Authorities in Miami County, Kansas, are looking for the suspect involved in the armed robbery of a Dollar General store.

 The robbery occurred Sunday evening around 7:15 when a masked individual entered the Dollar Store location in Paola. The male suspect brandished a firearm and demanded employees hand over the money in the cash register. The suspect is described as a white male, about 5'4” tall with long, dark hair thought to be a wig. He was wearing a brown, Carhart-style coat with a red t-shirt, black Nike sweat pants, and white Nike shoes.

The subject fled north in a silver SUV with an undisclosed amount of money. Anyone with information should call the Miami County Sheriff's Office at 913-294-3232 or anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.

Photo courtesy Miami County Sheriff's Department

 As the state legislative session gets underway, Medicaid expansion is sure to be on the agenda. 

 State Senator Virgil Peck says Governor Kelly strongly suipports the expansion. Peck has asked constiuents in south east Kansas what they think of the expansion and says voters here are not in favor of it. Peck says he received nearly 500 responses to his survey and says while the results aren't scientific, they do give insight into what voters are thinking.

 A Tulsa man is charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife.

 The body of Cassidy Ritchie was found on Sunday in the back of her car which was discovered east of Catoosa.

Authorities have arrested Chris Morland, Ritchie's husband of less than a month. Police say Morland told them multiple versions fo multiple stories about the whereabouts of Ritchie and insisted that she was simply away, visiting a friend.

Ritchie was originally reported missing on January 25^th

 An hours long standoff in Altoona leads to the arrest of a suspect.

 In the early morning hours of January 21^st, 32 year old Phillip James Beisly barricaded himself inside a residence in Altoona after being recognized by a Wilson County deputy as a person who was wanted on several warrants. During a lengthy standoff, tear gas and canine officers were used. Beisly eventually surrendered to Wilson County deputies without incident.

Beisly has been charged with several crimes including possession of a weapon by a felon, obstruction of apprehension as well as several drug possession charges. He also faces charges in Labette abnd Neosho counties.

 Independence High School is hosting a bingo night to raise funds for their after prom celebration.

 Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says its a fun night for a good cause.

There will be fun for the whole family plus cash prizes and gift baskets to be won. Wilson says you can help out by playing or by donating items for prizes.

Doors open at 5pm and bingo begins at 7. The cost is $12 and that includes 10 bingo cards with 3 games per card. The 2024 Bingo Night happens on Saturday, February 10^th , in the IHS cafeteria at 1301 north 10^th street.

 A Missouri man is charged with 2^nd degree murder after human remains found in a burn pile.

 Bradley Keith of Eldorado Springs has been charged with the crime in connection to the death of 27 year old Shaniya Haynes of Joplin. Haynes was found in a burn pile in Vernon County, Missouri, earlier this month. The cause of her death will be determined following a full autopsy.

Keith has claimed Haynes' death was an accident, that he was involved in a struggle with the victim over a weapon, when the weapon discharged, causing her death. Inverstogators say Keith led them to the location of a .22 pistol hidden inside a log in rural Vernon County.

Keith and two other men have also been charged with evidence tampering and abandonment of a corpse in the case. All three are currently being held in the Cedar County Jail.

 Native American middle and high school students have an opportunity to take a tour of the American Airlines and Nordam facilities in Tulsa on Friday, March 15th.

 The tour will give a better view of the Oklahoma aviation field and other career opportunities in the field. 

Spots are limited and will come on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, or to register, you can call the Osage Nation Education Department at 918-287-5300.

 A Bartlesville man faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon following a failed carjacking late last week.

 Andrew Pitcher is accused of trying to steal two different veihicles and attempting to stab the owner of one of the cars on January 26^th .

Pitcher was on the 200 block of Margarite Avenue in Bartlesville when he attempted to steal a 1985 Chevy Blazer. When the owner of the Blazer tried to stop him, Pitcher allegedly tried to stab him. When that failed, Pitcher fled. Pitcher then jumped into a different vehicle at the location and tried to leave the seen when he was pulled over by a police officer. A small pocket knife and 41 grams of marijuana were recovered from the second vehicle Pitcher was in

Pitcher was given a $50,000 bond in Washington County Court. His next court date is set for February 9th.

The Cherokee Nation continues to take steps to preserve and expand the speaking of the Cherokee Language.

The Nation has just been awarded a grant worth up to $900,000 over the next three years from the United States Department of the Interior. The Living Language Grant Program will expand the duties of the existing Teacher Bridge project, which was created to increase both learner proficiency and professional skills for Cherokee Language Master and Apprentice Program graduates as they become Cherokee language teacher candidates. The tribe received an initial $300,000, with additional funding every year for two additional years based on funding appropriations from Congress.

The Coffeyville FFA Booster Club is hosting a Chili Feed and Silent Auction fundraiser to support the Coffeyville FFA chapter.

The chili feed will be on Saturday, February 17^th, starting at 5:00pm in the Ag room, which is located in the Coffeyville Community College Technical campus across the street from Field Kindley High School. Chili will be served until it runs out. Silent auction bidding will close around 7:00pm.

The silent auction will include items donated by individuals and local businesses and projects from students in the welding classes. During the chili feed, scrapbooks, photos, newspaper articles, plaques and trophies will be available to view.

 Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt says he will send National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border if asked to do so by Texas.

 Stitt said he would commit troops if a request came from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Stitt calls the move part of protecting Oklahoma as well, stating it is imperative for safeguardnign Oklahoma's interests.

The call cmoes amid escalating tensions between the state of Texas and the Biden administration over the southern border. The Texas governor has accused President Biden of violating his oath of office by failing to execute immigration laws passed by Congress.

 The City of Parsons annouces city offices in the municipal building will be closed shortly before noon tomorrow to allow staff time to attend the Memorial Service for K9 Karim.

 K9 Karim was an active duty member of the Parsons Police Department when he passed away on August 21. Karim will be honored at a memorial service at noon tomorrow at the Municipal Auditorium. Wall Funeral Home is coordinating the service which will be officiated by Reverend Jennifer Dawson. The public is invited to attend. Interment of Karim will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in a to-be-dedicated reesting space for service animals.

 A Haskell, OK, man is found guilty of murdering his wife.

On Monday, a jury in Muskcogee County found Dayan Banks guilty of the 2021 murder of his wife Tamara Banks. They also recommended a sentence of life in prison with out parole.

Tamara Banks went missing in October 2021 after filing for a protective order against her husband Dayan. She never showed up for the hearing. Police believe Dayan Banks murdered her and burned the body to dispose of the remains. Tamara Banks' body has never been found.

 A teen in Clinton, Missouri, is safe after being trapped in a grain elevator.

 The teen - who is employed by the Hankins Grain Company in Clinton – was trying to loosen wet grain in the bin when he was sucked into the bin and got stuck. Crews from the Clinton Fire Department arrived on the scene and used a device specifically designed for grain bin rescues, called “the Great Wall of Rescue.” The victim was freed after a three-hour rescue attempt and taken to a nearby hospital where he is reported in good condition.

Photo shows what device might look like

 A Wichita teen is shot and killed by his own mother.

 The incident began on Saturday night at an apartment complex on West Central Avenue in Wichta. Police officers were called to the aprtment to conduct a welware check on a man's 14 year old son. Officers got no response when they knocked on the door, but noticed a bullet hole and spent bullet on the ground. Officers entered the apartment and found 43 year old Kylee Hodges holding a gun. SWAT members were called in to negotiate with her. After five hours, Hodges came out of the apartment and pointed the gun at officers. When she refused to drop the weapon, officers fired, hitting the woman. She was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

Inside the apartment, officers found the body of 14 year old Claude Hodges. Hodges was deceased from a gunshot wound to his upper body. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office are investigation both shootings.

 Police arrest a suspect in a shooting death in Miami, OK.

 Special agents from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation have arrested 34 year old Travis Wilbur in connection to the January 5^th shooting death of 27 year old Matthew Locastro. Investigators believe an altercation between multiple people happened near Second Avenue NE and H street in Miami and this is what led to the shooting and Locastro's death.

Wilbur was arrested on first degree murder charges and booked into the Craig County Jail.

 Gravel roads around Montgomery County are set to be re-rocked.

 At Monday's Montgomery County Commission meeting, Commissioner Mike Cordray brought up the issue of gravel roads in the county. He said he's had many calls about the lack of rock on many of the county's back roads. County Public Works Director Jim Wright says the county began adding new rock to county roads last week.

Wright asked residents for patience because county road crews have more than 800 miles of road to cover. Commissioners also asked Wright about clearing county roads in case of ice and snow. Wright told commissioners that the county priority in case of incement weather was to make sure school bus routes were clear.

 The Washington County Commissioners spent several minutes of their Monday meeting discussing, but not taking any action on the upcoming state legislative session.  

 Commissioner Mitch Antle says the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma are tracking 183 bills in the Oklahoma state legislature that could affect county government. Antle says he is paying special attention to two bills that sound good in theory, but may have some unintendend consequences on Washington County.  

Senate Bill 1580 would direct county commissioners to intervene on behalf of rural water districts during water shortages. Antle and Commissioner Mike Dunlap both agreed this is not something that should be done because some water districts cover multiple counties, hampering response.

The next meeting of the Washington County Commission will be February 5^th

 A Bartlesville woman was arrested on Saturday on the charges of an aggravated DUI, eluding a police officer, endangering another person, and obstructing an officer.

 In addition to those charges, Ciera Carr is also being charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer stemming from two alleged assaults that took place after her arrest.

Afterbeing taken to the Washington County jail, Carr then allegedly had to be put in a restraint chair due to being physically and verbally combative. While trying to restrain her, Carr hit an officer in the face with her hand. Later in the night, Carr was let out of her restraining chair to use the restroom when she stepped toward an officer and kicked him in the groin. Carr was originally arrested for eluding police after a traffic stop was conducted for erratic driving.

Carr ran a red light on Adams Boulevard before coming to a stop after jumping the West side curb on Cherokee Avenue. It was also discovered that there was another person in the vehicle with Carr that wanted out and was asking her to pull over. Carr is being held over on a $50,000 bond and her next court date is set for February 9th.

 The Osage County Oklahoma District Attorney's Office rules a November 21^st shooting at Osage Casino and Hotel west of Bartlesville was justified.

 On November 21^st Brandon Hines shot and killed Beau Caskey in the parking lot of the casino. After reviewing the reports from the O-S-B-I and watching security footage from the casino, Osage County District Attorney Mike Fisher says no charges will be filed against Hines.

Caskey was accused of stealing a truck and some personal belongings from a Bartlesville residence. When an Osage Nation Police Officer and the theft victims approached Caskey in the truck, he attempted to flee, dragging the police officer in the truck.

To stop the escape attempt, Hines shot and killed Caskey.

This year's winter wheat crop continues to stay in good shape.

That's according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, which reports winter wheat conditions as of last week were 4% very poor, 11% poor, 31% fair, 46% good and 8% excellent.

Topsoil moisture in Kansas and Oklahoma has improved a lot since last year. While 33 percent of Oklahoma is still in the abnormally dry to exceptional drought category, that's still down 65 points from the previous year. In Kansas, topsoil moisture supplies are rated 4% very short, 16% short, 65% adequate and 15% surplus.

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is offering tours of their current Primary Care Clinics.

In December, the CRMC Foundation announced the Build for the Future campaign. Funds from this campaign will be used to construct a new 12,000-square-foot Primary Care Clinic located directly south of the CRMC main campus. This new clinic will replace the clinic's current location in the original 1949 building.

CRMC is offering the community a first-hand look at the current issues facing their patients and staff that come along with the old facility. Guided tours of the clinics are being offered Monday, February 5^th and Wednesday, February 7^th from 12:00pm to 1:00 pm. For more information go to crmcinc.org/buildfuture, or call the Foundation office at (620)252-1659.

The water for the entire town of Caney is being shut off by the City.

There is current water leak in the City and until that leak is found and fixed the water is being shut-off.  KGGF will provide an update when the water is turned back on.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinds the boil water advisory for the City of Coffeyville.

The advisory was issued because of high turbidity at the Coffeyville water treatment plant. High turbidity can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Coffeyville indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

?The boil water advisories for the purchasing systems are still in effect pending laboratory results. Those include the City of Dearing, Labette RWD 6, Montgomery RWD 2C A, 2C B, 14 and 1C and the City of South Coffeyville.

 A second fire in ten days at a Grand Lake marina destroys a restaurant and yacht club.

 The fire started around 5:30pm on Saturday. The Monkey Island Fire Department along with the Ketchum and Cleora Fire Departments responded to the call at Arrowhead Marina. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before they were able to bring it under control. The restaurant and yacht club were both a complete loss. Crews from Bernice Fire and Lakemont Shores Fire also helped battle the blaze.

This is the same marina where three boats caught fire on January 18^th . In Saturday's fire, no boats were lost and no one was injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 The Independence Police Department is investigating a felony theft that occurred in the 400 block of Westminster Place between approximately 1am and 5:30am yesterday.

 Police say two trailers taken from the alleyway between Westminster and Cottonwood. The suspects may have left the scene traveling east on Cottonwood to Park Blvd. I-P-D are asking residents in the area tp check their surveillance cameras for any video of the theft. Anyone with information on the incident should notify IPD at 620-332-1700.

 At last week's meeting, the Independence City Commission officially called an end to the City’s Stage 2 Water Warning restricting usage, which was implemented last September. 

 With the end of the Stage 2 Warning, the City now reverts to a Stage 1 Water “Watch” thanks to changing weather patterns and an increase in lake water elevation. Citizens can continue to help with water conservation by curtailing outdoor use and making efficient use of water indoors with such practices as washing full loads of dishes and laundry, shortening showers and not letting faucets run for extended periods.

 A Segdwick woman says having a toiler as a planter in her front yard is artistic expression but the city calls it a nuisance.

 Mistie Clark of Sedgwick went to trial in September for what she says is her right to have a decorated tiolet in her front yard as a planter. Clark lost her court battle and was given notice by the City of Sedgwick to remove the toilet by February 8^th . Though she said she was willing to go to jail over the porcelin planter, Clark says she was ready to remove it. She placed a skeleton reading the Constitution on the planter as a way to say good-bye, but an unknown person smashed the toilet to pieces. Clark says she is saddened by the act but that she is already planning her next item for her yard.

 An 84 year old man missing in Franklin County is found deceased.

 Donald Willford was last seen leaving his home in Pomona around 10am on Saturday morning. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office began looking for Willford later that afternoon. After searching an area where the man was thought to be located, deputies found the man deceased.

 A Supreme Court decision handed down early last week stated the federal government can remove razor wire erected by Texas law enforcement on the southern border.

 The Texas National Guard has appeared to disregard that decision and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt says he stands with Texas. Stitt called the situation a powder keg, but added that he thinks Texas has the right to defend itself. No decision has been made, but Stitt has been in talks with his staff about sending the Oklahoma National Guard to the southern border to help Texas.

 Today is Kansas Day and marks the day in 1861 that Kansas became the 34^th state in the Union.

 According to the Kansas Historical Society, the first Kansas Day was celebrated in 1877 in Paola, where public school students cekbrated their pride in being Kansans. Students spent the day discussing and displaying information and facts about the state. The day was such a success that the celebration quickly spread throughout the rest of the state and by the early 1880s, it was a day all school children celebrated. So …

Happy 163^rd Birthday, Kansas!

 A 69 year old woman is dead after crashing into a Newton Walmart on Friday.

 Wanda Hoyle of Newton was experiencing a medical emergency when her car crashed through the wall of a Walmart on Kansas Avenue. Newton Fire and EMS personnel pronounced Hoyle dead at the scene. The Newton Walmart was evacuated because of structural damage to the building and will remain closed until it can be deemed safe. No one else was injured in the accident.

Photo courtesy Newton, Kansas, Police Department

Coffeyville remains under a boil water advisory as the city awaits testing results. 

Yesterday the City of Coffeyville distributed bottled water at Walter Johnson Park. Walmart donated 20 pallets of water to be given away. Montgomery County Director of Emergency Management Rick Whitson says the city and county owe a huge thanks to Walmart for the help.

 Residents in Coffeyville are waiting for the results of water testing by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Topeka. The tests were submitted last night and the city hopes to have results by this afternoon or evening. The city of Dearing, Labette RWD 6, Montgomery RWD 14, 2C A & B, and 1C will have to submit their water to the KDHE for testing. Residents and customers in those areas and in Coffeyville will need to continue to boil water or use bottled water for drinking and food preparation until the KDHE lifts the advisory.

An Independence man is arrested after a drunken confrontation with Independence Police officers.

46-year-old Shane Dru Fockler was arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement. Officers responded to a report of an alleged domestic battery in the 400 block of East Locust. Fockler, who was intoxicated, was throwing and breaking items inside the house.

Fockler opened the front door of the residence and threw a document, striking one of the officers. After officers informed him he was detained, Fockler shut the door and attempted to avoid detainment. Officers pursued Fockler into the residence where he pushed one of them multiple times. A physical struggle ensued before officers finally subdued Fockler, taking him into custody.

The Parsons Police Department will honor their fallen K9 this week.

PPD will hold a memorial service on Wednesday at 12:00pm at the Municipal Auditorium for K9 Karim. The public is invited to attend. PPD says Karim was a loved and valued nember of the police department and this memorial is designed to recognize and remember their loved co-worker and friend. Wall Funeral Home is coordinating the service. Reverend Jennifer Dawson will be officiating.

Internment for Karim will take place at a future date at Oakwood Cemetery in a to be dedicated resting space for service animals. Karim passed as an Active Duty Member on August 21^st. He was off duty when he passed.

A Nowata woman is arrested for drug trafficking after a routine traffic stop.

51-year-old Teresa Goff was arrested by the Nowata County Sheriff's Office for drug trafficking. A deputy stopped Goff on Highway 169 south of Nowata for two traffic violations. A drug dog alert led to a search of the vehicle. A ziplock bag containing around 29 grams of methamphetamine were found in the vehicle. The deputy also found several unused small plastic baggies in Goff's purse.

Goff was booked into the Nowata County Jail and was later released after posting a $25,000 bond.

A Minnesota man has been taken into custody as the result of a month long scam investigation.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office coordinated with their Minnesota counterparts resulting in the arrest of 55-year-old Richard Robert Kohls, of Burnsville, Minnesota. Kohls is being held in the Dakota County, Minnesota Jail, pending extradition to Cherokee County. This arrest comes after Cherokee County Detectives identified him as the suspect involved in a phone scam, resulting in the theft of nearly $50,000 from a Cherokee County resident between October and December.

Sheriff David Groves says this case serves as a good reminder of the phone scams targeting people, particularly seniors, across the country. He says with this particular case, the suspect posed as a representative of a sweepstakes, telling the victim a prize had been won, but taxes had to first be paid prior to it being awarded.

A Cherokee County man is in custody following a standoff with law enforcement.

Just after 2:00pm Friday, Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies attempted to arrest 43-year-old Casey Robert Bronke at a residence in Baxter Springs on an outstanding warrant for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. Bronke barricaded himself inside the home and threatened to shoot and kill law enforcement.

Additional units from the Baxter Springs Police Department and sheriff's office arrived and following the brief standoff, Bronke was taken into custody and several firearms were seized. In addition to the original drug distribution warrant, Bronke now faces charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement, criminal possession of a firearm and felony interference with law enforcement.

Thompson Brothers Welding Supply has been named the Business of the Year by the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Thompson Brothers, which is celebrating its 75^th Anniversary was presented the award by last year’s winner Mike Ewy of Community State Bank at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet Friday night.

Other award winners include Lydia Bryce of Hersh’s, who received the Rising Star Award, Coffeyville Feed and Farm named the Small Business of the Year, Wyatt Starnes received the Volunteer of the Year Award and Dillon Odor was named the Citizen of the Year.  Odor also took the reigns as the 2024 Chairman of the Board from outgoing Chairperson Emily Zwahlen.          

 The Fredonia Knights of Columbus 1291 is hosting a youth free throw contest this Sunday.

 Boys and girls ages 9-14 are eligible to compete in the tournament which will be held in the Bateman gym at 7^th and Adams Street. Registration begins at 4pm and the contest starts at 4:30. winners in each age group will move on to the district competition on February 4^th in Coffeyville.

 The Neodesha City Commission meets and welcomes their new City Administrator Brogan Jones to his new position.

 Mayor Devin Johnson opened this week's meeting with a hearty welcome for Jones.

Jones comes to Neodesha from his previous position as City Administrator in Marion, Kansas. In other business before the commission, Community Development Director Chris Bauman says the city has big plans in the work for the opening of the new 2^nd street extension.

The commission also approved a new rental agreement with Harmony Lodge, the purchase of a new fire hose for the Neodesha Fire Department, and the replacement of the HVAC system in the commission room.

 Good news for those who want better parking in downtown Independence.

 A bid to renovate the Municipal Parking lot was awarded to Heck & Wicker at last night's (Thursday's) Independence City Commission meeting. The $600,000 dollar project will improve parking in the city. Independence City engineer John Garris says one of the main reasons for the renovation is to bring the lot into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The renovation will also make parking easier for those with large vehicles like pick up trucks and SUVs. Commissioner Scott Smith sayshe likes the new design and knows first-hand how difficult parking a large vehicle in that lot could be.

The measure was approved by a 2 to 1 vote with Smith and Mayor Tim Emert votiing for and Dean Hayse voting against.

 A New York man was seen in Washington County Oklahoma Court this week on the charges of fraudulently obtaining personal identity of another, falsely personate another to create liability, and attempt to obtain cash by false pretenses.

 Robert Ayala was arrested Tuesday after he attempted to make a withdrawal from someone else’s bank account. According to an affidavit, Ayala was at a Bartlesville bank and attempted to use the victim’s passport to make a withdrawal from the victim’s account. The bank contacted the victim, which led to Ayala’s arrest. Ayala also used a Virginia driver's license with a different name when identifying himself to police. Due to a previous felony conviction, Ayala was given a $100,000 bond and his next court date is set for Feb. 9th.

 The Cherokee Nation is serious about preserving its language.

 That is why on Wednesday, Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. passed a permanent re-authorization of the Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act. The 2019 law will authorize a minimum of $18 million to be used in preserving the Cherokee language annually. Here is what Hoskin had to say on the signing: 

“The permanent re-authorization of the Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act shows our commitment to preserve the Cherokee language and keep alive a piece of our tribe's heritage for future generations.” 

The legislation passed this week viewed the loss of the Cherokee language as a national emergency for the Cherokee people.

 The Osage Nation Language Department will be starting beginner level courses on Tuesday, February 6th at Skiatook's Early Learning Academy.

 Classes will run from 6 to 7 in the evening and Jacquelyn DeLong will be the instructor. 

Those interested in participating must submit an enrollment form to osageculture.com. For more information, you can call 918-287-5505.

 A car accident in northeast Oklahoma leaves area residents without internet.

 Yesterday morning just before 7am a car left the roadway in rural Ottawa County, hit a pole, and severed internet fiber. This casued an internet outage for Sparklight customers in Miami, Baxter Springs, and Joplin. Sparklight says it plans to compensate customers for the loss of service.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Coffeyville and their purchasing public water supply systems in the City of Dearing, Labette RWD 6, Montgomery RWD 14, Montgomery RWD 2C A & B, Montgomery RWD 1C and the City of South Coffeyville in Oklahoma. 

Customers should boil water for 1 minute prior to drinking and food preparation or use bottled water instead. Dispose of any ice cubes and do not use ice from automatic ice makers. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces. The order will remain in effect until the issue is resolved.

 Two area cities have receive grants through the Kansas Department of Transportation's Safe Route to School Program.

 The cities of Parsons and Moundridge have both received funding from the state program. Parsons will receive a planning grant and Moundridge Parents and Teachers Together will receive a Kick Start Grant. The Safe Routes to School program is designed to promote walking, biking, and rolling to school. The goal is to get more kidsinvolved in healthy, physical activity and improve safety. The SRTS program seeks to decrease the number of families who drive to school, which can reduce traffic, improve air quality, and reduce costs for families.

Nationwide, only 15% of students who live less than a mile from school walk or bike to class. In 1969, that number was 90%.

 Fire crews in Crawford County respond to an early morning fire yesterday morning.

 At around 3:30 am yesterday, Frontenac Fire, Arma Fire, Arma Police, and the Crawford County EMS responded to a structure fire in Arma. First responders arrived to find a small, single story working fire. Crews had the blaze under control in about 75 minutes. All occupants of the house were able to safely escape the fire. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 A USD 493 Columbus School Van was involved in an injury accident yesterday near Cherokee, KS.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the accident that occurred around 7:45 yesterday morning when a 2019 Chevy Express cargo van belonging to the Columbus School district was driving eastbound on US 400. As the vehicle approached the intersection with K-7, a 2016 Chevy Silverado truck driven by 51 year old Corey Hunter of Firestone, Colorado, failed to yield at a stop sign and struck the school vehicle. One passenger on the bus, 51 year old Michelle Robinson of Columbus, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. There were also six juveniles on the bus, some of whom were treatment for minor, non life threatening injuries. Hunter was uninjured is in the accident.

 Two people are arrested in connection to a July murder in rural Franklin County.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested two subjects connected to death of Nathan Boggs. 

On July 28 of last year at around 8:45 p.m., deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in rural Franklin Co., near Princeton, Kansas, after gunfire was reported. Deputies found 42 year old Nathan Boggs, of Ottawa, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures, Boggs died at the scene. His death was investigated as a homicide. 

Yesterday afternoon, KBI agents and Franklin County deputies arrested 41-year-old Timothy S. Corn and 33 year old Jessica Smith, both of Ottawa. Both were arrested on warrants for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement. 

The Franklin County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case. The investigation is ongoing.

 The city of Caney seeks a new city clerk after accepting the resignation of current clerk Amber Dean during an executive session last night.

 In a statement on Facebook, Dean says she has taken a position with the city of Coffeyville, adding that it was a difficult decision to leave, but it was a job she couldn't pass up.

 Mayor Josh Elliott says Dean has been a big part of the city and he and city officials want to thank her for her contributions and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

 Dean will stay with the city of Caney for thirty days before moving to Coffeyville.

 Recent training for emergency situations in schools prove to be eye opening.

 School shooter training in Caney High School gave opportunities for multiple agencies, both school and law enforcement, to enact scenarios on how to respond, if and when an emergency situation should arise.

Caney Superintendent Blake Vargas says the experience was both scary and beneficial.

 Vargas says the biggest takeaway from the training is to have the ability to think on your feet.

 Vargas says he is proud of the work staff members and teachers have put in to make sure every aspect of an emergency is covered. He adds that he hopes the training never has to be enacted.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Wilson County Rural Water District 4 public water supply system located in Wilson County.

 The advisory was issued 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.?

 Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

 Laboratory testing samples collected from the Wilson County Rural Water District 4 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

 The Coffeyville City Commission takes on a busy agenda at this week's meeting.

 The commission met on Tuesday night at city hall. Among items before commissioners was the recognition of recipients of Employee Service Awards. Long-time city employees were recognized for their years of service to the city of Coffeyville.

The Commission also heard from Alicia Melton of Touch of Life Ministries that operates the city warming center located on the first floor of the old Lowell School Building on 9^th street. The warming center opens when low temperatures are forecast to be below freezing. Melton says, with the recent cold weather and only ten beds, the center often houses many people.

The commissioners approved a measure that would waive up to $2,500 in utility bills for the shelter.

 The remains of a woman found last week in a burn pit in southwest Missouri have been identified.

 The victim has been identified as 27 year old Shaniya Haynes of Joplin. Three men face felony charges of evidence tampering and abandonment of a corpse in connection to the discovery.

 Bradley Keith of Eldorado Springs, Brandon Choate of Lamar, and Jimi Cole of Stockton were all arrested after the remains were found. Keith claimed to investigators that Haynes died of an accidental gunshot wound after he struggled with her over the weapon. The other two men say they were forced at gunpoint to help Keith dispose of the body. All three suspects are being held in the Cedar County Jail.

 The Eureka Health Care Center announces it will close on February 29^th .

 Representatives for the the CareArc Health Center located at 1602 north Elm street in Eureka says the facility will close at the end of February due to financial challenges caused by decreasing population in the area. CareArc says it will help patients affected by the closure by assisting them in transferring their medical records to new providers or continuing their treatment at CareArc's Emporia facility.

The Eureka Health Care Center was estblished in 2014 through a grant and offered medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

 There are some happy animals in Oswego today.

 The Oswego Animal Shelter received a donation of $1,500 yesterday from the Laborer's Local #633 Golf Tournament that took place over the summer. The donation was accpeted by Oswego Mayor Rob Corradino on behalf of the animal shelter. The funds will go to the purchase of supplies to care for animals at the shelter which is located on East Seneca Street in Oswego.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol ENDUI team will be out in full force across Washington and Nowata counties this weekend looking for impaired drivers.

 They will be partnering with local agencies to conduct a saturation patrol from 4 pm Saturday to 6 am Sunday morning. A press release states that their goal is simple: to make Washington and Nowata counties as safe as possibly by getting impaired drivers off the roads. In 2021, 407 people were killed in drug or alcohol-related crashes across the state. This is why those who are impaired are encouraged to find a safe ride home or have a designated driver.

The Bartlesville Obedience Training Club is offering spring dog training classes.

Classes are now open for enrollment and begin on Feburary 27^th . Classes are open for all ages and all sizes, including puppy Kindergarten, beginner obedience, intermediate obedience, and advanced classes. The one-hour classes are available every Tuesday evenings for 8 weeks.

The classes will be located at the Main Building on Washington County Fairgrounds in Dewey. The cost is $100 for most classes and $125 for beginners obedience. Humans must be at least 12 years old to enroll.

To get more information or to sign up for classes, go here.

 The Coffeyville City Commission met on Tuesday evening and approved two appointments to a pair of commissions.

 The city commission voted unanimously to appoint Meredith Smith to the Coffeyville Recreation Commission. Smith addressed the commissioners saying she feels she brings a fresh perspective to the commission.

The commission also appointed Pam Jones to fill the open position on the City Planning commission.

 A Baxter Springs man receives a lengthy sentence for child sex crimes in Cherokee County.

 A judge in Cherokee County District Court handed down a sentence of 50 years in prison Wednesday to 40 year old Jeremy Shrout. Shrout was found guilty in November of three counts of rape and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The incidents occurred between 2019 and 2021.

Shrout is being held in the Cherokee County Jail and will be transferred to the Kansas Department of Corrections to begin his sentence.

 Milk production in Kansas shows a slight increase at the end of 2023.

 Milk production in Kansas during December 2023 totaled 354 million pounds, up 1% from December 2022, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 176,000 head, 1,000 head more than December 2022. Milk production per cow averaged 2,010 pounds.

Meanwhile, milk production in Oklahoma during the October-December quarter totaled 167 million pounds, up 12 percent from the July-September quarter, but down 6 percent from last year's quarter. The average number of milk cows in Oklahoma during the quarter totaled 37,000 head, down 2,000 head from the same quarter in 2022.

 The US Senate has unanimously passed legislation co-authored by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Democrat Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.

 The purpose of the bill is to extend the loan window for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 524 Rural Housing site loan program. The Section 524 program provides loans to non-profits and local and trial governments to acquire and develop land to be subdivided into building sites for low and moderate-income families. This legislation would extend the loan repayment window from two years to five years, increasing flexibility for borrowers. Moran says housing shortages are impacting rural communities and hurting their ability to grow and expand.

The legislation now moves to the US House of Representatives.

 Several southeast Kansas communites will receive funding from the state of Kansas to help revitalize their downtown areas.

 Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that a total of 21 projects acorss the state will receive almost $1.4 million along with another $3.4million in private local matching funds.

In southeast Kansas, Girard Main Street will receive $10,000 and the Chanute Regional Development Authority will get $50,000. The cities of Columbus and Parsons plus the Independence Chamber of Commerce will all receive $100,000. The money comes as a part of the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline or HEAL grant program and is to be used on projects like upper-story housing, child care facilities, retail businesses, and restaurants. The projects are to be completed within two years.

 Emergency personnel are currently working a multi vehicle accident at the intersection of US-400 and Kansas Highway 7 in Cherokee County.

 Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says the accident involves a Columbus USD 493 school bus and a Chevy truck. A district representative says students were on board at the time of the accident. Some injuries have been reported, but none are life threatening. ?The superintendent is at the hospital with students and parents.

 The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is requesting that motorists find an alternate route while cleanup takes place.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issues a boil water advisory for the City of Caney.

The advisory 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 water main break causing low water pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain the required water pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice. 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 ice maker. If tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces.

Good news for residents of Sedan.

The city of Sedan has moved to a Stage 2 Water Warning. After months of being at a Stage 3 Water Warning as residents worked hard to conserve water, restrictions will be lessened. Residents with odd numbered addresses may water on odd days and those with even numbered addresses may water on even days. Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing will be restricted to before 10:00 AM and after 9:00 PM.  Golf courses will restrict watering to tees and greens after sunset. Refilling of swimming pools will be allowed one day a week, after sunset.  Excess water use charges for usage of water over the amount used in the winter will be considered. Waste of water will be prohibited. Sedan has been under severe water restrictions since the beginning of August.

The city of Caney is dealing with a major water leak.
 

 According to a post from the city on Facebook, due to the major water leak at 1st and State Streets, the Public Works Department is shutting off water to the entire town until the water leak is repaired.

 
 KGGF will bring you the latest on this repair as it becomes available. 

 Parsons kids in kindergarten through 8^th grade are getting ready for spring soccer.

 The Parsons Recreation Commission announces sign-ups for youth spring soccer. Leagues are open to kids in kindergarten through 8^th grade. Games will be played on Saturdays from March 30^th through April 20^th . Teams in the 6^th through 8^th grade division will travel. The cost to sign up is $35 and the deadline is February 21^st

 A new business in downtown Liberal prompts the repeal of a decades old city ordinance.

 The Liberal City Commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to repeal a city ordinance requiring color changes in the Kansas Overlay District to get approval from the zoning and planning commission.

The move was prompted when a business in the western Kansas city, Chikas Fresas, began painting the exterior of their building pink. With the repeal of the ordinance, the business plans to continue to paint the exterior of business. They plan to open is early February.

 Members of the Independence Community College Board of Trustees braved the weather on Monday night to hold their first meeting of the new year.

 The meeting became a bit contentious when board members asked ICC President Vincent Bowhay to extend the hours that school personnel are available to students and the public. Board member Cynthia Sherwood says it’s something the school should consider.

Bowhay replied by stating the current hours are similar to those offered by other area schools and that changing those hours could mean a loss of key staff members. He also says, by making the request, the board might be over-reaching.

The board agreed to table the measure until the next scheduled meeting on February 19^th

 A somber moment begins this week Coffeyville City Commission meeting.

 At Tuesday night’s meeting, the commission began with a moment of silence in memory of former Coffeyville Director of Public Works Jim Bradshaw. Mayor Alec Hendryx led those at the meeting in remembering Bradshaw’s long service to the community.

Bradshaw passed away last Saturday after experiencing what authorities are calling a medical incident while driving near Joplin. He was 63 years old.

 Coffeyville Police have confirmed an early morning shooting that took place around 4:15 this morning in the northwest part of the city.

 The victim was reportedly shot in the stomach and then transported to the hospital. There is no word on the person’s condition. No names have yet been released. KGGF News has requested more information from the Coffeyville Police Department, but they have not yet responded. This is a breaking news story and we will have more details as they become available.

 A Coffeyville man loses his life in a weekend car accident near Joplin.

 63 year old Jim Bradshaw was traveling on I-44 when he suffered what authorities are calling a medical event, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway. The vehicle struck a road sign and then overturned. Bradshaw was taken to a nearby hospital where was pronounced dead. A passenger in Bradshaw’s vehicle was uninjured.  Quapaw Nation EMS and Fire, Joplin Police, Joplin Fire, and METS responded to the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the Joplin Police Major Crash Team. Bradshaw recently retired as Director of Public Works for the city of Coffeyville.

 Reports of a teen falling through the ice into a lake turn out to be a false alarm.

 Yesterday afternoon at around 12:45, crews from the Coffeyville Fire Department responded to LeClere Park for a water rescue. Emergency calls reported witnesses having seen a teen walking on a frozen lake but had not seen them leave. Crews searched the pond and the area for 35 minutes but found no areas where the ice was disturbed. They also found no victims.

 A Monday afternoon house fire in Coffeyville leaves one person injured.

 Around 2:15 on the afternoon of Monday, January 22, crews from Coffeyville Fire responded to a structure fire on Dakota street.  When first responders arrived, they found flames and smoke coming from multiple sides of the building. C-F-D along with off-duty personnel from South Coffeyville Fire and Dearing Fire were able to contain the fire quickly. Two people were in the house at the time of the fire and both were able to escape the blaze on their own. One occupant was transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center by CRMC-EMS in serious condition. The other occupant was uninjured. No names have been released at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr signed the Comprehensive Cherokee Nation Education Act of 2024 on Tuesday afternoon.

 This piece of legislation will add $95,000 in merit scholarships through the Cherokee Nation Foundation. This year, the Cherokee Nation will spend 19 million dollars on the primary Cherokee nation scholarship program alone. Hoskin says he hopes the funds will help many students.

Hoskin added that the Cherokee Nation Government will match the first $50,000 of employee contributions to the Cherokee Nation Foundation. Hoskin says that will mean more scholarships for students.

 The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory in effect until noon today for southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri.

 A dense fog advisory is also in effect for northeast Oklahoma until 10am. Visibility will be reduced this morning due to the fog and there may be slick spots on roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers should use low beam headlights, slow down, and leave plenty of distance in front of you.

 Police are looking for leads in a recent theft of equipment from the Quivira Council Boys Scouts.

 More than $16,000 worth of items were stolen from the Boy Scouts of America Quivira Council in Wichita on Saturday. The Scouts were storing the items in a trailer located on Southwest Boulevard in Wichita. The suspects cut through a gate and broke into the trailer to steal the items that include camping supplies and memorabilia related to the Trappers Rendezvous. Anyone with information about the theft can leave an anonymous tip by calling (316)-267-2111

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture invests in a Girard business.

 A nearly $80,000 grant for Viets Brothers Inc. in Girard will help the company purchase and install two 15 kilowatt wind turbines. The project is expected to generate over 71,000 kilowatt hours per year, which accounts for nearly 100 percent of the companies energy usage and is enough to power 6.7 homes.

The grants are part of the Rural Energy for American Program which provides loans and grants to farmers, agricultural producers, and rural small businesses to improve energy efficiency and lower costs.

The USDA is investing $2.8 million in renewable energy projects across the state.

 The Coffeyville City Commission meets tonight and interim City Manager Tim Wilson says a big spending measure is on the agenda.

 Wilson says it’s an important issue and the commission would like to hear residents’ opinions on the matter.

Also on the agenda for tonight’s meeting is the appointment of a new member for the Recreation Commission and the City Planning commission. Officials will also discuss waiving up to $2,500 in utility bills for the city warming center. The meeting takes place tonight at 6:30pm in the Commission Room at City Hall at 102 West 7^th street in Coffeyville.

 A recent cybersecurity incident leads Kansas State University to require password resets for all students, faculty and staff.

 The same incident caused some internet disruptions across the Manhattan campus. The reset requirement was issued as an abundance of caution to protect the university program and student and staff information.

 A Kansas nurse who was killed in the Saturday night crash of a medvac helicopter in Oklahoma is honored by his peers.

 Co-workers of Adam Tebben recall a man dedicated to his profession and saving patient lives. Tebben, from Wichita, was working as a travel nurse assigned to Oklahoma when the medevac copter he was on crashed in Oklahoma last Saturday night. Tebben was of member the Kansas Board of Nursing. A celebration of life is planned. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

 Patchy fog across the listening area this morning as southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri are under a dense fog advisory until noon today and northeast Oklahoma until 10am.

 The National Weather Service predicts highs today  in the low to mid 40s melting off the last of the ice. Then rain in the forecast across the listening area this afternoon and into the night time hours with fog developing again overnight. Lows tonight in the upper 30s to lower 40s.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol puts in the extra work dealing with accidents across the state after the recent ice storm.

 OHP says between midnight and 4 p.m. Monday, troopers responded to 222 non-injury collisions, 40 injury collisions, 139 motorist assist calls and 46 abandoned vehicles. OHP reminds drivers to drive with care especially during bouts of winter weather.

 A Cherokee Nation citizen from Collinsville has been convicted by a federal jury for sexual abuse of an incapable victim in Indian Country. 

 The jury found 46-year-old Cody Paul Miller guilty of the charge on Friday in Tulsa federal court.

According to court documents, Miller was accused of engaging in sexual acts with an 18 year old female who was intoxicated at the time. Miller told law enforcement that the intimacy was mutual.

Miller will remain in custody until he is sentenced at a later date. He faces up to life imprisonment. The FBI and Collinsville Police Department investigated the case.

 The Independence Community College Board of Trustees holds their first meeting of 2024 and welcomes their newest members to the board.

 Mark Lasater and Susan Porter were sworn in at last night’s (Monday’s) meeting as the newest members of the ICC board.

Lasater and Porter quickly settled into their new roles with both voting on a measure to spend $44,000 on a consulting firm to help write a new strategic plan. Lasater and Jeri Hammerschmidt voted against the measure while Porter joined Patti Snyder, Cynthia Sherwood, and Val DeFever in voting for the proposal. The ICC Board will meet again on February 19^th

A Missouri man is arrested in Oklahoma on theft charges from Kansas.

37-year-old Jarrod Wayne Archer was taken into custody in Ottawa County, Oklahoma last week after an arrest warrant was issued for him in Cherokee County, Kansas District Court. Archer is accused of contacting a Cherokee County resident by phone in July and posing as a law enforcement officer. Archer told the resident that a co-worker of the victim had been taken into custody but could be released if the victim would send bond money through Venmo and MoneyGram.

Through their investigation, detectives identified Archer as the suspect and sought charges of felony theft and false impersonation.

 The Osage Nation Tax Commission will be holding a T-shirt design contest for the second annual Sovereignty Celebration Day Dance on Saturday, March 9^th.

 This year’s theme is Strengthening Our Sovereignty. Designs must be submitted by Friday, February 16th for a chance to win. The winner will be announced on the day of the dance. For more information, call the Osage Nation Tax Commission at 918-287-5393.   

 A Bartlesville man is being charged with first-degree arson after allegedly setting a house on fire nearly a week ago.

 Early Saturday morning, January 13, dispatch received a phone call about a structure fire in progress. A probable cause affidavit states that when officers arrived, there was low visibility and a fire in the north part of the home that spread to the attic. The defendant, Daniel Orozco wasn't home at the time, but upon arrival he said it was an accident, as he had been messing around with liquids.

Orozco added that he was filling up the lawn mower and that the gasoline had spilled and he was also smoking at the time. The fire didn't start in the garage, which is where the lawn mower was parked. Furthermore, the gas tank had not been filled and no damage had been done to the lawn mower.

Last Friday, Daniel Orozco had told two individuals that he was going to burn the house. Orozco moved two vehicles out of the driveway before the fire occurred.

Orozco is being held over on a $50,000 bond and will next be seen in court on Jan. 26^th.

 Two Bartlesville teens have been arrested and charged in Washington County Court after an alleged robbery that occurred earlier this week outside of the Casey's General Store in Dewey.

 16-year-old Breck Loudermilk and 15-year-old Cartter Hainline are both being charged as youthful offenders. They face one count each of attempted robbery with a weapon and one count each of possession of a firearm after previous adjudication.

A probable cause affidavit states that on Monday afternoon, officers were called to the Casey's in Dewey for a robbery involving a juvenile victim. The juvenile victim said a man with a mask, who was later identified as Loudermilk, had approached the victim asking for money. Other men in dark clothing were nearby and the juvenile victim gave the man $5.

Once the victim's brother and a friend arrived, they went to ask for the money back. This is when Loudermilk and his friends took the three individuals to a truck. The masked man reportedly showed a firearm and asked if anyone else had any money. Witnesses and the three men in the truck were able to identify Hainline, who allegedly entered the truck and displayed an AR-style weapon.

The victims returned to the store and the suspects left in a pickup truck going south on Highway 75. The driver voluntarily went to the police and identified Loudermilk and Hainline after dropping the two off at Loudermilk's home.

Police arrested Loudermilk and Hainline at Loudermilk's home where a semi-automatic handgun, a Glock-style gun and loaded magazine were recovered.

Hainline and Loudermilk appeared in district court this week. Their bonds are set at $100,000 each. Their next court dates are set for 9 a.m. on Jan. 26.

 Three men face felony charges of evidence tampering and abandonment of a corpse after human remains were discovered in a brush fire in Cedar County, Missouri, on Tuesday.

 Bradley Keith of Eldorado Springs, Brandon Choate of Lamar, and Jimi Cole of Stockton were all arrested after the remains were found. Keith claimed to investigators that a deceased female died of an accidental gunshot wound after he struggled with her over the weapon. The other two men say they were forced at gunpoint to help Keith dispose of the body. The death apparently occurred in northeast Vernon County, Missouri. The victim’s name has not yet been released.  All three suspects are being held in the Cedar County Jail.

 A 29 year old Dodge City man sustained serious injuries Saturday night after fleeing from the sheriff’s deputies in Seward County.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol says around 9am, a Seward County deputy tried to stop a vehicle for a damaged windshield near US 54 and K Road in Liberal. The vehicle fled, nearly hitting a Liberal police officer in the process. The vehicle then drove into the east ditch. L-P-D deployed stop sticks, which the vehicle ran over. The driver then entered a skid, crossed the west ditch and rolled several times before coming to a stop. The driver’s name has not yet been released.

 With the recent ice storm and cold weather comes the risk of illness and accidents.

 This type of weather can bring falls, slips, broken bones, head injuries, sprains, and strains and can send people to the emergency room. Dr. Ravi Johar says it can also bring an increased risk of hear attacks.

Johar says the cold weather combined with strenuous exercise can cause problems.

Johar adds that those with elderly relatives or neighbors should check in with those people during bad weather to make sure they are okay. If you should happen to find a person who has fallen and is injured, don’t try to move them. Instead, find a way to keep them warm and call 9-1-1.

 Residents of Independence who meet eligibility requirements have a little more than a week left to apply for the Hardship Rate for city utilities.

 The rate applies to families who meet HUD low-income criteria and need relief for their water, sewer, and trash service fees.  Applications will be accepted through January 31^st and are available at City Hall and on the city of Independence website.

 Law enforcement agencies in Bourbon, Cherokee, and Montgomery Counties receive grant money to help improve services for victims of crime.

 The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will receive $18,000, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will get nearly $30,000 and the Coffeyville Police Department will receive $45,000 all to strengthen crime prevention and improve services for victims, as well as addressing technology and equipment needs, and support mental health services.

The funding comes from the 2024 Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. A total of $2.3 million was awarded to agencies across the state.

 High school students interested in law enforcement will have the opportunity this summer to see what law enforcement training and careers are like through the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy program from the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

 The Cadet Law is sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary and will be held from June 16-21. Cadet Law participants will experience classroom instruction, and the real-world activities of a Trooper. Cadets will go to the firing range and practice pursuit driving at the driving range. They will also get the opportunity to ride with the Patrol’s pilots in agency aircraft and see presentations from the Patrol’s canine handlers. Physical training and attention to detail are both emphasized throughout the duration of the program. Applications are due by March 31^st .

To be eligible to attend Cadet Law, students must be a high school student entering their Senior year or a student that has just graduated.  They must also have a “C+” academic average and be deemed medically fit to participate in all activities. Students will need to fill out an application to attend, including writing a brief essay on why they would like to participate in the program. Applications are due by March 31, 2023. There is a $50 application fee for the cadet. A Local American Legion Post or American Legion Auxiliary Post provides the $300 sponsorship fee for the student. Lodging, food, and uniform are provided for the week. More information and the application for Cadet Law can be found here: https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/wwsj.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol hosts a similar program to be held June 2-3 at Connors State College. Applications for the O-H-P Cadet Lawman Academy are due by April 15 and are available here: http://cadetlawman.com/school_files/CadetLawmanAcademy/Pages/cl%20page/cadet.htm

An Independence man is arrested on stalking charges.

The Independence Police Department has arrested 48-year-old Samuel Lee Wood on charges of stalking, criminal trespass, felony interference and violations of a protection order. These charges stem from an investigation in December, where a woman reported that Wood had been violating a protection order.

On January 14^th, IPD officers located Wood at the intersection of Burns and Main. After Wood was notified that he was under arrest, he fled on foot. After a short pursuit, Wood was taken into custody and is being held on a $20,000 bond.

 An Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter crashes in Oklahoma and leaves three people dead.

 The helicopter was traveling near Weatherford, Oklahoma, on Saturday night after completing the transport of a patient to Oklahoma City. The Operations Control Center lost contact with the aircraft around 11:20pm. The three crew members on board the copter were all killed in the accident. The crash site was located and the investigation was turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board.

 Winter weather and hazardous driving conditions return to the listening area today.

 Southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, and southwest Missouri all under a winter weather advisory until noon today with freezing drizzle and freezing rain in the forecast until that time. Ice accumulation could be as much as a tenth of an inch. Highs today will be in the upper 30s with rain in the forecast for the afternoon and evening hours. Patchy fog can be expected in the Coffeyville/Independence area through tomorrow morning.

Road are icy and hazardous this morning, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers are urged to proceed with caution.

To check road conditions, in Kansas call 5-1-1 or check kandrive.gov. In Oklahoma

Call 1-844-465-4997 or go to okroads.org

 First responders save woman from Sedan fire.

 Shortly after 3 pm on Friday, the Sedan Police Department, Sedan City Fire, Sedan Rural Fire, Sedan Area EMS, Chautauqua County Emergency Management, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office responded to report of a structure fire on West Main Street in Sedan.

Upon arrival, crews saw heavy smoke coming from the doors and windows of the structure. A bystander told firefighters they believed an elderly woman was trapped in a bedroom. Fire crews were unable to enter via the front door so they broke a bedroom window and located the woman laying on the floor of the room. She was then pulled through the opening and carried to safety. EMS units arrived and transported the woman to the Sedan City Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation where she remains in stable condition.

Fire crews battled the blaze in the frigid cold temperatures. The fire was intense and spread quickly. The was a total loss.

While one dog and one cat were rescued from the blaze, seven dogs and two cats trapped inside sadly perished.

Photo courtesy Sedan City Fire & Rescue

School Closings for January 23, 2024

USD 484 Fredonia - delayed start, school will begin at 10am, no breakfast served

USD 446 Independence

USD 461 Neodesha

USD 447 Cherryvale-Thayer

USD 436 Caney

USD 445 Coffeyville

USD 506 Labette County

USD 503 Parsons

USD 286 Sedan

South Coffeyville Schools

Oklahoma Union Public Schools

Nowata Public Schools

St. Andrew Catholic School

Holy Name Catholic School in Coffeyville

Independence Bible School

Tyro community Christian School

Zion Lutheran School in Independence

Coffeyville Community College 

Labette Community College - day classes are canceled and the campus is closed, a decision on evening classes will be made by 3pm

Independence Community College 

Montgomery County Courthouse and all county offices closed today

14^th Judicial District in Montgomery and Chautauqua counties closed today. All cases scheduled for Jan 23 are postponed until Feb 20

 Multiple fire departments respond to boats on fire at a Grand Lake Marina.

 Around 8am yesterday morning officials received reports of visible smoke coming from the Arrowhead Marina at Grand Lake. Quick-thinking marina workers helped limit the damage by releasing three burning boats from their moorings and pushing them away from other boats and structures. Fire crews from Ketchum, Cleora, Bernice, Lakemont, GRDA and Mercy EMS responded to the incident.

There were no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 A group day care Home in Derby, KS, has received an emergency suspension of its license.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the emergency suspension to TNT Childcare yesterday after a Wednesday inspection of the facility. The inspection found a total of 29 violations including unsanitary conditions and various other violations. The licensee has 30 days to request a petition for judicial review.

 An early morning crash between two semi trucks closes part of US 54 in western Kansas.

 The accident happened early Friday morning near Kingsdown, KS, just southeast of Dodge City. Both tractor-trailers were fully engulfed in flames when first responders arrived on the scene. US 54 between Minneola and Kingsdown was shut down for a period of time to allow for clean up of the accident scene. It is unknown if anyone was injured and no names have been released.

The Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Ford County Fire/EMS, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Transportation responded to the scene.

Photo Courtesy Ford County Sheriff's Office

 The city of Parsons notifies city water customers of a non-emergency violation of drinking water standards.

 Officials in Parsons are sending out a notice explaining that their city drinking water has levels of haloacetic acids above drinking water standards. This type of acid is common in drinking water and is formed when chlorine is added to tap water. Residents do not need to use an alternate water supply but those with specific health concerns should consult their doctor. There is no immediate risk to the public. The city of Parsons and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are investigating. The city anticipates resolving the issue within the year.

 The city of Independence is still accepting Hardship Applications for city utility customers.

 A "Hardship Rate" is for families who meet HUD low-income criteria and are in need of relief related to their water, sewer and trash service fees.  City Manager Kelly Passaeur says there are a few requirements for customers to be eligible.

Applications will be accepted until January 31^st and are available at city hall at 120 north 6^th street in Independence. Or on the city of Independence website. Those wanting more information can contact the Independence Housing Authority office at 620-332-2536.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after a man was found deceased Wednesday morning near La Crosse, Kansas.

 On Wednesday, Jan. 17 at around 11:20 a.m., the Rush County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with the investigation. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded to the scene.

At around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, the Rush County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who reported seeing a body lying in the south ditch on Avenue N, around a half mile east of U.S. Highway 183, near La Crosse. Deputies responded to the location and found the deceased male.

The man has been identified as 18-year-old Zachary Thiel, of La Crosse. A vehicle believed to have been driven by Thiel was located stuck in the snow, approximately a half mile east of Thiel’s location.

At this time there is no evidence of foul play, but a thorough investigation is being conducted. An autopsy has been scheduled. The investigation is ongoing.

 Chilly temperatures and sub zero wind chills are back in the forecast for the weekend.

 Southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma are under a wind chill advisory until 10am today and then again starting at midnight tonight through 11am tomorrow. Highs today will be around 20 with wind chills nearing 10 below in the listening area with more of the same in the forecast for tomorrow.

Temperatures will warm into the 30s on Sunday with rain and possibly freezing rain in the forecast for the beginning of the week.

 The Delaware County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office arrests couple accused of selling stolen property.

 On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office was provided information that someone was trying to sell equipment that had been stolen from a building in the Leach, OK, area. A deputy talked with the person selling the equipment and they agreed to meet in Kansas, OK. At that meeting a K9 unit was deployed alerted on the vehicle. Deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana, and a loaded rifle inside the vehicle. 

Nancy Roemer and Michael Prather were arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen property as well as several drug and firearm charges. More stolen items were also recovered in Cherokee County, OK. The stolen items recovered were valued at around.

 A Delaware Tribe of Indians member was found guilty Thursday on federal charges of abusive sexual contact with a minor under 12 in Indian Country and assault with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country.

 43 year old Lance Douglas Roark, of Bluejacket, represented himself in a Tulsa federal court trial. A jury found him guilty of both charges yesterday (Thursday).

Roark will remain in federal custody until he is sentenced at a later date. He faces up to life imprisonment. The FBI and Craig County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

 Students in northeast Oklahoma have a chance to improve their education for free.

 Tri County Tech programs are free to high school students in Nowata, Osage, and Washington county, where they can earn industry certifications, explore careers, and earn up to 40 hours of college credit.

Students can get a start on their careers with certifications earned while they are still in high school. These programs are free to high school juniors and seniors who live within the Tri County district which include the cities of Barnsdall, Bartlesville, Caney Valley, Copan, Dewey, Pawhuska, Nowata, Oklahoma Union, South Coffeyville, Wesleyan Christian School, and Wynona. Tri County Tech also serves homeschool and virtual students.

 For many people, January and February can brings the doldrums of winter.

 One of the things that can fight the mid-winter blues is social activities and being around other people. Sometimes, people just need a hot meal.  Independence Chamber President Lisa Wilson says there are several community dinners around Independence that can provide residents a place to socialize and get a home cooked meal.

Every Tuesday in Independence, the First Christian Church at 319 West Laurel hosts the Open Arms Diner carry-out meals from 5 to 5:30pm. On Wednesdays, the Baptist Church at 220 South Penn hosts a dine-in meal beginning at 5:45 and on Thursdays, the churches rotate hosting the CUFF meal.

*UPDATE* The 911 service lines in Wilson County are now back online and in working order.

There's a problem with 911 service right now in Wilson County.

According to Wilson County Dispatch, 911 phones are currently down. Anyone calling will be re-routed to Neosho County. Operators will then inform Wilson County of the call. Maintenance crews are in route to fix the problem. The regular line for Wilson County is operational. That number is 620-378-2369.

Planned construction will impact anyone traveling north of Parsons on U.S. 59.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Neosho River Bridge on U.S. 59 in Neosho County is scheduled to be replaced. The project should begin this month on the 29^th. The bridge is 2 miles south of Erie and will close to traffic on the 30^th. Traffic will follow a detour on K-47, U.S. 169 and K-39. The new bridge should be open to traffic in January 2025, weather permitting. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $11.2 million to A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa.

A boil water advisory has been issued for part of Wilson County.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the advisory is for Wilson County Rural Water District 4, which includes rural customers northeast of Neodesha. The advisory was issued because of a line break. Customers should 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 and flush tap water if it appears dirty.

 The recent cold weather brings risks for humans and animals alike.

 A horse was rescued after being stranded in the middle of a frozen pond in Augusta, just east of Wichita on Wednesday. Crews from Andover Fire and Rescue put on ice suits and used ropes and slings to retrieve the horse from the pond. The animal did not break through the ice but was unable to walk off on her own. The horse was exhausted from her ordeal but is now resting comfortably and is expected to make a full recovery.

 The city of Fredonia wants to know what’s on the minds of its citizens.

 Fredonia is asking residents to complete the second Annual Fredonia Community Survey. They are looking for insight and input from residents of all walks of life, whether you are a life-long resident, a newcomer, or somewhere in between, your opinion matters, especially those of you who don’t normally speak out. Last year’s survey help the city learn about needs and concerns around town. Help plan the future of Fredonia and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to fill out the survey as well. Please complete the Fredonia Community Survey by April 30^th . For a link to the survey, go here.

The newest restaurant to Coffeyville is officially open.

Wendy's opens their doors today, after the completion of a building project that began six months ago.

The location is on the corner of 11th Street and Elm, between the McDonald's and the Best Western Hotel.

Although not serving breakfast at this time, Wendy's does intend to serve breakfast in the future.

Coffeyville hasn't had a Wendy's in nearly two decades, with the previous location being where Eggbert's is now.

 Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announces the launch of two new Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission grant programs,to support the arts in Kansas.

 Arts Everywhere Grants and General Operating Support Grants look to help the arts grow the Kansas economy.

 Toland says expanding funding opportunities to support ongoing operations of cultural organizations will enrich the lives of Kansans and strengthen the state’s economy. He adds that the Arts Everywhere Grants will support projects that bring the arts directly to communities, while the General Operating Support Grants program will provide financial assistance to Kansas public and private non-profit arts and cultural organizations.

 Non-profit organizations and community groups are encouraged to apply for Arts Everywhere Grants, while organizations with a demonstrated commitment to arts and culture are invited to apply for General Operating Support Grants to support ongoing operations and initiatives.

 Detailed guidelines and application instructions for the Arts Everywhere Program can be found here; for General Operating Support, click here. Applications for all programs will be accepted through February 23.

 Kansans seeking work are encouraged to take part in the first State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair of 2024, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24. The virtual fair will highlight a host of employment opportunities across the state’s 98 government agencies, with more than 700 positions available.

 Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

 Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fair. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

 To register for the January 24 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click here.

Multiple delegations of funds from a recent grant are approved for the Wilson County Health Department.

The commissioners approve $600 to be used for skin test practice dummies, to be used for the Summer Medical Academy. Additionally, $2000 for sunscreen and pool safety equipment, $3000 for hygiene equipment for area schools, and $1200 for public health education efforts were all approved by the commission.

Additional items of business at this week's commission meeting was an update from Road and Bridge Director Kary Tatum, as well as updates from Clerk Kayla Busch and Coordinator Kris Marple.

There will be no meeting next week. The commissioners will next meet on January 31st.

 The Parsons Recreation Commission is hosting a Mother/Son, Father/Daughter dance coming up on February 3^rd .

 Moms and Sons will have their dance from 4 to 5pm and Dads and Daughters will have theirs from 6 to 7:30pm. Both dances will be held at the Arvon Phillips Community Center at 200 Heacock in Parsons. There will be photos, food, and fun for all who attend. Those wishing to go need to sign up at the Parsons Rec Commission. The deadline is tomorrow. To make reservations or for more information call (620)-421-7077.

There will also be a Tarp Dance for 6^th – 8^th grades from 8 to 10pm on February 3^rd. This is a formal Valentine’s Dance and the cost is $5. 

 The new changes to the recycling program in Fredonia shows good results.

 The Fredonia City Commission discontinued recycling pick up in the city in December on a trial basis in order to create a more efficient program and save on operating costs. Instead of having their recycling picked up at their homes, Fredonia residents were asked to drop off their materials at the city recycling center. At last night’s (Wednesday night’s) city commission meeting, City Administrator Wesley Young told the commission the program seems to be a great success.

Young told commissioners that the new program has made money for the city. Commissioner Bill Jones says he has heard a positive response from residents.

Other business at this week’s meeting included a presentation on insurance for city employees, end-of-year reports from department heads, and approval of a measure to implement performance-based bonuses for city employees. The next Fredonia city commission meeting will be held on February 7^th 

 A Washington County woman who has been in trouble with the law previously finds herself back at the Washington County Jail once again.

 Lindsey Cooper is being charged with two counts of obstructing an officer, being in possession of paraphernalia, being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and improperly standing in the road.

A probable cause affidavit states that early Tuesday morning, a Bartlesville police officer observed Cooper walking a bicycle eastbound in the area of 16^th and Jennings. When asked for identification, Cooper provided the incorrect information and attempted to escape on her bicycle.

After being detained, Cooper did give the correct information and officers discovered she had both outstanding warrants in Washington County and a Bartlesville municipal warrant. Officers located a clear glass drug pipe with white and black residue inside, a silver container with two clear zip style bags with a white powdery substance inside, a folded piece of foil, a yellow M&M tube style container with a $20 bill and two clear bags with what officers believed to be methamphetamine.

Cooper is being held over on a $100,000 bond and her next court date is set for Monday.

 An Ochelata man was seen in Washington County Court in Bartelsville this week on the charges of domestic assault and battery and threats to kill.

 According to an affidavit, Jeffery Robert Edwards was arrested after he was caught on a 911 call making threats to the victims lives earlier this year. Police were originally called because Edwards allegedly had slapped the victim hard enough to cause his mouth to bleed. Edwards is also alleged to have told three separate individuals that he would kill them.

Edwards bond was set at $15,000.

 A Parsons resident urges action on new tennis courts.

 Parsons resident Chris Schultz spoke before the Parsons City Commission last night (Tuesday evening) about moving forward with plans for an indoor tennis facility in the city. Schultz recently asked the USD 503 about using the old Washington school site for the courts and told the commission that the district seemed receptive to the idea as long as the facility could be used for other sports as well. Schultz says he wants to be ready for the project to move forward.

Schultz comes from a family with a long tennis history and he has been trying to rally community support for the project.

In other business before the commission at this week's meeting, street closures were approved for an
Earth Day celebration on April 17. Commissioners also okayed the purchase of a John Deere Loader from KDOT.

 At Tuesday's City Council meeting in Sedan, council members heard the latest update on a new tee ball field in the city. 

 City Clerk Sherry Miller told the council that Hailey Roberts had received a $5,000 grant to build the field. The council gave Roberts the go-ahead to proceed with purchasing equipment for the planned field. The field would also be used for coach-pitch games.

 With a water contract now in place with the city of Coffeyville, the city of Caney looks inside the city limits to reduce water loss rates.

 One of those changes includes the replacing of current water meters with digital meters. City Administrator Kelley Zellner says the many small losses equals a lot.

 Zellner says the water contract with Coffeyville is vital, but cleaning up past errors is also key.

 Zellner says the goal is to replace and upgrade every aspect of the water system, so when the pipeline to Coffeyville is completed sometime in the summer of 2025, water loss will be minimal in Caney.

 Police in Joplin say a 59 year old man who was struck by a car while crossing a street last week has died from his injuries.

 William Heskett III of Joplin was crossing 32^nd street in Joplin last Thursday when he was struck by a vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he died from his injuries on Sunday. The Joplin Police Major Crash Team is investigating the accident. This marks the second fatal car/pedestrian crash of 2024 in the city of Joplin.

An event is coming up in Coffeyville that may be of interest to cattle producers.

The OKAN Cattle Conference is coming up on February 9^th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coffeyville Rec Center.  K-State Research and Extension Livestock Production Agent Wendie Powell says attendees will have the chance to become Beef Quality Assurance certified.

Powell says BQA certification is a widely recognized program that benefits producers and consumers.

The conference is free to attend and lunch is provided.  The event is sponsored by the Beef Checkoff.  Registration is required by January 31^st, and more information is available here.

Six former members of the Coffeyville Community College Rodeo team are competing in Tulsa this weekend.

The American Finals Rodeo starts tomorrow and goes through Saturday at the Ford Truck Arena. The six CCC alumni competing include Tie-Down Ropper Ethan Hill, Team Roper Lane Reeves, Steer Roper Shay Walters, Calf Roper Clint Graves, Breakaway Roper Gannyn Gower and Bull Rider Cody Armstrong. This is Graves and Armstrong's first time qualifying for the AFR and Gower's third.

Tickets to the AFR can be found here.

Over a half dozen healthcare centers in Southeast Kansas join more than 100 others statewide urging state legislators to expand Medicaid in Kansas.

In a letter sent to the legislature, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center CEO Brian Lawrence and Labette Health CEO Brian Williams urged bipartisan support to expand Medicaid in the state.  Other area healthcare centers signing the letter included Community Healthcare Center of Southeast Kansas, Labette Center for Mental Health, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.

The letter says that too many Kansas workers, primarily in service industries are not offered health insurance through their employers and don’t make enough to buy coverage through the medical insurance marketplace.  These workers often make too much to receive Medicaid. Many of these people do not seek healthcare when needed or go to hospital emergency rooms with the tab covered by the hospitals.    

 Extreme cold can be dangerous especially if you find yourself with a broken furnace.

 There are ways to stay warm if your heat goes out when it's very cold. One way is to use an alternative heat source. If your home has a gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplace, you have a built-in secondary heat source. Portable space heaters can also be used to warm up small spaces and rooms. They do require a lot of power to run, so be careful not to overload you electrical system by using too many. And never leave a space heater unattended because they can pose a fire hazard. Focus on warming one room of the house to minimize the heat that must be produced.

Block cold air by adding temporary insulation over doors and windows by haging blankets over them or closing the drapes tightly. A rolled up towel or blanket placed along the bottom of a drafty door or window will also help keep out the cold.

Wear extra layers of clothing and use blankets and sleeping bags for warmth. Drink warm liquids and eat hot soup to warm up from the inside. Moving around and staying active will also help. While sleeping, use heating pads and heated blankets to warm your sleeping area, though it is safest to turn these things off before you fall asleep. Hot water bottles are also a good alternative.

Some methods of heating your home are dangerous and should be avoided. Do not use a gas stove or oven as it could cause a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide. Outdoor grills should be avoided for the same reason. Do not use fire pits to start any type of open flame inside the house.

Remember that all temporary heat sources should never be left unattended.

 We've all heard the advice that you should let your car warm up on cold winter mornings because it will run better.

 But is that really true?

The car experts at the American Automobile Association say it isn't. Triple A says you should start your car and let it idle just long enough to put on your seatbelt. This ensures that the motor oil gets to all of the engines vital parts and lubricates them adequately. Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration warms the engine faster and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions. However, a little longer idle time is perfectly fine while clearing ice and snow from your car.

 The Washington County Commissioners approved a five-year interlocal agreement on Tuesday between the Sheriff's Office and the Bartlesville Police Department. 

 Sheriff Scott Owen says this is the first interlocal agreement between the two agencies for use of the police department's firearm range. He says the agreement will allow the sheriff's office to help improve the range, thanks to a large grant. Sheriff Owen says the county's $5,000 commitment is a one-time expense. He says this is a win-win for all, including taxpayers. Owen says he appreciates the police department's willingness to allow deputies to use the city-owned range.

 In preliminary discussions at Tuesday's Board of Osage County Commissioners meeting, JT Darling with the Indian Nations Council of Governments gave an overview on funding opportunities that would be available through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the 2024 fiscal year. 

 He presented the Board with three potential community development block grant applications and explains how each one could be used. 

Darling also explains what a key qualifying factor would be when applying for the block grant. Darling added that the county would also have to own the facility. A deadline to submit those applications is coming up in late March. Darling said a resolution and public hearing would need to happen before that.

 A K9 Officer with the Kansas Highway Patrol is seriously injured when a semi struck the patrol car the dog was in while parked on I-70.

 The accident happened around 3:15 on Friday afternoon in Ellis County just east of Hays. Troopers had stopped to assist another tractor-trailer along the roadyway. KHP Trooper Budke left his K9 partner Igor inside his patrol car. The car was then struck by another semi. K9 Igor was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic. The German shepard remains in ICU but is recovering slowly.

Photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol

 A Washington County man was pulled over Sunday evening for driving with no headlights and running a stop sign.

 During the traffic stop, the officer asked Paul Gougler if he had been drinking. The suspect stated he’d had a few beers. Gougler failed three separate field sobriety tests which led to his arrests. According to an affidavit, while being taken to the Washington County Jail, Gougler made several threats to the officer’s life, and also threatened to kill the officer’s family. Gougler is being charged with driving without headlights, failure to stop at stop sign, threaten to perform act of violence, and a DUI. He was given a $7500 bond and his next court date is set for January 24^th

 A City of Caney employee passes away.

 Caney is reporting the death of Chad W. Johnson, who passed away Monday night. Johnson has been with the City since July 2022. He served as the sewer apprentice and as a volunteer firefighter.

 City Administrator Kelley Zellner says he was known for always having a smile on his face, even when things were going rough.

 Caney closed their city offices and the Caney Market yesterday to allow staff a moment to grieve the loss of a friend.

 During the regular session of the Caney City Council last night, the council voted to donate a cemetery plot to the Johnson family. A public memorial service will be held for Johnson, and a memorial fund for his children is in the process of being established. Those who would like to contribute can find more information as it becomes available on the city of Caney website, caneyks.com.

 At today's Montogomery County Commission meeting, commissioners heard from County Appraiser Melody Kikkert.

 Kikkert will be attending the 2024 Kansas County Appraisers Association Legislative reception this month. She says there are several property tax measures under consideration by the state legislature that will be up for discussion at the reception. 

The reception will be held in Topeka on January 23^rd . Also on the agenda for this week's meeting was a reoprt by public works director Jim Wright and a discussion of insurance options for county employees. The next Montgomery County Commission meeting will be Monday at 9am in the lower level of the juducial center in Independence.

 The best way to stay warm during the current cold snap is to stay inside.

 But, that isn't always possible. For those who must be outside in the extreme cold, here are some tips on how to handle the chill.

First, dress in loose-fitting layers and top it off with a good down jacket. Layers make it easyier to adjust your clothing should conditions change and you heat up or cool off. The first couple of layers should be moisture-wicking to keep sweat from lowering your body temperature. Avoid clothes made of cotton as they absorb liquid very easily. Add a fleece or wool layer for insulation. Keep your hands, face and ears covered. Mittens are better than gloves because they keep fingers warmer. Choose warm boots for you feet. Wear two pairs of socks as long as it does not make your shoes feel tight.

Take extra precautions with babies and the elderly as they tend to have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature.

Frostbite and hypothermia can be concerns. If you lose the feeling in your extremeties and they appear waxy or pale, it may be frostbite. Early signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering and disorientation. If you experience these symptoms, get inside where it's warm and seek medical help.

 The city of Fredonia is looking for a little help from local residents.

 Fredonia residents are asked to fill out their Lead Service Line Survey sent out by the city. Filling out the survey will help identify problem areas in the water system and improve the water system in the city. Plus, those who complete and submit their survey by 4pm on January 28^th will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win up to $100 off their February water bill.

 The cold weather continues today as southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma will see a high today in the lower 20s but the a brisk wind will make it seem more like 20 below.

 The listening area remains under a wind chill advisory until noon today. 

There should be a bit of a warm up tomorrow as highs should reach into the low to mid 30s. The wind, however, will stick around for several days, making temperatures feel lower than they actually are

 Cold temperatures and extreme windchill across the listening area prompt local schools to cancel classes.

 With wind chills reaching twenty below, many area schools are not in class today. Schools in Independence, Coffeyville, Caney, Cherryvale, Neodesha, Sedan, Parsons, Altamont, and Chanute are all closed today. Coffeyville Community College, Independence Community College, Labette County Community College, and the Independence Bible School are all closed today as well. There are also several districts in northeast Oklahoma that have canceled.

 Dewey Police are investigating a possible robbery and altercation that occurred just before 4:30 pm Monday afternoon outside of Casey's General Store.

 Dewey Police Chief Jimmy Gray says the alleged robbery took place in the parking lot.  Chief Gray says the suspect vehicle headed south toward Bartlesville and Bartlesville Police are searching for the vehicle. He says no one was injured in the incident and it is still under investigation.

 The new legislative is session has begun in Topeka. State Senator Virgil Peck says the session is off to a quick start.

 The state senate approved the resolution by a 34 to 6 vote while in the House the vote was 106 to 14. Peck, who is vice-chair of the senate tax committee, says taxes are on the agenda for this legislative session. One of the main reasons for this is that Governor Laura Kelly has made some tax cuts a priority. In her recent State of the State address, Kelly stated she wanted to eliminate the state tax on groceries by April. Peck says this is something the legislature is likely to do, but that the governor's time frame isn't really workable.

Peck says both the House and Senate have begun work on tax plans based on legislation passed during the last session by one or both chambers. He expects an agreement to be reached soon.

 Crime statistics are in for the year 2022 and, for the city of Independence, the numbers are good with a 25% drop in all crimes.

 Part of the drop in crime is due to crime prevention. Independence Police chief Jerry Harrison says a good way citizens can help fight crime is to invest in a doorbell camera. Harrison says that other steps citizens can take is to make sure their cars and homes are locked at night or when empty, don't leave valuables in your vehicle, close and lock garage doors, and turn on an exterior light.

A husband accidentally shoots and kills his wife in Labette County.

Labette County Deputies and Kansas Wildlife and Parks officers responded to the Grand Osage Wildlife Area for the incident. The husband, Derek Hall, says after finishing deer hunting, he and his wife, Christina Hall, returned to their vehicle. The husband says that he laid his rifle down on the back seat of their pickup and attempted to unload it, when he took the rifle off of safety it went off, striking his wife.

EMS transported Christina to Labette Health, were she passed away.

Extreme cold is on the way for the KGGF listening area this weekend.

A complete list of area closings and cancellations is available here, including instructions on how to submit a closing or schedule adjustment for your organization.

Below is information on warming centers in Montgomery County:

The warming center in Coffeyville operated by Touch of Life Ministries in the old Lowell School building at 501 E 9th Street will be open nightly for check-ins between 6 and 9 p.m. Organizer Alicia Melton says anyone in need will get more than just a cot to sleep on.

The shelter is also in need of donations including food items and blankets. Volunteers are also needed, especially to help serve breakfast starting at 7 a.m. Donations will be accepted each evening. For more information, contact Melton at 918-559-8526.

In Independence, warming shelter locations are on stand-by. Residents who believe they will need access to a warming shelter are advised to call the Independence Police Department’s non-emergency line (620) 331-1700 in advance of the cold weather or visit the police department in person at 120 N. 6th. Once the need for shelter is confirmed, space will be opened, and citizens will be directed where to go.

Below is information on warming centers in Labette County:

Those in Parsons who need a warm place to stay this weekend, can call the Safe Haven Outreach Mission at 11-12 South 24^th street. Call them at 620-717-14-44 or 620-605-6107

Below is information for warming Centers in Cherokee County:

-Columbus

Sunday 1/14 and Monday 1/15 Columbus Community Building (320 E Maple St. Columbus, KS) will be open from 8am-5pm.

Tuesday 1/16 and Wednesday 1/17 Columbus City Hall (300 E Maple St. Columbus, KS) will be opened from 8am-5pm. Only service animals are allowed.

- Galena

Sunday 1/14 through Wednesday 1/17 City Hall (211 W 7th Street Galena, KS) will be opened from 8am-5pm. Only service animals are allowed.

-Baxter Springs

If you are in need of assistance, contact Baxter Springs Police Department at (620) 856-2112.

If you need a ride, call the Care Van at (833) 228-7433 Monday- Friday.

Below is information on warming centers in Washington County:

- Bartlesville

B the Light Mission warming shelter now open at 219 N Virginia Avenue.  More information is available at 918-288-0009.  If you are interested in voluneering,  visit the website to sign up: www.b-thelight.org

The Cherokee Nation will soon be offering free tax prep for eligible families.

Beginning February 1st, the Cherokee Nation will offer its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to help families prepare to file their 2023 state and federal income tax forms for free. The VITA program has prepared and submitted nearly 18,000 tax returns in the past 10 years, helping taxpayers receive nearly $26 million in tax refunds including earned income tax credits. Last year alone, the tribe’s VITA program helped more than 2,000 taxpayers by saving preparation fees that are normally charged for those services.

The Cherokee Nation has partnered with the IRS for over 40 years to provide the free tax preparation program to Native and non-Native families. To qualify for the service, an individual and household income must not exceed more than $64,000 per year. There is no jurisdictional boundary requirement to be eligible for this program.

The find a VITA program call 1-800-906-9887 or visit this link. 

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is accepting Hall of Fame nominations through the end of the month.

The CRMC Hall of Fame is a way to celebrate medical professionals who have made significant contributions and a lifetime of accomplishments in advancing healthcare in the region. In 2023, Dr. Stephen Miller and Dr. Ronald White were inducted. Bronze plaques line both walls of the hallway leading to surgery at CRMC. Associates, physicians, volunteers, patients, and visitors are often seen taking a moment to stop and read the names of those who have been honored.

Anyone who would like to nominate someone for the 2024 Hall of Fame, can visit the CRMC website. A link can be found here.

One person is injured in a three-vehicle crash involving a snow plow in Craig County.

The injury accident occurred at Highway 2 and East 180 Road, seven miles north of Vinita. A 2023 Mini Cooper, driven by 19-year-old Israel Mayer, of Kansas City, Mo, was northbound on HWY 2 following behind a 2008 Toyota Tacoma, driven by 73-year-old Eddie Hults, of Blue Jacket. A snow plow, driven by 55-year-old Jay Janzen, was southbound on HWY 2 plowing snow. The Tacoma slowed down to make a turn onto County Road 180.

The Mini Cooper hit the back left corner of the Tacoma causing the Mini Cooper to go into the southbound lane before being hit by the snow plow. The Mini Cooper was flipped on its top before coming to a rest in the northbound lane Mayer was transported by Mercy EMS to Mercy Hospital in Joplin and admitted in stable condition with internal, arm and head injuries. The other two drivers, Hults and Janzen, were uninjured.  

 Crowds in Independence braved the cold weather yesterday to attend the community Martin Luther King Jr Day celebration.

 Charles Barker Sr welcomed attendees to the event. The featured speaker was Bishop Herman Hicks from Wichita who spoke about King's influence and legacy. The celebration also featured performances by local choirs and orchestras and local school children who spoke and read poetry about Dr. King. The event took place at the Independence High School Performing Arts Center.

 Fatal Fire in Ramona-ATF is Investigating. 

 Washington Emergency Management has confirmed a fatal structure fire at 340 Keeler Street in Ramona occured around 5 am on Friday. Spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbaco and Firearms Ashley Stephens says the ATF has been called in because the victims are Native American. Stephens says one child is among those killed in the fire. One adult and another child were among those injured and taken to the hospital. 

 The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 A Bartlesville man was seen in court on Friday afternoon on a motion to revoke a suspended sentence.

 Justin Dale Moss appeared in court from the Washington County Jail on the charge. The revoked sentence stems from a first-degree rape charge that occurred back in January. Moss recently violated his parole, leading to a warrant that was executed on January 11th. Moss is currently being held on a $50,000 bond and his next court date is scheduled for January 26th.

 A 23 year old man attempting to break into a Bartlesville home is shot and killed.

 The Bartlesville Police Department received a phone call just after 8 am on Friday morning regarding a possible intruder in the 1800 block of South Keeler ave. Upon arriving on the scene, they learned that the homeowner had shot the intruder. Bartelsville Police Captain Daniel Elkins says officers attempted to render life-saving aid. No one is under arrest at this time. Elkins says the BPD is investigating the incident.  No names have been released.

As the cold weather settles in around the area, there are still those who must be outside because of work or other obligations.

Dr. Ravi Johar of United Health Care says, for those people who have to be outside in the cold weather, make sure to dress warmly and limit exposed skin. With dangerously low temperatures comes the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Johar says to pay attention to how you feel and watch for warning signs that you are getting too cold. For those who must be outside during the cold weather, take frequent breaks to warm up and drink warm liquids. Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing and know the signs of cold stress which include reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.

***** Update *****

According to the Coffeyville Fire Department, two animals were found deceased in the garage fire on First.  According to a family friend, all occupants and pets at the fire on 8th Street made it out of the house without injury. The cause of both fires is under investigation however both are believed to be accidental in nature.

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

Local fire departments respond to two early-morning fires.

This morning just after 3:30, the Coffeyville Fire Department responded to 1112 W 1^st Street in Coffeyville to a report of a detached garage on fire in the alley between 1^st and 2^nd Street. That fire was quickly contained. Just a few minutes later around 3:40, Coffeyville, Dearing, Tyro, Liberty and Coffeyville Resources crews were called to 503 E 8^th Street to a report of a house fire with flames coming out of the attic of the house. Crews were able to put out the fire and started leaving the scene just after 6 this morning. There is no word yet regarding any injuries or the cause of either fire.

A structure is completely destroyed in a fire in Wilson County.

On Saturday, Wilson County Fire units responded to a report of a structure fire in Benedict. Upon arrival, firefighters found the structure completely engulfed. No injuries were reported because of the fire, and the cause is unknown at this time.

 Extreme cold continues for the region, with wind chills this morning around 20 below zero in Coffeyville.

A wind chill warning remains in effect through noon Tuesday for most of the four states.  In addition, a winter weather advisory is in effect for the entire four-state area including Coffeyville until 6 p.m. tonight.  Northwest Arkansas is also under a winter storm warning.  Snow accumulations of 1-2 inches are expected for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.  Up to four inches of snow is expected for northwest Arkansas.  Wind chills Monday and Tuesday morning are expected around 12-14 degrees below zero for Coffeyville.

***** Update *****

It has been confirmed that one Coffeyville firefighter was injured at the scene.  The firefighter was transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center by EMS and has been released.  No other injuries have been reported.

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

A Coffeyville house is destroyed in a fire.

Saturday night just after 7, the Coffeyville Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 514 E 7th Street.  An eyewitness at the scene reported that a fireman was injured by a burst hose.  There has been no official word yet regarding any injuries to occupants or first responders.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Units from Dearing and South Coffeyville also responded to the scene in addition to Coffeyville EMS as well as the Coffeyville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.

 A police chase of a suspect on a dirt bike through Chouteau, OK, ends in a fatal crash.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was in pursuit of Brett Maner who fled from police on his dirt bike on Thursday. While driving through downtown Chouteau, Maner crashed into a pedestrian. Both Maner and the pedestrian, John Farmer, died at the scene.The OHP investigation into the accident is ongoing.

 The Girl Scouts of the Kansas Heartland will be holding an informational sign up event Tuesday in Independence.

 Girls in Independence, Neodesha, and Cherryvale who are interested in Girl Scouts can attend the evetn at the Independence Public Library from 4 to 5pm on Tuesday. Girls will be able to participate in an activity and learn about Scouting at the same time. The yearly membership fee is $25 and financial assistance is available. A parent or guardian must also attend. For more information call (316) 684-6531 or visit kansasgirlscouts.org

 The Independence City Commission held their first meeting of the new year last (Thursday) night and some new changes are on the way.

 On the mind of many residents is what to do with the flashing traffic lights in the downtown area. City Engineer John Garris says the flashing lights have made a difference in traffic.

Commissioner Tim Emert gave voice to the thoughts of many residents about the lights.

Garris provided commissioners with four options for the intersections. Commissioners chose to replace the traffic lights with four-way stops to improve traffic flow through the area. In other business at this week's meeting, new commissioner Scott Smith was sworn in. Smith joins commissioners Dean Hayse and Tim Emert. Emert was chosen to serve as mayor and Smith was selected as vice-mayor. The next Independence city commission meeting will be held on January 25^th

 An inmate in the Vernon County Jail in Nevada, MO, appears to have died from a drug overdose.

 Authorities at the jail confirm that an inmate has died and that two others also appear to have overdosed, but are recovering. The three had been sharing a cell together when jail staff discovered the incident around 7pm on Wednesday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating. No names have been released.

***Due to weather, this event has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 21^st ***

 The public is invited to take part in a special worship service sponsored by the Parsons Ministerial Association on Sunday.

The keynote speaker will be Briane Ford, administrator of Delores Homes, a residential facility that offers services to foster youth. Ford is alos the board president of the Delores Homes Training Center, a post-secondary training institution focused on helping ehtnic minorities join the nursing profession.

In addition to Ford, there will be special vocal and instrumental musical performances, a special litugical dance performed by the Parsons High School Dance and Color Guard Team, and members of the PHS debate squad will read MLK's “I have a dream” speech.

The service begins at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Hamilton Chapel Methodist Church at 15-27 Morton in Parsons.

 The Osage Nation Historical Preservation Office is going to St Louis in mid-March and they are looking for people to take with them on their upcoming tour.

 Osage members over the age of 18 are eligible and hotel, transportation and food will be paid for. Registration opens Thursday, February 1st and will close Friday, February 9th for anyone interested in going. The Historical Preservation Office will be going through many ancestral territories and sacred sites on the five day tour. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions, call 918-287-5328

 A Bartlesville couple has been arrested and is being charged with child neglect. AJ Stultz and Sabre Lewis were booked into the Washington County Jail on that charge. 

 On December 6th, officers responded to the residence in reference to a domestic abuse incident. DHS investigators were sent and discovered an eight month old and a two year old, both of whom showed signs of neglect. Lewis and Stultz were unable to show documentation that the two victims had been to a doctor recently. After phone calls, the last known doctor appointment for the victims was either April or May of last year. Lewis and Stultz each saw their bond set at $20,000. Their next court appearance will be on January 26th.

Today will be a cold day in the mid-20s, but it will be warm compared with temperatures on the way this weekend.

A wind chill watch goes into effect for southeast Kansas starting tomorrow at 6 p.m. and continues through Tuesday at noon. Wind chills of 15 to 30 degrees below zero are possible. Daytime highs will be in the single digits or low double digits above freezing, while nighttime lows are expected just below zero.

In addition, a round of snow is possible late tomorrow night through Monday for the four-state area. Coffeyville has around a 70 percent chance of seeing at least one inch of snow.

With extreme cold temperatures in the forecast this weekend, it's important to make sure vehicles are prepared. Kansas State University Meteorologist Chip Redmond says a winter weather safety kit should be assembled and kept in the vehicle for emergencies.

Redmond says outside of emergencies some other items are important to have in a car during the winter.  Redmond says it is important to winterize vehicles to make sure everything is in good working condition, including the battery, tires and windshield wipers. He says it is good to know where the anchor points are on the vehicle in case it gets stuck and needs to attach a chain to get pulled out.

Coffeyville Friends of Animals pass their final round of inspections from the Kansas Department of Agriculture after allegations made this summer. Head of the Board Becky Barnhart says they had three inspections from the KDA due to those allegations and a complaint that was filed.

Improvements made after the first inspection included removing rust from pens, replacing rubber mats in kennels and ensuring all medical records were located at the shelter. One of the biggest allegations made involved a deep freeze with dead animals inside. Shelter Director Danny Thompson says there were never any animals from the shelter in that freezer.

Thompson says only veterinarians perform euthanasia for or at the shelter. Barnhart says they appreciated the support they continued to receive from the community during this time. She says donations are what keep the shelter running.

 City crews in Girard have been busy preparing for the chilly weekend weather.

 Crews across the city have been putting in extra hours over the past few days repairing water leaks around the city. The city is in a design phase of a project to replace all non-PVC lines in the city. Once the project is complete, the number of leaks should decrease. The city appreciates the hard work of city crews and also the patience of residents while the work is in progress.

 Due to extremely cold weather predicted for the weekend, trash routes in Neodesha will run a day behind next week.

 For the safety of city employees, next week's trash schedule will look like this:

Monday- no pick up

Tuesday- Monday’s route

Wednesday- Tuesday’s route

Thursday- Wednesday’s route

Friday-Thursday and Friday’s routes

 As sub-zero temperatures and wind chills move into the area for the weekend, the city of Independence wants to make sure all of its residents stay warm.

 Anyone in Independence in need of shelter during the severe cold can contact the Independence Police Department at (620) 332-1700 or stop by in person at 120 north 6^th street.

 The Independence City Commission is set to hold their first meeting of 2024 tonight.

 On this evening's agenda will be the swearing in of new city commissioner Scott Smith as well as the sellection of a new mayor. Prior to tonight's meeting, however, will be a special event to show appreciation for outgoing Mayor Louis Ysusi. City Manager Kelly Passauer says the public is invited to attend the reception.

Passauer says the mayor has plans to active in events around the city. Also on the agenda for tonight's commission meeting will be a discussion of what to do with the flashing street lights at two interesections in downtown Independence. All of tonight's events take place at city hall, located at 120 north 6^th street in Indy.

 A wind turbine in a wind farm north of Joplin collapses.

 The turbine was part of the North Fork Ridge Wind Farm run by Liberty Utilities. A spokesperson for the company says there was noone near the site at the time the incident occurred and that the site has been secured for safety. No injuries were reported.

 Joplin Police arrest a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident.

 A reported tip in the case led police to a residence in Duquesne, MO, where they located the suspected vehicle inviolved in the Monday accident. Police arrested the vehicle's owner 49 year old Ruben Blanco of Joplin. Charges of Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in a death have been submitted to the Jasper County Attorney's Office. Blanco was on supervised probation due to a 2022 drug conviction at the time the accident occurred.

Authorities have released the name of the victim as 55 year old Eva Havelock of Joplin.

Wynona, OK, Holds Special Election.

The town of Wynona held a special election on Tuesday to determine if the town clerk and town treasurer should be combined. There were 29 total votes cast and 16 votes cast against the proposition, keeping things as they currently stand.

 The Neodesha City Commission swaers in a new member and approves work on a Main Street water line.

 At the first city commission meeting of the new year, the Neodesha City commision said good-bye to commissioner JD Moffat after nine years of service. New commissioner Duane Banzet was then sworn in by City Clerk Stefanie Fyfe.

Commissioner Emily Vail-Kellner was also appointed as vice-mayor. In other business before the commission, $180,000 was approved to purchase a new bucket truck while commissioners also gave the go-ahead to proceed with a new water line for the Main Street Bore Project at a cost of $16,000. The next regular Neodesha Commission meeting will be on January 24^th

 The Parsons City Commission reorganizes for the new year.

 The commission held their first meeting of 2024, swearing in Tom Shaw and Kevin Cruse as commissioners. Eric Strait was also selected as the new mayor. Strait says he's looking forward to working in his new postion.

Verlyn Bolanger was also selected to serve as President of the Board. In other business before the commission, City Manager Debbie Lambe announced a public hearing for February 3^rd to determine whetehr or not to designate Oakwood Cemetery as historic. Lambe also announced that the Parsons Chamber banquet would be held on January 20^th at the VFW.

Extreme cold is on the way for the four states.

A wind chill watch has been issued for most of southeast Kansas from Saturday evening through Tuesday morning. Dangerous bitter cold wind chills of 15 to 30 degrees below zero are possible for southcentral and southeast Kansas. Currently, the coldest wind chills for the Coffeyville area are expected Tuesday morning at 24 degrees below zero.

In addition, snow is expected late tonight through early tomorrow morning for the four-state area, with up to one inch possible. As the weather approaches, KGGF will be keeping track of any area cancellations. If your organization needs to get the word out regarding a cancellation, call the newsroom at 620-251-3800 or email news@kggfradio.com

Coffeyville's Early Learning Center invites the public to attend their Fourth Annual ELC Art Show.

The event is tomorrow from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the ELC at 200 South Walnut. Visitors can enter through the main office doors. The event is free to attend but donations will be accepted.

Principal Amanda Cavaness says the students have been working hard since last semester, creating unique pieces of art and they will all be on display. The students will be able to take their artwork home on Friday.

Two new solar-powered picnic tables, with charging ports, are installed in downtown Coffeyville. Native American Fellowship's Kris Crane says these are a gift from the Cherokee Nation.

Crane says the council had to approve this since it isn't on Cherokee Nation land.  Crane says this is a great thing to add to downtown and NAFI and the City are thankful for this gift from the Cherokee Nation.

Some part-time county employees in Wilson County are seeking holiday pay.

County Clerk Kayla Busch says it would be a nice benefit for part-time workers.

Holiday pay has been a key benefit for full-time county employees for years in Wilson County. Commissioner Andrew Miller says the county can offer an alternative solution.

Additional items of business at this week's meeting is a new Neighborhood Revitalization Project approved for Allison Miller, as well as a new healthcare contract for corrections officers. Christina Slaughter was also sworn in to the Register of Deeds department.

 There will be street closures in Parsons today to repair a water main leak.

 Main street will be closed between 17^th and 18^th streets today in Parsons while crews conduct repairs. The street will re open tomorrow morning at 7am.

 The victim of a hit-and-run accident in Joplin has died from her injuries.

 The adult female victim was discovered early Monday evening near the intersection of 7^th and Gray Avenue in Joplin. Authorities have not yet released her name as they attempt to notify next of kin. Joplin police are looking for the driver of a dark colored SUV with a missing headlight. Witnesses report the vehicle as being involved crash and fleeing the scene of the accident which occurred around 6pm on Monday evening. Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact the Joplin Police at 417-623-3131

 A Bartlesville traffic stop leads to a drug arrest.

 Early yesterday (Tuesday) morning, a Bartlesville police officer conducted a traffic stop after noting the vehicle had a defective passenger side brake light out. After making contact with the vehicle, officers radioed for a K-9 officer to conduct an open-air sniff. The K-9 did note the odor of narcotics and after the suspect, Brenda Stevens, stepped out of the vehicle, they found a bag containing methamphetamine in her purse. 

An afadavit goes on to say that they found a clear baggie containing a green leafy substance, which appeared to be marijuana.

Stevens has a $50,000 bond and she is next due in court on January 26th.  

 The Independence City Commission is set to meet for their first meeting of 2024 tomorrow night.

 City Manager Kelly Passeuer says there are several items of particular interest to the public on the agenda.

The commission meeting begins at 5:30 pm at City Hall, located at 120 north 6^th street. Prior to tomorrow's meeting will be a reception for outgoing Mayor Louis Ysusi. The public is invited to attend both the reception and the metting.

 The Kansas Senate has scheduled a hearing in Topeka tomorrow regarding the Local Ad Valorum Tax Reduction Funding or LAVTR.

 The measure has been on the books in Kansas since 1965 but has not been funded by the state since 2003. Montgomery County Financial Officer Fred Gress says, since that time, the state has kept a great deal of money that could be used to lower property taxes in the state.

Gress has sent a one page letter to the state senate outlining what he says are the state's responsibilities. Gress says the state must live up to its obligations.

Joining Gress to provide input to the state will be Montgomery County Commissioners Mike Cordray and Robert Bever. The hearing begins at 9:30am tomorrow in Topeka.

A bit of musical chairs took place at tonight's Coffeyville City Commission meeting with the changing of the guard.

After recognizing the work of outgoing Commissioners Pam Jones, Jason Swindell and Bob York, new Commissioners Don Edwards, Jim Falkner and Alec Hendryx were all sworn in, with Hendryx being selected as Mayor by the new commission and Falkner selected as vice mayor.

As their last business item, the old commission authorized an agreement for Coffeyville to provide water for Caney.  While it will be several years before water will flow between the two cities, Interim City Manager Tim Wilson says that adding customers to the Coffeyville water system has helped make up for customers lost from decreasing population, and he thinks this agreement is a win-win.

In other business, the new commission approved extending the residency requirements for city employees to 50 miles from the city and to include Oklahoma in order to expand the pool of potential applicants for city jobs.  Commissioner Don Edwards says he supports the change.

The commission also appointed Joleen Swindell and Justin Martin to fill two of five open seats on the planning commission.  Work on the relocation of a primary electric distribution line on South Buckeye and relocation of two poles on Sunflower were also approved for the electric department at a cost of $239,598.

A Parsons woman is arrested as officers interrupt a burglary in progress.

Yesterday at around 3:15pm, the Parsons Police Department received a call about a possible burglary in the 2300 block of Briggs Avenue. Officers found a woman at the residence, who appeared to be under the influence. The woman was identified as 41-year-old Karena Dawn Hickles. Officers attempted to detain Hickles when she became combative and attempted to bite the officers. She was placed in a patrol car while officers conducted a sweep of the house. Officers found items in the home that were damaged and a juvenile, around two to three years old, wrapped in a blanket and sleeping on a couch.

After contacting the homeowners, officers learned that Hickles was an estranged family member that they had not had contact with for several years. Hickles was arrested on charges of burglary, criminal damage to property, aggravated endangering of a child, possession of marijuana and interference with law enforcement.

 Federal funds will be used to remodel a recently purchased building for the Caney USD 436 School District.

 The multi purpose building now known as C V West will see over $800,000 in remodeling costs, with at least $405,000 covered by federal grant funding, which will allow for current funds to be used in other forms throughout the district.

 The ESSER funding was approved for use during last night’s board of education meeting.

Superintendent Blake Vargas says having the building will be a huge resource.

 Vargas says smaller construction projects will be handled in-house, with bigger projects like plumbing and electrical going through a bidding process.  Vargas says the district would like to see the building used in some capacity this year.

 In other business, the board heard an update on the training session held by school and law enforcement personnel last week, and received an update on the e-buses that will join the fleet in the near future.

January is School Board Recognition Month, and USD 446 took the opportunity to celebrate.

The district held a Board Appreciation dinner prior to the meeting, and took additional time to thank the seven school board members: Scott Hines, Greg Hennen, Charles Barker, Sr, Sam Blackard, Mary Reichenberger, Jennifer Rutledge, and Tamisha Sewell.

Superintendent Jason McAfee says these individuals volunteer countless hours of meetings and discussion for the bettering of district education opportunities. They also meet with legislators and policy makers to advocate for USD 446.

Additional items of discussion at this month's meeting was the resignation of dance team coach Rene Stanley, as well as a reminder regarding this weekend's community celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 The Pete's Convenience Store location on US 400 in Fredonia is one of six locations to receive federal funds as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or NEVI program. 

 Governor Laura Kelly announced the $4.6 million to six locations across the state to help improve the number of charging stations along the state's major highways and interstate system. The funding will help install a direct current, fast charging station at the location. Other areas receiving funds include Emporia, Garden City, Cherokee, Belleville, and Pratt.

 Deputies in Allen County arrest a former Savonburg man on charges of arson.

 Court documents indicate that 41 year old Jackie Tate, formerly of Savonburg, called 911 dispatchers in Allen County on Sunday, reporting that he had set a house on fire on east Main street in Savonburg, located about 17 miles northeast of Chanute. Tate was still on the phone when an Allen County officer arrived.

The Elsmore/Savonburg Fire Department extinguished the fire, but it appears the house may be a total loss due to smoke damage.

While no one was in the house at the time of the fire, the house Tate allegedly attempted to burn down is where his young daughter and another juvenile live with their father/stepfather.

Tate was booked on charges of burglary, arson, endangerment, and trespassing.

Chautauqua County is looking for a new full-time employee in the Clerk's Office.

The opening is a clerical position in the county, who will be involved in a number of responsibilities within the department.

Interested candidates should be detail-oriented, have knowledge of general accounting, and experience with Word and Excel. Position duties will include answering phones, data entry, and accounts payable.

Those interested in the position or seeking more information can call 620-725-5800 or email cqclerk@gmail.com.

 The Cherryvale School district receives national recognition for excellence.

 Lincoln Central Elementary has been named in the top 40 percent of Kansas schools by US News and World Report. Superintendent Travis Githens made the annoncement at last night's USD 447 school board meeting.

In a busy agenda at last night's meeting, the board also welcomed new members Casey Smith and Johnathan Booie (BOO) and elected Mark Torkelson as board president and Kevin Crain as vice president. The board also heard a lengthy presentation from Mike Dixon of Track Renovations of Pittsburg in regards to refurbishing the high school track. The board also discussed district expenditures for special education services within the district.

 The Parsons Police Department announces ther date for a memorial service for K9 Officer Karim.

 The memorial service for K9 Karim will be held on Wednesday, January 31^st at the Municipal Auditorium in Parsons. The public is invited to attend.

K9 Karim passed away on August 21 of last year. An investigation into the dog's death found that his handler failed to provide reasonable care to remove him from severe summer heat. The handler was fired from the PPD and a criminal charge of animal neglect has been requested. The case is currently in the hands of the Labette County Attorney. Once the criminal case is resolved the Kansas Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training with review if there are grounds to revoke the ex-officers license to be employed as a police officer in Kansas.

 Police in Joplin are in search of the driver of a dark colored SUV in connection to a hit-and-run with a pedestrian near west 7^th and Gray Avenue around 6pm yesterday evening.

 Authorities responded to a call of a pedestrian being struck by a car near 7^th and Gray last night. They arrived on the scene to find an adult female lying in the roadway. The victim was taken to an area hospital unresponsive and in critical condition.

Joplin police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the accident and may have seen something or if you notice a vehicle with unexplained headlight damage to contact them at 417-623-3131.

 Five people are injured in a weekend collision northeast of Dewey.

 At around 7:30 pm Sunday a 2023 Polaris Razor, driven by 49 year old Diana Mims of Bartlesville, was operating in a field near West 1200 and North 4000 when she attempted a turn at a high rate of speed, and rolled the vehicle.  Mims along with passengers 22 year old Rosemary Davis and 52 year old Dana Curran – both of Bartlesville – were transported to a nearby hospital,  where they were all treated and released. 

Passengers 42 year old Charles Howard and 21 year old Leah Mims – both from Dewey – , were both taken to St. John Hospital in Tulsa and admitted in stable condition with head injuries  

Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the cause of the collision was speed and inexperience.

For the first time in several months, all the seats on the USD 445 School Board are full.

At last night's meeting, recently elected board members Cindy Price and Matt Jordan were sworn in. The board also heard from Denise Gates and Kimberly Jump who applied to fill the position of Dr. Jerry Hamm who passed away last year. After remarks from both, the board voted unanimously to appoint Gates to fill the position for the next two years until the next election. Deputy Superintendent of Business Michael Speer swore Gates into her position.

Gates brings more than 20 years of experience with the USD 445 board to the table.

In other business, the board heard a presentation from Student Services Director Melissa Murray and staff, accepted the resignation of Community Elementary Custodian Steve Long, approved the recommendation to hire Kurtis Riley as a custodian for the high school and Will Owens as a social studies teacher for the high school. The board also agreed to start the process of accepting Coffeyville Recreation Commission board applications and approved the recommendation of the City of Coffeyville Neighborhood Revitalization Amendment Plan.

Click here for the latest area closings.

If your organization needs to get the word out regarding a cancelation, call the newsroom at 620-251-3800 or email news@kggfradio.com

Another round of winter weather is on the way, although the storm's impact is not expected to be as severe in the four-state area.

***** Update 9 p.m. 1-8 *****

Winter weather is making an impact on travel in much of Kansas, but Chautauqua, Montgomery and Labette Counties are still not included in the winter weather advisory.  No counties in the immediate parts of northeast Oklahoma are included, however Cherokee County, KS and southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas have been added to the advisory starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday.  Light snow is expected to fall in southeast Kansas starting after midnight tonight and continue through tomorrow morning, with the heaviest snow being between 3 and 6 a.m.  Snow is expected to continue through noon.  Less than one inch of snow is expected for southeast Kansas.  (Snow graphic updated)

***** Update 6 a.m. 1-8 *****

Snowfall forecasts have decreased some for southeast Kansas.  Now, a trace to two inches of snow is expected.  Most precipitation is anticipated to fall as rain for the four-state area.  (Snow forecast graphic above updated.)

***** Original story *****

Starting Monday morning, rain is expected for southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, bringing up to an inch for the area.  By early Tuesday morning, rain may transition to snow and continue through midday on Tuesday.  A trace to three inches is expected for southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma could see up to 1 inch of snow, and southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas could get up to two inches of snow.  Locally, Elk and Wilson County are included in a winter weather advisory in effect from 6 p.m. Monday through noon Tuesday.  Hazardous travel conditions due to blowing snow could reduce visibility, make roads slippery, and impact Tuesday morning commutes.  Gusty winds could also bring down small branches.  Coffeyville and Independence are not included in the advisory. 

Conditions are expected to be much worse in central Kansas, where travel may become difficult to impossible, and near whiteout conditions could occur during the height of the storm, expected in the early morning on Tuesday.

While southeast Kansas is not expected to see the same impact, KGGF will be keeping track of closings and cancelations should they occur.  If your organization needs to get the word out regarding a cancelation, call the newsroom at 620-251-3800 or email news@kggfradio.com

South Coffeyville Public Schools could be seeing some upgrades and improvements coming to the district. The school board discussed the possibility of another bond election for a new gym after the last attempt failed by just six votes. Superintendent Daryl Pruter says they are looking for a lease purchase general obligation bond.

The board voted to table this item for further discussion. They are planning a special meeting for later this month to receive additional information on what bonds they can pursue to help build the new gym. Pruter says other improvements include renovation of the cafeteria bathrooms.

The board is still waiting on an official bid from CRI Plumbing before voting to approve these improvements. In other business, the board voted to approve the contract of Pruter for the 2024-2025 school year.

Two teenagers are arrested on theft and battery charges.

Independence Police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue on a report of a 20-year-old man being hit by a vehicle. The victim told officers that they were at home when one of the suspects ran off with their firearm and fled in a vehicle. The victim says they pursued the suspect on foot and was eventually hit. Officers gathered witness statements, reviewed surveillance footage and received information from the Neodesha Police Department on the case. IPD officers arrested 17-year-old Davian Steven Broderick, of Neodesha, on charges of felony theft and aggravated battery.  

Further investigation led officers to the stolen firearm and discovered another suspect's involvement. IPD officers obtained search warrants and recovered the stolen firearm, drug paraphernalia, opiates and hallucinogenic drugs. 19-year-old Christopher Jacob Taylor, of Independence, was arrested on charges of felony theft, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, kidnapping, contributing to a child’s misconduct, possession of opiate, hallucinogenic and drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, criminal possession of a weapon by felon and interference with a law enforcement officer.

 The city of Independence invites citizens to attend a public reception for outgoing Mayor Louis Ysusi.

 The reception will take place this Thursday at 4:30pm at City Hall to show appreciation for Mayor Ysusi as he completes his service on the Independence City Commission. City Manager Kelly Passauer says Ysusi will still be very visible around the city.

City Hall is located at 120 North 6^th Street in Independence.

 There could be some changes coming to the way Montgomery County pays employees, especially rural firefighters.

 At today's Montgomery county Commission meeting, Director of Human Resources Ben Brubaker proposed a new way to pay county employees. Brubaker says most employees use direct deposit, but there are many – mostly rural firefighters – who still receive physical paychecks. Brubaker says when employees fail to cash those checks, it can cause issues for the county.

Brubaker proposes using a pay card or debit card to pay these employees. The commission decided to table the prposal until next week to allow for more input from department heads. Also on the agenda for the county commission was a report from public works director Jim Wright and an executive session on which no action was taken.

 As winter weather rears its head across the listening area, Parsons Police chief Robert Spinks reminds listeners to stay safe while driving snowy or icy weather.

 First, plan ahead. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out. Make sure your vehicle is ready by checking brakes, tires, the battery, and fluids. Drive with caution. Slow down and maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. Use your headlights, even during the day. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a blanket, non-perishable snacks, water, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Stay informed about the weather, road conditions, closures, and advisories.

 There's good financial news for the state of Kansas.

 Fitch Ratings, a global credit ratings agency, has upgraded the credit rating for the state of Kansas to AA with a stable rating outlook. This rating is higher than the most recent rating from S&P Global of AA – issued in February 2023. The state has seen s series of downgraded ratings since 2014, when S&P first dropped the rating from AA + to AA.

The recent upgrade is due to recent fiscal responsibility by the state, including efforts to pay off debt, balance the budget, and increase the state Rainy Day Fund.

 If you've ever had questions about how the state government works in Kansas, but didn't know how to find the answer you wanted, the State Library of Kansas has a service for you.

 The State Library of Kansas offers a dedicated Legislative Hotline for citizens looking for information about legislation or legislative matters. The line is staffed by experienced librarians and can answer questions about who your legislators are and how to contact them, understanding the legislative process, checking the status of specific bills, locating historical information, and other questions related to Kansas government.

The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. After hours callers can leave a voicemail that will be returned the next business day. The hotline number is 1-800-432-3924. Real time chat is available with librarians here. To ask questions via email, contact infodesk@ks.gov.

 The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office New Year's Taking Down DUI traffic campaign nets no reported accidents on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.

 The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office stepped up traffic enforcement during the final days of 2023 resulting in more than 400 traffic stops, including 8 arrests, 47 speeding warnings, and 1 DUI arrest. Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade says the driving force behind campaigns like this is to save lives and reduce injuries on Kansas roads.

The Independence Police Department makes an arrest after a burglary investigation.

28-year-old Joe Edward Henderson Jr. has been arrested on charges of burglary and theft stemming from an investigation that was reported to IPD on December 29^th. Surveillance footage provided a description of the suspect. The man captured in the footage corresponded with a suspect observed in other surveillance footage related to multiple reported thefts. Henderson Jr. was located just seven blocks from the victim’s residence. He was taken into custody and officers recovered and returned all reported stolen property. Multiple other cases were resolved following the arrest. Henderson is being held on $7,500 bond.

Chief Jerry Harrison says surveillance cameras play a vital role in helping law enforcement solve crime. He says the footage can assist in cases solved more quickly, achieve a higher rate of successful case resolutions and may be used in a court. Police recommend that residents consider purchasing a doorbell camera or other surveillance cameras to assist in deterring crime in their community.

 The city of Independence is currently accepting Hardship Rate Applications for city utility customers.

 The Hardship Rate is for families that meet the HUD low-income criteria and are in need of relief related to their water, sewer, and trash service fees. Other eligibility requirements include: Hardship rates only apply to families living inside the city limits; The family must have resided within the city limits for the previous 12-month period; The water/sewer account must be listed in the name of the hardship subscriber; and; The hardship subscriber must be recertified in January each year. The deadline to apply is January 31.

Hardship Rate applications are only offered once a year and are available at City Hall, locaeted at 120 North 6^th Street. A link to the application can be found here.

 The city of Sedan is holding a special meeting this evening to interview and hire new office personnel for the city.

 This comes on the heels of last week's resignations by city Treasurer Raylene Davis and City Clerk Sherry Miller. The interviews will take place starting at 5:30 pm tonight. For more information, see the cityofsedan.com website.

 A train derails near Nevada.

 At around 10pm on Friday night, a train derailed in Milo, MO, an unincroprated town of about 50 people located 8 miles south of Nevada.

Authorities say about 18 empty coal cars left the tracks, causing damage to a nearby bulding and destroying an RV camper trailer. All cars have been removed as well as the damaged rail bed. No injuries were reported.

The first baby born in 2024 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center has been announced. 

Theron LeAnn Parks was born January 2^nd weighing five pounds and three ounces.  Theron is the daughter of Brandy Barnett and Dalton Parks.  They are the winners of the KGGF Baby Derby contest and will be awarded prizes from the Woodshed, Shabby to Chic and H&R Block. 

Congratulations to the Park family and welcome Theron LeAnn Parks to Coffeyville.

After nearly six and a half hours of deliberation, a jury announces their verdict following the two-day criminal trial of a Columbus man.

38-year-old Brian Stewart was found guilty on one count of rape and five counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The charges stem from Stewart's criminal conduct which occurred on multiple occasions between March and late August of 2016.

Stewart's sentencing will be held on March 8^th.

 This week's Sedan City Council meeting was full of welcomes for new council members while saying good-bye to several long time employees.

 That was the sound of the swearing in of Bryan Blankenship as the new mayor of Sedan. Also sworn in was new city council member Angela Evans. Several long time city employees also tendered their resignations at the meeting. City Treasurer Raylene Davis will retire at the end of the month after 14 years with the city as will City Clerk Sherry Miller, who retires after 39 years working for the city of Sedan. The council also accepted the resignation of a Sedan police officer. Council Member Adam Clark says the city will be busy in the next few weeks trying to fill these positions.

The city council also discussed finalizing the new contract for trash pick up with Waste Connections of Bartlesville and what that will mean for customers. The next Sedan City council meeting will be held on January 16^th

 Allen County Sheriff's deputies respond to a crash near Humboldt.

 At around 1:30 yesterday (January 4) morning, Allen County deputies responded to a 911 call made by an automated phone app at a location about five miles east of Humboldt. Authorities says the crash occurred on Hawaii Road when a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven by a 16 year old was traveling west at a high rate of speed. The driver traveled through the intersection of Hawaii road and 2200 street where the roadway changes from asphalt to gravel. The driver lost control of the vehicle, skidded about 100 yards, then left the roadway and became airborne. The car struck the top strand of a barb wire fence before crashing into a pasture and then into a steel gate. The vehicle then traveled another 80 yards, flipping end over end before coming to rest upright on all four tires.

The driver and two 18 year old passengers were taken to the Allen County Regional Hospital with reported non-life-threatening injuries. Charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence, and minor in possession of alcohol are being requested against the driver, while minor in possession charges are sought against the passengers.

 Residents of Dewey and Bartlesville who have ever wondered just what it takes to be a police officer will now have a chance to learn.

 Applications are currently being accepted for the Bartlesville Police Department spring 2024 Citizens Police Academy. The 11 week free course is designed to help citizens become familiar with how law enforcement works through both classroom and hands-on instruction. Classes meet every Thursday from 6-9 pm beginning on March 7. Deadline for applications is January 31 at 5 pm. The program is open to adults at least 18 years of age who live or work in the Dewey/Bartlesville area.

Citizens Police Academy application forms are available online or at the Police Department, 615 S. Johnstone Ave. Applications may be emailed to Captain Warren Morrow at wdmorrow@cityofbartlesville.org, or dropped off at the Police Administration window located inside the Police Department, 615 S. Johnstone Ave.

 A Bartlesville man faces charges of child abuse related to the alleged choking of a minor.

 Michael Lopez appeared in Washington County Court on Wednesday on the charge of child abuse by injury. Lopez made his initial appearance after making his $75,000 bond after being accused of punching a minor victim and choking the child as well.

According to an affidavit, Lopez tried to take the victim’s cellphone and, when the victim refused to give it up, Lopez allegedly then punched the child in the face and then started choking him before taking the cellphone. Two other parties that witnessed the incident told police the same story.

Lopez's next court date is set for January 26^th

Update Friday 5:30 a.m.:

The timeline for today's winter weather has moved up slightly.  This morning, the heaviest snow is expected between 7 and 11 a.m. and will mainly be centered in southcentral Kansas.  Southeast Kansas will see a rain and snow mix to start the morning, transitioning to light snow around 9 a.m., then back to a mix in the afternoon and evening hours.   Expected snowfall amounts have not changed significantly since last night's update.

The second storm on the way early next week has parts of southeast Kansas in a 40-50 percent chance of seeing impactfull winter weather.  Areas further south and west will see less of a chance of winter weather with the next storm.

Update 6 p.m.:

A trace to one inch of snow is still expected for the Coffeyville area.

Light snow is likely to start early Friday morning for southcentral Kansas and northcentral Oklahoma, most likely between 4 and 6 a.m.  Light snow is expected later in the morning for southeast Kansas, most likely before 9 a.m., so most morning commutes should not be impacted by snow.  Heavy snow is more likely to impact morning driving in southcentral Kansas and the Wichita area.  Snow is expected to transition to rain by the afternoon for southeast Kansas. 

(Snow forecast graphic has been updated)

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

A couple of rounds of winter weather are possible in the next several days.

The first storm is expected late tonight into early Friday, bringing light to moderate snow late tonight into early Friday afternoon. A trace to one inch of snow is expected for the Coffeyville area from the first storm. Southcentral and southeast Kansas including Montgomery and Wilson Counties and areas north and west are under a winter weather advisory from 9 p.m. tonight until 6 tomorrow night. Washington and Osage Counties in Oklahoma are also included in the advisory from 1 a.m. through 10 a.m. tomorrow.

The second storm is expected early next week, between Sunday night and Tuesday. Confidence for a winter storm continues to increase, especially for central Kansas. More will be known about this second storm in the coming days.

KGGF will be keeping track of closings and cancelations should they occur.  If your organization needs to get the word out regarding a cancelation, call the newsroom at 620-251-3800 or email news@kggfradio.com

A possible scam involving utility service is circulating Southeast Kansas.

In Coffeyville, some residents and businesses have received a call stating that someone will be coming out to turn off city utilities due to a security deposit not being paid. The City says this is not coming from them and is a scam.

The Neodesha City Hall has been contacted by customers who have received a phone call from someone pretending to be Evergy. The caller says they will shut off their service and pull their electric meter. Neodesha says anyone who receives a phone call of this nature and is an electric utility customer with the City is a scam. 

The Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner is coming up at the end of this month. Chamber Director Candi Westbrook says the dinner will be Friday, January, 26^th.

Early bird pricing for tickets are $40 for an individual or $300 for a table. Westbrook says this isn't your typical type of banquet.  The dinner is in the East Gym at Nellis Hall and starts at 6:00pm, with a social hour starting at 5:00pm. A link to purchase the tickets can be found here.

 Kansas has reached its highest employment in state history; that's according to data from the Kansas Department of Labor.

 Data shows the Kansas unemployment rate has been at or below 5%, which many economists consider full employment, for the past 38 consecutive months.

 Employment was at an all-time high last year, with nine of the top 10 employment months taking place throughout the year. More than 1.4 million participate in the workforce, higher than the national average.

 Governor Laura Kelly says recruitment must continue as demand for qualified employees continues to be high.

 Click here for more information on Kansas’ labor force and unemployment data.

 The Afton Board of Trustees votes to remove three trustees from banking documents during an emergency town meeting yesterday.

 The board voted 4-0 to remove Rebecca Collins and Mike Nelson from the community’s banking documents, and voted 3-0 in favor of removing Jason Spear from signing banking documents. The board also voted 3-1 in favor of requesting Nelson and Spear to step down from their elected positions.

 According to Mayor Kristi McChurin, if Nelson and Spear do not resign, city leaders will submit documentation to District Attorney Doug Pewitt to file an ouster to remove them from their elected positions.

 A petition with fifty signatures seeks to oust the men because of lack of trust.

 Collins was terminated December 27th as Afton office manager following criticism of her bookkeeping practices, but was kept as the town’s office manager.

 The city has 60 days to fill Collins’s elected position.

 The decision to fire Collins and ask for resignations comes after the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant at Afton City Hall days before Christmas.

No arrests have been made; no charges have been filed.

 A Bartlesville man was in court Wednesday on the charge of failing to register as a sex offender.

 42-year-old Billy Jo Hailey is a convicted level three sex offender on a rape by instrumentation conviction from 2002. Court documents say Hailey has not been registered since he lived in Tulsa County in 2016.

 As a level three offender, Hailey is required to register every 90 days but had failed to do so. Court documents also say this is the sixth time that Hailey had been charged with failure to register.

 Hailey’s bond was set at $50,000; his next court date is set for January 26th.

 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit needs your help in seeking information on a deadly hit and run accident in Dewey New Year's Day.

 52-year-old Kerry Thornton, of Dewey, was found by a passerby on ninth street just east of the Backroads Bar in Dewey. Investigators believe the collision took place between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. No evidence was left at the scene aside from Thornton's personal belongings.

 If you have any information, please call OHP Troop B Headquarters at 918-627-0400.

 Methamphetamine suppliers with ties to Southeast Kansas are arrested in Meade County.

 The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Iola Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested two suspects who possessed two pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 2,500 pills presumed to contain fentanyl.

 Information was developed by the Iola Police Department in September 2023 about methamphetamine being distributed in southeast Kansas by subjects in Wichita. The Iola Police Department and the KBI began investigating.

 Yesterday, KBI agents located the subjects they believed were involved. KHP troopers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the suspects. The traffic stop took place on U.S. Highway 54 in Meade County, Kansas. The fentanyl pills and methamphetamine were located soon after.

 47-year-old Jeffrey Filley and 32-year-old Theresa West, both of Wichita, were arrested for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution or possession of a controlled substance using a communication facility, and conspiracy. West was also booked for driving while suspended and for committing several traffic violations.

 The suspects were booked into the Meade County Jail.

 The investigation is ongoing.

A Neodesha woman is injured after a crash in Montgomery County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2004 Ford F-150 driven by 51-year-old Clinton Holt of Cherryvale was westbound on County Road 6000, which is one mile south of U.S. 400. At the intersection of 6000 and County Road 5100, Holt swerved to miss another vehicle and went into the southwest ditch. Holt had no apparent injury, but his passenger, 43-year-old Angela White of Neodesha received a suspected serious injury. White was taken to Labette Health for treatment. Neither person was wearing a seatbelt. Nothing is known about the vehicle Holt swerved to avoid.

Two suspects are arrested as the Parsons Police Department solves a burglary.

PPD officers responded to the Hashtag Tobacco Shop and discovered that the building had been burglarized overnight. The shop is currently closed and has been seized by the Labette County Sheriff's Office as part of a narcotics investigation. Officers found that forced entry had been made by breaking through the glass of the front door.

The burglary investigation led officers to a residence, where a person of interest, 20-year-old Lukas Bridges, was located there. Stolen property from the tobacco shop was located and seized by officers. Bridges was arrested and booked on charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage and felony interference. A second suspect, a 14-year-old teenage boy, in the burglary, was identified and found at his residence. Stolen property was also found in the residence and was seized. The juvenile suspect was taken into custody for burglary, theft, criminal damage and felony interference.

Residents in Coffeyville can expect a new restaurant to open up this month. Chamber of Commerce Director Candi Westbrook says Wendy's is looking at being open by the middle of the month.

Westbrook says in addition to Wendy's there is another potential business in the works. She says with the low interest rates programs available right now is a good time to be an entrepreneur in Coffeyville.

The Parsons Police Department investigates a disturbance on New Year's Eve.

PPD officers were called to a residence for what started as a disturbance. According to reports, a man was arguing with his girlfriend in their front yard. Before police arrived a vehicle drove up and there was an exchange between the driver and the man. Several people from a residence across the street came out and the arguing escalated. The man fled the scene but was located by officers and placed in custody. Neighbors said that the man had made threats toward them displaying a handgun. Other witnesses said they had not seen a handgun. A search of the man and the residence did not locate any handguns. The man said he had not threatened anyone.

Officers reviewed a video at the scene, but it did not show the man in possession of a firearm. There was alcohol involved, which further complicated the investigation. No arrests have been made at this time. The police are requesting a charge of criminal threats. Police responded again later in the evening when neighbors were upset the man was not arrested. This disturbance required the response of multiple police and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office to respond and calm the upset individuals.

 The water situation in Caney is in a holding pattern, as Coffeyville and Caney city leaders continue discussions on a water agreement.

 With the Coffeyville City Commission set to review the contract at their regular session meeting January 9^th, Caney City Administrator Kelley Zellner says both sides can benefit from the agreement.

Zellner says he is grateful for Coffeyville leaders, as well as state and federal officials, for their help to put the water plan in motion.

 Video of the latest Caney City Council meeting is available on the KGGF Facebook page. The next Coffeyville City Commission meeting is set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. In the Commission room of City Hall.

The city of Independence will be celebrating MLK Day next weekend, with a food fight at center stage.

There will be a Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Community Celebration on January 14th. Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilsa says the food fight allows for students to have some friendly competition.

Adults can also contribute to the food collection, bringing donations to G&W Foods or the Chamber of Commmerce before January 12th.

The food fight will not be the only thing to do during the celebration. Wilson says there will be other ways to get involved as well.

For additional information about the event or questions, contact the chamber office at 620-331-1890 or by visiting 616 N Penn Avenue in Independence.

Wilson County Commissioners meet for the first time in 2024.

The focus of this week's meeting was the transfer of funds to numerous county departments. A fund transfer of $400,000 has been approved to the Special Machinery and Equipment Fund, a fund transfer of $200,000 to the Special Highway Fund, a transfer of $10,000 to the County Equipment Reserve Fund, and a transfer of $5,000 to the County Treasurer Special Auto Reserve Fund.

Additionally, the Special County Reserve Fund receives a $100,000 fund transfer, the Health Department Fund receives a transfer of $57,984.76, and the Lower 8 Administration Fund receives a $33,000.00 transfer.

Other items of business at the county commission meeting was application submissions for two Neighborhood Revitalization projects, for Dennis Depew, and Friess Farms. The commissioners also approved payroll in the amount of $117,816.82 and warrants in the amount of $311,004.03.

 Congressman Jake LaTurner announces his January Mobile Office Hours schedule.

 LaTurner says one of his top priorities is to hear what issues matter most to hard-working families. Mobile Office Hours are a way for Kansans to make their voices heard and get assistance with veterans benefits, Social Security applications, the IRS, Medicare & Medicaid Assistance, and all issues involving federal agencies.

 LaTurner's office will travel to Coffeyville City Hall Wednesday, January 10^th at 9:30 AM, then to Wilson County at noon, at the W.A. Rankin Memorial Library in Neodesha. The day will end in Parsons at Remnant Coffee at 2:00p.m.

 January 11^th, LaTurner's office will begin in Cherokee County at 9:00 a.m. at the Galena Municipal Court, followed by Bourbon County and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 11:30.

 LaTurner will return to the area January 17^th in the Chanute Public Library.

 The State of Kansas ends December 2023 with total tax collections at $1.043 billion, 3.4%, below the estimate, with total tax collections down 3.8% from December 2022.

 Individual income tax collections were just over $397 million, 4.5%, above the estimate, and up 5.9% from December 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $235.7 million, 14.3%, below the estimate and down 16.1% from December 2022.

 Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.4 million, 1.8%, below the estimate and down 1.6%, from December 2022.

 Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart says the corporate income tax receipts were lower than expected because there was one less deposit day this December compared to December 2022. Nearly $34.4 million was deposited on that additional day in December 2022.

 Click to here view the December 2023 revenue numbers.

Some parts of the KGGF listening area will start the day with some dense fog.

Dense fog that could reduce visibility to a quarter-mile or less is possible north and west of Coffeyville, impacting most of Wilson, the north part of Neosho, as well as most of Elk and Chautauqua Counties, including most of eastern Kansas and western Missouri. If you encounter fog, remember to use your low-beam headlights. The fog should burn off by noon today.

 The Nowata County Commissioners appoint a new chairman and new vice-chairman, in their first meeting of 2024.

 Former Vice-Chairman Timmie Benson was appointed as Chairman, while former member Paul Crupper was moved to Vice-Chairman.

 Troy Friddle moves back to the member spot, with Benson and Crupper taking over as the representatives to Grand Gateway board of directors.

 In regular business, the commissioners accept a reimbursement for courthouse metal detectors for $10,500, with new courthouse panic buttons in working order.

 The Nowata County Commissioners meet every Monday in the Nowata County Courthouse Annex.

 A building purchase by the Fort Scott School District will help expand its preschool center.

 The district has purchased the former Family Physicians building at 902 South Horton Street, which will enable the Early Childhood Center to expand from 120 to 200 children.

 Currently, 30 children are on the waiting list for the Early Childhood Center. The building will provide more classroom space, with a registered nurse on site full-time.

 USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown says the Early Childhood Center provides a great foundation of learning in the district, which will help K-12 children achieve higher education levels.

 Brown says the district is looking for additional funding for remodeling, with the goal of opening the new center by 2025.

A mobile food pantry is coming to Sedan.

The Kansas Food Bank will bring its mobile pantry to Sedan this coming Wednesday, January 10th. Anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to attend. Guests must check in with their address and number in the household. The distribution will take place at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds at 610 Park East Avenue in Sedan on Wednesday from 10 until 11 a.m. or as long as supplies last. Anyone with questions should call the Kansas Food Bank at 316-265-3663.

While lawns may be brown, winter wheat is one green spot in the winter landscape.

According to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, winter wheat in Kansas is rated 9% very poor, 12% poor, 36% fair, 38% good and 5% excellent. Topsoil moisture is improved, with 16% very short, 31% short, 46% adequate, and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture is still somewhat short, especially in southeast Kansas, although it's listed as 40% adequate statewide.

A couple of houses in Cherryvale will be demolished this year.

At last night's Cherryvale City Council meeting a demolition bid for 313 S. Neosho and 315 W. 2^nd were approved for a total of $16,000. The only bidder for the project was B&L Trenching of Cherryvale. The city has budgeted around $40,000 per year for demolition of houses needing to be torn down. Council members expect they should be able to demolish a few more houses this year within the budget.

In other business, the council approved the purchase of a Bad Boy mower from Roman's Outdoor Power for the Public Works Department for $9,339, which came in under the department's budget of $10,000 for a new commercial mower.

Discussion also took place on the required Oath of Office for the current council. The swearing-in is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. although some of the members will have to work out scheduling conflicts.

With the holiday season coming to an end, households who got a real Christmas tree will be looking for ways to get rid of them. Kansas State University Forester Charlie Barden says some places are putting those Christmas trees to use underwater.

For those unable to find a pond to toss one into, in Coffeyville real Christmas trees can be taken to the tree dump. The Coffeyville tree dump's hours are Thursday and Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, noon to 4:00pm.

The Kansas Highway Patrol releases its New Year's Weekend Activity Report.

The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6:00pm on Friday through 11:59pm on New Year's Day. KHP personnel assisted 504 motorists over the reporting period. This includes working one non-DUI-related fatality crash.

The KHP had 29 DUI arrests, up seven from 2023 and 18 from 2022. Despite the higher number of DUI arrests, there were no DUI-related crashes for the third straight year.

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

 Projects closer to home include grading and culvert work on K-99, just north of the K 99/U.S. 166B junction in Chautauqua County. Other projects include milling and overlay work on Highway 160 in Montgomery County, from the U.S. 169/U.S. 160 south junction east to the Montgomery/Labette county line, Highway 400 in Cherokee County, from the Labette/Cherokee county line east to the U.S. 400/K 7 junction, and milling and overlay on Highway 160 in Labette County, from the Montgomery/Labette county line east to the west U.S. 160/U.S. 59 junction.

 A complete list of statewide projects is available here.

 The months of November and December saw alarming numbers concerning intoxicated drivers in Missouri and Oklahoma.

 In a recent study conducted by Forbes Advisor, Missouri ranks number 9 among the worst states for drunk driving. The “Show Me State” stands out with the 11th-highest rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, with 5.92 per 100,000 licensed drivers. The state also has the 11th-highest percentage of traffic deaths caused by drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 to 0.07, and has the 12th-highest rate of people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver, seeing 4.3 deaths per 100,000 state residents.

 Next in line, the study places Oklahoma at number ten among the worst states for drunk driving. The Sooner State stands out as the state with the 10th-highest rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, with 6.03 per 100,000 licensed drivers.

Oklahoma has the 10th-highest share of drunk drivers under age 21 involved in fatal crashes, and ranks 14th highest for the rate of people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver at 4.16 per 100,000 state residents.

 Kansas courts' recovery from an October cyberattack on the eCourt case management system is slower than expected.

 The system, used for processing district courts cases, was one of several information systems affected by the October 12 cyberattack.

 The plan was to have courts in 104 counties back on the case management system by the end of the year. Local judicial districts that are back on-line include the 11th Judicial District of Cherokee, Crawford, and Labette counties and the 14th Judicial District of Chautauqua and Montgomery counties.

 System experts continue to identify and resolve issues that impact the recording of financial activities. Until those issues are resolved, courts using the case management system will stick to a paper receipting process. Electronic payments will resume once the system issues are addressed.

 In the meantime, the public can continue searching cases through a service center in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka or visit a district court that has recovered access. Individuals with business at a court clerk office should check the district court's website or contact the office to confirm their current hours of operation, noting that modified hours do not impact scheduled court appearances.

Hikers around the area took to the trails to start 2024.

In Elk City, free First Day Hike shirts were given out on a first-come basis. Coffee and hot chocolate were also provided by Friends of Elk City State Park as hikers and bikers explored the parks many trails.

At Fall River State Park, around 50 hikers and three dogs hiked the 2.1 mile Catclaw Trail. Around the state of Kansas, there were 33 First Day hikes offered this year. This is the 13^th year the hikes have been offered in the state.