The Independence Community College Fine Arts Department hosts a Choir and Band Concert. The event is on October 8^th starting at 2:00pm at the William Inge Theater. Admission is free. The concert is a collaborative effort between the ICC Chorale and the ICC Concert Band. The ICC Chorale is directed by Director of Vocal Music Zachary Cooke and accompanied by pianist Sarah Stone. Director of Instrumental Music Brandon Halberg will lead the ICC Concert Band.

 The City of Neodesha will soon have a new face in the office.

 The city has hired an interim City Administrator to fill the vacancy left by departure of Ed Truelove. Mayor Devin Johnson made the announcement at Wednesday's city commission meeting. 

Other business before the commission at this week's meeting included approval to purchase a raw water intake pump and approval to provide an additional $1500 in funding to help the Wilson County Medical Foundation Fall Festival pay for a musical act.

 For Independence residents, the choice is October is Beauty or Beastly …

 At least for those participating in the 2023 Neewollah Yard Decorating Contest. This year's theme is “Beauty and the Beast.” The contest is open to all Independence residents and is for exterior decorations only. Entry is free and will be accepted starting Monday through Friday the 13^th . Submit entries by mail or by stopping by the Neewollah headquarters at 300 North Penn (in the old Sears building). Displays will be judged on October 19^th and will be rated on their curb appeal from the street view. Corner lots will be judged on both sides. First place will get a yard sign and a gift basket. There will also be a Generalissimo's Choice that will win a sign and $25 in Main Street Bucks.

Entry forms are available here.

 The Miami, OK, Police Department's drone helps nab a fugitive.

 Police dispatch in Miami received a call yesterday afternoon at about 2:30pm about a physical fight between two men using hammers and sticks. A second call to dispatch around 3pm, reported that a truck was on fire and shots had been fired. Ottawa County Deputies, Wyandotte Fire Department and the Quapaw Nation EMS responded to the calls. While on the scene, deputies determined the shooter to be Lukan Logan. Logan fled the scene along with another man, Jerry Lee Logan. Warrants were served and a total of three people were arrested including Lukan Logan, Thomas Case, and Heather Buckallew. Two of them were found in a heavily wooded area living in a tent.

(Photo by Miami, Oklahoma, Police Department)

 Online video games continue to grow in popularity.

 More than 200 million Americans play video games and the average age of players is 35. One downside of the video hobby is that playing time can sometimes run into late nights and early mornings. This can lead to sleep deprivation. Of Kansas gamers, those in the Kansas City area report losing the most sleep, but gamers in Howard and Parsons tied for second place. Twenty-four percent of gamers in those southeast Kansas towns report lack of sleep due to gaming. For those who like to stay up late playing their favorite games, doctors suggest limiting the negative effects by trying to keep a regular sleep schedule and keeping electronics out of the bedroom.

 Kansans interested in the quality of state highways have a chance to make their voices heard. 

 The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting a local consult meeting on October 12^th in Iola. Attendees will be able to share their ideas about transportation priorities and hear about investments being made in transportation in southeast Kansas. This meeting is one of nine such meetings held across the state during the month of October and is a part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program – the state's 10 year transportation improvement program. The meeting is open to all area residents and runs from 9am to noon on October12 at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.

(Correction: An earlier version of this story stated the meeting date was October 5)

Kansas hog and pig inventory is up two percent according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

As of September 1^st, all hogs and pigs in Kansas totaled 1.96 million head. Breeding hog inventory was up 6% from last year and market hog inventory was up 1% from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.20 for the June - August period, compared to 10.95 last year. Kansas hog producers intend to farrow 72,000 sows during the September through November 2023 quarter, down 11% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon start a survey in 37 states including Kansas.

The 2023 Row Crops County Agricultural Production Survey will start in October to collect information on total acres planted and harvested and total yield and production of row crops to support estimates down to the county level. Producers can complete their survey securely online on the USDA website. The USDA says producers benefit when there is data available to help determine accurate loan rates, disaster payments, crop insurance price elections, and more. Without data, agencies such as USDA’s Risk Management Agency or Farm Service Agency may not have enough information on which to base their programs. If producers do not submit their completed questionnaires by November 1st, a representative will contact selected Kansas farmers to arrange interviews. The information producers provide will be used for statistical purposes only. Responses will be kept confidential and will not be published in identifiable form. The survey can be completed by logging on to agcounts.usda.gov.

 Independence moves from a Water Watch to a Water Warning.

 At last night's city commission meeting, the city of Independence issued a Water Warning declaration for the city that went into effect at midnight last. The goal of the change is to achieve an overall 10 percent reduction in water usage. City engineer John Garris says last week's rainfall was enough to push back the declaration by a few days, but it was not enough to significantly improve conditions.

As a result of the Water Warning, residents will be asked to step up their efforts at water conservation. All customers using city water will be asked to restrict outdoor watering to hand-held hoses and buckets, and to water only before 10am and after 9pm. Residents with odd numbered addresses are asked to only water on odd numbered days and those with even numbered addresses to water only on even numbered days.

For tips on what you can do to conserve water, click here.

To read the City Ordinance, click here.

 A Dewey man is charged in connection with a Tuesday stabbing incident. 

 Erwin Alvermann allegedly stabbed the victim with a pocketknife, which was caught on security camera footage. He initially wielded the knife before telling the victim that he was going to kill them. Alverman was arrested Tuesday on the 100 block of SE Washing Blvd. He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and act of violence to threaten serious bodily harm. Alverman was given a bond of $25,000 and his next court date was set for October 6th.

 A Kansas senator announces a bipartisan bill to support small meat producers.

 Kansas Republican Senator Jerry Moran and Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet have introduced legislation in the US Senate aimed at increasing competition and capacity in the meat processing and rendering industries. The Butcher Block Act would create grant and loan opportunities through the Us Department of Agriculture to help small and medium sized meat and rendering facilities to expand their operations. Moran says the bill will make it easier for ranchers to bring their cattle to market and provide consumers with more affordable options at the grocery store. Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland says the bill will help increase competition, strengthen the meat supply chain, and create new markets for meat producers.

 Old Iron Days continues today in Fredonia.

 The event is in it's 25^th year and offers attendees a chance to step back in time and experience farm life back in the old days. Event organizer Mike Olson says the event would not be able to happen without the hard work of all of their volunteers.

There are a wide variety of events to enjoy at Old Iron Days. Saturday's activities include a performance by the Good Sam Club Band and the Parade of Power, featuring tractors, dozers, and mowers. There will also be quilts for sale and more than 30 demonstrations of working farm equipment, including a working dog demonstration. Friday night will feature a cowboy poetry jam session. Award-winning Cowboy Poet Mary Powell will be there and invites everyone to come out.

Children under 12 get in free. The event runs through Saturday night in Fredonia.

 There will be more purple in the air next week in Allen County.

 Kansas State University will visit Humboldt and Iola Next Wednesday and Thursday as a part of its community visits across Kansas. Wednesday events include a community open forum from 5:30 to 7pm at B & W Trailer Hitches, The Hub, 1216 Hawaii Road. The forum is free and open to all community members, leaders, families, current and future students and families. The event will also include free K-State Call Hall ice cream. Thursday will feature a pair of events in Iola. To RSVP for the community forum or to see a full schedule of events, click here.

 As harvest season gets underway in the Midwest, the Kansas Highway Patrol urges drivers to use extra caution when sharing the roadway with farm trucks, tractors, combines and other implements. 

 Most farm equipment is not built to travel at highway speeds and most only move at 15 to 25 miles per hour. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Many farmers may be unaware of traffic following them. Most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, however, most of their time must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are also very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle. When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns so allow it plenty of room and time to turn. Be alert to see if they might be turning into a driveway or field. When passing farm equipment, use extra caution. Above all, be patient, be aware, and remain focused when sharing the road.

 Residents of Independence needing to do business with the city will need to do so today or wait until Monday.

 The City Hall in Indy will be closed tomorrow due to work on a generator that will require the building to be without power for several hours. 

City offices have recently moved back into their old location in the 1916 city hall at the corner of Myrtle and 6^th streets. City hall will reopen at that location at 8am on Monday morning.

President Joe Biden has vetoed Republican-sponsored bills intended to undo federal protections for two endangered species.

Biden says the measure would overturn what he calls "science-based rulemaking" that offers protections for the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat. The prairie chicken's range extends into Kansas and Oklahoma. Republicans say protections for the lesser prairie chicken place an undue burden on producers and the U.S. oil and gas industry, jeopardize thousands of American jobs and increase dependence on other countries for oil.

A Parsons Police Department lieutenant completes a Federal Bureau of Investigation program.

Lieutenant Kyle Wiford completes the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Series. To earn this award, officers must complete three 40-hour training sessions covering principles of leadership. These classes are Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute and Executive Leadership Institute. Lieutenant Wiford has been with the Parsons Police Department for 15 years. Starting out as a dispatcher he has been a patrol officer, corporal, sergeant, detective sergeant and is currently in charge of the Patrol Division.

Chief Robert Spinks says Lt. Wiford is a leader, mentor and a self-motivated member of the police department’s management team. He says the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award is an achievement that only a fraction of police officers achieve across the country.

Cleanup Coffeyville is coming up in the middle of October.

City Clerk Melissa Carter says dumpsters will be set up at the tree dump with extended hours of 10:00am to 6:00pm on Monday, October 16^th to Friday, October 20^th, Saturday, October 21^st, from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, October 22^nd, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Carter says there are items that can and can't be accepted.  Carter says anyone with any questions about Cleanup Coffeyville can call the Code Enforcement Office at (620)252-6006 or the City Clerk's Office at (620)252-6108.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department arrests a man connected to the death of 28-year-old Kylie Caldwell.

Caldwell's body was discovered Sunday afternoon ½ mile west of the intersection of 20000 Road and Ness Road in rural Labette County.

 Monday afternoon around 3:30, 53-year-old Derrick Curry, of Parsons, was arrested for attempting to conceal or destroy evidence of a crime. While he was incarcerated, search warrants were executed on Curry's Parsons apartment and vehicle by KBI agents and investigators.

 Curry was arrested earlier today on charges of second-degree murder connected to the death of Kylie Caldwell.

 Curry and Caldwell were acquaintances.

 The investigation is ongoing.

 More information is known about a semi / wheelchair accident last night in south Joplin.

 Just before 10:00p.m., Joplin 9-1-1 received a call about an adult male in a wheelchair on I-44 and Rangeline Road. The caller advised he almost hit the individual as he was traveling down I-44. Officers were dispatched to check on the pedestrian, however the individual was struck by a passing semi-truck before officers arrived on scene.

 After arriving, officers and EMS personnel attempted life saving measures but 56-year-old Andrew Garrett, of Joplin, died from injuries sustained from the collision. The driver of the semi-truck did not sustain any injuries.

 The crash remains under investigation by the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team.

 Old Iron Days in Fredonia begins today at Rollin Red Vandever Park. Event organizer Mike Olson says they expect to welcome thousands of area school children to spend the day “stepping back in time.”

 Old Iron Days will showcase over 30 working farm and domestic demonstrations, including a working dog demonstration that is new to this year's event. Admission is $5 and children 12 and under get in free. Old Iron Days runs through Saturday at the intersection of US 400 and K-47.

 This Saturday at the Curious Minds Discovery Zone everyone gets in for free. The museum is celebrating Nickelodeon's world wide day of play. Kids and their guardians are invited to explore the facility.

 C-M-D-Z was founded in 2012 by a group of parents with the intent of bringing fun, hands-on educational opportunities to kids in southeast Kansas. Kids can play and learn about science and engineering at age-appropriate stations. There is even a designated area just for babies.

 At Saturday's event there will be special activities at 11, at 1, and at 3pm. The C-M-D-Z is located at 16-10 South 21^st street in Parsons.

 The Montgomery County Tag Office in Coffeyville remains closed due to staffing shortages. County Treasurer Nancy Clubine says the office is still short several people and are working hard to keep up.

 Clubine says the current office hours will remain the same until new people can be hired and trained.

 Employees of the tag office say they appreciate the public's patience during this time.

 Little information is known in a semi / wheelchair accident last night in Joplin.

 Joplin 9-1-1 received the call just before 10:00 p.m. Officers responding to I-44 and Rangeline found a man struck by a semi on the westbound overpass by a westbound tractor-trailer. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

 The tractor-trailer operator is cooperating with authorities. The driving lane was closed for approximately 90 minutes for initial investigation.

 The investigation by the Joplin Police Major Crash Team continues, with more information expected to be released later today.

Organizers are calling the inaugural Back To Bartlesville Fly-In a success.

The event took place last weekend despite a few interruptions due to the weather. Event organizer Kevin Connor says there were some lessons learned, but the group is already planning for next year.

Connor says they estimate nearly 2,500 people attended the fly-in over both Friday and Saturday. Not counting the specialty aircraft, he says more than 125 general aviation pilots flew their airplanes to Bartlesville over the weekend.

Commissioners receive an update on the awning removal project on 9^th Street in downtown Coffeyville. City Manager Mark Hall says a major part of this project will be the column removal.

Hall says they will hold off on that part of the project until November due to a number of events planned in downtown during the month of October.  

Hall says the first part of the project of having the decking removed went well. In other business, the commission approved the lease-purchase agreement for a sewer cleaner truck for the Wastewater Department and the purchase of Acronis backup hardware and software for the city.  

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issues a boil water advisory for Wilson County Rural Water District Eight.

Customers should take the following precautions. Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker. If tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears. Disinfect dishes and other surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water. The advisory takes effect today and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.? Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The City of Coffeyville provides an update on the ongoing electric and water meter change-out process.

Electric and Water Department employees, along with contractors from NexGen Utility Solutions, are continuing the process of changing out and upgrading all of the electric and water meters. At the end of last week, about 5,600 electric meters and 1,265 water meters have been swapped. Electric meter change-outs should be complete by the middle of November and water meter change-outs should be complete by the end of the year.

This effort is being done so the City can provide a more accurate and timely meter read and provide customers with more detailed information regarding their electric and water use.

 A Bartlesville man received two life sentences for two counts of first-degree murder with deliberate intent after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors yesterday.

 Dustin Blackfeet was facing two counts of murder in the first degree and one count of assault and battery with intent to kill from the incident in April 2022.

The assault and battery charge was dismissed as a result of the plea agreement. Blackfeet stabbed three people at a Bartlesville residence in 2022. Two of the victims Charles Ford and Andrea Long later died from their injuries. The third victim, Linda Long was treated and recovered from her wounds.

Blackfeet was immediately remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections

 Fans of antique power and equipment head to Fredonia this week.

 Old Iron Days kicks off tomorrow at Rollin Red Vandever Park tomorrow. Event organizer Mike Olson says this year marks a milestone for the annual celebration.

Old Iron Days features over 30 working farm and domestic demonstrations including the Working Dog demonstration, which is new to this year's festivities. Other events include cowboy poetry jam sessions, a performance by the Good Sam Club Band on Saturday followed by the Parade of Power, featuring tractors, dozers, and lawnmowers. Admission is $5 with a button. Children 12 and under get in free. Old Iron Days runs tomorrow through Sunday.

 A former Bartlesville High School teacher is expected to make a plea in a 2022 case that accuses him of providing alcohol and drugs to students. 

 Trey Cabler was originally scheduled for jury trial on Monday. However, court records indicate he waived that right and will make a plea. Cabler is facing felony charges of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 2,000 feet of a park or school, and furnishing alcohol to a minor. 

In 2022, a minor female student alleged that Cabler bought her alcohol on multiple occasions. The victim stated that Cabler bought her alcohol three separate times. A second victim claimed that Cabler 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. She declined to enter the residence out of fear for her safety. 

Cabler has since posted a $50,000 bond. His plea date in court is set for December 1^st

 A burglary victim in Joplin turns the tables on his attacker and leaves the suspect with serious injuries.

 Early yesterday morning, Joplin police responded to the report of a burglary at a residence near 11^th and Moffet street. An adult female had called 911 to report that her ex boyfriend and an accomplice had broken into her home and assaulted her boyfriend. During the attack, the victim retrieved a knife and used it to defend himself , injuring one of the suspects. 

Both suspects fled the scene in one vehicle, which later dropped off the injured man at Freeman West Hospital. 

The injured suspect has been identified as 31 year old Alexander E. Freer who is currently under police guard and in critical condition at the hospital. He has been charged with Burglary in the 1^st Degree and Assault in the 3^rd Degree. 

The second suspect was taken into custody around noon on Monday. The names of the victims have not been released. Authorities have requested that anyone with information on this case, contact Detective Rawlins at 417-623-3131.

 The SEK Combat Vets Motorcycle Association will hold their first annual Fallen Brothers All Wheels Poker Run this Saturday.

 The event begins at 7am at the Independence VFW Post 11-86, at 113 East Myrtle street. There will be all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy until 9am with a $5 donation. Registration runs from 8 to 10. The cost is $20 per rider , $10 per passenger, and $5 per extra hand. The first bike out is at 10:30 and the last bike in is at 4pm. The route will include the Parsons VFW, Cherokee AL, Columbus VFW, Coffeyville VFW, and the Indy VFW. It's $1,000 for the highest hand and $750 for the lowest. Other activities include a silent auction, a raffle, and a 50/50 drawing. There will be hamburgers and hot dogs after the ride for a $5 donation.

 An impromptu discussion is food for thought for county officials.

 At yesterday's Montgomery County Commission meeting, Commissioners Robert Bever, Jim McManus, and Mike Cordray had a lengthy discussion with Public Works Director about the need for a County Administrator. Bever says there is a need for coordination between the cities within Montgomery County.

Bever says there is a lot to consider before the county could take any action on a new position.

In other business at yesterday's meeting, commissioners heard a report from Chanute CPA firm Jared, Gilmore and Phillips that indicated the county was in good financial shape.

Winter wheat planting has started in southeast Kansas.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, 11% of winter wheat has been planted in southeast Kansas. That's slightly behind the statewide average of 18% which is equal to last year's numbers. Southwest Kansas leads the state with 32% planted and 13% emerged. Recent rains have helped some of the fields near Coffeyville, where wheat is starting to emerge, although the percentage of winter wheat emerged in southeast Kansas is still estimated near zero.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office receives a Local Safety and Security Equipment Grant.

The grant came from the Kansas Governors Grant Program and is over $163,000. Sheriff David Groves says they applied for the LSSE Grant in hopes they would receive funds to transition their radio system from a 400 megahertz system to an 800 megahertz. He says there are several areas in the county where the current radios do not work correctly or consistently and that inability to communicate can pose a considerable risk to their deputies and investigators.

The new system will not only alleviate those dead zones but will also enhance communications with other entities from surrounding jurisdictions. The Sheriff's Office hopes to deploy the new mobile and portable radios by the first quarter of 2024.

 A close look at grant proposals may save Montgomery County a good bit of money.

 At today's Montgomery County Commission meeting, Public Works director Jim Wright told commissioners that changing a grant proposal from a state grant to a federal grant could mean major savings for the county. Wright discussed with Commissioner Robert Beaver the difference between the Cost Share grant and the grant from the Corps of Engineers.

The commission agreed to repeal the Cost share grant resolution passed last week in favor of pursuing the grant from the US Corps of Engineers.

 Area crews respond to a weekend structure fire.

 Firefighters from the Coffeyville Fire Department and the Dearing Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire around 2:30pm yesterday afternoon. The fire was reported in the 1800 block of west 6^th street in Coffeyville. The fire was successfully extinguished and no injuries were reported.

 A siren test is coming up for the city of Coffeyville.

 CVR Energy & CVR Partners will conduct a siren alarm test on Wednesday morning at 10am. The sirens are located west of Linden between 4^th and 5^th streets, and also at 1^st and Maple streets. On Wednesday morning, the sirens will sound for one minute and then be followed by a two minute voice message. At the end of the message, a digital voice will announce, “all clear.” CVR will also conduct a facility evacuation and emergency response drill at the same time.

 It's a Free Senior Health Fair in Allen County.

 In Iola tomorrow, from 10am to 2pm seniors can get free health screenings, plus flu and pneumonia vaccines. There will be many vendors on site as well including Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, SEK Area Agency on Aging, and the Iola Public Library. Those in need of a ride can contact Allen County Regional Transportation at 620-228-0463. The event happens tomorrow at 505 North Buckeye Street in Iola.

Other Vendors include:  SEK Mental Health Center, K-State Research and Extension, Hope Unlimited, Allen County 911 and Emergebncy Management, Allen County Sheriff's Department, Resource Center for Independent Living, SEK Mulit-County Health Department, Kansas Talking Books, Thrive Allen County.

A homicide victim has been identified in rural Labette County.

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the KBI along with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office and the Parsons Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred over the weekend. Yesterday shortly after 2:30 p.m., a man called 911 to report a body found in a field. A woman’s body was found ½ mile west of the intersection of 20000 Rd. and Ness Rd. in rural Labette County. The Labette County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to assist with the investigation. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene. Investigators found evidence that the woman has been murdered.

The woman has been identified as 28-year-old Kylie Caldwell, of Parsons. Caldwell was last seen early Sunday morning. Anyone with information about this case, or who has knowledge of Caldwell’s whereabouts over the weekend, is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565.

While Halloween may seem like it's a long way away, area organizers are already looking for help with events.

In Cherryvale, the annual Trunk or Treat is coming up on Halloween night, and coordinators are looking for some help. If you are interested in having a trunk or a canopy this year, call City Hall so they can add you to the list. You can stop by or call 620-336-2776 to sign up. Setup will start at 5 on October 31st with the event running from 6 until 9 p.m. on East Main Street in Cherryvale.

National Voter Registration Day happens every September and is a civic holiday to celebrate democracy and the right to vote. State Senator Virgil Peck says even though the day has already passed its not too late to make sure your voter registration is up to date. 

Peck says if you have not had the chance to update your registration, you will likley still be able to cast a ballot.

Even if you do cast a provisional ballot, you should still update your voter registration. 

Click here for Kansas voter registration.

Click here for Oklahoma voter registration.

An event that hasn't happened since the COVID pandemic is returning to Coffeyville.

The Holy Name Catholic School Harvest Moon Gala is coming up on Saturday. Pastor Father James Schibi says the money raised at this year's event will be a big benefit for the school.

While the deadline to buy tickets has passed, those who have tickets will be able to enjoy the school's fundraiser which includes a plated meal and lots of auction items. The Gala will start Saturday at 6 p.m. at Holy Name.

Update 8:45 p.m.

The latest from the National Weather Service indicates a risk of severe weather continues for southeast Kansas, although the magnitude of the threats has decreased, the potential for golfball-size hail and winds up to 65 miles per hour still exists through midnight.

*****

Storms are entering southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma from two different fronts.  Here's a summary of current warnings:

* No current warnings at this time

Update 5:35 pm:

A Severe Thunderstorm watch has been issued for Allen, Chautauqua, Elk, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas.  This includes the cities of Cedar Vale, Chanute, Coffeyville, Fredonia, Howard, Humboldt, Independence, Iola, Longton, Moline, Neodesha, Parsons, Sedan and Yates Center. 

In Oklahoma, the watch includes Osage, Washington, Nowata, Craig and counties to the south until 11 p.m.  The National Weather Services advises anyone in those areas to remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.

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

A springlike round of severe weather is likely today on the first day of Fall. 

Storms are most likely between 2 and 10 p.m. east of the Kansas Turnpike.  Since yesterday, the likelihood of severe weather has increased for the immediate four-state area including Coffeyville.  Winds up to 70 mph, baseball-size hail, heavy rainfall and even a tornado or two are all possible.  Storm onset for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma is most likely after 5 p.m.  KGGF will provide severe weather coverage as needed, and you can always sign up for customizable text alerts from HERE to stay updated on severe weather.

Coffeyville's Director of Public Works retires after 42 years of employment with the city.

Jim Bradshaw began his employment with the City in July 1981 in the water and wastewater distribution and collection department eventually becoming Superintendent in 1986. After the flood of 2007, he was given the title of Disaster Recovery Coordinator. In 2010, Bradshaw assumed the added duties of the public service department and became the Deputy Director of Public Works.

In 2020, he took on the duties and title of Director of Public Works. The City says that Bradshaw’s hard work and commitment have made a difference in Coffeyville.

 Earlier this week, the U S Marshals arrested a man in Independence in connection to a July 3^rd shooting that occurred in Reno, Nevada.

 35 year old Zachary Scott Daniel Miller was working in Independence when he was taken into custody on Tuesday.

The Marshals Service has released no other details about the shooting, other than to say the victim was found July 3 in downtown Reno.

Miller is being held on a charge of battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm and currently awaits extradition from the Montgomery County Jail back to Reno.

 The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announces that Bartlesville High School Senior Lauren Lee has been named a National Merit Semifinalist.

 About 16,000 students from across the country were selected in this year's National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists have the chance to qualify for the Finalist level for the chance to win a scholarship and the title National Merit Scholar.

In addition to her excellent academic work, Lauren Lee is also president of the Student Body at BHS, President of the National Honor Society, serves on the Student Advisory Council, and is an active member of the World Language Club. Lauren plans to attend college and major in either biology or finance.

 Authorities in Barton County, Missouri, are seeking input from the public in finding a suspect in a Golden City burglary.

 Barton County Sheriff’s Office States in a release, “On Friday, September 8th, Barton County Deputies responded to Cooky's Café in Golden City for a report of a burglary that had occurred in the overnight hours.”

Numerous items were stolen in the Burglary. Most notably a small safe that contained an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is believed to be from the area based upon information received by authorities. The suspect is approximately 5'7", 185-200lbs.

If you have any information regarding this case please contact investigators at 417-682-5515. 

 Car enthusiasts will have a chance to have some fun for a good cause tomorrow on the Coffeyville Community College Campus.

 From 8 to 3 tomorrow in the Nellis Hall parking lot at CCC, is the 1^st Annual Jacob Morse Memorial Jamboree. The event is organized by DJ Morse who lost his son 4 years ago in a tragic 4 wheeler accident. DJ Morse says the event serves to honor the memory of his son and the things he loved.

The Jamboree will feature music, food, a cornhole contest, and, of course, cars.

Admission is free but donations will be accepted. All proceeds and donations will go to the Jacob Morse CCC Technical Scholarship Fund. The event will happen, rain or shine.

Severe storms are possible for the four-state area this weekend.

The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a slight risk of severe weather for most of eastern Kansas and Oklahoma in addition to western Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Storms are most likely tomorrow between 2 and 10 p.m. along and east of I-135, and could bring winds up to 70 mph, hail up to two inches, heavy rainfall and a tornado cannot be ruled out. KGGF will provide severe weather coverage as needed.

Another opportunity for aviation enthusiasts is going on this weekend.

The Back to Bartlesville Fly-In is today and tomorrow at Bartlesville Municipal Airport. The event will be open to the public from 8 until 5 today and tomorrow, with formation fly-overs all day, commemorative air force airplane rides available, aircraft on display and open hangars plus a World War Two veteran's display and WASP Exhibit. Tomorrow, the WWII Airborne Demonstration team will conduct parachute jumps from a C-49. Demonstration Team Member Kevin Conner says the group's goal is to keep the legacy of WWII veterans alive while teaching history to the next generation.

The team is based out of southern Oklahoma, and Conner says while there are other parachute teams out there, they have something that sets them apart.

In addition to the parachute demonstration, rides will be available on with the AT-G6 WASP squadron, PT-13 and PT-17 Stearman biplanes, and the Tulsa Warbirds will be performing fly-overs. Admission is $10 per carload at the Bartlesville Airport on the west side of town.

 The Parsons Police Department finds history while updating technology.

 The P-P-D is currently in the self-assessment phase of accreditation with the Kansas Law enforcement Accreditation Program and has been reviewing their department records. During this process, P-P-D Records coordinator Marshall Sills has discovered over 14,000 fingerprint cards, some dating back to the 1950s.

The cards have historical value by painting a colorful picture of crime in the town's past, but they can also have an impact on the present. The cards will be digitized and entered into the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's Automatic Fingerprint Identification System or AFIS. This will make them easily accessible to other law enforcement agencies across the state and may help in identifying potential suspects and solving cold cases.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks called the effort testament to the department's commitment to modern law enforcement practices but also a tribute to the generations of officers who worked tirelessly to protect the city of Parsons.

 A Washington County, Oklahoma, District judge finds probably cause to bind a 17 year old Dewey over for trial in the double murder of her grandparents.

 Heidi Dutton appeared in Washington County court yesterday afternoon to face five felony charges, including two counts of murder in the first degree, in the 2022 deaths of 67 year old Deborah Dutton and 73 year old Larry Dutton. Her 20 year old boyfriend Lucas Walker is also charged in the case. Walker, as a member of the Cherokee Nation will be prosecuted in federal court due to the McGirt decision.

At yesterday's hearing, five witnesses testified including the investigator who interviewed Dutton after her arrest. Investigator Brett Miquelon testified that Dutton admitted to him she had killed both her grandparents and that Walker helped her clean up the scene afterwards. She later recanted the statement and claimed that the roles were reversed and that Walker actually did the killing.

Further testimony from the stand explained that  the victims were found in a shallow grave where the above ground pool used to be in the backyard. Dutton will face formal arraignment on November 8.

Four of the six candidates for the Coffeyville Board of Education addressed voters during a Candidates Forum last night sponsored by KGGF and the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce.  When asked about high property taxes Cindy Price says she thinks the school district has done well at holding down taxes, but some of the mill levy rate depends on the state.

Candidate and current School Board member Jason Barnett says he thinks the schools have done a good job.

Another topic discussed was standardized testing and Matt Jordan says he doesn’t think the tests are a good measure of student success and the state should look at alternatives.

Marcus Kastler also spoke on the need for preparation when it comes to facilities maintenance.

The election is set for November 7^th.              

The Kansas Fur Harvesters Association District 16 is holding a beginners trapping clinic for all ages.

The camp is on Saturday, October 28^th, and Sunday, October 29^th at the Shelter House below the Elk City Dam. Chairman Lynn Dunham says they have a day and a half of activities planned for that weekend.

Dunham says this is a hands on experience.  The camp is free to attend and campers will be given trapping equipment at the end of the weekend. Dunham says they are limited to 30 spots so preregistration is required and due by October 1^st. To pre-register contact Dunham at (620)714-1260 or John Borror at (620)332-7879.

 A Columbus man has been given four life sentences for convictions on multiple sexual charges dealing with a minor.

 72-year-old John Clark was found guilty May 9^th in Cherokee County District Court of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of rape. Court documents say the unlawful sexual acts involving a child took place between August of 2015 and May of 2017.

 Clark, prosecuted by the Cherokee County Attorney's Office, is being held in the Cherokee County Jail pending transfer to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 A 46 year old man from West Mineral is sentenced to 14 months in prison for his actions following a September 2021 traffic stop in Cherokee County.

 Sean Allen Galloway received his sentence yesterday in Cherokee County District Court in Columbus. Galloway was driving north of Columbus in 2021 and when law enforcement attempted to pull him over, he fled for several miles before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot into a wooded area, where he was eventually captured.

Galloway was held at the Cherokee County Jail until December 16, 2021, when he was transferred to the Newton County Missouri Sheriff's Office after an arrest warrant was issued for him on allegations of felony resisting arrest. Upon his release from custody in Missouri, Galloway failed to appear in Cherokee County Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On July 26 of this year, Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies attempted to arrest Galloway on the outstanding warrant when he barricaded himself inside a camper in Weir. He eventually surrendered. Galloway pled guilty to Interfering with law enforcement in August.

He is currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail awaiting transfer to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 The city of Caney is now offering new address signs with reflective house numbers. City officials say the signs will make it easier for emergency services to locate your home during emergency situations.

 Officials reference an ordinance passed in 2022 that states that all homes and buildings in Caney must be numbered, and those numbers must be at least four inches in height, legible, and displayed on the front of each house or building.

 If purchased through the city, signs are $26 and will be installed someone from the police or fire departments.

 The on-line order form and more information can be found here.

 A water main break in Miami, OK, leaves some residents without water.

 Residents on M street southwest from 20^th to 22^nd and those on L street southwest from 20^th to 22^nd may be without water due to the break. The city has dispatched crews and the leak is expected to be repaired by 11:30.

 The Little House on the Prairie home site near Independence offers visitors and locals alike the chance to step back in time and experience the Kansas plains like a homesteader.

 Site director Rhonda Steven says it features the family home was discovered in 1977 after local research.

Steven says the site features replica buildings and buildings from a similar time period.

The Little House site is located 13 miles southwest of Independence on US 75 and remains open through Halloween on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. It will reopen in March.

 Coffeyville residents will have the chance tonight to hear from candidates for the open seats on the USD 445 school board. 

 The candidate forum will take place tonight starting at 6pm at the Windsor Events Center in Coffeyville and will also be broadcast live on KGGF. Participating candidates will answer questions from citizens that have been compiled by the Chamber of Commerce. No questions will be taken from the audience during the event. Tuesday night's candidate forum for the city commission can be heard on our website at kggfradio.com.

 Officials in Osage County have been looking into a cold case with possible links to a Wichita serial killer.

 The case in question is the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia Dawn Kinney from a Pawhuska laundromat. Former Osage County District Attorney Bill Hall, who served as DA at the time of Kinney's disappearance, says the case was worked hard in 1976.

Recent revelations suggest that an anonymous phone call was taken by the Osage County Sheriff's Office several months after Kinney went missing saying that Kinney could be found in a barn somewhere between the Oklahoma and Kansas state line. The report says that tip was never followed up. Hall says his office investigated all tips closely.

Hall adds that he is glad to see the case reopened.

The Osage County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the possible link between BTK, also known as Dennis Rader and the Kinney case.

 Residents and visitors to Fredonia should keep their eyes on the sky this week.

 The 2023 Endless Foot Drag is underway at the Fredonia Airport. The Foot Drag is a meeting of para-flight enthusiasts who use powered para-gliders to explore the friendly skies. Fredonia Mayor Allen Miller says the turn out for this year's event has been great.

The Endless Foot Drag has happened in Fredonia for several years and has become one of the largest fly-in events in the region. Fredonia City Commissioner Bill Jones adds that the pilots add a big economic boost to the community and that the city is happy to have them in town.

The Endless Foot Drag runs through Sunday at the Fredonia Airport.

The soybean harvest is beginning in Kansas.

According to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report, 4% of the crop has been harvested, which is near average for this time of year. K-State Research and Extension Wildcat District Crop Agent James Coover says the crop is performing as expected given the area's lack of rainfall.

Around the state, soybean condition is rated 20% very poor, 27% poor, 30% fair, 20% good and 3% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 53%, ahead of 38% last year and well ahead of 32% average. The crop in Oklahoma is doing somewhat better, with 45% rated in good condition.

The Coffeyville Historical Society is holding an event to celebrate their 50^th anniversary.

They are hosting a Masquerade Ball, with what they are calling a night of elegance and celebration. The event is scheduled for October 28^th at 8:00pm. There will be music provided by the Tulsa Quartet and a performance by Magic By Pete. Food will be provided by Taste and See Catering. All proceeds will support an upkeep and roof restoration project.

Tickets can be purchased now at coffeyvillehistory.com.

A siren test is coming up next week for the City of Coffeyville.

CVR Energy & CVR Partners have scheduled a community siren alarm test for next Wednesday, September 27^th at 10:00am. The locations for the community siren are West of Linden Street between 4th Street & 5th Street, 1st Street and Maple Street. CVR Energy will conduct a drill of the emergency response plan in conjunction with the siren test.

The test date could change based on weather conditions. If there is a likely threat of severe weather during the scheduled test, the test will be postponed. CVR employees will be located throughout the community to evaluate the broadcast quality of the sirens.

 Crews in Coffeyville are responding to a major water leak at 11^th and Buckeye.

 The south side of the intersection will be closed until repairs are complete. Drivers are advised to find an alternate route.

 Wal-Mart is recalling a popular pre-made sold at stores nationwide due to the risk of allergic reactions.

 The Food and Drug administration says that David's Cookie is recalling more than 950 million units of its 7ounce “Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake” with the lot number

BS-23-2-12. The recall was issued after “Marketside Chocolate Peanut Butter chocolate Cake” was mislabeled and does not list peanuts as an ingredient. If you believe you have purchased the recalled cake, you can return them to a the place of purchase for a full refund.

The Wilson County Health Department has been awarded a grant for the next two years.

The county is receiving $130,000 for the All Hands on Deck Grant, which is designed for Drug Endangered Children.

Additionally, the commissioners approve Zoning Case S4-23-002, which regards the installation of a cell tower.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting was the submission of a $75,000 grant request to KDOT for the Federal Funds Exchange Grant. The commissioners also make a motion to shred the results of the 2021 General Election ballots on Friday at 2 p.m.

 Sparks fly at the most recent Sedan city council meeting.

 A citizen spoke during the open comment section of the meeting about the council's vote to exceed the revenue neutral rate. When the speaker exceeded his 3 minute speaking time, another citizen attempted to cede his time to allow the speaker to continue. Members of the council disagreed with the speaker and asked him repeatedly to sit down. Mayor Jack Warren told the man that he could have him removed from the meeting.

The man was not removed and the meeting continued with no further issues. Other business before the council at last night's meeting included approval of the 2024 budget and Mayor Warren's announcement that the city has received $1.25 million from the state in CCLIP funds for pavement restoration.

 The razing of Washington School in Parsons is underway.

 The school building was built in 1954 and forced to close in 1999. Since that time, the building became a target for vandalism and had deteriorated significantly, prompting the USD 530 Board of Education to vote to demolish it. As a long time community landmark, many residents want to collect a brick from the building as a memento. This has created difficulties for crews working on the demolition. The Parsons District Office has made arrangements for the public to be able to pick up a brick at the district office at 2900 Southern street. The bricks will be available tomorrow and Friday. Bricks will NOT be given out at the school site.

 As cooler weather moves into the area, residents are heading outdoors and doing a little fall clean-up. 

 Independence Chamber president Lisa Wilson reminds Indy residents of recycling drop-off days.

Wilson says there are different days for dropping off bulk items or brush.

Wilson adds that Independence residents can also visit the city's website and click on the Citizen Service Request tab.

Former State Representative Wendi Stearman will challenge incumbent Julie Daniels in the upcoming GOP Primary for Oklahoma District 29 Senate.

District 29 includes Nowata, Washington and parts of Rogers County. Stearman unseated an incumbent a few years ago to become the State Representative for Oklahoma District 11. She's now hoping to unseat incumbent District 29 State Senator Julie Daniels in the June 2024 Primary.

In her first term, Wendi was acknowledged as one of the House's most conservative members. She was one of only two Oklahoma legislators to earn a 100% lifetime rating from the state's conservative benchmark publication, The Oklahoma Constitution, since 1979.

 The Montgomery County Appraisers Office and the County Commission are recognized by the state.

 At Monday's county commission meeting. County Appraiser Melody Kikkert read a letter to the commission from David Harper of the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Kikkert says that in order to achieve compliance, the county must re-assess 17% of land parcels in the county each year. For Montgomery County this year, that number was 6,800 parcels. Kikkert says this will be the first time in several years that the county was in compliance.

Other business before the commission at Monday's meeting included the approval to purchase a new fire truck for the Dearing Fire Department and approval to accept bids for a new skid unit for the Cherryvale Fire Department.

A strong storm moved through Coffeyville last night and brought some locally heavy rainfall.

At the KGGF Studios in downtown Coffeyville, 1.62” of rain was measured. Areas north and east did not receive as much rain. Only about 0.41” of rain was measured at the Coffeyville airport. According to the Kansas Mesonet, Parsons only got 0.10”, while Sedan received 0.44”. A severe thunderstorm warning was briefly issued for Montgomery, Labette, Nowata and Craig Counties, and a flash flood warning was issued for parts of northeast Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, Nowata received 0.77”, while the Miami area received nearly five inches of rain.

Coffeyville needs work.  That was the general consensus among six City Commission candidates at a forum sponsored by KGGF and the Chamber of Commerce last night.  One theme expressed by several candidates was the need for new leadership.  Don Edwards says it’s time for the commission to get to work and ask questions.

Marilyn Goodson, who is a former city employee says low morale among employees is causing a mass exodus leaving a need to retain current employees and find and train new ones.

Candidates also sounded off on taxes.  Alec Hendryx says high property taxes are an impediment to the city’s growth.

The city’s budget was also discussed by candidates.  Jim Falkner says how to economize while still meeting the city’s needs is an issue that needs to be tackled.

Justin Martin says that funds may be better used for business development along 11^th street rather than the downtown area. 

Incumbent commissioner Jason Swindell says a sense of pride needs to be restored to the community before real progress can be made.

The general election is set for November 7^th.  Tomorrow evening at  6:00pm KGGF and the Chamber are teaming up to conduct another forum with candidates for the Coffeyville Board of Education.  That forum will also be broadcast live on KGGF as well as Facebook.

***** Update 8:25 p.m. *****

Storms have been moving through the coffeyville area this evening, and a cell moving through Coffeyville into Labette and Nowata and Craig Counties has reached a severe level.  Quarter-sized hail and winds up to 60 mph are possible.  A flash flood warning has also been issued for part of northeast Oklahoma.

Current warnings:

* Flash Flood Warning for...

  Northern Craig County in northeastern Oklahoma...
  Northeastern Nowata County in northeastern Oklahoma...

* Until 1130 PM CDT.

* At 829 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain 
  have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 
  hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in 
  the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin 
  shortly.

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

Severe weather is back in the forecast for part of the KGGF listening area.

Storm chances are in the forecast all this week for the four-state area. Today, rain and storm chances will be on the increase, with the best chance for storms being this afternoon through evening. Quarter-size hail and winds between 60 and 70 mph are possible, with the main threat area being southwest of Coffeyville. Multiple rounds of storms are expected, with the most likely development for northeast Oklahoma being between 3 and 7 p.m. tonight. Locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding also cannot be ruled out in some parts of northeast Oklahoma. KGGF will provide severe weather coverage if needed.

There are two upcoming meetings for the USD 445 Indian Education Program.

The first is Wednesday, October 4^th at 6:00pm in the Field Kindley High School Library. This meeting is the annual JOM Program Election for the Parent Committee. Parents eligible for election to the committee must be a parent or guardian of a current JOM student who possesses their own Tribal Certification. They cannot be an employee of USD 445, a member of the USD 445 School Board, a school administrator, Cherokee Nation personnel with signature authority over Title VI contracts or any of the listed spouses.

On Wednesday, October 11^th beginning at 6:00pm in the Field Kindley High School Library they will conduct the follow-up meeting to the previous weeks JOM Election and immediately following that meeting, they will hold the Title VI Indian Education Committee Election.  

The Montgomery County Republican Party is hosting their annual chili and chicken noodle event on Saturday in Independence.

Speakers at the event will include Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Speaker of the Kansas House Dan Hawkins and Director of the KBI Tony Mattivi. Republican candidates for local offices will also be in attendance. Each candidate will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves as well as be available for conversation and questions. This will provide voters an excellent opportunity to get to know the candidates and learn what they hope to accomplish if elected to the various positions.

In addition to hearing from speakers and meeting candidates, attendees can participate in a 50/50 drawing, raffle and bid on several silent auction items. The event starts at 4:00pm and will go until about 6:00pm at 2615 West Main Street in Independence. The cost for attending is $5.00 per person or $20.00 for families of four or more. 

The status of the Little Caney River has been changed; that's according to the Army Corp of Engineers.  Caney City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the Little Caney River is not viewed as full river status by the Corp, using this example from the agency.

As the city looks to heal their water system, Zellner says discussions continue with the city of Coffeyville, and talks have begun with a possible regional water system and upgrade with RWD #1. Zellner says that would benefit more than just Caney residents.

Zellner says he has been told by multiple state agencies that aid is not possible because the current water plant can not stay in compliance. State and federal grant funding will be available, however, if an agreement is reached, either with the city of Coffeyville or RWD #1.

The Independence Police Department is looking for a missing man.

Preston Foulk was reported missing on Sunday. His family has not spoken to him in about two to three weeks. Foulk is a white male, five foot nine inches and weighs 154 pounds. He is known to ride mountain bikes around Independence frequently and was last seen by an acquaintance about a week ago riding his bike on East Maple Street in front of the Independence Public Library.

Anyone with information regarding Foulk's whereabouts, or who has interacted with him recently, should contact Detective Derek Bryant with IPD, or notify Foulk's family to contact IPD. 

A Kansas lawmaker is speaking out after the announcement that the dress code will no longer be enforced in the U.S. Senate.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says staff for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms will no longer enforce the dress code. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall is calling it a sad day in the Senate, saying senators should have a certain level of decorum. The change comes after Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has been wearing gym shorts and hoodies as he goes about his duties, voting from the doorways so he doesn’t get in trouble for his more casual attire. Not all Republicans were upset about the change. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley was wearing jeans, boots and no tie yesterday evening, an outfit he says he normally wears when he flies in from his home state for the first votes of the week.

 A two vehicle accident Sunday evening involves a Newton County deputy and K9.

 Around 8:40 p.m., the call came into Joplin 911 about a crash at 32nd and Rangeline. Joplin Police, Fire and METS ambulance responded. JPD says the deputy was running lights and sirens responding to a call on East 32^nd Street when he was struck by a northbound passenger car.

 No one, including the K9, were injured. Portions of 32^nd and Rangeline were closed for about 45 minutes while the accident was cleared.

 A former Coffeyville minister is arrested and charged with two counts of rape of a minor.

 William Keith Dodd, the former pastor of Lewark Church of God, has been charged with two counts of rape of a minor. His first appearance in Montgomery County Court was Friday.

 Court documents say Dodd allegedly raped a 12 or 13 year old two times between January 1st and September 11^th of this year. He was arrested after an investigation by the Coffeyville Police Department.

 If convicted, Dodd could face life in prison, with no chance of parole for at least 25 years.

 Dodd is in custody in the Montgomery County Jail on $250,000 bond. His next court appearance will be October 5^th.

 The Coffeyville Police Department conducted a DUI check lane Sunday evening.

 According to CPD, 69 cars traveled through the check lane. There were two arrests for minors in possession of alcohol, three were arrested for transporting open containers. A small amount of drugs were seized, and one driver was administered Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, but determined to be safe to drive and was released on scene.

 The DUI check lane was funded by a federal grant for an impaired driving deterrent program.

 The Parsons Police Department is on scene at the high school this morning, after school officials were notified by the School Resource Officer of a possible threat.

 According to PPD, they, the SRO, and investigators will be visible on campus to assure everyone’s safety. The police department will act on any credible information that comes from the investigation.

 The investigation is ongoing.

An update is being shared regarding the water situation in Dewey, Oklahoma.

The Dewey Public Works Authority met directly after last night's city council meeting. City Manager Kevin Trease says area reservoirs are down and he expects more water restrictions for the area.

The ongoing drought prompted a water emergency declaration last week for Copan and the surrounding area. The Public Works Authority will meet again after the City Council meeting on Oct. 2nd.

Volunteers are needed to help clean up part of Coffeyville.

The Coffeyville Stormwater Department is hosting a volunteer stream bank cleanup at LeClere Lake. The cleanup will be just an hour long, from 1 until 2 p.m. next Friday, September 29^th. Anyone interested in helping with this cleanup is encouraged to show up at the event.

The Cherryvale Police Department will soon get new body cameras.

At last night's city council meeting, a new advanced body-camera system was approved from a company called Utility. According to Police Chief Jimmy Holt, the new system has many advantages including being cloud-based, and City Manager Jonathan Booe says it will keep everyone accountable.

Chief Holt says the new system will replace their aging body cameras and that the company will keep the technology up to date. In addition, Holt says the switchover should happen soon.

The total cost of the system is around $170,000. The city also approved paperwork to take advantage of a $50,000 USDA grant towards the project. After that, the city will pay around $11,000 a year for 10 years to pay for the system.

All proceeds raised from the Jacob Morse Memorial Jamboree this weekend will go toward the scholarship fund at Coffeyville Community College. Organizer DJ Morse says they want to get the scholarship endowed.

Morse says this scholarship will be specifically for students who are going into tech at CCC. The event starts Saturday at 8:00am and will go to 3:00pm in the parking lot of Nellis Hall on the CCC campus. The event will go on rain or shine and is free to attend, but a $20 donation is appreciated.

Kansas Farm Bureau recognizes a Montgomery County farm as farmers of the year.

Farm Bureau has named the Voelker family as the 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year. Recipient Chuck Voelker says he and his wife, Julie, run a small cow-calf operation.

Voelker says his operation started in 1983 in his last semester at Kansas State.  Voelker says being a recipient of this award and getting this recognition is a humbling experience.  Voelker encourages those who are not Farm Bureau members to consider joining. He says the benefits of being a member far outweighs the $50 member fee.

Residents of Chautauqua County will soon have changes to their trash service.

The county commissioners will be sending a letter this week to each city council regarding discontinuation of trash service on December 31, 2023. This process has been ongoing for a majority of the summer, and commissioners are confident the cities of Chautauqua County are on board.

Additional items of business at this week's county commission meeting was a Solid Waste Delinquency Hearing, where the commissioners approved a motion to transfer all delinquent accounts to land tax. The elevator and generator in the county building have been fixed, and the county received an Annual Statistical Analysis from the State of Kansas, which praised the performance of the County Appraiser's Office.

The next Chautauqua County Commission meeting will be Friday, September 29th at 8:30 a.m. in the Courthouse.

 A Commerce, Oklahoma, teenager remains in critical condition after a one vehicle accident over the weekend.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the accident happened around 3:15 Saturday morning on South 560 Road, approximately two miles north of Commerce. 17-year-old Lane Dunbar was driving a Hyundai Tuscon at a high rate of speed when the vehicle left the roadway on the right side of the roadway, rolling eight times, before landing on the passenger side.

 The OHP says alcohol was involved in the accident. Dunbar remains hospitalized with multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, plus multiple broken ribs and two spinal fractures. Three passengers were treated and released from Joplin hospitals.

 The investigation is ongoing.

 The Parsons Public Library will host a book discussion tonight.

 The featured book is “The Learning Tree,” the 1963 semi-autobiographical novel by Ft Scott native Gordon Parks. The discussion will be led by Washburn University history professor Dr Thomas Prasch. The event is part of a three-part series sponsored by the non-profit group Humanities Kansas. The event begins at 6pm tonight at the Parsons Library located at 3-11 south 17^th street in Parsons.

 The Coffeyville Legislative Forums happen tomorrow and Thursday.

 The city commission forum happens tomorrow night at 6pm and will offer citizens a chance to hear from the various candidates for local office. It is sponsored by the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce and KGGF. Chamber President Candi Westbrook says she's gotten a lot of input from residents for this year's forums.

The city commission forum is tomorrow night and the USD 445 and Coffeyville Community College forum happens on Thursday. Both events begin at 6pm at the Windsor Event Center and can also be heard live on KGGF.

 An early Saturday morning accident just north of Ft. Scott claims the life of a Texas man.

 According to the Kansas Highway Patrol38 year-old Francisco Espinoza-Perez of Katy, Texas, was attempting to merge onto US 69 when he lost control of the 2011 Chevy Silverado he was driving. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned and came to rest on its top in the northbound lane of US 69. Espinoza-Perez was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

 With the cooler weather and shorter days of fall, another returning sign of the season are respiratory viruses.

 The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas reminds residents experiencing symptoms to stay home, rest, and drink fluids. Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofin and acetaminophen for fever and body aches.

Most people can return to work or school after being fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving. If you have suspected or confirmed flu or Covid, it is recommended to stay home for 5 days from the start of your symptoms.

Seek medical attention if you are sick and at increased risk of severe illness due to medical conditions or if symptoms get worse, including difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, or dizziness.

This week is National Farm Safety and Health Week.
 

The theme of this year's annual awareness campaign is “no one can take your place,” according to National Education Center for Agricultural Safety's Dan Neenan.

The first presidential proclamation of the week was in 1944, and the campaign has been observed every year since then, typically during the third week in September to coincide with harvest time around the country.

 A semi-trailer crash near Baxter Springs leaves one man dead and another seriously injured.

 According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 54 year-old Jeffery Lansaw of Galena was driving east on US-166 on Friday when he attempted to make a left hand turn. At that point, the semi-tractor behind him driven by 50 year-old Petko Kirov of Glenview, Illinois, attempted to pass Lansaw's pick-up and struck it. Lansaw was taken to Freeman Hospital in Joplin with suspected serious injuries. His passenger 58 year-old Jeffery Sappington of Quapaw was killed in the accident. All three men were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. Kirov was uninjured.

 The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission has suspended the fall turkey season beginning this fall.

 The commission came to the decision over the course of four public meetings due to consistent declines in the turkey populations over the past 15 years. KDWP small game biologist Kent Fricke says the trend is not unique to Kansas and that other state across the Midwest and southeast have experienced similar patterns. The state has reduced the bag limit and the number of days in the fall season over the past five years in hopes of limiting the decline. KDWP is continuing its efforts to reduce the decline through continuing research.

 A single vehicle roll-over causes a section of K-7 to close temporarily this morning. 

 The highway is closed between 690 Avenue and 700 Avenue in Farlington, just north of Girard. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office asks drivers to avoid the area and find an alternate route until the accident clears.

 It's family fun and BBQ this weekend in Fall River.

 The 59^th Annual Fall River Free BBQ kicks off tonight with a family-friendly dance and Karaoke tonight at the gym from 6 to 8.

Tomorrow's activities include:

• Breakfast on Main Street, 7am
• 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run at the high school, 8am
• Pony Pull, 10am
• Cute Baby Contest in front of Happy Hour, 10am
• Parade, 11:30am
• Texas Hold 'em Tournament at high school, Noon
• Bunco Tournament at high school, 12:30pm
• Kiddies' Tractor Pull at the bank, 1pm
• Eagle Med on site, 1-4pm
• Cake Walk, 1:30pm
• Cornhole Tournament in front of library/bank (sign-up cut off is 1:30pm) 2pm
• Kiddies' Money Scramble & Candy Scramble at the high school with ping pong ball drop to follow, 2:30pm
• Live Music on Main Street (Brenda Clark, Bryan Knowles, Swamp Poodle), Noon-6pm
• FREE BBQ, 6pm
• Miss Fall River coronation, 7pm
• Street Dance, 8pm-11pm
• Fireworks, 9pm
• Craft booths, food vendors, Church Bazaar in Community building, All Day
• Hot Rod Hangout, All Day

 Independence Police chief Jerry Harrison had good news for the city at last night's Independence city commission meeting.

 Harrison reported to commissioners that crime in the city has been decreasing.

In other business at last night's meeting, Michael Jones was sworn in as a new IPD police officer and the commission approved a bid by Crossland Construction and Musco Lighting to begin work on Phase 1 of the $6 million renovation of the Central Park Sports Complex.

 A section of K-105 at The Toronto Lake Dam will be closed temporarily beginning today.

 The Army Corps of Engineers will be working on the dam at Toronto Lake starting around 8 am today and continuing through next Friday. K-105 will be closed to through traffic at the dam. Those needing to travel in the area should find an alternate route.

 An Independence Police Officer receives a Life-Saving Award at last night's city commission meeting.

 Sergeant Christina Johnson of the IPD was recognized by Police Chief Jerry Harrison for her life-saving efforts after responding to an emergency call and finding a person in cardiac arrest. Sergeant Johnson began CPR on the victim and continued until EMS arrived to provide a high level of care. The patient was then transported to Labette Health in Independence, where they recovered from their ordeal. Also recognized at last night's meeting were EMS team members Jasmine Reeves, Aaron Cook, Randy McDaniel, and Jonathan Martin. The efforts of all five were commended by Mayor Louis Ysusi and city commissioners Tim Emert and Dean Hayse.

 Area pilots will meet for fun and festivities tomorrow in Oswego.

 The public is invited to join the high -flying fun at the Oswego Municipal Airport as it hosts the Fly-In K-67. Attendees can enjoy watching the planes take off and land and even take a free plane ride. There will also be a pirate ship bounce house for the kids. There will also be a special event to honor Bill Minor and Sterlin “Cotton” Hale. The Oswego Lions Club is providing breakfast and lunch and will also be accepting donations. The event begins at 8am at Bob Carpenter Field at the Oswego Airport, 11570 Wyandotte Road, just three miles east of Oswego. Admission is free.

A water emergency is being declared in Copan.

The declaration was issued yesterday due to a water shortage as a result of the drought. Town officials say the water supply at Copan Lake has reached a critically low level, which threatens the ability to take in water for treatment and distribution. As of yesterday afternoon, Copan Lake is 6.5 feet below normal.

The emergency proclamation impacts water customers in the Town of Copan, Washington County Rural Water District #7 and Hulah Water District #20. Effective immediately, burning permits are suspended, the filling of swimming pools is prohibited, outdoor watering of all yards, gardens, trees and all sports fields are prohibited, bulk water sales are suspended, all water usage over 5,000 gallons will be charged at a rate of $6.25 per thousand gallons and fire hydrant usage is prohibited without permission from the Town of Copan. Impacted customers are being asked to take the water conservation efforts seriously. Town officials say they're working closely with county and state officials for solutions and assistance.

A Fort Scott woman is injured after a single-vehicle accident.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 23-year-old Mikayla Ward was driving a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup south on U.S. 69 about five miles north of Pittsburg when the vehicle left the roadway to the right. Ward overcorrected, causing the truck to cross the median, the northbound lanes of traffic and overturned in the east ditch. Ward was taken to KU Medical Center with a suspected serious injury. Two minors were present in the vehicle as well. Their condition is unknown. Ward was not wearing a seat belt.

A Parsons man is arrested after failing to comply with the Kansas Offender Registration laws.

29-year-old Luke Dakota Martin holds registered offender status due to a 2016 conviction in Cherokee County for the distribution of controlled substances. He has to maintain this registration until December 2031. A recent investigation by the Parsons Police Department revealed multiple violations of Kansas Offender Registration laws. Martin relocated residences in January 2023 but failed to update his registered address.

Martin also failed to report changes in his employment status and to renew his Kansas identification card. Martin didn't notify the Kansas Department of Revenue of his registered offender status, which would have led to the appropriate marking of his identification card or driver's license. Martin is currently on bond for a number of pending drug and traffic related charges as well as two counts of aggravated violation of offender registration and five counts of violation of offender registration.

 It's cars, bikes, and more this weekend in Coffeyville.

 The 2^nd Annual Carter Auto Bike and Car Show comes to Walter Johnson Park this Saturday. Carter Auto Parts Operations Manager Andalina Farmer says there's something for everyone to enjoy at the show.

Farmer says there will also be vendors on site and door prizes will be given away all day. The car and bike show runs from 8 to 3 on Saturday at Walter Johnson Park, under the shade trees. Admission is free.

 There's music and comedy in a family-friendly environment this Sunday in Parsons.

 The Lone Star Jubilee featuring from Branson, The Texans will be performing at the Westside Christian Church at 5100 Main street. Also appearing will be David Little and Duke Mason. It's music and comedy the whole family can enjoy. Admission is free, though freewill love offerings will be accepted. The concert starts at 6pm Sunday evening.

 Attendance numbers are improving at Caney High School.

 Board members were given information on the new incentive for students, with the ability to opt-out of finals if they have no unexcused absences from class. Superintendent Blake Vargas says the incentive seems to be working.

 In other business, members heard a report concerning the E-buses soon to be in the Caney fleet. Vargas says testing is being conducted on the buses and they should be delivered to the district in the near future.

 There are 386 students in the high school and 454 students in the elementary grades, numbers that are up slightly from last year.

 Crews in Coffeyville are hard at work removing the awnings from buildings along 9^th street.

 Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says that while the work is underway, things my be a bit of a mess, but it will be worth it for the final result.

With the construction work in progress, residents may not be able to drive down 9^th street, but downtown business are still open and accessible to the public. After the removal of the awnings, the next stage of construction will happen in October.

 The city of Miami, Oklahoma, is experiencing a major water leak this morning.

 The leak was discovered near the intersection of Circle Drive and D Street Northwest. City crews are expected to begin work on the problem at 10am. Once crews are on scene and damage can be assessed, the city will update residents. Some customers may be temporarily without water while the repairs are made. Residents are advised to use caution when traveling in the area.

 Neodesha thanks a valuable city employee.

 The Neodesha City Commission met yesterday and among items discussed by commissioners was the work of City Administrator Ed Truelove, who has served in his postion since 2015 and is now leaving to pursue another opportunity. Mayor Devin Johnson, Commissioner JD Moffat, and Commissioner Emily Vail-Keller expressed their gratitude for Truelove's work over the years.

In city business, the commission heard citizen comments regarding raising the revenue neutral rate. Truelove says, that while no one likes to pay taxes, they are needed to run a functioning city. He says the previous mill levy was too low due to human error and that it needs to be raised.

After a lengthy public comment period, the commission voted to exceed the revenue neutral rate and approved the 2023-2024 city budget.

 A fisherman from Parsons now has a great fishing story to tell … and this is one that DIDN'T get away.

 Michael Starr Jr was fishing at Big Hill Reservoir near Cherryvale in late July when he reeled in a huge Spotted Gar. The 34 inch long fish weighed in at just under 8 pounds, breaking the Kansas state record set at the Chetopa Dam in 1983.

The Spotted Gar gets its name from the dark, round spots on the top and sides of its head. There are 3 species of gar native to Kansas and the Spotted Gar is the smallest – most are less than 30 inches long.

How State Records are Set
Trophy catches such as these end up as a Kansas State Record if:

• The fish is a species recognized on the current list of Kansas state record fish
• The fish is caught by a licensed angler using legal means
• The fish is identified by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor
• The fish is weighed on a certified scale prior to being frozen
• The fish is photographed, in color, and a state record application is filled out
• The mandatory 30-day waiting period has passed.

To see a list of Kansas state fishing records click here

 Five area cities will receive state funding for Improvements to state highways and intersections.

 Governor Laura Kelly made the announcement of $22 million as a part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program or CCLIP. Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program and local matching funds are required based on city population. Both Ft. Scott and Pittsburg will receive $1.5 million for geometric improvement while Girard and Yates Center have been allocated $1.5 million for pavement restoration and Sedan will receive $1.25 million in funding. Kelly says Kansas is finding ways to bring resources directly to communities across the state due to a solid financial footing at the state and federal level.

Kansas State University is releasing a new tool for animal record keeping.

According to K-State Research and Extension, an app called CalfDex is now available for producers. Wildcat District Livestock Production Agent Wendie Powell says the app is specifically designed to work in the field.

Powell says there are a variety of features in the app.

CalfDex is available for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Android phones. Powell says tools like this are a good reminder of the importance of record-keeping in running a successful operation.

Independence Community College is hosting an Arts Day event later this month.

The event will take place on the ICC Main Campus on Friday, September 29^th. The Arts Day will begin immediately following the 9:00am matinee performance of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare" directed by Paul Molnar. Area high school students are invited to join the college for a day filled with creativity, inspiration and education. Arts and Humanities Division Head Heather Mydosh says she is thrilled to welcome high school students to campus for their third annual Fall Arts Day. She says this is a great opportunity for them to shine a spotlight on the work that their Arts Faculty do every day in the classroom.

Attendees will engage in various workshops designed to ignite their artistic passions. These workshops will cater to a wide range of interests, including theater, vocal music, communications, visual art and writing. A link to register for the ICC Arts Day can be found here.

The Parsons Police Department sees success from their evening Coffee with a Cop event.

Parsons PD opted to change up the timing of their normal Coffee with a Cop from the morning to the evening. They chose to do this to accommodate citizens who find it difficult to attend the morning event. Chief Robert Spinks says they had a great turnout, with around 30 citizens joining them during the two-hour duration. He says the event fostered meaningful conversations, allowing the community to interact with night shift officers who are typically unavailable during daytime events.

The next Coffee with a Cop event is October 4^th coinciding with the National Coffee with a Cop. The Second Annual Public Safety Fair is October 21^st at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.  

The City of Caney is seeing an increase in vandalism cases.

The Caney Police Department says they were recently called to the cemetery for several tombstones and other items surrounding burials being either moved or damaged. This has not been the only location of vandalism. Caney PD says they have investigated several more incidents and have made arrests in most of those cases. They say they have also noticed several juveniles at all times of the night walking around town.

There is a curfew ordinance in the city and Caney PD will continue to enforce it. A summary of the curfew states no one over the age of 14 and under the age of 18 should be out after 10:00pm unless accompanied by someone over the age of 25. 

 Law enforcement in Osage County, Oklahoma, have been looking into a possible connection in the cold case of Cynthia Dawn Kinney, who went missing from a Pawhuska laundromat in 1976, to Dennis Rader, also known as the serial killer BTK.

 However, Osage County District Attorney Mike Fisher has recently raised questions about the evidence in the case. Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden (pictured) says he is furious about Fisher's comments on the case, but that he plans to continue the investigation.

Virden recently formed a task force to help with the investigation. Rader's defense attorney has denied his client's involvement in Kinney case.

 A wellness fair is coming to the Civic Center in Independence.

 The Wellness Fair hits Independence on Friday, September 29, from 7am until 11:30am. Event Organizer Kathy Sheppard says it's a chance to get a lot of free screenings.

Bloodwork and blood draws will also be available for $40 as well as flu shots for a minimal fee. There will also be informational booths, freebies, and door prizes. The event is hosted by the Southeast Kansas Senior Safety & Wellness Coalition.

 South East Kansas seniors will have a chance to learn about possible health care benefits.

 K-State Extension Wildcat district will host a pair of informative sessions during the next few days on the basics of Medicare. Seniors in attendance will get instruction in the basics of Medicare and also learn about differences between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.. The first session will be tomorrow from 11:30am to 1:30 at the Mae Lessley Community Center located at 22 Maple street in Chetopa. There will be another session Friday from 11:30am to 1:30 at the Edna Senior Center at 106 South Labette in Edna. Registration is not required but it is requested by calling 620-784-5337

The latest crop forecasts are out for Kansas and Oklahoma.

According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, this year's Kansas corn production is forecast at 677 million bushels, up 33% from last year. Oklahoma corn production is forecast at 49.4 million bushels, up 102% from the previous year. Sorghum for grain in Kansas is forecast at 208 million bushels, up 97% from 2022. Oklahoma sorghum production is forecast at 14.9 million bushels, up 158% from last year. Kansas soybean production is forecast at 128 million bushels, down 4% from last year. Oklahoma soybean production is forecast at 10.5 million bushels, up 60% from last year.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon involving a deputy from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

 At around 2:40pm yesterday, deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office initiated a car stop on a suspected stolen pickup truck near Andover. The driver of the white truck fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit. 

Preliminary information indicates the pursuit ended near the Butler and Sedgwick county line, when the 21-year-old male driver wrecked the truck. He exited and fled on foot into a residential neighborhood. Multiple deputies pursued him on foot. The man then got into an unoccupied moving truck and attempted to drive flee. Law enforcement approached the truck and a deputy deployed a taser with limited effect. The suspect continued driving toward a deputy who fired one round, striking the subject.  

The truck continued forward crashing into a garage, and coming to rest on the front porch of a house. Deputies began life-saving measures. EMS responded and transported the man to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. 

This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

 A head-on collision on US 400 leaves two Fredonia women with serious injuries.

 The accident occurred yesterday morning at around 8:30 just east of Fredonia, when a bus driven by 62 year old Drake Owens of North Las Vegas, Nevada, was traveling west on 400 when he attempted to pass a semi-tractor trailer. Owens' vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2014 Chrysler 300 that was traveling eastbound. The Chrysler was driven by 70 year old Elizabeth Jeffers of Fredonia. Both Jeffers and her passenger 68 year old Janice Eslick were taken to Wesley Hospital with serious injuries. All parties were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

The Coffeyville City Commission votes to look into providing water for the City of Caney.

The commissioners heard comments from Caney City Administrator Kelly Zellner, a water expert from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and an engineer from Midwest Engineering over the possibility of being the water supply for the City of Caney. Commissioners did not vote to start providing water only to look into if they could or not and what that process would look like.

In other business, the City heard their audit report for fiscal year 2022, heard a presentation on the half-cent sales tax and where presented with a Community Development Block Grant Trail Project award. The commission also voted to allow the Coffeyville Police Department to apply for a grant and to purchase utility poles for electric distribution.  

In a few weeks, a reinvigorated Dalton Defenders Days is in store for Coffeyville. 

The festival has been in the planning stages for quite some time and Dalton Defenders Re-enactment President Billy Kolb says the re-enactments will be more factual while the festival itself will be bigger with some new events.

Kolb spoke to the Coffeyville Rotary Club.  Dalton Defenders Days will be held October 6^th and 7^th in downtown Coffeyville.

A number of roads are being resurfaced this week in Sedan.

The City asks drivers to be mindful as the crews work on the roadways this week. Drivers should plan ahead for any alternate routes that need to be taken as roads will be closed. The work will move rapidly and will likely be finished within a few days.

The areas scheduled to be completed during this project include North School Street from Elm to Walnut, East Laurel Street from Douglas to K99, West Elm Street from Chautauqua to Montgomery and South Douglas Street from Main to Osage.

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Thursday. The Chamber will be closed for their annual strategic planning retreat from 10:00am until 5:00pm.

Director Candi Westbrook says this is an important time for their team and board of directors as it allows them to assess their progress and set big and bold strategic goals for the coming year. The Chamber is committed to giving back and making a positive impact on the economic success of Coffeyville and is excited to share their goals with the community soon.

They will be unavailable to answer calls or respond to emails during this time, but they will be back in the office on Friday.

The City of Independence could move to the next level of their Water Watch.

The city is reviewing planned measures to address the region's severe drought conditions. City Engineer John Garris says as the drought in the area persists a next-level declaration, which is a Water Warning, will be issued if the reservoir’s water level decreases to five feet below normal. He says while some rainfall is in the immediate forecast and cooler temperatures will slow water evaporation, it is possible that they will reach the Water Warning stage of the plan within a week or less.

The goal would be to achieve a 10 percent reduction in water usage. If the Water Warning is necessary, the Independence City Commission will be asked to approve an updated city ordinance outlining the conservation guidelines and setting parameters for fines and penalties.

In response to this stage, the City will take the following actions:

1. Provide weekly news releases to local media describing present conditions and any changes to the water supply.

2. Provide weekly summaries of temperature, precipitation, water levels and storage.

3. Provide water conservation articles and information to local news media outlets.

4. Include water-saving tips in billing statements to utility customers.

5. Shut down fountains, discontinue washing of City vehicles and halt watering of City grounds or properties.

Residents and all customers using City water will be required to adhere to the following measures:

1. Residents with odd-numbered addresses will water only on odd-numbered days; even-numbered addresses will water only on even-numbered days.

2. Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing, shall occur only before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

3. Outdoor watering is restricted to hand-held hoses or buckets only.

4. Golf course watering will be limited to tees and greens, following the above restrictions.

5. Refilling swimming pools is limited to one day a week, after sunset.

6. Excess water charges for consumption above winter levels will be considered.

7. Wasting of water will be prohibited, via ordinance with potential penalties enforced.

 The awning removal on 9^th street in downtown Coffeyville is underway this afternoon.

 Due to the equipment and workers, drivers needing to drive downtown should use the back way in on Maple street. Drivers are urged to use caution in the area.

As a part of this project, the green spaces along both sides of 9^th street will also be removed and replaced by new green areas and sitting areas will be installed. The project will also include replacement of the three crosswalks on 9^th street.

 The Best Family is hosting their annual mum sale to benefit their scholarship fund with the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation.

 Teresa Barker, one of the four daughters of Jerry and Norma Best, says she and her younger sister wanted a way to honor the memory of their father.

The scholarship has been awarded since 2015 and more than 25 recipients have used it to help them meet their educational goals. Over the years, the Best family has worked hard through a variety of fundraisers to make sure the scholarship can be given out. One of their fundraisers is the mum sale, which runs tomorrow and Thursday.

The sale runs from 8am to 7pm both days or until they run out of mums.

A USD 445 Board member and Coffeyville's Early Learning Center namesake passes away.  Dr. Jerry Hamm, who spent 39 years in the district, passed away on September 6^th at the age of 90. Superintendent Dr. Craig Correll says legacy is the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of Dr. Hamm.

Dr. Correll says Dr. Hamm didn't just serve on the board of education, he had numerous other roles in the district over the years.  Dr. Correll says Dr. Hamm will be greatly missed.

Memorial services for Dr. Hamm and his wife Norma will be on October 14^th at 11:00am at Coffeyville First United Methodist Church. Donations can be made in his honor to the Early Learning Center, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas or the First United Methodist Church of Coffeyville with a designation for educational purposes.

 This is Homecoming Week at Caney Valley High School, and in conjunction with Homecoming activites this week, Sonshine 98.9 KQQF brings you interviews with Homecoming royalty.

 Today's interviews feature Emmi Burris, daughter of Brynn and Matt Burris, and Tucker Garton, son of Kayli and Luke Greenlee. 

 Today's theme is "Surfers vs Bikers" Day.

 Today's interviews are brought to you by Totel CSI and Myrtle's Market.

 Today's interview

The Kansas highway Patrol along with deputies from have arrested Robert Darrow of Wayside in connection with a weekend shooting.

At around 8pm Saturday night, Montgomery County Deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call of a subject who had been shot at 210 East Bell Street in Wayside, which is 13 miles southwest of Independence on US 75 highway. Upon arrival, they located a male subject who was later Identified as Nathaniel Rush of Caney, Kansas. Rush had critical injuries and needed immediate medial attention. He was life flighted to an area hospital and treated for his injuries. The suspected shooter had fled the scene.

Detectives with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office crime scene unit began processing the scene. Deputies along with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were tasked to search for the suspect. Later KHP located the suspects’ vehicle at a residence in Independence. KHP along with MGSO deputies located the suspect Darrow and took him into custody.

Family of the victim say he is alive and in stable condition.

When the investigation is concluded, it will be sent to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for review.

 It's the chance for high school seniors to speak out on traffic safety.

 The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office is offering the chance for Kansas high school seniors to compete for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship through Seatbelts Are for Everyone or SAFE Speaks. Students who wish to compete should prepare a 5 to 8 minute presentation on a topic related to driving safely.  Visual aids are helpful but not required. Remember to use the terms crash or wreck instead of accident. Personal stories about how a car crash has affected you or your community are encouraged.

Presentations will be judged on:

1. Content - Was your information accurate, relevant, and well-researched?
2. Delivery - Was your vocal volume and tone, gestures, and appearance appropriate?
3. Lanuguage - Did you use words and phrases that the general public would understand?
4. Responses - How well did you answer follow-up questions posed by a panel of judges?

When you sign up, you will choose a time on October 4 or 5 to speak via Zoom to a panel of judges, who will pose relevant traffic safety questions immediately following the presentation.

Five students will receive scholarships and winners will be announced on October 13^th. A KTSR Office representative will visit the schools of the winning students, who will also be recoginized at the Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference.

The application deadline is September 29^th.

 High school students in north east Oklahoma hear from a 9/11 survivor.

 Retired Navy Captain Joseph Gradisher spoke to more than 900 area students from across Ottawa County about the events of September 11, 2001. Gradisher was in the Pentagon that day and wanted to reach out to students about an important day in American history that people in their age group were not around to remember. Captain Gradisher also spoke last night at a free public event in Miami.

 Part of US-400 will be temporarily closed near the city of Cherokee in south east Kansas.

 Starting tomorrow morning at 6am and running through Thursday at 6pm, the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad will close and repair the crossing at that location and traffic will be diverted via detour. Drivers are reminded to use caution in the area or find an alternate route.

 The budget for the Caney School District is set for the 2023-2024 school year.

 Expenditures were set at just over $16.6 million, up $1.5 million from the 2022-2023 budget. Even with the increase, the mill levy will decrease one full mill. Superintendent Blake Vargas explains.

 Other items of business included policy reports and updates from the KASB, a report from the Recreation Commission, and discussion on CV West, the building purchased across the street from the high school. Plans for that building will be released in the near future.

 A Bartlesville teen appeared in Washington County District Court yesterday on a charge of domestic abuse by simple assault. 

 Trinity Abygail Haddon, 19, was arrested early Sunday morning after a call was made in reference to a domestic situation. According to an affidavit, when police arrived, they spoke with one of two victims and they told police that Haddon started throwing items at him after an argument ensued.

The affidavit alleges that Haddon punched a male victim in the face before hitting him in the back with a flashlight. The female victim in this case told police Haddon had bitten her after she was trying to get her phone from Haddon's hands. Police say they noticed visible injuries to the female victim's arm in corroboration with her story.

 Haddon has another pending domestic abuse case and a pending DUI case. Because of the pending cases, Haddon received a $25,000 bond in this most recent case. Her next court date is Oct. 11.

 Firefighters from the Neodesha Fire Department take part in a 9/11 memorial event.

 Five members of the Neodesha Fire Department traveled to Wichita last weekend to take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The event requires participants to climb 110 flights of stairs wearing all of their fire gear which weighs 40 to 50 pounds. NFD participants were Nic Moreland, Lindsey Reyes, Lucas Wood, Keenan Fyfe, and Johnny Boles. All five completed the challenge, which is held yearly in memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.

 There was a nearly unanimous vote at last night's USD 447 Cherryvale school board meeting concerning exceeding the revenue neutral rate.

 The board heard concerns about rising taxes at last night's meeting. Citizens voiced their concerns with the increased mill levy to support Cherryvale schools during the revenue neutral hearing. Board Member Sarah Jones read the proposed motion for the board.

The revenue-neutral rate is a mill rate that would keep the dollar revenue a taxing authority collects the same as it was in the previous year. Other business before the school board at last night's meeting included building reports from school principals and the approval for the district to hold an online surplus property sale.

USD 446 will soon have an increased number of staff members in the district.

The district announced the filling of 66 positions at this month's school board meeting.

A majority of the new hires are for the growing Kids Crew program, an after-school program that gives students educational and social opportunities outside of the classroom. Other positions announced at the meeting were Rachel Lyon as a middle school science teacher, Melissa Long as middle school athletic secretary, and Kendall Fiscus as head track and winter weights coach.

Additional items of business at the September Board meeting was the approval of the 2023-24 budget and revenue neutral rate, as well as a report from Director of Learning Services Kellie Puderbaugh.

USD 446 meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Independence High School.

The Coffeyville Boys and Girls Club uses virtual reality goggles to help kids learn about technical careers. BGC CEO Griffin Walker says the purpose of these goggles is to teach students about plumbing, electrical work or other trades.

Walker says the VR goggles cost about $2,000 a year a piece so they are looking at ways to have these goggles sponsored to get more.  Walker gave a presentation to the USD 445 Board of Education about the goggles and other new things happening with the BGC. In other business, the board voted unanimously to adopt the 2023-2024 budget and exceed the revenue neutral rate.

 Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting in Wayside over the weekend.

 The call came in around 7:30pm Saturday night. Arriving on the scene deputies located a male victim with critical injuries. The suspect was no longer on scene. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he is receiving treatment and care for his injuries. The suspect was later located and taken into custody without further incident. The names of the suspect and victim have not been released. The investigation is ongoing.

 Crisis centers in Crawford and Bourbon counties to receive grant money from the state.

 Governor Laura Kelly recently announced $500,000 in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault grant money to The Safehouse Crisis Center in Pittsburg, an organization which provides resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Another Pittsburg organization that helps kids who are victims of abuse, The Children's Advocacy Center received $98,000, while the Bourbon County CASA Program of the 6^th Judicial District, located in Ft. Scott received $8,000.

 Governor Kelly says these grants ensure communities across Kansas have the resources and services needed to assist crime victims in their time of need. The grant money was the result of a bipartisan effort to increase state money to sustain Kansas programs that experienced a 40% decrease in grants from the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program. The funding comes from state general funds to provide services to adult and child crime survivors.

A Claremore man is dead after a single-vehicle crash in Mayes County.

The fatality collision happened late Saturday just before midnight on East 420 Road about a mile east of Strang. A 2007 Harley Davidson FLTR, driven by 43-year-old Allen Michael Vargas failed to negotiate a curve to the right, left the roadway and hit the ground.

Vargas was transported by MESTA to Hillcrest Hospital in Pryor with head, internal and arm injuries. He was pronounced dead by hospital staff from injuries sustained in the collision.

 It's fun and food this Saturday with the Independence Optimist Club.

 The club is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser from 8am to 11am at Dickey's BBQ Pit, 204 North Penn in Independence. The meal includes all-you-can-eat-pancakes plus 2 sausage links. The fundraiser will also features the famous Chris Cakes who holds the world record for the most hotcakes flipped in a single hour. Proceeds benefit the youth of Independence. Optimist President Barb Beurskins says the club helps local kids in many ways.

Beurskins says they also help a group called Jefferson Leaders, which is a group of students chosen by their teachers at Jefferson School in Independence. Jefferson Leaders students who wear their t-shirts to Saturday's breakfast eat for free. The cost for people 8 and up is $10, while the cost for kids 7 and under is $5

 It's high flying fun in Oswego this weekend.

 This Saturday the Oswego Municipal Airport hosts the Fly-In K-67. The public is invited to come out and enjoy watching the various models of planes take off and land. There will be barrel train rides for the kids and event t-shirts will be available for purchase for $12. The event begins at 8am at Bob Carpenter Field at the Oswego Airport, 11570 Wyandotte Road, 3 miles east of Oswego. Admission is free

 The Kansas Corporation Commission approves a rate increase for Evergy.

 Evergy had requested an increase of over $204 million, but the KCC said it could not justify that much of an increase. State Senator Virgil Peck says the proposed increase would have affected rate payers far from the proposed economic benefits. While the KCC did not approve Evergy's original amount, they did determine an increase of $34 million for rate payers would be justified. A final decision will not be made until late December or early January.

(Corrected: An earlier version of this story stated the KCC had approved the $34 million increase)

A Parsons woman is arrested after making threats with a gun.

Parsons Police officers were dispatched to a disturbance involving a firearm. The caller identified the suspect as 41-year-old Chasity Marie McRoberts and told dispatch that she had fled eastbound in the alley. Officers arrived in the area and located McRoberts. As officers attempted to stop her, McRoberts attempted to flee on foot. Officers were able to stop her and place her in custody without further incident. During the arrest, a firearm fell out of McRoberts's backpack.

Officers spoke with witnesses who stated that the altercation started when McRoberts entered the victim's backyard through a shut gate where a juvenile was at. The juvenile ran into the house and told the victim that someone had come into the backyard. The victim went to the yard to investigate and found McRoberts just outside the fence. When told to leave, McRoberts pulled the gun out, pointed at the victim and threatened to shoot them. Recommended charges include aggravated assault, interference with law enforcement, criminal trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Changes are coming to the Montgomery County Tag Office. 

 The Coffeyville branch is set to be closed temporarily starting next Monday. Montgomery County Treasurer Nancy Clubine made the announcement at today's county commission meeting.

Clubine says the temporary change is due to staffing shortages. There have been three resignations in the tag office and one more in the county treasurer's office in the past few weeks. Due to the need to train new staff, the tag office will open at 9am

Clubine also added that residents needing to process vehicle titles must be in line by 3pm so that staff will have enough time to assist them. These changes will begin on September 18^th

Flags are being flown at half-staff in Kansas today in remembrance of 9/11.

Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown today to honor those who lost who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Governor Kelly says 22 years after an act of terrorism took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans, injured thousands more and scarred so many, we continue to say, “Never Forget”.

She says the extreme tragedy of that day is only half the story as we also remember the country’s first responders, who went above and beyond the call of duty to save lives even as they lost more than 400 of their own. They did that 22 years ago, and they continue to do so to this day.

 This is Homecoming Week at Caney Valley High School, and in conjunction with Homecoming activites this week, Sonshine 98.9 KQQF brings you interviews with Homecoming royalty.

 Today's interviews feature Laramie Bruce, daughter of Tiffany and Austin Bruce, and Senior escort Elijah Burk, son of Thomas and Dana Burk. 

 Today's theme is "Rhyme Without Reason."

 Today's interviews are brought to you by Totel CSI.

 Today's Interview

 Those flying out of Tulsa International Airport will find several new enhancements for the guest experience. 

 Officials with the airport say both concourses now have sensory rooms, quiet rooms, lactation rooms, indoor pet relief areas and family restrooms in the lower level of the terminal. 

Additionally, CLEAR members can now use their benefits after a new lane at the TSA checkpoint has been opened. Tulsa International Airport has also launched a visitor's pass program that will allow people who do not have an airline ticket to go through the security checkpoint to accompany ticketed passengers all the way to the gates.

• Sensory Room – The sensory rooms were designed for younger passengers with autism and sensory issues in mind. The furniture includes different ottoman shapes and beanbag chairs that can be rearranged. The airport provides fidget spinners for kids to help them release nervous energy.
• Quiet Room – The quiet rooms are the perfect place for people with dementia, PTSD or anxiety to take a break if they tend to become overwhelmed by stimulating environments. The quiet rooms have dimmable lighting and relaxing décor. Fidget mats, which are handmade by Airport Ambassadors, are also available for passengers with dementia. Using a fidget mat is calming for many people with dementia.
• Lactation Room – Mothers who need to breastfeed their children or pump while traveling or working can utilize these private rooms. The rooms are equipped with comfortable furniture, outlets for breast pumps, a changing table and a sink.
• Indoor Service Animal and Pet Relief Area – Indoor and outdoor pet relief areas allow passengers to take care of their furry friends while traveling. The new indoor pet relief areas have faux grass, pet waste disposable bags, hand sanitizer, sink and paper towels for users.
• Family Restroom – The new lower-level family restrooms have both standard changing tables and adult changing tables, which are essential since many adults with intellectual or physical disabilities cannot utilize standard toilets. When adult changing tables are not available, many caretakers are forced to lay someone on the floor to assist them.
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program: Passengers who may need extra assistance while traveling can wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a discrete way to notify airport personnel that you may need additional time, patience or assistance. Lanyards are available in the airport lobby in room A-211 or by sending an e-mail to taaweb@tulsaairports.com.
• TSA Cares: TSA has established a dedicated helpline to assist passengers with disabilities and medical conditions. Passengers can call the TSA Cares Helpline 72 hours before traveling to help plan for their trip at (855) 787-2227. TSA is happy to answer any questions or address any concerns regarding the security checkpoint.
• Parking options: Passengers who count on being able to park as close as possible to the terminal and are permitted to park in reserved accessible parking spots have several options at Tulsa International Airport. The airport also has a shuttle with a wheelchair lift for those who park in the Economy Lot. Passengers can let any shuttle driver know they need a wheelchair lift after they park, or they can call our parking operator at 918-838-5466 to make arrangements in advance.
• Clear, the secure identity company, recently launched a new lane at Tulsa International Airport in late July. The dedicated lanes allow members to verify their identity with their eyes or fingerprints, eliminating the need to pull out their wallet and driver's license. Once verified, a CLEAR employee guides members through the dedicated lane and straight to TSA, saving them valuable time waiting in line at the security checkpoint. The launch of CLEAR at TUL is expected to create 25 jobs and generate an estimated $1.2 million in local economic impact annually.
• Visitor's Pass: The airport recently launched the new TUL Visitor Pass program, allowing the non-traveling public to secure an online visitor pass that grants access to the post-security side of the terminal. To obtain a free TUL Visitor Pass, individuals can visit www.flytulsa.com/tulvisitorpass and complete the simple and secure online application up to seven days in advance of use. If approved, visitors will receive the TUL Visitor pass via email, which they will use in conjunction with a TSA approved ID, to proceed through the checkpoint.

 Residents of Sedan and customers of Public Wholesale Water District #20 are asked to conserve as much water as possible tomorrow.

 Contractors will be on site to repair the intake line at the Quivira Boy Scout Lake. The work should be completed with in a day and the system is expected to be running at normal levels by Wednesday.

 Faculty and students at Independence High School are celebrating this week.

 U.S. News and World Report has released its ranking of the top high schools in the country and in each state and ranks IHS as the #22 top high school in the state of Kansas. The rankings are based on how the school performs in categories such as the curriculum and courses offered to students, student performance of state assessment tests, state assessment proficiency, college readiness, and graduation rate. IHS also scored higher than the state average on state exams in math and science.

 Crews from the Dearing Fire Department and Independence Rural Fire Departments respond to a weekend brush fire.

 At around 3:30 Saturday afternoon, the Dearing fire Department responded with four trucks to a grass fire on County Road 3900, about 4 miles north of Dearing. The Independence Rural Fire Department also arrived on scene with two trucks. The fire was successfully extinguished and several pieces of equipment were saved.

Three arrests in two days in Weir on unrelated cases. Around 11:00pm Monday, Cherokee County Sheriff deputies located and apprehended 45-year-old Josh Myers, who is being held on allegations of felony criminal threat. 

The following evening, deputies located and arrested 35-year-old Scotty Sherrin, of Stonewall, Oklahoma. Felony arrest warrants had been issued for Sherrin for violating his probation in Kansas and felony parole violations in Missouri. Also arrested on Tuesday evening was 23-year-old Elissa Sturgell, who is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on allegations of interfering with law enforcement. This arrest stems from her involvement in aiding a wanted suspect in evading arrest.

One of Coffeyville's oldest businesses is celebrating their anniversary with a two day event.  Thompson Brothers Supply is celebrating 75 years of business with a trade show and open house on Thursday, September 21^st and Friday, September 22^nd from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Thursday will focus on welding and industrial education.

Thompson Brothers President Ryan Thompson says they are proud to support the next generation of tradespeople and look forward to hosting area schools on the first day of their show. He says they will have several industry professionals at the trade show speaking with students about new technology, welding equipment and safety, and focusing on career pathways in the metal fab industry.

On Friday, Thompson Brothers invites everyone to stop in and browse trade show specials, speak with vendors and see the latest equipment on the market.

 It's moving day for city offices in Independence.

 All city offices in Indy are closed today as they move into their old-new building the 1916 city hall at 120 north 6^th street. City offices will reopen for business on Monday morning. The main public entrance will now be located on the south side of the building, with accessible sidewalks and adjacent parking. City officials thank citizens for their patience as they adjust to their new, but familiar surroundings.

 Kansas 4-Hers will be among the crowds headed to Hutchinson this weekend.

 The Kansas State Fair kicks off this weekend and draws people from across the state. One group that will be there is the State Treasurer's Office. State Treasurer Steven Johnson says there's a great reason to stop by their booth at the fair.

Johnson's office administers the state's unclaimed property program, which currently holds more than $500,000,000 waiting to be claimed. One in ten people are estimated to have unclaimed property, which could include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and safe deposit boxes. Kansans can search the online database anytime at KansasCash.ks.gov. Visitors to the State Fair booth can also enter to win $529 toward and Learning Quest 529 account. The Fair runs through September 17^th.

 Local rock and metal bands will be showcased at a local event tomorrow.

 The 4^th Annual End of Summer Bash takes place at the My Place Event Grounds at 850 south Liberty street in Cherryvale. The concert will feature 10 bands from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In addition to the music, there will also be a cornhole tournament, registration is at 1pm and the tourney starts at 2. Food will be available from the Skinny Hen. This is an all-ages event, but alcohol will be served and the 21 drinking age will be strictly enforced. Gates open at 1pm and the concert starts at 2. Admission is $5 and children 6 and younger get in free.

Bands appearing:

• Aether (Dodge City)
• Burn the Gates (Kansas City)
• Diabolical Orange Monkey (central Kansas)
• Flowsion (Independence)
• From Ashes (Chanute)
• Ghosts in the Atlantic (South Coffeyville)
• Riverside Current (Joplin)
• Straight Away (Independence)
• Why Bother (Pittsburg)

For more information, click here.

 A judge determines that a Coffeyville man will stand trial for a 2022 homicide.

 At a preliminary hearing in Independence on Wednesday, Judge Jeffery Gossard found that enough probable cause existed for David Alan Jackson of Coffeyville to be tried for the May 14, 2022, murder of Melvin Simpson Jr. Gossard also denied Jackson's motion that the case be dismissed due to self-defense. Jackson claimed through interviews with law enforcement that he and Simpson had met in Jackson's apartment at 1301 west 7^th street in Coffeyville in 2022 to trade rare coins and baseball cards when a disagreement turned violent, with both men brandishing weapons. Simpson's body was discovered two days later after law enforcement officers received a tip. According to his request, Jackson served as his own attorney at Wednesday's hearing, with help from court-appointed attorney Heath Lampson, who aided Jackson in the types of questions allowed during the hearing. The criminal trial will likely be held in early 2024. Jackson has been incarcerated in the Montgomery County Jail since his arrest in 2022.

 A country music singer recently named the Academy of Country Music's New Male Artist of the Year has been arrested in Craig County.

 27-year-old Zach Bryan was arrested last night by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of an investigation. The arrest took place in Vinita.

 Bryan, who posted bond, responded overnight on his social media pages, saying that emotions got the best of him and that he was out of line with what he said to county and state officers.

 Bryan ended his post by saying he is doing the best he can, and offered love and apologies to the officers.

 Bryan was born in Oologah, near Claremore.

 Old Settlers' Day returns to Elk City tomorrow with lots of family friendly activities during the day. Events include:

• Old Settlers' Day parade in downtown Elk City, 10am
• Steak cook out, 11am
• Volleyball tournament, 1pm
• Tractor pull followed by a watermelon feed, 1pm
• Conrhole tournament, 3pm
• Cake walk at the Elk City Pavilion, 3pm
• Free bean feed, 4pm to 6pm
• Royalty crowning, Elk City Pavilion, 6pm
• Minute-To-Win-It games, 7:30pm
• Free dance featuring Outlaw Souls Reloaded, 9pm

 It's a great weekend for bargain hunters in south east Kansas and north east Oklahoma.

 The Kan Okla 100 Mile highway sale kicks off today. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says you can pick up sale maps at a variety of locations. 

Wilson adds that there are a lot of sales listed on this year's map.

The Kan Okla Sale includes cities along Highways 75, 166, and 160. There are other maps that list sales from different locations along the route, including the Kan Okla 100 Mile Highway Sale map available on their Facebook page. The sale runs through tomorrow

 A Bartlesville man made his second appearance in court this week on pending charges of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

 Robert McGlothen is accused of stabbing the victim on the 1600 block of South West Elm street. According to an affidavit, an officer interviewed three separate witnesses that were in the area when the incident occurred.

Each witness stated that McGlothen stabbed the victim, and one told police that the man was stabbed on the left side of his body. They also told police that McGlothen dropped the weapon in a trashcan south of a residence.  McGlothen is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. The victim is recovering in a Tulsa Hospital.

The charges are pending in this case and McGlothen will appear in court again today.

 New evidence has strengthened the possible connection between BTK and an Oklahoma cold case.

 Recently released photos from the Osage County Sheriff's Office have given even more reason to suspect that Dennis Rader, otherwise known as BTK, is involved in the disappearance of Cynthia Dawn Kinney, who went missing from a Pawhuska laundromat in 1976. 

These photos are graphic in nature and show young women tied up in a barn and being tortured. Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden says a tip that they received at the time was unfortunately never followed up on. 

Virden says that hopefully the release of the graphic drawings will help jog someone's memory in relation to the crime that was committed. 

During a prison phone call last week, Rader is reported to have said, “There might still be some things in some old barns.”

Independence Community College announces their Junior and Senior Day is on the calendar for the month of October.

The event is scheduled for Friday, October 20^th, at the ICC Main Campus from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Senior Recruiter Chris Cameron says attending a college senior day is not just a momentary event; it is an investment in a brighter future. He says as students gather to explore the possibilities and seize the opportunities, they unlock benefits that shape their academic and personal journey.

ICC's Financial Aid Department will take inspiration from the popular game show, The Price is Right, to offer an interactive financial literacy experience. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to meet current faculty and students and learn about programs offered at ICC. Each student in attendance will have the chance to win some incredible door prizes, including an Echo Pop, Beats Buds and even a countertop ice maker.

The Parsons Police Department is warning drivers to be careful on the roadways.

Over half of the fatality and serious injury car crashes occur on local roads with half of those involving only a single vehicle. Rural roads have the most fatal crashes in Kansas despite accounting for only 40% of total state miles traveled. Chief Robert Spinks says safe driving behaviors are the number one way motorists can protect themselves and their occupants traveling anywhere.

Driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving, impaired driving and failure to properly use seat belts and child restraint protection severely increase the severity of a crash.

A Coffeyville Regional Medical Center paramedic is selected as the KEMSA Paramedic of the Year.  This award is based on written nominations that demonstrate how the individual provides superior patient care, is an effective advocate for patients and their families, fosters a positive work environment, and demonstrates professionalism through interactions and commitment to continuing education.

Jim Wilson started at CRMC in 1993 and has worked a total of 30 years between PRN and full-time EMS. He is also the fire chief for a local volunteer fire department, where he has served as a firefighter since 1988 before being promoted to fire chief in 2000. CRMC says they are very proud of Wilson for this accomplishment and the service he provides to the surrounding communities.

 Parsons Police Department and Code Enforcement have worked to shut down an illegal 'Animal Rescue' in the City of Parsons.

 On Wednesday, Parsons Police Officers along with CSO Thompson and Code Enforcement went to a residence in the 500 block of North 25th street in Parsons. During an investigation by Community Service Officer Ricky Thompson about the possibility of an illegal number of dogs in the area, Officer Thompson met with the homeowner who had claimed to be running a 'nonprofit animal rescue'. Pictures of the animals and living conditions of the dogs were gathered to evaluate with the City Attorney.

It was determined that any animal sanctuary or rescues in that location would be illegal due to zoning issues and not being filed with the city. There was also no paperwork that showed it was a registered not-for-profit organization. There was also no current running water at the location or working sewer system. 

The decision was made for the owners to remove all of the animals from the city so that they would not overburden the local pet hospital. No animals were in immediate threat of harm while officers were on scene. As of today, all of the animals have been removed from the house. This continues to be an on-going investigation.

 A Bartlesville man appeared in Washington County Court on Wednesday on the charges of domestic abuse by strangulation and interference with emergency telephone call.

 On August 16^th, the female victim called Joshua Duncan to their home because she was locked out of their house. The victim told police that Duncan usually left a key outside of the house or the back door unlocked, but there was no key and the house was locked.

Approximately 20 minutes after making the call, Duncan arrived and let the victim into of the house. Duncan was asked to remain outside. However, he followed her into the house and, according to an affidavit, an argument broke out . The victim said Duncan pushed her in the hallway before she closed herself into a bedroom. The woman told police that Duncan then kicked the door down.

Duncan is also accused of breaking the victim’s phone when she attempted to call police. Duncan instead allegedly grabbed the victim by her throat and slammed her into the floor. Police spoke with a witness who made the 911 call for the victim and confirmed the woman's story. Duncan then fled the scene, but was later arrested. At Wednesday's court appearance, he was given a bond of $100,000. His next court date is set for Sep. 22.

 The city of Fredonia and USD 484 has a new school resource officer.

 Officer Terry Love was recently hired to step into the school resource officer role. Love has 40 years experience in law enforcement and brings to the job his ability to be a positive role model for students. Fredonia Police Chief Brad Pflueger told city commissioners at last night's meeting that Love is settling in to his new position.

Pflueger also praised the efforts of his officers at Fredonia's recent Sausage Fest for their skill and professionalism and thanked the officers from the Neodesha Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff's Department for their assistance at the event.

 Evergy is warning customers about recent scams in south east Kansas targeting customers both in-person and by phone.

 In July, a scammer entered a small business dressed in Evergy attire, offering the owner a 15% discount on his energy bill if he would pay on the spot via Cash App. The business owner agreed, received a text confirmation for the payment and checked his account later to confirm payment. Later, the customer was disconnected for non-payment. The team at Evergy’s Connect Center discovered the scammer processed two card payments on the customer’s account that were later returned due to fraud.

In another incident, scammers called a different customer and said the customer would be disconnected if they did not remit payment by cash or by gift cards at Walmart or Dollar General. The customer had just paid their bill the same day and was skeptical, but the scammer said they showed no payment and they owed $950.

Remember, do not give out personal information such as credit card, debit card, Social Security, or checking or savings account numbers.

Suspicious activity should also be reported to local law enforcement. You should also contact the State Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Division 1-800-432-2310

 The city of Fredonia shows financial improvement.

 At last night city commission meeting, commissioners approved the acceptance of the 2024 city budget. City Administrator Wes Young says the ultimate goal is to improve city services and infrastructure.

Other business before the commission at last night's meeting included a plan to begin repairing sidewalks and curbing around the city and a disbursement request regarding the solar farm project. Commissioners also heard citizen concerns about the appearance of run down and neglected homes around the city.

 Starting today, the City of Coffeyville Water Department will begin a system-wide flushing program to remove chemical and biological build-up in the water distribution system lines.

 During this time and with the help of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Coffeyville will temporarily modify the chemicals in the drinking water. This may cause the drinking water to appear cloudy or discolored and it may have a poor taste or odor. Customers may also experience reduced water pressure. These changes may happen across the city for the next four weeks. During this time, the city of Coffeyville will work with KDHE to ensure the water is safe to drink. The overall goal of these changes is to maintain a safe and reliable water system. Residents with questions may call the Municipal Water Treatment plant at 252-6150 Monday through Friday between 7am and 3pm.

 A one vehicle accident in Crawford county leaves one woman injured.

 The accident occurred yesterday just after 7:30pm as a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 pickcup driven by 23 year old Mikayla Ward of Fort Scott was traveling south bound on U-S 69 about 5 miles north of Pittsburg. When Ward's vehicle left the roadway to the right, she apparently over corrected causing her vehicle to cross the center line into the northbound lane of traffic and overturn into the ditch. Ward was taken to KU Medical Center with suspected serious injuries. At the time of the accident, Ward was not wearing a seatbelt.

 This is the last week for Coffeyville residents to submit questions for the upcoming legislative forums.

 The city commission forum is coming up on September 19the and the USD 445 forum will be held on September 21^st. Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says, if you have a question you'd like to ask, you need to send them in.

Questions must be submitted before the forums as there will be no questions taken during the event. Both forums will be held at the Windsor Event Center at 102 West 8th Street in Coffeyville and both will begin at 6pm.

 The Montgomery County Commission is set to discuss the budget.

 At yesterday's commission meeting in Independence, commissioners Robert Bever, Mike Cordray, and Jim McManus agreed to discuss the budget for the upcoming year at a meeting set for September 18^th. Montgomery County Financial Officer Fred Gress says the county plans to remain under the revenue neutral rate.

Other business discussed at the meeting included approval for the purchase of new tactical vests for new hires at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department and new and continuing projects currently underway from Public Works.

 Residents of Ottawa County, Oklahoma, will have a chance to have their voices heard on the issue of crime.

 All law enforcement agencies in the county have been invited along with D-A Doug Pewitt. Representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties will be in attendance, as well. The Town Hall is open to all residents of Ottawa County and takes place at 7pm tomorrow night at the Civic Center in Miami.

 The Labette County Jail in Oswego has canceled all inmate visitation for this weekend. The visitation time was canceled by the Sheriff's Department due to illness. No further information is available at this time.

 The hot, dry weather is an ongoing issue across the four state area.

 Chautauqua County in south east Kansas remains in a severe drought and a Stage 3 water emergency. Residents have been working hard to conserve water. At last night's city council meeting in Sedan, Mayor Jack Warren thanked citizens for their efforts.

As the water emergency continues the lake levels have continued to drop at a steady rate.

 Neewollah is just around the corner.

 It's time to start thinking about food, fun, and fall, but also about the entertainment the state's biggest annual festival has to offer. Neewollah Generalissimo Sabrina Overfield says a local favorite The Oak Ridge Boys will headline this year's shows.

Tickets for the show go on sale today at 9am and are available online at neewollah.com

 The Independence High School music department holds a unique fundraiser.

 Students from the IHS music department will be on hand next Saturday in the IHS gym to raise money for the school's music program by selling mattresses. IHS Vocal Music Instructor Christopher Kurt says its a fun way to raise funds.  Kurt adds that they will have a variety of items available for purchase. The fundraiser runs from 10am to 4pm in the IHS gym on Saturday the 16^th

 Drivers in Independence take note.

 City crews will be at work today on Myrtle Street from 10^th to 17^th streets. Residents can expect intermittent lane closures in the construction area and are advised to drive carefully in the work area or find an alternate route. The work is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

 An attempted traffic stop over the weekend leads to the death of two motorcycle riders.

 Joplin Police say the accident took place at 403 North Main Saturday around 8:45 p.m. The incident began when an officer with the Joplin Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on two motorcycles for careless driving, including observing the motorcycles driving at approximately 80 miles per hour in a 30-mile per hour zone while northbound on Main Street from 15th Street. The officer pulled behind them at a red light at 10th and Main and attempted to conduct the stop. As the officer activated his emergency lights and siren, the two motorcycles fled from the officer at a high rate of speed. The officer deactivated his emergency equipment at 9th and Main and disregarded his attempt to stop the motorcycles. The two motorcycles continued to drive at a high rate of speed at approximately 80-100 mph in a 20-mph speed zone, running multiple red lights.

 A few minutes later, JPD received a 911 report of a crash involving multiple motorcycles. Officers responded and found a debris field stretching a full city block. 20-year-old Taran Morris and 60-year-old Mark McGowen, both of Miami, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigations shows two fleeing motorcycles were involved in the crash along with a third motorcycle.

 Morris and 18-year old Colten Goddard of Welch were the motorcyclists who fled from officers and continued to drive recklessly. Morris’ motorcycle collided with McGowen’s motorcycle as McGowen was turning south out of the Casey’s parking lot. Two counts of Murder in the 2nd degree are being sought against Goddard due to his actions that resulted in the death of the two other motorcyclists.

 The investigation is ongoing.

 A 19 year old Missouri man is injured in a single car accident near Joplin.

 John Turner of Stella, Missouri, received moderate injuries when the 2004 Ford F-150 pickup he was driving ran off the road and overturned yesterday afternoon. The accident occurred around 3pm yesterday on Highway D near Stella. Turner was transported to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin where he was treated for his injuries.

 The Bartlesville Police Department responds to a stabbing.

 Shortly before 4pm yesterday afternoon, Bartlesville police were called to the 1600 block of Elm Street where they located an individual sitting on the curb with a severe stab wound to the torso. Officers then located and detained a suspect a few blocks away from the stabbing. The suspect has been placed under arrest. The victim was transported via life flight to a Tulsa hospital for medical treatment. This is still an ongoing investigation and no names have been released.

The Coffeyville Boy's and Girl's Club is awarded with a scholarship at their regional conference.

The Club's Executive Director and three members of the Board of Directors were invited to attend the Southwest Regional Conference. In recognition of their work within rural communities, they were awarded a $1,500 scholarship.

CEO Griffin Walker says their club strives to meet the needs of Coffeyville and surrounding area youth by providing a positive program and making sure it's in a safe environment. He says the national office is impressed with their effort towards improvement in a rural club, with limited resources.

 The county approves a new equipment purchase for new sheriff department hires.

 At today's Montgomery County Commission meeting in Independence, Undersheriff Christopher Williams asked the commission to approve the expenditure for new hires. The total costs for the new vests is $5000 which will be paid for out of previously approved funds. In other business, the commissioners set the date for a budget hearing. That date is set for September 18.

 It's a weekend ready-made for bargain hunters.

 The 16^th Annual Kan Okla 100 Mile Highway sale kicks off this Friday and area sale enthusiasts will be out in force, looking for bargains. The sale includes the cities of Nowata, Bartlesville, Caney, Coffeyville, Independence, and all the towns and areas in between. Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson says the sale draws people from all across the Midwest. The sale runs this Friday and Saturday.

 Government offices across the area are open again today following the long holiday weekend.

 For most towns in Montgomery County , trash service resumes today as well except for Caney, which remains on the regular schedule. Your regular trash pick up day will be one day later than usual due to Labor Day. Also a reminder that city offices in Independence will be closed this Thursday and Friday as city government workers move back into the 1916 city hall building located at 6^th and Myrtle.

 Local golfers take to the links for a good cause. 

 The 9^th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser to support Spark Wheel happens Friday in Independence. Golfers will have the chance to play a four-person scramble at one of the oldest courses in the state at Independence Country Club. Registration is $100 per player and includes golf, a golf cart, lunch, a tournament gift, refreshments and an awards ceremony. Prizes will be given to top team finishers and other accomplishments. The event begins at 8am Friday with a shotgun start. Pre-registration is not necessary but it will help organizers plan for food and the number of carts. The tournament benefits Spark Wheel, a non-profit organization that helps students who face daunting obstacles with limited resources reach their full potential.

 Oklahomans are set to remember 9/11.

 The Ottawa County Historical Society presents “9/11 Remembered – Recounting the Day Our Country Came Together.” The featured speaker is retired Navy Captain Joseph Gradisher who was in the Pentagon when the plane struck on September 11^th. Other guests include Admiral Jeff Trussler, Desiree Dillon-Jones, and the Miami Oklahoma Police and Fire Departments. Dr. Clark Osborn will serve as emcee. Captain Gradisher will speak at 7pm next Monday at the Coleman Theater in Miami. The event is free to the public.

 A two vehicle crash on Monday has left one man dead.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol said that at around 2:45 pm yesterday, 72-year-old Wayne Faulkner of Yates Center was driving north on U75 just north of Yates Center and was turning left onto 130th Road in a Toyota truck when a Ford F150 driven by 73 year old David Harrier of Meriden hit the left rear corner. The Toyota rolled multiple times before landing on its wheels in the ditch. K-H-P said the Ford F150 was trying to pass a vehicle that was behind the Toyota when the accident happened. Faulkner was pronounced dead at the scene. 63 year old Karen Faulkner who was a passenger in the Toyota was taken to Stormont Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

 Chautauqua County issues a county wide burn ban.

 Due to extremely dry conditions and lack of sufficient firefighting water, a ban has been enacted on open burning.

This ban prohibits any person from open burning, including, but not limited to setting fire to any forest, grass, range, crop, or other wild lands, or building a campfire or bonfire, or burning trash or other materials that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop or other wild lands fire. The majority of Chautauqua County is considered to be in the Exceptional Drought category and remains under a Stage 3 Water Emergency

 Due to the long holiday weekend, most city offices in the area will be closed today. 

 Trash pick up in Coffeyville, Cherryvale, and Independence will be one day later than usual. However, trash pick up in Caney will remain on the usual schedule.

 Pittsburg Police are looking for information regarding a recent homicide.

 On Sunday August 20, law enforcement officers were dispatched to 202 North Locust Street in Pittsburg, and found an adult male who had been shot. The victem identified as 36-year-old Justin Krogen, of Pittsburg, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Krogen’s body was sent to Kansas City for an autopsy.

The investigation into this homicide incident is ongoing at this time, and investigators are continuing to follow up on leads. Investigators are also seeking to locate a person of interest from this investigation. This person of interest is not yet identified at this time.

Anyone having information related to this incident is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

 Local rural fire crews respond to a grass fire. 

 Fire crews from the Dearing Fire Department and the Tyro Rural Fire Department responded to a grass fire on Saturday evening. The fire was located between Tyro and Dearing along Highway 166. Crews responded promptly and doused the fire. There were no reported injuries.

 Several south east Kansas agencies receive grant money to fight substance abuse.

 Kansas State Attorney General Kris Kobach announces $6 million in grant money to 33 applicants across the state. Local agencies receiving funding include the Crawford County Mental Health Center and the Community Health Center of South East Kansas, each receiving $200,000 and New Beginnings, Inc, receiving $195,000. The Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board awarded the grant money in support of substance abuse and addiction services. The grants were made possible by money recovered by the Attorney General's office through opioid settlements funds.

 As the Labor Day holiday weekend winds down the Kansas Highway patrol reminds drivers to keep safety precautions in mind.

 K-H-P reports several injury accidents on Kansas highways this weekend in areas around Wichita, in north east Kansas, and in western Kansas along I-70, but no fatalities.

Excessive speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes, so K-H-P- reminds Kansans to always wear seatbelts, ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, check road conditions before traveling, and give yourself plenty of time for arrival. If you are drinking, don't drive, and have a designated driver. K-H-P wants all Kansans to have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

 Residents in Fredonia will be able to toss out their unwanted trash starting this Friday.

 Fredonia Fall Clean Up runs from September 8 through 15. Any unwanted trash, rubbish, e-waste, or recyclables can be set out for pick up by the city during those dates. Pick up will be on your regularly scheduled trash days. Residents can take advantage of a city dumpster or dump truck by contacting the city shop at 620-378-3161 ext 1. Leave a message including your name and contact number.

Rules for Cleanup week:

• • Absolutely no tires

  • Pick up is on your regular trash day

  • Materials must be separated

  • household trash in dumpster by itself

  • Brush should be separate from lumber

  • Leaves should be bagged and separate from lumber and brush

  • Furniture should be placed in alley or by normal pick up

  • Large appliances are to be placed at normal pick up, taken to Recycle Center, or placed by Roll off

  • No building material in dumpsters (carpet and padding are to be with building materials)

  • If metal is in dump truck, ONLY metal is allowed

  • Do not pile brush on gas meters

  • If construction materials are in dump truck, ONLY construction materials are allowed

  • Brush and leaves will be collected on the second week

  • NO USED OIL

  • If taking brush to the Limb yard, NO dumping trash of any sort. ONLY tree and brush are allowed at the Limb yard. Violators will be prosecuted for illegal dumping

  • The city will not pickup mixed items. Please separate as listed

 The city of Fredonia is examining options to fix the city's water issues.

 City commissioners met with engineers from B-G Consultants in a special session earlier this week to discuss issues with the city's water lines. Fredonia has experienced several line breaks in the past year that have led to interruptions in water supply and several “boil water” orders. City Administrator Wes Young says the priority is to improve the system for residents. Young says the age of the lines in the current system combined with changes in the weather make the lines prone to leaks.  Commissioners authorized Young and B-G Consultants to move forward with the process to create a plan of action for repairing and maintaining the lines. The Fredonia City commission will meet again on Wednesday at 5:30pm at city hall for their regularly scheduled meeting.

 The Sedan City Council approves a measure to repave the city streets.

 Council members met in a special meeting yesterday to discuss the need to repave several streets in Sedan. Mayor Jack Warren says the council has asked for citizen input via water bills, but that there were few responses. Warren adds that there are several major streets that need work. Warren adds that decisions have to be made by prioritizing high traffic areas.  The council approved a motion to repave the streets by spending up to $175,000 to A-to-Z Paving from Tulsa.

 More than half of all Americans plan to travel this holiday weekend.

 The American Red Cross has some travel tips for those hitting the road over the next few days. Red Cross officials say to be well rested and alert, use seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. Clean headlights and turn them on as dusk approaches or in inclement weather. Drivers should not to drink and drive and have a designated driver available. Officials indicate to give full attention to the road. Avoid distractions, such as cell phones. Red Cross officials advise to use caution in work zones as there are many construction projects underway on the highways and don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Keeping these tips in mind should help everyone have a safe and fun holiday weekend.

The 9/11 National Day of Service is coming up and RSVP Four County is looking to commemorate the day with a food drive. The purpose of the drive is to replenish the supplies food pantry at the Community Access Center. Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says it's a great way to participate in the National Day of Service.

Any non perishable item will be accepted. Items can be dropped off at the following locations:

•  Community Access Center, 307 ½ W Pecan
• Four County Mental Health, 3354 Hwy 160
• G&W Foods, 416 W Myrtle
• Independence Chamber of Commerce, 616 N Penn
• VFW Post #1186, 113 E Maple

Parts of southeast Kansas are still in the worst category of drought.

According to this week's report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, Elk and Chautauqua Counties are experiencing the worst drought in the state. While there has been some recent improvement, USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says there's still a long way to go.

The City of Sedan is still in Stage Three of their water emergency and according to officials, the lake level has once again resumed a steady drop. More than 3,500 people in Chautauqua County are being affected by the drought, but thanks to resident's efforts, water use in Sedan has gone down about 30% since Stage Three began.