U.S.D 445 has brought forth a bond question to increase a mill levy to make improvements around the school district in and out of the classroom. The bond question has been a polarizing topic for weeks now. Dr. Jerry Hamm sat down with us and says that though the numbers seem intimidating, the increase is something that needs to reviewed. Hamm says not only the improvements to the exterior and safety of the building are what we should be thinking about but the quality of the equipment and courses are young ones are taking. Dr. Hamm has been working in education for decades and says at one time Coffeyville had several mill levy’s in place as well as more schools within city limits. He believes Coffeyville should continue its legacy and believe in education for the youth of our community.

The Nowata Police Department has lost a K-9 Officer. Police Chief Mike McElhaney says an officer stopped two people walking along U-S 169, when the woman disobeyed officer commands not to open the door of his vehicle. K-9 Officer Smokey jumped out, ran across U-S 169, and was struck and killed by a semi when he tried to cross back.  Smokey was a CLEET certified drug detection dog.

The woman faces felony charges which could result in prison time.

***the News On 6 contributed to this story

A Baxter Springs man pleads guilty to a charge of breach of privacy. 44-year-old Troy Eugene Maxton admitted during arraignment that he put a camera in an inappropriate place. Cherokee County Attorney Jake Conard says Maxton placed a cell phone camera under a bathroom door to take a picture, knowing a juvenile female was preparing to take a shower. Maxton faces up to 23-months in prison.

Sentencing is set for October 24^th.

Fix it or sell it. That becomes part of the discussion for the Coffeyville City Commission after being notified someone is interested in buying the former fire station adjacent to city hall. Fire Chief Bob Roesky says if the building continues to be used for extra equipment, it will need a new roof. The other option would be a supplemental structure at the Emergency Services Building.  No action was taken on the matter.

The commission did approve the first reading of an ordinance to vacate a utility easement on Edgevale.

Celebrate Independence themed Ventures & Adventures returns next week. We spoke with the Independence Chamber of Commerce Director Lisa Wilson as she says it's an easy and informative way to celebrate what your community has been doing. Speakers from local businesses will be in attendance to inform about their businesses and businesses coming to Independence. You’ll hear from Libby Bouldra, Robert Box from the Indy Brew Works, and Steve Morrison from Morrison Builders.There’s always something fun going on during the first Friday of the month in Independence. Wilson explains, alongside with all the speakers at the celebrate Independence event, will feature some speakers at First Friday as well. The celebrate Independence event Wilson mentioned will be the Thursday before first Friday on September 6th at the Masonic lodge with a cost of ten dollars, tickets are available by calling the Chamber office at (620) – 331 – 1890.

An investigation is underway after human remains are discovered south of Thayer. Neosho County Sheriff James Keath tells KGGF News a farmer found the skeletal remains Sunday evening.

Sheriff Keath says the farmer was cleaning up the area when he made the discovery on the land he is leasing.

A Bartlesville man dies following an Osage County crash, west of Bartlesville. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that 26-year-old Trevor Cochran was eastbound on a county road when he approached a curve to the left and his car went off the roadway on the right. Cochran over-corrected to the left and his car went into a broad slide. The car rolled halfway over to rest on its top. Cochran was pinned for about 5 minutes before a passerby was able to free him from the vehicle.

Cochran died as a result of massive injuries. 

The chief judge of the 14^th Judicial District is seeking additional office space. Public Works Director Robert Bever says Judge F. William Cullins is seeking more room for court services, because of the growth in juvenile services.  The county is required to provide the space.

If an option isn't available to house the employees in existing space. An additional lease or purchase could be needed.

MCAC’s Trisha Purdon spoke upon what she believes to be one of the biggest meetings in our area this year. The Highway Task force will meet in Pittsburg on September 20th to lobby which unfinished roadway projects in the state of Kansas are highest priority. Purdon says they are trying to pack the house, and even encourages a testimony if you have one to give. To further your argument you can provide written or verbal testimonies as well. For more info. head to www.actioncouncil.com. To fully pack the house Purdon says they are providing transportation to Pittsburg for the event. They will meet in the community parking lot behind Lannings the morning before the event.

An opportunity to learn so much about the community where you live. Leadership Coffeyville prepares to welcome its next class. Those selected to take part will spend some time in the classroom, but there are a lot of field trips to various organizations and employers in the area.

Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook says applications are available at her office. They must be turned in by September 7^th.

We spoke with representative Rich Proell on recent news coming from the capital as we’ve seen quite a bit of drama based in the race for governor. Starting with an odd canvassing situation between the incumbent Jeff Colyer and secretary of state Kris Kobach in the primary. With Kobach winning that race it arises drama with independent candidate Greg Orman. Representative Rich Proell speaking on the matter says the reasoning behind the group of protesters is because of Orman being on the ballot is believed to greatly increases the chances of Kris Kobach winning the general election in November. In lighter news out of Topeka, Obamacare has overcharged the state of Kansas granting a refund of over 140 million dollars. Proell says we do not have it in the bank as of now, but we will certainly be pursuing it. Also Proell states that the recent expansion of Medicaid proposed by governor Jeff Colyer may be in jeopardy depending on the winner in November. He says he believes Kelly would support the bill, while he isn’t quite sure it will stand with Kobach, either way a list of changes are on the way.

An Independence man will serve time in prison for making on-line death threats against Queen Neelah and members of the Montgomery County judiciary. Dylan Alexander Smith was sentenced to 15-months for making a criminal threat and intimidation of a witness. He also received 12-months for multiple counts of interfering with the judicial process. Smith made threats against Queen Neelah last October.  He was also accused of amaking social media death threats against  Judge Jeffrey Gettler, County Attorney Larry Markle and Assistant Attorney Lisa Montgomery.

Smith has already spent over 200 days in the county jail. That time will be applied to his prison sentence.

Fall time brings fall sports and many other activities at the Coffeyville Recreation Commission. Special Event coordinator Jaime Grant says this weekend they are starting a new program called touch a truck A great way to spend the day with the kids this Saturday as event coordinator Jaime Grant says area businesses will bring their work vehicles and machinery to display. Grant says it's a fun day with the family and they make it easy to give back to the community. The program is free of charge and will be located over at Walter Johnson Park where the carnival took place. Grant says though the event is free any donations to the CRC scholarship fund or bring non perishable food items is appreciated as they will be donation those to the salvation army.

Some employees at Cessna near Independence have to make other arrangements for the drive home.  Montgomery County District Rural Fire Chief Rick Whitson says firefighters were called out just before 6:30.  Whitson tells KGGF News that six vehicles were a total loss and two others sustained damage.  

Whitson says the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. The investigation continues.  

***photo from Facebook 

17-year-old Terry Donaldson Jr. of Nowata was charged with first degree murder with deliberate intent during an arraignment at the Washington County Courthouse. Donaldson was also charged with felony counts of possession of firearm after delinquent adjudication, two counts of burglary in the second degree and a misdemeanor count of knowingly concealing stolen property. Donaldson is being charged as an adult. 18-year-old Tyler Thomison of Delaware was charged with second degree murder, possession of firearm after delinquent adjudication and two counts of second degree burglary. 20-year-old Thomas Alexander of Bartlesville was charged with second degree murder and two counts of second degree burglary. Court affidavits allege the trio was out trying to burglarize unlocked vehicles when 53-year-old Gregory Meidl confronted Donaldson who allegedly fired one shot at Meidl. He was pronounced dead on the scene due to a gunshot wound to the head.

The state of Oklahoma retained bonds for Thomison and Alexander at $250,000. Donaldson’s bond remained at $500,000. The three will next appear in court on September 28 at 9 a.m.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will return to a Tahlequah hospital. CMS has found several items at the Cherokee Nation's  W.W. Hastings Hospital that need to be improved. The findings come after sterilization processing created an HIV and Hepatitis C scare at the facility. The Cherokee Nation’s Deputy Attorney General Crissi Nimmo tells The News On 6 they expected there would be areas to improve.

Employees are undergoing training required by the CMS Correction Plan. The feds plan to return for a follow-up at Hastings before the end of October.

A creative way to do a can food drive. Independence Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson says the Can Opener will start with a volleyball scrimmage, followed by a soccer scrimmage and finished off a football scrimmage.

Wilson says everything gets kicked off this Friday with volleyball at 4:30, soccer at 6:00 and football at 7:00.

Despicable Me 3 will be the featured movie at this Saturday's Free Downtown Movie Night in Independence. Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson says there will be a couple of special surprises at this movie night.

Wilson says the preshow activies will start at 7:30 with the movie starting at 8:30.

Raising money to help the community, that's just one of the many things the Young Professionals of Independence do. Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Wilson says they will be hosting a fundraiser event called Night Golf.

Wilson says this event will be Friday, August 24^th at 8:00pm. She says there will be cold drinks and a live DJ. You must 21 or older.

Women in Agriculture is a program put on over at the ICC west campus next Wednesday by the K-State Extension district from 9 till 1. You will be hearing from a wide variety of speakers through the morning and K State extension districts Jeri Geren says its called Women in Ag. but is truly for anyone interested. Geren says the course is open to anyone including guys, though the majority of topics would be more on a womans role. They will have a variety of speakers ranging from NRCS, multiple county conservation districts, district forrester Ashley Stiffarm and Curran Slater will speak as well on focusing wild Hog control. The event takes place next Wednesday August 29th at ICC West, goes from 9am till 1pm that morning. Geren says to register to just call the Independence extension office at  (620)-331-4836 ext. 2

Delaware County authorities respond to a domestic dispute and end up in a long stand-off, near Disney. Sheriff Harlan Moore tells The News On 6 that the suspect, Gary Miller got into a disagreement with his fiance. And, she shot at him. Miller left before the Sheriff's Office arrived. However, he returned and fired toward them. A short pursuit entailed with Miller crashing head-on into a deputy's vehicle. That deputy fired at Miller. He rain back to his girlfriend's home where she, three kids and a DHS worker were. Miller held police at bay until 2 a.m. He sustained a gunshot to the hand. It is not clear if it was from his fiance or a deputy.

He's being booked into the Delaware County Jail.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says one man is dead after a two-vehicle crash on US 69, two miles south of Pittsburg. Authorities say 70-year-old Stephen Hite was driving a pickup south on the roadway when he slowed to turn. He was rear-ended by a car . Hite's truck overturned onto its roof. Both vehicles came to rest in the east ditch.

Hite died at the scene. 

A Bartlesville native heads to the Athletic Hall of Fame at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. William (Bill) Yocum graduated from Bartlesville High

School before attending NEO where he was a member of the 1969 National Championship Team. He was named NJCAA and Gridwire All-American

and named one of the Outstanding College Athletes in America in 1970. After attending NEO, Yocum lettered at Texas A&M. He returned in 1977 as the

head wrestling and assistant football coach for the Miami school. He is among eight who will be honored on September 15^th.

Yocum is retired, living in Lewisville, Texas.

Suicide in teens is a number that nationwide as well here statewide continue to grow. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and his office has teamed up with Tower Mental Health on a task force to educate others on the matter. Schmidt says it’s a great way to increase your knowledge or give input on a pressing issue in our state and says the program is open to the public. Schmidt says that task force meets here in our region on August 31st. They will meet in Iola at Allen Community College that Friday from 9am until around noon. He states its open to the public and encourages your attendance to either ad input, or just listen and learn. He also previewed a course set to educate various board members on how the open records act works coming up Friday in Fredonia at the public Library from 1:30 to 4:30.

Coffeyville School District voters are being asked to support a bond issue in a special election on September 6^th.  District Superintendent, Dr. Craig Correll, speaking to the Coffeyville Rotary Club today explained that the bond would be used to upgrade the district’s facilities.  Correll said the high school and Middle School are almost 100 years old and the elementary school is now 15 years old, making maintenance a costly endeavor. 

Correll says that if the bond is approved a home valuated at $50,000 would see an increase in taxes of $60 per year. 

With all the talks of 2019 budget going around, it buries many other important items put up for the commision. We spoke with the Caney City administrator, Fred Gress, on what he says is a pivotal item for the city of Caney. Gress says the commission was asked last night to approve the movement of lease to own the current Good News building. That building is the proposed location for a grocery store, as Gress says there is a bit of debt involved in the finances, but believes the reward outweighs the risk.It's been an item of discussion for the City of Caney for awhile, if citizens are wanting a grocery store or not wanting one in the area they need to have their voices heard, and heard soon.

As former Coffeyville Public Library Director Katie Hill moves on, the Libraries Rachel Rose says the new director will be Lee Ann Eggers.  Rose says Hill has taken the library director job in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, which has a library staff of about 25 people which is the double that of Coffeyville.

With school officially back in session the summer reading program at the Coffeyville Public Library has officially come to an end. The Libraries Rachel Rose says they will still have events going on during the school year, but August is normally their cool down month.  Rose another big thing coming up in September is their Banned Books Week which starts the 23^rd.

The Coffeyville Public Library hosts an online book club. Rose says they are wanting to start an in person discussion of the book.  Rose says right now they are reading “To Kill a Mockingbird”. She says each month members of the Facebook Book Club Page vote on which book to read for the upcoming month.

The race for the republican nomination for governor in the state of Kansas was a close one, but that wasn't the only close race for the state. District 11 Representative Jim Kelly says there were several in the House.  Kelly says that the crowded field for the republican nomination for governor played a large part into why that race was so close.

“My vote doesn't count” a popular excuse as to why someone doesn't vote.  Kelly says when elections are this close that simply isn't the case.  Kelly says if you look at the percentage of the vote for Colyer and Kobach it's a tie, both receiving 41%. When you win that close he says you don't get that mandate that you were swept in based on their message.

A job opening with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. They are accepting applications for position of Deputy. This is a full-time position requiring 86 hours on a bi-weekly basis. The salary for this position is based upon experience. You can submit applications to Kansas Works located 317 N. Pennsylvania in Independence.

The deadline for applications is September 3, 2018.

Oklahoma District 11 Judge Curtis Delapp officially announces his resignation. Delapp was given until the beginning of this week to make a decision about his future after gross neglect of duty charges were filed by the Oklahoma State Supreme Court earlier this month. A document filed with the court on August 1^st detailed several events dating back to 2015 alleging that Judge DeLapp failed to follow procedure. DeLapp stated in a press release, “It is with a heavy heart but clear conscience that I announce my resignation and decision to not seek re-election.”

DeLapp served the people of Washington and Nowata County for 27 years. He has served as a district judge since 2007.

Bartlesville police have arrested three people in a man's shooting death. They are 18-year-old Tyler Leo Thomison, 20-year-old Thomas Wayne Alexander, and an unnamed 17-year-old male.

According to Bartlesville police, at around 3:00 AM a 54 year old man was shot and killed while confronting people who were breaking into cars on Tuxedo Boulevard and Martin Lane. There were three suspects that the victim was trying to confront when he was shot. Bartlesville police are now asking any homeowners in town to check their home surveillance systems to see if they have video of the suspects checking car doors before 3:00 AM on Sunday. According to Bartlesville Police Captain Jay Hastings, investigators are continuing to work the case by following leads and reviewing some video that has already been recovered.

No video surveillance evidence will be released to the public at this time, and the identity of the victim is not being released..BPD asks that any information be reported to the police at 918-338-4001 we will have more information as it is available.

A secured way to dispose of your unneeded prescription medicines is at a drug drop off location. Independence Police Chief Jerry Harrison, says it's important you do so to keep our kids and communities dafer and tells KGGF news where to do so. Harrison says they have found a location to put their drug take back box. It will be located in the temporary city hall building at 811 west Laurel. Harrison says any prescription medication, vitamins or even pet medication are excepted but there is a few items you cannot leave. He says no sharp items, no clinical medications, and no aerosol cans or inhalers.

Some very special people got a special experience in Coffeyville last night. The annual Buddy Barrow Show, part of the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo, took place. Youth from 4-H and FFA programs that had showed their barrow, were paired up with people with special needs, to show the barrow as part of a showmanship contest. About thirty special needs people participated, and a grand champion and reserve champion were determined. Randy Lee won grand champion and Charles Landrum was reserve champion.

Both men live in Independence and both have participated in the Buddy Barrow Show several times.

The county will also ask property owners for more money for Fiscal Year 2019. The Montgomery County Commission approved a budget that calls for the mill levy to move from 49 to 51.7 mills. The vote was 2-1.

In other business, commissioners agreed to move forward with the county's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, which will provide a tax credit to rural residents making improvements on their property.

Montgomery County once again has a location for residents needing to get or renew their Kansas driver's license or state issued identification. The Kansas Department of Revenue has set up a temporary location at 811 West Laurel, inside the former Mercy Hospital Building.

Plans are for the driver's license office to operate there until a permanent location is found.

The Coffeyville City Commission holds its annual budget hearing ahead of approving the Fiscal Year 2019 city budget. The city's mill levy will move from 46-point 97 to just over 53 mills. Commissioner Jim Taylor, junior, says it was necessary.

In other business, commissioner approved installation of two switches for the electric utility and approved a local training area license agreement with the Kansas National Guard.

The former principal at Roosevelt Middle School steps out of retirement. Alice Morris has been named the interim principal at Lincoln Memorial Elementary School in Caney. Morris takes over following the resignation of Ken Eckelberry.

In other business, the USD 436 Board of Education also approved the budget for the upcoming school year. A 4.8 mill hike has been added, following approval of last year's bond issue.

Recent flooding takes its toll on our community as well as taking a couple of lives from this past week. We spoke with Chief of the I.P.D. Jerry Harrison as he says even his truck get stuck sometimes and tells KGGF news what to do when your call stall in a flood, leave the vehicle and reach higher grounds. Harrison states it only takes 12” of standing water to sweep your tires from your car, and you never really know how deep the puddle is. Harrison also stresses more HELP from citizens then DOCUMENTING. When someone needs help, call the police, put the phone down and assist. Harrison stresses to the public to listen to the warnings and stay off the roads during these weather events. Your actions and sometimes impatience may pull an emergency worker away from a much more serious event then your car stuck in a rainstorm.

Makenzie Floyd is a big winner. The Miami, Oklahoma girl won grand champion for the market sheep show and champion of the junior sheep showmanship contest at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo. 13 year old Floyd has been showing for the past three years at the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo, the Craig County fair and the Tulsa State Fair.

Sheep Show Results, Inter-State Fair, Coffeyville, Kansas

August 15, 2018

Market Show Results

Grand Champion Market: Makenzie Floyd, Miami, Okla.

Reserve Champion Market: Carter Nash, Parsons, Kan. 

Hampshire

Grand Champion:  Makenzie Floyd, Miami, Okla.

Reserve Champion:  Carter Nash, Parsons, Kan.

Suffolk

Grand Champion:  Miranda Mayfield, Welch, Okla.

Reserve Champion:  Olivia McGuire, Welch, Okla.

Cross Bred

Grand Champion:  Carter Nash, Parsons, Kan.

Reserve Champion:   Dillon McNickle, Mound Valley, Kan. 

Natural

Grand Champion:  Colby Goins, Vinita, Okla. 

Reserve Champion:  Peyton Ayres, Vinita, Okla.

All other breeds

Grand Champion:  Dexter Small, Neodesha, Kan. 

Reserve Champion:  Makenzie Floyd, Miami, Okla.

Breeding Show Results

Wether Dam

Grand Champion:  Dexter Small, Neodesha, Kan. 

Reserve Champion:  Ava George, Oswego, Kan.

Registered Ewe

Grand Champion: Carter Nash, Parsons, Kan.

Reserve Champion: Dillon McNickle, Mound Valley, Kan.

Showmanship

Senior showmanship:

1. Dillon McNickle, Mound Valley, Kan.

2. Dexter Small, Neodesha, Kan.

3. Jagger Fox, Caney, Kan.

4. Dakota Pease, Chetopa, Kan.

5. Andrea Blum, Copan, Okla.

Junior showmanship:

1. Makenzie Floyd, Miami, Okla.

2. Ava George, Oswego, Kan.

3. Carter Nash, Parsons, Kan.

4. Darla Fesmire, Barlett, Kan.

5. Olivia Kaiser, Independence, Kan.

Joao Agusto scored 84.5 points on his first ride, then 85 points on his second ride. Each rider competing in the LJ Jenkins bull riding got to ride two bulls. In the first round, six riders made qualified rides and in the second round, three made qualified rides. Agusto was the only cowboy among the 28 competitors to cover both bulls, winning the event with a combined score of 169.5.

Some familiar names on the winner's list in this year's Inter-State Fair and Rodeo's Senior Spelling Bee. First place honors go to Mary Conn of Cherryvale. Long-time CCC instructor Johnie Greenfield, of South Coffeyville, took second place. Third place honors went to Caney's Marthena Draper.

From left to right:

2018 Miss Inter-State Fair Queen Emily Swiger,  Mary Conn,  Johnie Greenfield, Marthena Draper, and

2018 Miss Inter-State Fair Princess Emery Keene

Summer is coming to an end as USD 446 is now fully in session. With the school year comes buying the kids news, shirts, pants and especially shoes. Independence Chamber of Commerce director Lisa Wilson says they have shoe donation. Wilson also wanted to stress your extra attention to the roads as USD 446 is back in session. She also noted the shoe distribution center this weekend at the Wesley Center. From 1 to 3 this Saturday families can donate or for families that are in need can use the center for shoes for their kids for the upcoming school year.With school back in session we usher in a new set a fall activities but also wraps up a lot of what Independence had to offer in the summer. Lisa Wilson from the Chamber of commerce says its your last chance to cruise Indy. Also a great way to network and surround yourself with many other professionals is about to start up. The leadership Independence program returns to Indy,  but Lisa Wilson from the chamber says you need to apply quickly as the cut off date is this weekend.

A father and son from rural Elk City are dead from last night’s flash flooding in northern Montgomery County.  72 year old Dennis Clark Catron Sr and 39 year old Dennis Clark Catron Jr. were killed when their vehicle was swept off the road.  The incident occurred between Independence and Elk City at County Roads 2950 and 5400.  Earlier this morning authorities were searching for a possible third victim of the flooding after and abandoned vehicle was found on it’s side in a ditch but that individual has now been located safe at home.  In addition to the two deaths the Independence Fire Department made an estimated 40 to 50 water rescues in low lying areas of the city and the Independence Civic Center was set up as a temporary shelter.  The Civic Center shelter has since been closed as water levels receded.  The Independence Fired Department also responded to structure fire last night that is believed to have been caused by lightning. 

The National Weather Service reports that 7 to 12 inches of rain fell in the northern part of the county last night.

Two fatalities are now reported and a third person is being searched for in Montgomery County following flash flooding caused by last night’s torrential rainfall in the northern part of the county.  Two male bodies, a father and son, were found in a vehicle near the Elk City reservoir.  Meanwhile authorities are still looking for a third person in Independence.  A car was found in a flooded area with the windows rolled down but no one inside.  Further information is expected to be released by the Montgomery County Sheriff later today.  In addition to the fatalities the Independence Fire Department responded to an estimated 40 to 50 water rescues.  They also responded to a structure fire that is believed to have been started by lightning. 7 to 12 inches of rain fell in the northern part of the county last night.

When it comes to the Montgomery County Environmental Health Department there are many areas involved. From zoning to ADA compliance to waste water management. Director Scott Barnhart says in recent years animal welfare has become a larger part of the job.

Barnhart says it isn't as simple as writing a ticket. They have to seize the animal and then care for it until it can be adopted.

Check-ins have taken place for all livestock exhibits for the Inter-State Fair and Rodeo. Livestock Show Chairman Lori Rexwinkle says while some exhibits have already gotten underway there are still plenty of activities to come.

Rexwinkle says other events include the buddy barrow show at 6:30pm on Thursday and the 4H and FFA livestock judging contest on Friday.

A new course coming to the I.C.C Fab Lab introduces individuals to the building and mechanics behind electric guitars. We spoke with Tim Haynes from the Fab Lab as he says the course isn’t just for guitars lovers. Haynes says it's a great hands on course for anyone in the community and it is not limited to I.C.C students. He says it teaches you patience, the ability to accept your work, and the satisfaction of being able to play it afterwards he says, is priceless. The new course comes to the Fablab starting next Tuesday August 20th and the guitar kits cost 195 dollars along with the registration fee costing 165 dollars. To register Haynes says head online to www.fablabicc.org

A confusing dilemma has arisen in the primary election as we still find ourselves without a republican nominee. Andy Taylor spoke with us on the matter as he goes in to detail the canvassing process that starts today. Canvassing involves every court house here in Kansas making sure every vote is legitimate and that the numbers add up. That process starts today and takes a one week time. Taylor says with that short of gap, we may be looking at a recount. After all those votes are canvassed they are passed along to the 3 person state canvassing board which both candidates are apart. Leaving Derek Schmidt the other party, in the middle of what has now become a very long process. Andy Taylor explains why the canvassing of the votes is such a confusing situation and it may take till the end of the month.

There is a new set of boots along the thin blue line in Coffeyville. Michael Purvis graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). He completed 14 weeks of tough training including physical agility, learning the Kansas laws in the classroom, Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC), Handgun qualifications, became a certified operator of the Intoxilizer 9000 machine, and learned what OC (pepper spray) felt like first hand. This week, he continues his Field Training Officer program.

Purvis is from Hays. He relocated to Coffeyville to join CPD. 

(photo: Danny Grigg and Michael Purvis)

Some parents have been looking forward to this day since the start of summer. It is the first day of classes at Coffeyville Public Schools. Police Chief Kwin Bromley says we all need to be aware.

Chief Bromley says drivers should also expect strict enforcement around the school zones where there are reduced speeds.

Coffeyville City Hall announces a promotion for the police department. Cody Rexwinkle has been moved up to the position of lieutenant.

Rexwinkle has been with the Coffeyville Police Department since September of 2006.

Numerous reports over the past couple days that Phillips 66 has another round of layoffs happening in Bartlesville and Houston, Phillips 66 CEO Greg Garland was in Bartlesville late last month. One of his topics of discussion was about workforce reductions. Garland said reductions are planned over the next few years across the world.

Phillips 66 employs about 2,000 people in Bartlesville and 14,000 worldwide.

The City of Coffeyville Water Department is flushing of the water distribution system.  This flushing is recommended by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to remove any naturally occurring bacterial growth and buildup in the lines and help maintain the required chlorine levels throughout the system.  The free chlorine burn is underway.  During the flushing project, customers may notice low water pressure, murky water, poor taste and/or a stronger chlorine odor.  

The flushing began north of First Street and spread systematically across town and is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

Cherokee County authorities find themselves in a pursuit while trying to arrest a man with warrants. Sheriff David Groves says deputies were trying to locate a man near Weir, but the person they wanted wasn't home. The man there gave the deputy a fictitious name, but that was a person who also had warrants. That suspect tried to flee, leading deputies into Missouri. That's where 45-year-old William Ray Clinton of Pittsburg was captured. He had warrants from Crawford County on various drug possession and distribution complaints.

Clinton will now also face charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement, interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, fleeing from the law and driving on a revoked license.

New South Coffeyville Police officer Theresa Parrish, has been assigned to be the student resource officer for the upcoming school year. She says she wants to spread a message of comfortability between kids and cops and says parents need to also watch how they speak about the police. She says sometimes she hears some pretty horrible things regarding officers and urges that sort of talk away from children as they soak up everything they hear.Officer Parrish also spoke highly of a new program they put on that allows kids to follow officers. An opportunity to open kids eyes to a possible career path as well as further grow the relationship between kids and cops. Creating a safe vision about officers to kids is vital so they feel comfortable around them and go to them in a time of need.

At approximately 8am this morning the Coffeyville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation served at search warrant at 1005 West 9^th Street in Coffeyville. 37 year old Joshua Blex of Independence was arrested with recommended charges of possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. During the search officers recovered silver flatware and antique trophies from a recent Coffeyville residential burglary in addition to illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation is ongoing and CPD is asking anyone with information on this incident to call Detective Jason Kastler at 620-252-6160. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information to the Crime Tip Hotline at 620-252-6133.

An effort is underway to improve cell phone coverage at the Montgomery County Judicial Center. Currently, service is unavailable in the basement due to a failure of the cell phone repeater. Computer Department Director Jason Clubine wants to buy a new one.  The price tag for the cell phone repeater will be just under $1400.

The Montgomery County Commission gave the purchase the green light.

Although 4H Fairs are wrapping up 4H activities keep going strong with a set of state contests next weekend. We spoke with 4H agent from the K-State extension district Cherry Nelson as she tells KGGF news all the details. Livestock and meats judging contests take place next weekend as well as a quizbowl and skillathon. Nelson says they got a great group of kids who are all ready for a busy weekend. She notes all the activities will take place in the Stanley Stout Center and the animal science buildings at Kansas State. She encourages your attendance as she is always truly impressed on the performance of these kids, as this year they take more than 25 to the K-State campus.

A deadly crash shuts down a Kansas highway for several hours. The Kansas Highway Patrol says one person died in the three-vehicle crash in Bourbon County. Investigators say a car driven by Hunter Kovacic of Stark City crossed the center line, side-swiped one vehicle and hit another head-on. Kovacic died at the scene.

Highway 69 was closed while authorities investigated the crash.

A Wilson County man receives a sentence of more than 19 years in prison for murder. 37-year-old

DeJay Lynn Schlegel, of Neodesha, pleaded no contest in May to one count of reckless murder in the second degree, one count of arson, one count of interference with law enforcement and one count of theft. Judge David W. Rogers sentenced Schlegel to 238 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. The crimes occurred in December 2016 in connection with the death of Michael Elam.

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Neodesha Police Department. 

Some races are just too close to call. In the race for the Governor's Office on the Republican side, Governor Jeff Colyer and Secretary of State Kris Kobach are in a dead heat, each with 41% of the vote. On the Democratic side, Laura Kelly has 51% of the ballots cast. Scott Schwab has claimed 31% of the vote in the Republican primary for Secretary of State. And, Vicki Schmidt has a narrow victory in the race for Insurance Commissioner on the Republican side.

In the GOP Race for 2^nd District Congressional Race, Steve Watkins appears the winner of that crowded primary with 26% of the vote.

Many of us feeling much sorrow after the events that took place over the weekend. Losing  members of our community in the tragic plane crash outside Ponca City leaves many of us looking to help. Montgomery County emergency management director Rick Whitson feels the same but has taken the next step and has set up a GoFundMe account for the grieving Warner family. Whitson has known the Warners and the others for many years and has been greatly impacted by the tragedy and encourages any support for the family. Whitson tells KGGF news that his Facebook page provides the link to the account, and from their the donations can climb on and on. Warner is survived by his daughter, wife and baby to be, as Whitson says he done feeling helpless. Setting up a GoFundMe account and providing the link on his Facebook page as he can’t stress the weight of your donation for a family in need.

Results are in for the races that were closer to home here in Montgomery County. In House District 12 Incumbent Doug Blex receives 79% of the votes beating Brad Hall who received 21%. In House District 11 Jim Kelly wins over John Lowrance. Kelly received 76% while Lowrance was at 24%. Ryan York chose not to seek reelection and in a three man winner take all Robert Bever, 44% of the votes, beats Leon Rau, 35%, and Jack Reddick, 21%.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran urged caution by President Trump in dealing with foreign trade issues while speaking in Coffeyville today.  The Senator said tariffs, NAFTA and other foreign trade issues could have a negative impact on agriculture and manufacturing in Kansas.  Senator Moran spoke at the noon meeting of the Coffeyville Rotary Club in the Student Union on the campus of Coffeyville Community College.  The Senator also touched on numerous other issues including economic development, community college and technical school education, healthcare and veterans issues as well as fielded questions from the audience.  

Coffeyville observes the National Night Out Against Crime. Police Chief Kwin Bromley says the event will be at Pfister Park.  Bromley says the “Beer Goggles” will be out for people to understand how alcohol can affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle.

He says there will be a number of other displays and a lot of information about how you can prevent crime in your neighborhood.

The future should look a bit brighter at Coffeyville Community College. Vice President For Operations and Finances Jeff Morris says upgrades at Weinberg Hall are wrapping up. The over 2.point-5-million dollar package of upgrades including new lighting.

Faculty and Staff are moving back into their offices in Weinberg Hall this week. They will have a new HVAC system and the sinking structure has been leveled.

The polls are open until 7 p.m. for the Kansas Primary Election.  There are contested races for the Democratic and Republican nominations for governor.  A number of contested Kansas House seats.  A winner take-all three-way Republican race is underway for a seat on the Montgomery County Commission.

Live election coverage will be provided after the polls close on the Mighty 690 KGGF.

Coffeyville Community College is always looking for more ways to serve our community. Including providing community courses throughout the next few months.  The month of August is the start up of schools in our area. Lots of new and returning students will be around as C.C.C. fall semester starts August 15th. Yvonne Hull with Coffeyville C.C. explains the college even offers short term courses for the community members. The courses Hull had mentioned are a social media walk through with Kenzie Williams, as well as Drawing 101 with Mike DeRosa. Hull also mentioned a make and take essential oils class as says for more information Hull says to call Jenny Phillips at the main campus office.

A class is set for this Wednesday in Sedan to improve communication between first responders. Inter-operability Communications Specialist Adam Chriss will discuss the enhanced 800 MHz communication system being used by first responders, the Kansas Highway Patrol and other emergency response agencies to allow seamless communication.

The class will begin at 5:30 at the Senior Citizen Building at 124 East Main Street in Sedan.

A 25-year-old Columbus woman lands in the Cherokee County Jail following the investigation into the abuse of two children under the age of five. Sheriff David Groves says the investigation began in March. The children had been physically abused to the extent one was transported to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Samantha Weaver was arrested on a $50,000 bond and faces charges of aggravated battery, felony child abuse and felony child endangerment.

The City of Coffeyville announces a promotion at the Coffeyville Fire Department. Firefighter Matt Dixon, a Coffeyville native, has advanced to driver for the CFD. Dixon joined the department in December of 2014.

He previously worked in Independence.

Do you ever wonder exactly what your senators or representatives are up to? Or who they support? Republican Doug Blex says to the public, if your truly curious and want to further educate yourself, that information is found online. An easy way to check who exactly your representatives or endorsed by and what they voted for is by checking ethics.kansas.gov. Representative Doug Blex tells KGGF news a little about the Kansas ethics commission. Blex says he personally along with many others tries to be as open as possible regarding what it is they have voted for. Again that website to check is ethics.kansas.gov and representative Blex highly encourages it! With important elections coming up in the near future this is another great way to figure out truly what your supporting when voting for individual.

The victims of a plane crash near Ponca City late Saturday morning are being identified as from Independence residents.  The Montgomery County Chronicle is reporting the victims as Tim Valentine, Bill Warner of rural Independence, his son Nick Warner of rural Independence, and two of Nick's sons.  The five were believed to be returning to Independence from a fly-in breakfast at the Ponca City Airport.   The plane crashed in a soybean field near Ponca City around 11:00 Saturday morning killing all on board. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and National Transportation Safety Board will not officially release the names of the victims until after the preliminary investigation is completed. The NTSB has said that a preliminary investigation could take more than one week.

**photo courtesy of the News On 6**

An early morning apartment fire leaves four families homeless in Independence. The three alarm fire at the Garden Walk Apartments on North 10^th Street was discovered just after 4 a.m. Saturday. Four units were gutted by the blaze that appears to have started in a stairwell. Other units sustained smoke and water damage. Assistance came from Neodesha Fire-EMS Ladder truck and Independence Rural Fire. Interior crews were also able to rescue two dogs.

No injuries were reported. It is unclear what sparked the fire.

An Independence Police Officer receives recognition at the Indy Chamber's First Friday Event. Officer Charlie Benedict received the 2017 Silver Award for Valor from the Kansas Chiefs of Police Association. The honor was presented by Representative Jim Kelly and Police Chief Jerry Harrison.

There were also updates on Independence schools, the local real estate market, summer interns at Textron and the ICC football program.

A 10-foot Albino Boa Constrictor has disappeared from Safari Zoological Park in Caney.  Montgomery County Sheriff Bobby Dierks tells KGGF News the snake has been missing for a month.  Zoo owner Tom Harvey told the Sheriff someone may have stolen the reptile.  Sheriff Dierks says they were just made aware of the situation today when they contacted the owner.  

Anyone who may see the snake or may have information about it should contact the zoo or the Montgomery County Sheriff ‘s Office at 620-330-1000.  

Summertime brings hotter temperatures and higher crime numbers. We spoke with Chief of the CPD Kwin Bromley on the matter as he says, even with recent crime activity, our crime rates are actually at a ten year low. Police Chief Kwin Bromley spoke with us on the matter as he says he got a sneak preview of the improving numbers. Bromley says at our height of our crime rates we were around 87 crimes per 1000 people. Now after 2017 we saw that number drop down to 52 per 1000. Bromley did say when he started as chief he wanted to fill up the jail frequently with criminals. Wanted to give props to his department for the enforcement, as well as the public as he believes we are all doing a better job protecting our valuables.

Southeast Kansas ranked high in a new study for quality of life for senior citizens.  Five southeast Kansas cities ranked in the top 10 in the state for seniors, according to a study released by SmartAssets, a financial technology company.  Independence was ranked 2^nd in the state while Parsons ranked 4th, Chanute 5th, Coffeyville 7th and Fort Scott 8^th.  Abilene captured the top spot for seniors according to the study.  The research factored taxes, doctor’s offices, recreation centers and retirement centers per 1,000 people.

New hours and new menu items at the newly re-opened Phelps Hog Heaven.  They're open from 11:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday and Onwer Rick Phelps says they are always trying to update and do different things when it comes to the menu.

Phelps says every second and fourth Friday will be steak night.  He says they'll have their regular menu on those nights as well but also some more higher priced items.

Two of the three candidates in the Republican Primary race for Montgomery County Commission District 1 take part in a forum hosted by KGGF Radio. When asked how tax burdens might be lifted, Leon Rau would like to look at duplicate services from different levels of government.   Robert Bever deals with a multi-million dollar budget for road and bridge projects at the county and says a lot of the decision has to be made by what voters view as priority.

There is no Democratic challenger for the general election, so whoever wins the primary on Tuesday will likely be the one to take the seat being vacated by Ryan York.

Monday mornings Nowata County Commissioners meeting had to be moved due to the number of citizens in attendance. Former Sheriff James Hallet says he was there speaking on behalf of the citizens of Nowata County.

Hallet says he would like Sheriff Kenny Freeman to either resign or for the commissioners to take action.

Black Saddle Saloon in Caney to host a benefit pool tournament. Caney Police Officer Zach Ellison says proceeds from the tournament will go to Assistant Police Chief Ron Rooks.

Ellison says the tournament will be Saturday, August 4^th at 7:00pm and the entry fee is $25. The tournament winner will take home half of the winnings with the other half going to Rooks.

The hydration challenge is a new friendly competition set up by CRMC and the chamber of commerce here in Coffeyville. An easy way to keep up and track your daily water intake. Director of the Chamber Candi Westbrook says it’s open to anyone and if you sign up quick you’ll receive something extra. First 50 applicants will receive a water bottle and westbrook says if you do well enough in the challenge some awards will be given out at the end. Westbrook also states it’s a very easy way to train yourself to continually drink water daily especially in the hotter months. To sign up call or visit the chamber of commerce here in coffeyville and they will give you a sheet to keep track of your intake.

An Independence man is taken to the hospital following a crash on U-S 169 near Cherryvale's Main Street. The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 81-year-old Jerry Plumley was westbound on Main and failed to yield to the north-bound semi on U-S 169.  The two vehicles collided.   Plumley was transported to a Joplin hospital.

The driver of the semi, 57-year-old Steven Blunkall, of Missouri, was not injured.

Decision 2018! Republican voters in Montgomery County Commission District 1 will likely select the next county commissioner. There is a three-way, winner take all race in that primary. This evening at 6 p.m., KGGF News hosts a candidate forum at Independence Memorial Hall. You're invited to attend in person or tune in for live coverage on the Mighty 690 KGGF. The candidates are Robert Bever, Leon Rau and Jack Reddick.

Sponsored by Taylor Crane and Rigging and O'Malley Equipment.

The Pirate Pantry. A great way to support your area college students by providing a few extra items of food or necessities for the week.We spoke with ICC’s Brittany Thornton on how they supply so much food and supplies for all the students Food and toilet paper should be the last thing a college student is worried about especially during test times. That's the mission of a program over at ICC to help improve the care of their students by supplying food and other necessities As Thornton had mentioned the fundraising allowed them supply the pantry full of food and other items. Though she does want the public, to keep their ears open for food drives popping up around to further support the Pirate Pantry.