legs to show his socks. The victim ran away from the scene and another individual is seen on video driving the victim's vehicle.

Blackfeet will appear in court again on June 26 at 9:00am and his bond is set at $100,000.

The suspect in Monday's shooting is formally charged in Washington County District Court.

21-year-old Jeconiah Ray Dillon King was charged with shooting with intent to kill, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, possession of a firearm after adjudication and a misdemeanor charge of threatening to perform an act of violence.

The Bartlesville Police Department says authorities responded to a disturbance at around 11:15pm Monday in the 1400 block of Santa Fe Avenue. The officer commanded a group of people in the area to get on the ground. King shot at the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene. One of the shots fired traveled through a wall and struck a victim in the leg. The victim was transported to the hospital. BPD says another officer made contact with King in the 1600 block of Penn Avenue after the incident. King indicated to the officer that he was still armed. King was detained and sent to the BPD for questioning. While at the station, King was uncooperative and kicked an officer twice.

A firearm was found inside a trash can on Penn Avenue that was allegedly discharged during the incident. King has been convicted of a felony as a youthful offender. He will appear in court again on June 26 at 9:00am and his bond is set at $1 million.

Governor Laura Kelly announces more than $40,000,000 has been awarded statewide for 31 local bridge improvement projects.

In Montgomery County, a bridge located about three miles north and three miles west of Sycamore will receive $1.9 million through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program. Cherokee County was awarded $1.2 million for a bridge project east of Columbus. Additional federal Off-System Bridge Program funding is headed to the area. Labette County will receive $1.7 million for a bridge on 109 Road over Pumpkin Creek near Mound Valley, while Wilson County will receive $1.25 million for a bridge on U-14.1 Road over Pumpkin Creek north of Altoona.

KDOT says the projects are part of an effort to improve aging local bridges and strengthen transportation infrastructure across Kansas. The agency reports there are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems statewide, with more than 5,000 needing updates to meet current standards.

Summer marks the start of grilling and barbecuing season.

Kansas State University Meat Science Extension Specialist Erin Beyer says it is important to remember food safety even when cooking outside.  Beyer says it starts with purchasing the right cut of meat.

Unofficial grilling season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Beyers says during this time the beef industry sees a substantial increase in sales.

The Wilson County Commission received its annual appraiser’s report at this week’s meeting.

Wilson County Appraiser Jessica Porter delivered the report, which states that the total appraised value for the 2025-26 year has increased by around $16 million.

The appraised value of real estate in Wilson County has risen by around $19 million. Porter says the only thing that went down this year was personal property, which is due to new exemptions.

The total $16 million figure is only the appraised value; the assessed value will now be determined for tax purposes.

In other business, the Wilson County Commission discussed the possibility of a bond or a sales tax to address local roads that have become dilapidated.

County Commissioner Andrew Miller says that with how much work needs to be done, significant funds must be raised.

The roads discussed as needing work are in rural areas of Wilson County, such as Coyville, New Albany, and Buxton.

The Wilson County Commission will meet today for its regular weekly meeting.

On the agenda are the reports from County Coordinator Kris Marple and Road & Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum. Commissioners will also hear from County clerk Kayla Busch and County Appraiser Jessica Porter.

Today's meeting begins at 9m in Room 101 at the courthouse in Fredonia.

The Osage County Commission discuss a road dispute at this week's meeting.

Commissioners approved an invoice for just  over $3,100 regarding a county road dispute in District One. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Kane says that legal proceeding is moving along.

In other business, commissioners also approved the signing of a resolution that directs the treasurer to reimburse the county election board salary account, maintenance and operations general fund account and the county's general fund FICA account. 

The Fredonia City Commission will meet tonight and discuss water system improvements.

At tonight's meeting, commissioners will review information presented by BG Consultants on the estimated cost of improvements to the City water system. There will also be a discussion on revisions of a draft ordinance regarding the use of motorized bikes and scooters. The revisions were made after commissioners received input from the community at the last commission meeting. The draft revisions will then be reviewed by the City Attorney before a date for a Public Hearing can be set.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 at the Fredonia City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Firefighters are called to the scene of a camper fire in Cherokee County.

The incident occurred on Monday near the City of Hallowell. The Columbus Fire Department responded to the scene along with the Lola Township Fire Department. Upon arrival, crews found a camper fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire. The camper was heavily damaged.

No injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy Columbus Fire Department

An Iola veterinary clinic receives minor damage after being hit by a car earlier this week.

The Red Barn Veterinary Service building was damaged when an unlicensed teen driver mistakenly hit the gas instead of the brake while attempting to park in front of the building. The exterior stone wall of the business located northwest of Iola suffered the majority of the damage in the accident. On the other side of the wall was a utility closet, which sustained some water damage.

No animals and no humans were injured.

Photo courtesy Allen County Sheriff's Office

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

KDOT has approved a project along US-166 in Labette County to install guard fence at five locations from the Montgomery County line east to Queens Road. The nearly $800,000 project was awarded to Martin Outdoor Enterprises of Pittsburg.

Also approved was the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle path Pittsburg along East 20^th Street from North Rouse Street to North Home Avenue. This $300,000 project went to Mission Construction of St. Paul.

Neewollah Generalissimo Cody Dixon announces the musical that will be performed at this year's festival in Independence.

The 2026 Neewollah musical will be Frozen: The Broadway Musical. The production will be directed by Lisa Paige, with Kelli Ebert and Jennifer Lasater serving as producers. Paige has been active with Neewollah for many years, having served as generalissimo in 2014, as a board member for 11 years, and participating in 30 musicals in a variety of roles. This will be her 14^th musical as director. Paige has also served as Queen's Pageant Director, Coronation Co-Chair and Stage Manager, Talent Co-Chair, and Neelah Debs Co-Chair.

Auditions for Frozen: The Broadway Musical will be held June 30, July 1, and July 8 at Memorial Hall. A variety of opportunities are available for both adult and youth performers. Individuals interested in auditioning or serving on a production committee are encouraged to complete the audition form that can be found here.

A 28-year-old woman is in custody and faces multiple charges after fleeing a traffic stop near the Labette/Montgomery County line on Tuesday.

Tia Lashawn Campbell was arrested after she fled from a traffic stop by the Kansas Highway Patrol in the area of US-169 and County Road 3000, north of the Coffeyville Industrial Park on Tuesday morning June 2. KHP along with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Coffeyville Police conducted a search for the woman in that general area, eventually finding her and placing her under arrest.

Campbell was taken to the Montgomery County Jail where she faces a variety of charges including Fleeing and Eluding, Possession with Intent to Sell, and Interference with Law Enforcement.

Deep Fission announces that the company is partnering with the construction and engineering company Day & Zimmerman or D&Z to build its Parsons site.

D & Z will oversee the pre-construction planning on Deep Fission’s Gravity Nuclear Reactor that will be installed at the Parsons Industrial Park and perform the above ground construction on the project.

D&Z is among a select group of companies with the qualifications and experience to install the pressurized water reactor.

The company also has a track record of safety, having recently marked 14 years with zero findings during the Nuclear Energy Institute’s audit of its Nuclear Screen Program and totaling over a million man-hours with no OSHA recordable injuries across several nuclear sites.

The  company is based in Philadelphia and maintains an office in Parsons.