Kansas wheat harvest is moving ahead across the state, although weather continues to create challenges for many producers. 

According to the Kansas Wheat Commission, Sedgwick County farmer Martin Kerschen began harvest on Memorial Day and finished about a week ago. Kerschen says drought stress was the biggest issue this season, followed by rains that delayed cutting when the crop was ready.

In neighboring Harvey County, a farmer reported a 32-bushel-per-acre field of KS Providence wheat with test weights of 61 pounds and protein levels of 13.1 percent. Statewide, winter wheat is 79 percent colored and 30 percent mature, both well ahead of last year and the five-year average.

Southeast Kansas is among the furthest along in crop development. USDA data shows winter wheat in the southeast district is 81 percent colored and 26 percent mature. While the region trails south-central Kansas, where wheat is 91 percent colored and 63 percent mature, it remains ahead of several northern and eastern districts.

The latest USDA report shows winter wheat conditions remain challenging, with 55 percent rated poor to very poor statewide.

The City of Altamont will celebrate flag day tomorrow with the annual Altamont Flag Day Festival.

There will be lots of fun to be had in downtown Altamont including a 5K run/walk. Registration starts at 7:30am at Lansdowne Garden and all proceeds benefit the LCHS cheer squad. There will also be an golf cart/ATV decorating contest that will feature entries in the Flag Day Parade at 9am. Line up begins at 8:30 in the high school parking lot. Starting at 9:30 is the Esports tournament for ages 10 and up at the K-State building. The evening will be capped off by the glow dance from 6 to 9pm.

It all happens tomorrow at the Altamont Flag Day Festival.

With the rising summer temperatures and the recent rain storms, many people may be looking for some indoor entertainment this weekend.

The Independence Children's Summer Theater is happy to help by serving up some family-friendly fun. The troupe kicks off its 2026 season tonight. Organizer Jennifer Lasater says they have a large group of young actors who are ready to entertain.

The Independence Children's Summer Theater will perform three different productions over the next three weekends. Lasater says this weekend's show features a favorite character from Beverly Cleary.

Show times are 7pm tonight and tomorrow, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Tickets will be available at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for students and kids. All proceeds go to pay for scripts and equipment for the theater group.

A Baxter Springs woman is dead after a two-vehicle accident northeast of Columbus.

The accident occurred on Thursday, June 11, on US-69 near the intersection with Northeast Belleview Road. 62-year-old James Bowles of Columbus was driving northbound on US-69 when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line. He collided with a vehicle driven by 73-year-old Barbara Whitehorse of Baxter Springs.

Both drivers were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Whitehorse was pronounced deceased in the emergency room.

The crash remains under investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Three people are injured after a driver attempts a U-turn on US-400 north of Fredonia.

The accident occurred around 9:30 on Thursday night, June 11, near the intersection with 1600 Road or about 5 miles north of Fredonia on US-400. 46-year-old Aaron McPherson of Bartlesville was driving a 2025 Chevy Trax westbound on 400 when he pulled onto the shoulder. 32-year-old Austin Hill of Neodesha was driving an ambulance behind McPherson's vehicle and attempted to pass. It was then that McPherson attempted a U-turn and was struck on the driver's side by the ambulance.

McPherson suffered serious injuries and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. A passenger in his vehicle 43-year-old Nicolas Moreland of Edna sustained minor injuries. Hill was also injured and taken to the hospital in Fredonia.

The Independence City Commission votes to adjourn the Public Hearing on the fate of the historic ARCO building until December.

At last night’s meeting, commissioners were faced with the choice of continuing the work with the owner of the landmark building located on 10th Street or to continue with the condemnation process. Assistant City Manager David Cowen told the commission that the City has been discussing the issue with the owner. Cowan says the City has received some assurances.

Condemnation and demolition of the building would likely be very costly for the City, with the price tag expected to exceed several million dollars. Commissioners also agreed that, due the structure’s historic nature, they would like to see the building saved. Commissioner Tim White says the City needs to see more effort on the part of the owner.

Mayor Dean Hayse says the owner must take care of some of the building’s immediate needs.

Commissioner Scott Smith says the sooner renovations can begin, the better the outcome.

Commissioners voted unanimously to adjourn the hearing until December 10 on the condition that the owner begin work to restore the building.

Two individuals are in custody after the service of a search warrant on a Girard residence.

On Thursday morning June 11, 2026, deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, served a narcotics related search warrant on a home in the 500 block of East Forest Avenue in Girard. During the search, investigators located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Two people were arrested and taken to the Crawford County Jail as a result of the search.

40-year-old Christina R. Leer of Girard faces charges of Aggravated Endangering of a Child, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia.

54-year-old Teresa L. Harper, also of Girard, faces charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia.

Photo: Leer (l), Harper (r)

The littlest fishermen will have a chance to demonstrate their skills this weekend in Neodesha.

The 2026 Hook and Reel Youth Fishing Derby takes place tomorrow at Riverwalk Park in Neodesha. Kids up to age 15 are invited to bring their gear, enjoying some time in the great outdoors and compete for prizes. Categories include Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish and Most Fish Caught. Competitors will divided into age-appropriate groups. There will be snacks and drinks available, plus Stay Strong, Live Long Wilson County will unveil the location of the newest addition to Riverwalk Park along with plans for future park improvements.

The event runs from 7:30 to 10:30am tomorrow in Neodesha.

***** Update *****

The Anderson County Sheriff's Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that Robert Brian Faulkner, 82, was located and returned home Friday morning.

The Statewide Silver Alert is now canceled.

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

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for an 82-year-old Colony man.

The KBI says Robert Brian Faulkner was last seen around 9:30 last night in Oklahoma City. He is likely driving a silver 2003 Honda Pilot bearing Kansas tag 4-0-0-5 A-G-B. Faulkner is a white male who is around 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 195 pounds. He has gray hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a short-sleeved collared shirt and pants. Faulkner suffers from dementia and also has other health concerns.

If you see Robert Brian Faulkner, or his vehicle, please call 9-1-1 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Colony Police Department at 785-448-5428 EXT 4.

Faulkner may be driving a car that looks like this.

A line of thunderstorms Thursday night brings damaging winds and hail to southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.

In Cherryvale, half-dollar-size hail was reported just before 5 p.m., while quarter-size hail was reported southeast of Altamont and in Bartlett.

East of Edna, several very large tree limbs were blown down around 6 p.m. as the storm moved through.

Some high wind gusts around 70 mph were also measured in the Miami Area.

Photo Courtesy: Will Owens

The USD 503 Board of Education is facing additional financial challenges than expected as it prepares for the 2026-2027 school year.

The district had projected a $600,000 budget shortfall due to declining enrollment and has made significant budget cuts in recent months. However, board members learned Monday night that additional costs tied to special education could further strain district finances. Superintendent Lori Perkins says a software transition issue at Tri-County Special Education led to miscalculations that were only recently discovered, revealing a $2 million discrepancy. As a result, USD 503's anticipated increase in special education costs could potentially double from about $127,000 to about $254,000. An outside accountant is scheduled to review the figures later this week.

Board Member LeeAnn Hunter, who also serves on the Tri-County board, says no additional state funding for special education is expected this year. Kansas is required by statute to reimburse school districts for 92% of excess special education costs but currently covers only about 67%. Last year, USD 503 absorbed roughly $1 million in special education expenses that were not reimbursed by the state. District officials say that amount could increase to around $1.25 million this year, further reducing funds available for salaries, maintenance and other district needs.

New World Screwworm threats are not just limited to livestock.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says to check your pets.  Rollins says what signs to look for in your pets.  Rollins says animal movement is restricted inside quarantine zones, like the one that was established after the South Texas detection.

Anyone who thinks their pets or livestock have been infected with screwworm should contact their state health official or the United States Department of Agriculture veterinarian in charge immediately.

Kansas wheat harvest is moving slowly as rain and high humidity continue to cause delays across the state. Storms in central and eastern Kansas on Monday night kept farmers out of the field, waiting for drier weather.

Stafford County Farmer John Hildebrand says yields will likely be lower than normal this year. After dealing with months of drought, farmers are now facing rain during harvest. Hildebrand says more storms could delay harvest even longer.

In southwest Kansas, some farmers have made more progress. Dodge City’s Pride Ag Resources Brent Boyd says elevators received more than 125,000 bushels of wheat on Monday. He says wheat quality has stayed better than expected despite the rain.  With more storms in the forecast, Kansas farmers are hoping for warm, dry weather so harvest can continue.

Herbicides can be a useful tool for farmers, but there are some dangers.

Wildcat Extension District Crop Production Specialist James Coover says homeowners should watch for herbicide drift during soybean spraying season.

Herbicide drift happens when a spray moves away from where it was supposed to go and lands on nearby plants. Hot weather and wind can make herbicide drift more likely. Plants in home gardens, especially tomatoes and grapevines, can be damaged if they are exposed. Coover says he encourages landowners to carefully document any damage and follow proper reporting procedures if concerns arise.

Coover says that by understanding these issues, producers and landowners can make informed decisions to protect crops and other plants.

Update: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
314 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN KANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES

IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS

ALLEN CHAUTAUQUA LABETTE
MONTGOMERY NEOSHO WILSON

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF CEDAR VALE, CHANUTE, COFFEYVILLE,
FREDONIA, HUMBOLDT, INDEPENDENCE, IOLA, NEODESHA, PARSONS,
AND SEDAN.

Originial Story:

A slight chance of severe weather is possible this afternoon and evening across the four-state KGGF listening area.

Wind gusts up to 60-70 mph, hail up to half-dollar size and localized heavy rain are all possible across the area as a front moves through.  Southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma are in the "slight" level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather development.  Storms are possible mainly between 1 and 10 p.m.  Stay tuned to KGGF for severe weather coverage if storms threaten the area.

Water slides at Coffeyville's Summer Celebration are back on thanks to the generosity of several members of the Coffeyville community.

Those planning to attend Coffeyville's Summer Celebration will once again be able to enjoy the water slides thanks to the efforts of the community. In late May, organizers announced they would be unable to provide the slides at this year's event due to the rising cost of insurance. However, a recent donation by New Visions Church, S-Mart Discount Store and Jason and Joleen Swindell, the tradition will be able to continue. The Coffeyville Summer Celebration takes place on July 11^th at Walter Johnson Park.

The Sheriff of Bourbon County is recovering after a medical emergency earlier this week.

Sheriff William “Bill” Martin is hospitalized following a medical emergency he experienced during an awards ceremony on Tuesday. Reports indicate that Martin is currently in stable but critical condition after falling ill while attending a Life Saving Award ceremony for one of his deputies on the Fort Scott Community College campus earlier this week. Martin has served as Bourbon County Sheriff since 2016.

With the June 16 Oklahoma primary election approaching, election officials are reminding voters about state laws governing conduct at polling places, including restrictions on electioneering, voter interference and access to voting areas.

The reminder is intended to protect the integrity of the voting process and ensure polling places operate smoothly.

Under Oklahoma law, only voters and election officials are permitted inside the election enclosure where voters check in, receive ballots and cast their votes. Individuals who are not voters or election workers are prohibited from remaining within 30 feet of a ballot box while voting is underway. Minor children accompanying voters are exempt from the restriction.

Election officials also warned against illegal voting practices. It is a crime to vote more than once in an election, vote in a precinct after transferring voter registration to another precinct, vote while knowingly ineligible, or submit an absentee ballot issued to another person.

Electioneering or advocating for or against a candidate or ballot issue is also prohibited within 300 feet of any ballot box during an election. This practice may include verbal advocacy or displaying campaign-related materials such as signs, pamphlets, shirts, buttons or hats.

The board also reminded voters that Oklahoma law prohibits bringing intoxicating liquors within one-half mile of a polling place on Election Day. Individuals may not attend an election or remain within 300 feet of a polling place while intoxicated.

Early voting gets underway today, with polling locations open from 8am to 6pm today and tomorrow and from 8am to 2pm on Saturday. Oklahoma voters are required to provide proof of identity before casting a ballot.

The Altamont City Council will meet tonight and hear the results of the City's 2025 Municipal Audit.

Representatives from the Chanute-based accounting firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips will be in attendance at tonight's meeting to inform the council on the state of the City's finances. The annual audit is intended provide a clear, objective picture of a city's financial health and of leadership's fiscal performance. It also serves to ensure that tax dollars are accurately accounted for, to protect public funds from fraud, and to maintain community transparency for taxpayers.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7pm at City Hall in Altamont. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed online via the City of Altamont Facebook page.

The Independence City Commission will continue its discussion of dangerous and unsafe properties in the City, including the historic ARCO building.

At tonight's regular meeting, commissioners will consider setting the date for Public Hearings on eleven Independence properties. In the past few years, the City has prioritized the condemnation process in an attempt to improve housing opportunities and remove blight. Among those properties is the old ARCO headquarters on 10^th Street.

The building came under new ownership in 2023, and, at that time, the buyer informed the City of his plans to make repairs to the aging building. In 2024, the structure was placed on the Register of Historic Kansas Places and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since those discussions, the City has made multiple attempts to contact the owner about the status of the building with no success.

According to the City of Independence, while the building's historic designation reflects its significance to the community, the practical realities associated with its condition must also be considered. If condemnation is pursued, the City could be faced with substantial costs associated with environmental abatement, stabilization, and demolition. Preliminary estimates indicate that abatement and removal of the structure could exceed several million dollars. Commissioners may make a decision tonight on whether to continue efforts to contact the owner or to move forward with condemnation.

Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 in the Commission Room at the Independence City Hall. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the City's website.

The Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum is organizing a fly-in at the Coffeyville Municipal Airport this weekend.

While the forecast currently calls for a chance of showers on Saturday, organizers are hoping that some planes are able to make it to the event.

Organizer Bill Jones says there will be many other activities and they're excited to bring in a member of the Funk Family, which played a large part in Coffeyville's aviation history.

George Funk will speak during the fly-in at 10 a.m.  Jones says there will also be displays set up at the airport and the museum, with shuttle service available for pilots who fly in.

There will be hot breakfast available, a prize for the longest distance flown and an indoor drone flying area. It all takes place this Saturday from 7 to noon at the Coffeyville Municipal Airport.

The Wildcat Extension District is hosting a babysitting clinic next week.

Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says the class is for anyone 12 or older.  The clinic is on Thursday, June 18^th from 8:00am to 3:00pm at the Independence Extension Office located at 712 West Myrtle Street. The cost is $35.

Work is underway at the Osage County Jail in Pawhuska.

At Monday's Osage County Commissioners meeting, Jail Administrator Matt Clark told board members that work continues on the kitchen remodel project. Clark says work on the floor has left the jail looking for alternatives.

Due to the construction, Clark asked the commissioners to allow jail employees to use the kitchen in the women's building at the Osage County Fairgrounds. Board members approved that request.

Crimes rates in Montgomery County continue to drop as prosecutions increase.

County Attorney Melissa Johnson says preliminary indicators for 2025 suggest things are moving in the right direction.  Johnson says the County has been diligent in prosecuting crimes.

Johnson adds that drug offenses continue to be the top issue in the county and that those crimes drive other property crimes like burglary and theft.

A free pet clinic is planned for Coffeyville residents.

The City of Coffeyville is partnering with Coffeyville Friends of Animals and Animal Clinic of Southeast Kansas to offer a free spay and neuter, vaccination and dog licensing clinic for city residents. The program includes spay or neuter surgery, rabies vaccinations, DHLPP vaccinations and a city dog license at no cost. The clinic is limited to one dog per household, with appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open now through July, with surgeries and vaccinations scheduled throughout August and September. Once appointments are filled, additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

City officials say the clinic is designed to improve animal health, encourage responsible pet ownership and help reduce the number of unwanted animals in the community. Residents can register online or contact Community Development Director Amber Dean at (620)252-6119 for more information.