U.S. Senator Jerry Moran visited Coffeyville today. His first stop was at Coffeyville Community College to present the Red Ravens basketball team with a proclamation congratulating them on their 2021 National Championship. Senator Moran says he is a community college supporter.

Moran says students don't need to go away to college to find success and that you can accomplish great things by staying home. He says community colleges are a significant part of the state's past, present and future.

Cherokee County Deputies arrest a rural Scammon man. Last night, deputies were called to a report of a possible burglary at a home in the northern part of the county.

Deputies responded to the residence just before 9:00pm and took 39-year-old Wesley Woods into custody as he was exiting the home. Woods was transported to the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of burglary and criminal damage to property.

A class at Community Elementary in Coffeyville has given a name to the frog slide at the Coffeyville Aquatic Center.  Mrs. Nichol’s 3rd grade class at CES submitted the winning name of Mr. Ribbits. The class got to travel to the Aquatic Center to take their photo with the slide.

The Aquatic Center says they would to thank all the area elementary classes that submitted name suggestions. They also want to thank First Student Bussing for donating transportation to the Aquatic Center and Sonic Drive-In of Coffeyville for donating corn dogs and slushes to treat the class.

A Caney Police Department K9 handler and K9 officer have completed another step in their training processes.

K9 Handler Chris Furr and K9 Ozzy have completed the certification process. Not only did Officer Furr and Ozzy get certified, they also participated in the K9 trials in Tulsa finishing 9th out of 22 other handlers.

Caney PD says they would like to thank the Bartlesville Police Department K9 unit for their training of Officer Furr and Ozzy. BPD placed 1^st in the K trials in Tulsa.

Fab Lab ICC is hosting a blues night coming up in the middle of May.

The event is an evening of blues music and hand-crafted guitars that will take place on Saturday, May 14th at Sassy’s Event Center.  Fab Lab ICC and Tuneslinger productions are co-sponsoring the event featuring performances by Martin and The Dead Guys with special guest, David Howard.

Director of the Fab Lab ICC Jim Correll says they got involved with sponsoring the local and area music scene last year with their sponsorship of the “Meadowlark Lounge” songwriter events at the Independence Historical Society. He says this fits in well with their efforts at helping people make their own guitars. Tickets are available for $17.50 on the Fab Lab ICC website but can also be purchased at the door for $20. Click Here to purchase tickets. 

Once Upon a Mattress begins tonight at Coffeyville Community College.

The performance will begin at 7:00pm in the Spencer/Rounds Theater on campus. The play is directed by Chris Auten with music being directed by David Wiggins. Come experience live music, singing and a great story. The event is free to attend.

The performances will take place through Sunday with each one beginning  at 7:00pm. 

A U.S. Senator has plans to make two stops in town tomorrow. Senator Jerry Moran will be making visits to Coffeyville Community College and to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

Senator Moran will be at the Student Union on the CCC Campus at 12:15pm tomorrow to present the resolution congratulating the CCC men's basketball team on winning the National Championship in 2021. Then at 1:15pm he will stop by CRMC.

In President Joe Biden’s first 14 months in office, more than 12,000lbs of fentanyl have been seized at the southern border and in the past three months, Kansas has seen more than 2,500 drug overdoses. Senator Roger Marshall says Kansans’ biggest concerns are inflation and the safety and security of their families.

Marshall says everyone needs to realize that a teaspoon of fentanyl could kill one or two thousand people. Last month Wichita police officers seized over 7,000 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop. Marshall says fentanyl is now being added to other drugs to make them more potent.

A deck of playing cards including information about unsolved crimes in Kansas will soon be distributed to state prisons. The Kansas Department of Corrections along with other entities have developed the Cold Case Playing Cards as a way of generating tips that may help resolve cases of unsolved crimes.

Included in the deck of cards is a two of clubs that has information on Floyd Johnson, a homicide victim in Coffeyville. On April 12, 2009, Johnson was found dead of a gunshot wound in Coffeyville. A light-colored, small car driven by a white female and occupied by several black males was seen firing at Floyd.  Anyone with information on the unsolved homicide of Floyd Johnson should call the Coffeyville Police Department at (620)252-6160.

Agriculture exports for the state of Kansas surpassed $5 billion for the first time in ten years. The state exported $5.35 billion in agricultural goods in 2021. Those exports were also $1.30 billion more than in 2020.

Governor Kelly says Kansans have long-known that farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers are vital to the state’s economy. She says Kansas is a national leader in agriculture, and setting these records solidifies the important role the state also has on a global scale. The top export for Kansas in 2021 was meat making up $2.06 billion, with the second being cereals making up $1.51 billion.

A U.S. Senator and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies questioned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Biden administration’s response to rising crime. Senator Jerry Moran says violent crime continues to lack the attention it requires.

Moran says there has also been an increase in attacks against police officers. He says it is no surprise that police departments and sheriff's offices are short-staffed and having issues recruiting new police officers.

Two are arrested in Caney on multiple drug charges. Caney Police Officers arrested 52-year-old Shawn Timmerman, of Caney, and 52-year-old Debbie Davis, of Coffeyville.

Timmerman is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and failure to appear. Davis is facing charges of possession of marijuana and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

Independence Community College recognized over 25 individuals during the Student Leadership Awards. Students were nominated by faculty, staff and their peers within six different categories. Each award recipient was required to meet specific GPA requirements.

Vice President of Student Affairs David Adams says he is proud of the students at ICC he is happy the school is able to recognize the passion, dedication and hard work of the students.

The two recipients of the Student Leader of the Year Award went to Mary-Lynn White and Jayda Van Dyke. The full list of categories and award winners can be seen below.

MLK Drum Major:

Employee: Keith Donerson

Community Member: Phillip Chappuie

Student: Mary-Lynn White

Anna Plays awardees:

Best Supporting Actor in a Female presenting Role: Alex Swartz

Best Supporting Actor in a male presenting role: Isha Hill

Best Actor in a Female presenting Roll: Rosie Rosenburg (Past ICC student)

Best Actor in a Male presenting Roll: Miguel Martinez

People's Choice Award: Isha Hill

Best Play: Hannah Rae (IHS Student)

Best Director: Chelsea Jarman-Storment

Margaret Goheen Scholarship recipient: Isha Hill

Resident Assistant of the Year:

Jayda Van Dyke

Brin Stark

John C. Pittman Team MVP Awards:

Men’s Basketball: Johan Nziemi

Women’s Basketball: Maisa Marcal

Volleyball: Kaitlyn Creek

Football: Jeffrey M’ba

Softball: Kenna Ferguson

Cheer and Dance: Maria Arthaud

Powerlifting: Lance Moore

Athletic Trainer: Antonia Stewart

E-Sports: Jordan Hayes

Student Success Award:

Mary-Lynn White

Venice Delamarter

Coffeyville’s Ron Bryce has announced that he will run for State Representative. 

Bryce will be seeking the 11th District seat currently occupied by long-time state representative Jim Kelly of Independence.  Kelly announced last Friday that he would not seek re-election.  Bryce says he is a longtime admirer of Kelly.

Bryce, in an interview with KGGF, says there is a number of issues that he wants to focus on.  Bryce is a retired doctor who currently owns and operates, along with his family the Coffeyville Coffee Company and a real estate renovation company.   

An Independence Community College professor has had formal charges of rape filed against him.  A Special Prosecutor assigned to the case has had the formal charge filed against ICC music instructor Larry Markiewicz.  Markiewicz, who was arrested more than a week ago has been released on a $50,000 bond and has been ordered to remain under court supervision.

Special Prosecutor David Yoder has filed charges against Markiewicz of rape, aggravated sexual battery and furnishing alcohol or CMB to a minor.  The alleged crimes occurred on March 30^th and 31^st and Markiewicz is currently on paid administrative leave from ICC.

Cherokee County EMS responds to a call involving an active vehicle on fire.

Early this morning, a Cherokee County EMS crew returning from another call heard over their radio about an active vehicle on fire. The car was found on SE 40th and Wyandotte Road near a residence.

The EMS crew made sure residents remained back from the scene and awaited the arrival of the fire department. No injuries were reported but the car was a total loss. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The National Championship Kansas Jayhawk basketball team visited the state capital.

Yesterday, Governor Laura Kelly hosted Bill Self and the team for a celebration of their championship. Governor Kelly hosted a proclamation ceremony and alongside Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman held a reception for the team.

She says it was an honor to host the team in recognition of their hard work. April 25, 2022 was recognized as KU Men's Basketball National Championship Victory Day.

The Nowata County Commissioners discussed several financial items at yesterday morning’s meeting. First, the board approved a resolution to allocate $1.9 million of ARPA funds. Those funds will be paid out in two separate installments. The commissioners then heard from Nowata County Emergency Management director Laurie Summers. She had previously presented an opportunity to purchase emergency light towers through a matching grant. Summers says several counties are wanting to place a bulk order to save on shipping.

The board discussed the possible options before deciding to table the item. Summers says she wants to consult with Washington County to see other pricing options for the product. The commissioners also opened and accepted bids for asphalt and other road materials. Those bids could be potentially awarded at next Monday’s meeting.

The Kansas Attorney General has filed an appeal with the Wyandotte County District Court.

AG Derek Schmidt says he is appealing the ruling that legislation enacted in early February to reapportion Kansas congressional districts violates the Kansas constitution. The district court ordered the Legislature to redraw the districts.

Schmidt says the court's decision may be the first redistricting case ever to make use of folk-song lyrics, the Buddha, and personal memories from the judge’s childhood.

The ICC Fine Arts department is inviting the public to its latest music concert early next month.

The concert features the Community Chorale, conducted by Bridget Carson, and the Chamber Singers conducted by Theresa Fisher. The Concert Band, also conducted by Carson, will also feature alongside guest conductors Don Farthing, Thomas Mackiewicz, and Quiton Bockhold.

The concert is May 1st at 2 PM, at the William Inge Theatre. Admission for the entire event is completely free of charge.

The Sedan Police Department is taking to Facebook to remind citizens to keep their dogs secured.

According to the department, there has been a "dramatic uptick" in dog-at-large complaints, some of which have resulted in close calls involving people or other, properly-leashed animals. 

It is unlawful to allow dogs to run at large throughout the city. The department asks that people control their pets so that people may roam the streets without fear.

County commissions will begin to work on budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Labette County Commission met with the Community Corrections Administrative Director Mac Young to hear his comprehensive plan and budget for the fiscal year 2023. Juvenile Justice Authority Director Gina Dolechek met with the commissioners regarding a grant application for fiscal year 2023. Emergency Management Director Charlie Morse gave the commission the annual solid waste update for the year.

The commissioners also heard bids for a bridge and culvert project in the county. Commission Chairman Lonie Addis, whose term is up this year, had originally said he would not run for re-election but is now saying he is undecided.

A Coffeyville man has been arrested in Caney on multiple charges.

Last night at around 9:45pm, Caney Police Officers were dispatched to a disturbance at the Garden Walk Apartments. At the residence, officers came into contact with 48-year-old Jarod Johnston, who had previously been charged with criminal trespassing at this location. During the arrest, Johnston resisted officers but was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

At the jail methamphetamine and marijuana were found on Johnston. He is being held on charges of possession with intent to distribute, interference with a law enforcement officer, trespassing and trafficking contraband into a correction facility.

The Kansas legislature recovenes today for what it calls its "veto session."

Starting late Monday morning, the House and Senate will vote on whether to override bills previously vetoed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. To do so, the bill must pass in both the House and Senate again, this time with a two-thirds majority.

Although most of the focus of the session is on the potential override of vetoes, other bills are still waiting for passage. One such bill that most legislators, including state Senator Virgil Peck, expect to pass is a bill cutting the state's food tax. According to Peck, most support lowering the percentage paid on groceries, but others still support lowering taxes elswhere instead.

The veto session won't wrap up until everything is considered to be done, but Peck hopes to be finished by the end of the week.

The 3^rd Annual Independence BBQ Cook-off wrapped up Saturday with over $4000 raised for 8-year-old Daniel who is fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Over 200 plates were sold and nine BBQ teams and 23 cornhole teams competed in the competitions Saturday.

13-year-old Kaiden Blake, of Tahlequah, OK, was grand champion overall. Blake, who is battling his own medical conditions, finished 1^st in both chicken and brisket, 4^th in both ribs and dessert and 6^th in beans. Reserve Grand Champion went to Chad Commons, of Pittsburg. Commons, of Grilla Pit BBQ, finished second in beans, chicken, ribs and brisket and finished 6^th in dessert. The 4^th Annual Independence BBQ Cook-off is scheduled for April 22^nd, 2023.

Multiple nights of below-freezing temperatures recently have put some winter wheat at risk.

If the growing point of wheat was exposed for a long enough time there may have been damage. K-State Wheat Production Specialist Romulo Lollato says you will need to sample the fields for damage.

Lollato says wheat does have the capacity to re-tiller, so if the primary tillers were injured by a freeze, the plant can still recover and be productive, as long as there is favorable weather ahead.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office made an arrest after executing a warrant.

45-year-old Terry Ray Henry, of Ochelata, was arrested on a warrant for 1st-degree burglary, 1st-degree arson, and cruelty to animals. The arrest warrant is the result of an in-depth, multi-agency investigation into a fire that occurred on April 20th at around 8 am.

The fire occurred in the 31000 block of N 3952 Rd which is south of Ochelata. Henry is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

State Representative Jim Kelly announced today that he will not seek re-election to another term in the State legislature.  Kelly has been the 11^th District State Representative for the past ten years and the 12^th District Representative for two years before that. 

In a statement released today, Kelly said it has been an incredible experience being a part of Montgomery County for the past 26 years and that he looks forward to remaining involved in volunteer efforts throughout Montgomery County in the future.

The Jim Halsey “Images” Exhibition opens tomorrow at the Independence Historical Museum and Arts Center.

The exhibit features photographs and caricatures of many well-known celebrities that have been represented by Halsey, a former Independence native. Museum Board Member Mike Flood says the list of celebrities is quite impressive.

Some of the artists whose work will be on display include Annie Liebowitz, Bruno of Hollywood and Raul Vega along with many others. The Museum is located at 123 N 8^th Street in downtown Independence.

A Tulsa man has been arrested by Caney police after being confronted over a stolen cell phone.

An officer with the Caney Police Department was on routine patrol Thursday when they noticed an argument in the Dollar Store parking lot. After being flagged down, it was explained that a store employee's cell phone had been stolen from inside the store. Employees followed three individuals to their truck where the victim attempted to ping the cell phone. The phone then started ringing inside the truck.

The officer reviewed store footage and identified 18-year-old Bill McCormack of Tulsa as the person who had stolen the cell phone. He was arrested for misdemenanor theft and has been given a date to appear in court.

The Caney Police Department does not recommend confronting suspects such as in this case, as it could be dangerous to do so.

A Caney Police Officer and his K9 partner have completed their training.

Officer Chris Furr and his K9 Ozzy have successfully completed their 80-hour course with the Bartlesville Police Department K9 Unit. Officer Furr and Ozzy spent many hours the past two weeks doing narcotic searches with vehicles and buildings and as well as article searches.

Caney PD would like to thank Bartlesville Police Department Captain Troy Newell and K9 Trainer Cody Lemmons for the time and assistance they have shown the Caney department and community.

The Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. The event is from 10:00am to 2:00pm tomorrow. Museum's Lisa Brookover says there will be a car show, a guest speaker, and much more.

Brookover says the event is free. Normal hours for the museum are Saturday and Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm or by appointment. You can schedule a visit by calling the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce or Brookover herself at (620)251-2145.

The first Fourth and Live concert event of the summer has been announced.

The Caney Community Betterment Group Foundation’s first concert of the year will take place on Friday night May 27th at 6:00pm with the Eli Young Band performing. Tickets are on sale now and are $25 in advance and will be $35 at the gate on the day of the concert.

Crews are still at the scene trying to clear a train derailment in Coffeyville. 

The derailment occurred this morning near the Union Pacific rail yard.  Traffic on 14^th Street continues to be blocked just west of Spruce Street.  No injuries were reported in the accident and crews hope to have the train cars cleared and 14^th Street re-open later this evening.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed the state budget for the fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

In that budget, $28.5 million in matching funds was provided for community college program and facility enhancements. Coffeyville Community College President Dr. Marlon Thornburg says community and technical colleges did very well this year in the legislative session as far as the budget is concerned.

Dr. Thornburg says they will also fully fund the excel and CTE programs. Dr. Thornburg says at the moment they don't have anything planned for the upcoming year but will see some of that money for that program. He says the school is pleased with what the legislature has done.

The first of four Coffeyville Community College Open House Enrollment Days is tomorrow.  Register to join CCC for one of these days at the Student Success Center in Weinberg Hall. During the enrollment days, students will have the opportunity to take their FAFSA and RedConnect 101 sessions to gain further understanding of the student portal software.

Students will also have a chance to tour the main campus, learn more about Red Raven Student Life, and attend a Housing 101 session. Parents or legal guardians are welcome to join. The dates for the other Open House Days include May 5^th, May 19^th and June 2^nd.  

Open House Enrollment Day Schedule

FAFSA 101 - 10:00am and 1:00pm
RedConnect 101- 10:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm
Advising/Enrollment - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Campus Tours 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Red Raven Student Life and Housing 101- 11:30am and 1:30pm

The Coffeyville Fire Department receives donation of blankets.

The 20 fleece tie blankets were handmade by local high school students. The students made the blankets as a part of the SkillsUSA program for a community service project sponsored by Beth Conrad and others.

These blankets can be given to comfort a child after a fire or auto accident to help with anxiety from the tragedy. Captain Pete Caresio says on behalf of CFD, he wants to thank the students who participate in this program and chose this for their community service project.

Inflation in the United States has risen by over 8.5% in the last year. Congressman Jake LaTurner says the big issue and the reason this has happened is that the government has pumped trillions of dollars into the economy.

LaTurner says what's unfortunate is that the President's plan to solve the issue is to spend more money but that is what caused the issue in the first place.

The Coffeyville Police Department needs help identifying a suspect.

CPD is currently investigating multiple thefts by this suspect in the last week. If anyone can identify him send CPD a message or call dispatch. You can remain anonymous.

A suspect, who was wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office for a shooting in Baxter Springs, has been taken into custody.

38-year-old Shawn Houston was wanted on an outstanding attempted murder warrant after investigators responded to a shooting in rural Baxter Springs Monday morning.

Just after 11:00pm last night, law enforcement in Greene County Missouri attempted to stop the vehicle Houston was in when it fled and eventually wrecked. Houston was arrested and is currently being held in the Greene County Jail pending extradition back to Kansas.

An Independence man is arrested for distribution and child endangerment.

Late last week, Independence Police officers along with Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies, and the KBI served a search warrant at 41-year-old Curtis Brashar’s residence. The search warrant resulted from an investigation into the suspected overdose of a juvenile in Independence.

Officers seized several items including drug paraphernalia, various powdery and crystalline substances, pills believed to be Xanax or a similar controlled substance, marijuana plants, marijuana and a firearm. IPD arrested Brashar on numerous drug-related charges as well as aggravated endangering of a child and contributing to a child's misconduct.

A routine traffic stop in Independence leads to a drug arrest of a Wisconsin teenager.

At around 7:15pm Friday, Independence Police officers were on patrol when a vehicle was observed driving at a high rate of speed. During the traffic stop, an officer recognized occupants behaving suspiciously and then noticed the smell of marijuana in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and seized 1.83 pounds of marijuana.

IPD arrested 19-year-old Loyal Crawford of Eau Claire, Wisconsin for distribution of a hallucinogen, possession of paraphernalia, and minor traffic violations.

A drive-by shooting over the weekend is under investigation in Parsons.

Parsons Police were called to the 500 block of south 31st Street Saturday evening after receiving a report of gunshots being heard. Officers arrived and began searching for shell casings, finding casings in front of a residence. Contact was made with the sole occupant in the house who was identified as 39-year-old Jasmine Pierce of Parsons. The shooting was determined to be no random act of violence. The house and intended occupant were the intended target. The motive is still unclear at this time.

Parsons police is following up on leads for this case. This continues to be ongoing investigation and citizens are encouraged to report any further information to the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060.

A U.S. Representative from Kansas is back visiting the area he grew up in and now represents. Congressman Jake LaTurner stopped by the KGGF studios and discussed his recent visit to Eastern Europe. He says it was an eye-opening experience.

LaTurner says it was really heartwarming to see the countries that he visited that have opened their doors to the people of Ukraine. LaTurner says in the past the U.S. has footed the bill for NATO and other European nations have not stepped up but now that is changing.

A man who had previously been named as a suspect in a Parsons bar shooting has been arrested in another state.

David Lamont Young III was arrested Tuesday morning in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the suspect in a March 5th shooting at the Somewhere Else Bar that resulted in one man being shot and sent to the hospital.

Parsons police filed charges and received an arrest warrant for attempted 2nd degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm. The U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force followed up on that warrent as the suspect had left the the Parsons police's jurisdiction.

This continues to be an ongoing investigation.

State Representative Doug Blex visited the Chautauqua County Commission on Monday morning.

Blex, whose district includes all of Chatuauqua, and parts of Montgomery, Cowley, and Butler Counties, spoke with the commission on his plans involving property taxes and the upcoming food sales tax. Blex currently serves on the legistlature's Taxation Committee.

The state representative also updated the committee on his plans involving veterans benefits, which could potentially include property tax exemptions on up to two personal vehicles.

The Third Annual Independence BBQ Cook-off is this weekend. Organizer Brett Trotter says this year they are supporting an 8-year-old boy who is battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Trotter says the cook-off is this Saturday at Newton's True Value with People's Choice starting at 12:30pm.  Trotter says this year they have added a cornhole tournament to the event. If you want to find out more information or how to compete in either the BBQ competition or cornhole tournament you can head to the cook-off Facebook page.

Nowata County Commissioners approve accepting bids for repairs to the sheriff's garage roof. This was something that had previously been brought up by Sheriff Jason McLain at a recent meeting. Chairman Burke LaRue says he has discussed the repairs with a contractor and that it would make the most sense to repair the entire roof.

A Rural Economic Action Plan grant application for $50,000 had been approved. This will help cover costs associated with the repair. Sheriff McLain says depending on how the bids come in he may request funds from ARPA.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Department is looking for a suspect after a shooting in Baxter Springs.

Deputies responded to a shooting just after midnight yesterday. EMS transported a 41-year-old shooting victim to a Joplin hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff's detectives processed the scene and secured an arrest warrant as a result of their investigation. 38-year-old Shawn Houston is being sought on allegations of attempted second-degree murder and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about Houston's whereabouts is asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at (620)429-3992, 620-848-3000 or submit a tip anonymously by texting 888777. Just type 'tip cherokee' followed by the information available.

A traffic stop for a suspended license turns into a drug arrest of a Caney man.

Sunday, a Caney Police Officer observed a subject driving who the officer knew had a suspended driver's license. The driver, identified as A.J. Haughn, was taken into custody. After searching the vehicle officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Haughn was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Jail where he faces his third offense of driving while suspended as well as charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

A ribbon-cutting and park dedication is set for next weekend in Coffeyville.

The Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad and the Coffeyville Area Community Foundation is hosting a ribbon-cutting of the UP pocket park downtown. The park will provide a location for gatherings of all sizes, festivals, music and much more.

The event is April 30th with activities starting at 12:00pm and the ribbon-cutting at 5:00pm.  The Back Roads Band will be performing after the ribbon-cutting at 5:00pm.

The Kansas Attorney General is asking the Kansas Supreme Court to approve the newly redrawn legislative district maps that were signed into law.

The Kansas constitution requires legislators to redraw all 40 Kansas Senate districts and 125 House of Representative districts to reflect population changes from the 2020 census. Legislators approved the new boundaries with large, bipartisan majorities and the governor signed into law the bill creating the new district boundaries.

AG Derek Schmidt says the new legislative district boundaries appear to satisfy all legal requirements. Schmidt will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to approve the new district boundaries as quickly as possible so candidates filing for this year's legislative elections can proceed without delay.

The Independence Community College Associate Professor of Music has been arrested on numerous charges.

The Independence Police Department arrested 53-year-old Lawrence Markiewicz on charges of rape, sexual intercourse with a physically powerless victim, aggravated sexual battery where the victim is mentally unstable and furnishing alcohol or CMB to a minor.

He is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond. Police Chief Jerry Harrison says the case has been turned over to the county prosecutor's office.

A shed fire leads to an arrest and recovery of drugs in Cherokee County.

Deputies responded to a fire in Weir yesterday afternoon. Firefighters from the Weir, Cherokee Township, Scammon and Columbus Fire Departments were extinguishing a storage shed fire. The investigation into the cause of the fire led deputies to arrest 28-year-old Francis Ira Dylan Hauck, of Frontenac.

Hauck allegedly started the fire by dropping a lit cigarette while attempting to steal copper wire from inside the shed. In addition, he was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Hauck was transported to the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The Independence Historical Museum and Art Center is expected to name a new Director soon. 

The Museum has never had a Director and Board Chairman Ray Rothgeb says hiring a one will help to keep the Museum one of the premier museums in the region.

Rothgeb says a new Director should be announced soon. The Independence Museum and Arts Center is located in the former post office building in downtown Independence.

A special photography exhibit is coming to the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center. Jim Halsey's Images is a collection of photos and drawings of music artists by well-known celebrity photographers and artists. Museum Board Member Mike Flood says it's an incredible collection of work.

Photos include Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dwight Yoakam and many more. The exhibition includes the works of famous photographers including Annie Liebowitz, Bruno of Hollywood, Alan Messer and others. Admission is free and the exhibition will open next Saturday, April 23^rd with a book signing from 11:00am to 1:00pm with Billy Park, John Wooley and Brett Bingham.

Coffeyville Community College has named two students to the All Kansas Academic Team for 2022.

Mariah Clopp, of Caney, is studying pre-veterinary medicine with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend Kansas State University next fall. Clopp serves as the president for the Eta Gamma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Clopp will graduate with her associates in May. Raign Pankratz, of Wichita, is studying Elementary Education with a 3.9 GPA. She plans to attend Wichita State University next fall. Pankratz is an active Phi Theta Kappa member, as well as a cheerleader and will graduate with her associate’s degree in May.

Both were honored with a medal, certificate and a $300 stipend. Being named to the All-Kansas Academic Team guarantees them a minimum of a $1000 scholarship at one of the six Regents University, Washburn University, and several private colleges in Kansas.

The Coffeyville Fire Department teamed up with CVR Firefighters for training.

Firefighters worked together at the gas training props in Northeast Coffeyville. Fire Chief Kenny Ward says these training simulations help us to continue to work as a team to understand how the water supply and nozzles can make a protective screen. He says this will protect firefighters during propane incidents and allow them to turn off or possibly plug a device.

The Independence Fire Department responds to a report of a car on fire.

Members of IFD's 3^rd shift responded to the car fire at around 2:13am this morning in the 3000 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue. There were no occupants in or around the vehicle. The fire is being investigated by the Independence Police Department.

A Parsons man was convicted on two child sex offenses under the Kansas Jessica’s Law statute.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says 37-year-old Jared W. Bybee pleaded no contest in Labette County District Court to two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Judge Steve Stockard accepted Bybee’s plea and set sentencing for September 23^rd.

Under the state’s Jessica’s Law, Bybee faces a presumptive sentence of life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years for each count before eligibility for parole. The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2016 and involved two different victims under the age of 10. 

Easter is this weekend, and county offices are responding accordingly.

All Montgomery County offices will be closed Friday, April 15th. In Observance of Good Friday, no offices will be open for business all day.

Normal business will resume the following Monday, April 18th.

Two are arrested in Pittsburg after police respond to reports of an altercation.

Yesterday afternoon at around 1:51pm, Pittsburg Police Officers were dispatched to a residence for a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived on the scene they found one subject, 21-year-old Davante Lamonte Brandon Bowman-Ragland, with a handgun. Bowman-Ragland got into an altercation with the officer but was taken into custody without incident.

The other subject, 19-year-old Jordan Hayes, fled from officers. Officers were able to locate Hayes and take him into custody. Bowman-Ragland was arrested for criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, and an active failure to appear warrant. Hayes was arrested on an active warrant out of Crawford County.

A Pittsburg man is arrested after firing shots at two others near an elementary school.

Earlier this week, Pittsburg Police Officers were dispatched to the area of George Nettles Elementary for a report of two subjects being shot at. The victims reported being followed and then shot at by 41-year-old Elijah Andrew Shead. Officers and detectives began a search for Shead and located and arrested him on Tuesday.

Shead, who is currently on parole with the Kansas Department of Corrections, did bond out of jail. An arrest and detain order was later issued by the Kansas Department of Corrections for violation of parole conditions, related to the initial incident. Crawford County deputies took Shead back into custody yesterday. He is currently being held in the Crawford County Jail with no bond.

A former Nowata City Clerk has been elected to the Nowata School Board. Tammy Maddux defeated Kendra Watson 148 votes to 125, which is 53.6% of the vote. Maddux says she has a number of things she'd like to accomplish as a board member.

Maddux says she wanted to serve on the NPS board but wanted to wait until after her children had graduated. She ran for an open school board seat in last year's election but lost to Dee Armstrong. Maddux served in her first school board meeting on Monday.

Registration is open for a new beginner's quilting class at the Independence Community College Fab Lab.

Classes start April 28th, and will be held each Tuesday and Thursday until May 30th. Each class is taught by local quilting and sewing expert Janet Mayes, owner of The Little Orange Patch in Independence. Participants will work on a quilting project measuring 81 inches by 96 inches.

The cost of the class is $149. To register, or for more information, visit the ICC Fab Lab website. Limited scholarship funding is available.

The City of Independence, the Community Beautification Committee and the Chamber of Commerce are teaming up for spring cleaning activities around town during the last week of the month.

Residents are encouraged to join the effort April 24^th through April 30^th, as the city will offer several free and expanded services to assist with clean-up activities. Residential dumpsters will be offered free of charge for one-day use. Residents may reserve an eight-yard dumpster by calling (620) 877-4553. The City Sanitation Yard and Brush Dump will be open during the week from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

April 30^th is the 6^th annual LOVE Independence day, which is a day for residents and businesses to perform random acts of kindness in the community. Also beginning on April 30^th are weekly cleanup walks that will take place every Saturday at 9:00am through September.

It's time to vote for the new name of the Coffeyville Aquatic Center.

There are five options to choose from those include AquaVille, Big Hill Splash, Coffeyville Waterworks, Jerry Liebert Aquatic Center and SplashVille. A link to vote can be found here. You can also vote at the city clerk's office. The voting will end on April 25^th. The new name will be revealed at the 20th-anniversary celebration on July 4^th.

The Independence Police Department as well as other law enforcement agencies are celebrating this week as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

This week honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment and render life-saving assistance. Police Chief Jerry Harrison says the dispatchers are the unsung heroes of public safety. He says you may never meet them, but without them, there would be no public safety.

Pittsburg Police Officers arrest a man for sexual assault.

A report was made to the Pittsburg PD involving the possible sexual assault of a 14-year-old. Two separate incidents were reported to have occurred at two different locations within Pittsburg both incidents occurred at the end of March. An investigation led to the identification of the suspect, 22-year-old Oscar Hernandez Lopez. This investigation also revealed evidence to support the victim’s claims.

On Monday, detectives took Lopez into custody and transported him to the police department for questioning before transporting him to the Crawford County Jail. Lopez was booked on one count of rape and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

A former Bartlesville High School teacher was charged for supplying alcohol and cocaine to female students.

Trey Cabler is facing charges of distributing a controlled dangerous substance within 2,000 feet of a school and providing alcohol to a person under 21 years of age. A female student stated that Cabler bought her alcohol on three separate occasions.

A second victim alleged that Cabler knew of her previous substance issues and repeatedly texted her to come over to his apartment to use cocaine. She came to the residence and met Cabler outside where he gave her a half-gram of cocaine, but she never entered the residence out of fear for her safety. Cabler lived within 500 feet of St. John’s Catholic School and within 1,200 feet of Central Middle School. His bond was set at $50,000 with conditions of no contact with the victims, any unrelated minors or any of his former students.

A man and woman are arrested in Cherokee County after a report of suspicious activity near a Riverton church.

As deputies responded to the area, a man wearing a mask approached a church van carrying a Sawzall. After realizing he had been seen, the man fled the area. Deputies located the vehicle north of Riverton. During the stop, deputies located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, brass knuckles, and tools commonly used to assist with thefts of catalytic converters. Deputies also discovered stolen property.

Arrested at the scene of the traffic stop were 35-year-old Zachary Davenport and 39-year-old Leah Anne Isbell. Davenport is being held on a Jasper County felony warrant along with allegations of attempted theft, criminal carrying of a weapon and possession. Isbell is being held on allegations of attempted theft.

A routine traffic stop in Independence leads to a warrant arrest with felony charges added.

A Montgomery County Sheriff's deputy pulled over a red minivan for expired registration. A man, later identified as Travis Jones, was in the front passenger seat not wearing his seatbelt and trying to hide his face. The passenger provided a fake name and date of birth to the deputy but was identified by another deputy.

Jones had several warrants in the county and as the deputies attempted to take him into custody he spit in one of their faces. After a brief struggle, Jones was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle where he started kicking the windows and doors. Upon arrival at the Department of Correction, jail personnel found MDMA on Jones. In addition to the 7 arrest warrants, Jones was booked for felony interference, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, trafficking contraband into a correction facility and possession.

A second round of severe weather is expected tonight as a line of storms will move southeastward.

The chance for storms is much higher this evening than this afternoon. The main threat is large quarter-sized hail and wind gusts around 60mph. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out for this evening as well.

If a storm does form this afternoon the atmosphere is suitable for severe weather. We could see tennis ball sized hail, 70mph wind gusts and a few tornadoes. The likelihood of an afternoon storm is low, however.  

Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies pursue a stolen vehicle.

Yesterday morning, the sheriff's office received a report of a stolen 2022 Nissan Armada traveling in the county. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled at a high rate of speed leading officers on a pursuit. As the vehicle approached Sedan, tire deflation devices were successfully deployed. The vehicle continued north on K99 where Elk County Officers joined the pursuit.

Near the junction of Highway 160, the vehicle left the roadway and overturned. The male driver was arrested after treatment of minor injuries. A female passenger and four children were treated and released. The driver is facing multiple charges in both counties.

The Visual Arts Department at Independence Community College welcomed art submissions from high school seniors, incoming college students and current college students. The submissions are for a Juried Art Exhibition that will be on display in the ICC Fine Arts Building until April 29^th. A reception and awards ceremony was held at the end of last week in the Black Box Theatre.

Students had the opportunity to win scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Daisy Blackmore finished first and will receive a $2,0000 scholarship, Lillian Sears gets a $1,000 scholarship for 2^nd and finishing third and receiving a $500 scholarship is Dontae Coleman.

A second victim has passed away in a Tulsa hospital from the stabbing incident that occurred last week in Bartlesville. Police were notified that the suspect's uncle, Charles Ford, passed away. Bartlesville Police Chief Tracy Roles says this victim is not a tribal citizen.

With the second victim's death, the State of Oklahoma has charged Dustin Blackfeet with first-degree murder with deliberate intent and assault and battery with intent to kill. Blackfeet's bond is now set at two million dollars and he is due back in court on Friday, April 22^nd at 9:00am.

A tax exemption for certain ATVs could be going away in the state of Kansas. ATVs with more than one seat could be considered passenger vehicles and would no longer qualify for the farm tax exemption. Property tax on ATVs in the state of Kansas is 30%, which is a substantial increase from not having to pay property taxes due to the exemption.

Labette County Appraiser DeLinda White says at the moment they don't have any official guidelines on this change or have a timetable for when it will or could be put in place. The Labette County Commissioners also had concerns about how to enforce proper permits to see if property tax was being paid on these vehicles.  

The Independence Police Department is seeking any information regarding a two-year-old missing person case.

Detreck Foster was reported missing on May 12, 2020, and was last seen around April 12, 2020, in Independence. KBI agents and detectives from IPD suspect foul play in Foster’s disappearance and believe someone has information that will help resolve the case. Foster has been described as a black male, 5'9", weighing approximately 190 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or IPD at (620)332-1700. Anyone with information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Foster’s disappearance or murder is eligible for a $5,000 reward.

Expect more severe weather to move through the area tomorrow afternoon and evening.

The main threat will be large hail up to two inches and wind gusts up to eighty miles an hour. The threat of tornadoes cannot be ruled out but it appears that threat will diminish throughout the evening. The storm system looks to move into the Southeast Kansas area sometime after 7:00pm.

A U.S. Senator from Kansas continues to be outspoken about President Joe Biden's effect on gas prices and the war in Ukraine. Senator Roger Marshall says the President is trying to release a smokescreen, but Americans are much smarter than that.

Senator Marshall says the President has not only declared war on American energy by also on American Agriculture.  Senator Marshall says they have to implement secondary sanctions if possible because every day the war continues more people will be starving in the future.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is inviting citizens across the state to join a live Telephone Town Hall event to discuss the future of electric vehicle charging.

The meeting will be conducted entirely by phone and start at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, April 14. Citizens planning to attend the meeting are encouraged to sign up in advance. By signing up, each participant’s phone number will be automatically called at 6:30 p.m. that night and connect them to the meeting. The link to sign up for the meeting is: https://tthm.wufoo.com/forms/charge-up-kansas-telephone-town-hall-meeting/

You can also join the meeting by calling (888)-410-3427 for English, or you can call 844-881-1317 for Spanish on the night of the meeting.

Attendees will receive a short introduction on electric charging station investments to begin the meeting. They will then be able to ask KDOT staff questions involving the stations including possible costs, locations, or benefits. Participants also can share comments, vote in polls on their phones, or just listen to the meeting.

Parsons Police are expecting an increase in marijuana use on the 20^th of April.

April 20^th, more commonly known as 4/20, has become synonymous with marijuana use and, in some circles, the date is a marijuana "holiday." To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with Parsons PD to spread the message that drug-impaired driving of any kind is dangerous and illegal. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different”.

Drug-impaired driving is illegal nationwide, and it has been proven that THC can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 should have a plan in place and refrain from driving.

The Kansas Legislature is currently adjourned until April 25^th. State Senator Virgil Peck says they still have some things to take care of when they go back into session.

Peck says there are a number of Bills that will move on for Governor Laura Kelly to sign, including the Bill on a lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. The Bill that was approved will allow a lifetime license to be purchased for $300 for those five and under and $500 for those who are 6 or 7.

A magazine article detailing the history of Coffeyville's most famous outlaws will soon be available for purchase.

The May issue of True West magazine features the infamous Dalton Gang, who were active in the early 1890s. Coffeyville Tourism Director Amy Dollar said the article goes above and beyond when it comes to the amount of detail.

The May issue and all future issues of True West will be available for purchase at the Visit Coffeyville gift shop, located inside the Perkins building on South Walnut.

A Bartlesville man, who was arrested after a multi victim stabbing incident that left two injured and one dead, appeared in court yesterday. Charges have not yet been filed against Dustin Blackfeet. Bartlesville Police Captain Kevin Ickleberry says he could be facing two felony counts of aggravated assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation will be pursuing additional charges through Federal Court for the homicide of 33-year-old Andrea Long, Blackfeet's half-sister, since she is a Native American citizen. Blackfeet admitted to stabbing the two surviving victims, 63-year-old Belinda Long, Blackfeet's mother, and 49-year-old Charles Ford, his uncle. Bond for Blackfeet is set at $1,000,000. Charges could be formally charged on Monday.

A red flag warning is in effect in Montgomery County.

Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson is encouraging citizens not to burn due to the high fire danger. High wind speed and dry conditions can cause even the smallest fire to spread quickly. If you see a fire avoid the area and call 911.

Properly discard cigarettes, keep vehicles off of dry grass, avoid activities with an open flame or sparks, avoid power equipment that creates sparks and obey burn bans.  Evacuate if fire or smoke is heading your way or if ordered to by local officials.

The OK Cooking School is coming up this Tuesday in Bartlesville. Organizer Tina Romine says the doors will open up at 3:00pm at the Bartlesville Community Center.

Tickets can be purchased at the Bartlesville Community Center or at the community center website. Ticket holders will receive a goodie bag with coupons, cooking utensils and an OK Cooking School cookbook.

Holy Name Catholic School is holding their 50^th Annual School Carnival Friday, May 6^th.

The carnival is from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in the school gymnasium at 4^th and Willow. There will be food, games and prizes. Tickets for all activities can be purchased at the carnival or in advance from students. Carnival tickets are 50 cents each.

There will also be a raffle with 3 chances to win $100 for $1 per chance. There will be pizza, hot dogs, nachos, desserts and drinks. These can be purchased with either cash or carnival tickets. 

The Kansas Jayhawks were recognized on the Senate floor by both U.S. Senators from Kansas for their National Championship victory. Senator Jerry Moran says it is moments like this that Kansans remember forever.

Senator Roger Marshall, who is a KU grad, says he not only wants to congratulate KU but also North Carolina.  A resolution was passed by the Senate recognizing KU for winning the championship, the fourth in school history and first since 2008. The Jayhawks came back from a fifteen-point halftime deficit to win 72-69 over the Tar Heels.

A stabbing incident in Bartlesville leaves one dead and three others injured. Last night, a 911 call about a man with a knife came in around 7:00pm then a second call came in stating that someone had been stabbed. Bartlesville Police Captain Jay Hastings says when officers arrived at the scene they found three injured and the suspect.

Captain Hastings says one of the victims died on the way to the hospital. The other two victims were transported by Bartlesville EMS to a hospital in Tulsa. The investigation is ongoing and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been called to assist with the crime scene. The victim that died was a tribal citizen.

A rogue mobile home found abandoned in the middle of a southern Labette County road intrigued citizens and officials alike on Wednesday.

The Labette County Sheriff's Office shared pictures of the mobile home, which was found on Nations and Trego Road a day prior on Tuesday afternoon. Comments made online suggest that a nearby tractor had been pulling the home when the tires had blown out.

The owner of the mobile home was located later Wednesday evening, around 6:30 pm.

The Wildcat Extension District is offering a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class beginning in May. Agent Wendie Powell says the class will be on Tuesdays from 4:00pm to 5:30pm starting May 3^rd.

Powell says you can register online or by calling one of the extension offices. The class will be held at the SEK Assistive Technology Office in Parsons. You can find out more by visiting the Extension District Website.

An orthopedic surgeon has returned to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Sunil Menon previously worked at CRMC before briefly moving to Ponca City, Oklahoma. He returned earlier this year. Menon primarily works with patients who have prominent knee or hip pain. He may also deal with fractures or injuries of a similar nature. To avoid having issues in the first place, Menon said remaining active is the best way to keep in excellent health.

Menon also suggested daily calcium supplements for those over the age of 35. The doctor is currently accepting new patients and can be contacted by calling CRMC at 620-252-1639.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in locating two trailers and a mower that was stolen.

The mower and eight-foot carry-on trailer were stolen last Thursday in the county. The sheriff's office believes that the suspect's vehicle is a 2000s Dodge Dakota with a chrome grille and rear bumper. In a separate incident, another trailer was stolen yesterday north of Galena. Photos of the mower and the suspect's vehicle from the March 31^st incident and the trailer taken yesterday can be seen in the online version of this story at kggfradio.com.

Anyone with information related to these thefts should call (620)429-3992 or (620)848-3000. You can also submit tips anonymously by texting 888777. Just type 'tip cherokee' followed by whatever information you can provide.

Storm Fury on the Plains presented by the National Weather Service in Wichita is tonight in Independence.

The program starts at 6:00pm at Memorial Hall. This event will provide severe weather training and education. The program will last around two hours and participants will learn about storms and severe weather safety.

The sessions consist of a multimedia presentation, lecture, and question and answer period. The event is free to the public and no registration is required. Meteorologists from the Wichita office of the National Weather Service will present the training.

A routine traffic stop leads to the arrest of four Oklahomans with $93,000 worth of marijuana.

Last week, Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 169 in Coffeyville. Three vehicles, who were traveling northbound, failed to signal when changing lanes. During the traffic stop, deputies learned that the vehicles were traveling together and the drivers were related. One of the drivers, identified as 62-year-old James Field of Tulsa, told an officer there was a large amount of marijuana inside his vehicle.

During the investigation, deputies placed the other two drivers, 30-year-old Paul Dumitrache, 53-year-old Gabriela Eastman and one passenger 30-year-old Vania Cisneros, in custody. A search was performed on all three vehicles and officers located 93 pounds of marijuana, two handguns, and over $24,000 in cash. 

Field and Dumitrache were booked for:

• distribute certain hallucinogenics greater than 1 kilogram.

• possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substances.

• no drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substances.

• criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by a person addicted/use of a controlled substance.

Eastman and Cisneros were booked into DOC for:

• Distribute certain hallucinogenics greater than 1 kilogram.

• Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance.

• No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substances.

Multiple fire departments respond to a fire in rural Montgomery County.

At 10:38pm last night, the Dearing Fire Department was dispatched to a barn fire at County Road 2200. Crews arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the structure. The barn and its contents, as well as a truck parked near the barn, were a total loss.

Coffeyville, Tyro and Liberty Fire Departments all responded to assist with the fire. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

A proposal for improvements at the Nowata County Fairgrounds was presented to the Nowata County Commissioners. Fair Board President Derek Dick says improvements are needed in the middle building of the fairgrounds, which is the largest facility in the county.

The proposal is for $127,000 to be funded by ARPA funds. The commissioners expressed interest in the idea and approved the application. The project will need to be advertised for bids in the future.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update regarding the shoot-out last weekend in Baxter Springs.

New evidence from the KBI shows that 2-year-old Clesslynn Crawford died as a result of a single round fired by an officer from the Joplin Police Department. Officers responded to the scene and as one of the victims, 27-year-old Taylor Dawn Shutte, tried to get to the officers she was shot by 37-year-old Eli Crawford and died at the scene.  Crawford retreated into the house with the 2-year-old and fired shots at officers.  After a nearly three and a half hour standoff, officers found both dead inside the home.

The investigation is still ongoing, once it concludes, the findings will be presented to the Cherokee County Attorney to determine if criminal charges will be filed.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has chosen the new Bureau Chief of Maintenance.

Robert Fuller has worked for KDOT for several years, but now is being promoted to Bureau Chief of Maintenance, succeeding, Jaci Vogel, who retired last month. The Maintenace program oversees KDOT-owned buildings and is responsible for the planning of building expansions, new buildings, and overall repairs.

The Chautauqua County Board of Commissioners will look at methods to slow down drivers on the county's rural roads.

Local resident Marvin Jenkinson stopped by the county meeting Thursday to share his concerns with the current speed limit, which is a blanket 55 mph for all rural roads. That speed, according to Jenkinson, creates several safety issues for those living along the roads.

Commissioners David Deal and Parker Massey responded positively to the resident's suggestion, saying they would look into it over the next few weeks. Commissioner Rodney Shaw was not in attendance at the meeting, with both Deal and Massey expressing their interest in getting his input before moving forward.

Two attorneys general are working to lower gas prices for the summer.

Kansas AG Derek Schmidt and Iowa AG Tom Miller asked the EPA to allow the sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol this summer to ease prices at the pump. Both attorneys general said, in a letter to the EPA, doing so will give the citizens of their states relief from the volatile and record-high gas prices.

Air-quality regulations prohibit the sale of E15 from June 1^st to September 15^th in many areas of the United States. The EPA has the authority to allow E15 fuel to be sold year-round when extreme or unusual fuel or fuel additive supply circumstances exist. Kansas and Iowa are among the nation’s top ethanol producers. Schmidt is a Republican and Miller is a Democrat.

A four-vehicle crash in Crawford County leaves three injured.

Friday afternoon just before 5:00pm, a 1997 GMC Sierra driven by 91-year-old Glenn Nutt was Northbound on S 40th St and stopped at the stop sign at Highway 400. Three other vehicles were traveling Westbound on Highway 400. Nutt failed to yield and started to cross the highway, colliding with a 2014 Toyota Avalon driven by 30-year-old Myiesha Ingram. 22-year-old Hannah Reel, who was driving a 2000 Toyota Avalon slammed on their brakes and was rear-ended by 23-year-old Brittany Peters driving a 2014 Ford Focus.

Nutt, Ingram and Reel had minor injuries and complained of pain but only Ingram was transported to Labette Health. All four drivers were wearing their seatbelts.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a stolen vehicle.

A 2011 Chevy Impala race car was taken in the middle of the night on Friday night from the Elk City area. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle call (620)330-1000. If anyone sees this vehicle please call (620)330-1000 or if it’s an emergency call 911. The sheriff's office says do not approach if you see someone in possession of this vehicle.

Independence Community College held Green Zone Advocacy Training for faculty, staff and students.

The ICC Green Zone Program is a training program designed to develop a campus community of support for veteran students. Faculty, staff and students were provided tools to enhance the overall college experience for military-affiliated students so they may guide and assist them towards degree completion and a successful future.

Director of Veteran Student Success Alan Parsons says transitioning from military life to student life can be tricky for student veterans and other military-connected students. He says the Green Zone program is devised to familiarize staff, faculty and college students to become more aware and supportive of the military-connected students.

Independence Community College hosts area high school students for their annual Price is Right Financial Literacy Event.

Students learned about college, personal finances, and scholarship opportunities in a fun and interactive format. Contestants from each school had the opportunity to submit price estimates on various baskets full of common everyday items. The player who submitted the closest bid to the actual retail price of that basket without going over moved on to the next round. The overall winner of the event was Samuel Ortiz, from IHS.

Director of Financial Aid Laura Allison says educating students about all of their financial aid options is a great way to reduce stress and help families make sound financial decisions in the future.

The Independence Police department is investigating a reported stalking case.

Indy PD is seeking any information to help identify the vehicles pictured under this story. Witnesses stated both vehicles were driven by the same individual and described the driver as a white male, 5'07, 180 lbs. in his late 20s or early 30s, with dark hair. If you have any information call 620-332-1700.

Medicalodges has made the purchase of Windsor Place. Medicalodges President and CEO Scott Hines says they have been operating in Coffeyville for 61 years and saw an opportunity to work with the Windsor Group to expand.

Hines says they don't anticipate any changes to any of the services that Windsor was offering.  Hines says if everything continues like it has they anticipate the sale to go through May 1^st.   

As of today, Kansas shifts from an emergency pandemic response to COVID-19 to an endemic response.  Governor Laura Kelly and the KDHE made the announcement yesterday.  What this means is that life with COVID-19 will be treated the same as other recurring diseases, such as the flu.  Governor Kelly stressed that the pandemic is not over however, the tools and knowledge are now in place to prevent or reduce the spread of the virus.

Moving forward the KDHE will work with local health departments.  The KDHE has developed a plan to address six key areas to help ensure safety and well-being.  The department will be focusing on intervention, vaccination, treatment, testing monitoring and communication.  The KDHE says that should a surge in cases develop the department is prepared to ramp up its capacity to quickly respond.

The Elk County Sheriff’s office is looking for Santiago Edward Davila III.

He is wanted by the Elk County Sheriff’s office for failure to appear in his last case. His original charges were driving under the influence of alcohol, no driver’s license and disorderly conduct. Davila III was last reported to be possibly living in the Ark City or Winfield area. If you have any information on the location of Davila III please contact the Elk County Sheriff’s office at 620-374-2108 or your local law enforcement.

Coffeyville Municipal Light & Power has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2021. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association, a trade group that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities. APPA helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data.

CMLP provided their customers with a 99.9983% reliability rating and an average interruption duration of 8.388 minutes per year. Nationwide the average is 136 minutes or two hours and twenty-six minutes. Utilities Director Michael Shook says they are proud to once again receive this award as it further reflects the effort, dedication and commitment by staff to keep the lights on in Coffeyville and the surrounding area.