The City of Sedan is removing picnic tables from the New City Lake area following repeated vandalism and misuse of public property.

City officials say one of the docks at the lake has been damaged by vandals. The City says repairing that damage will require staff time and taxpayer dollars that could otherwise be used for other services and improvements. Officials have also decided to remove the picnic tables from the area after continued problems. The tables have reportedly been moved from their designated locations, overturned, placed in the water and put on top of the docks.

The City says those actions create safety hazards, damage public property and pull employees away from other projects. Anyone who witnessed the vandalism or has information about who may be responsible is asked to contact Sedan City Hall or the Sedan Police Department.

Just over a week away from the start of the 2026 Interstate Fair and Rodeo.

In addition to the grandstand entertainment and the livestock shows, the carnival will also be open during the fair. Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce President Candi Westbrook says they are open Tuesday through Saturday.

The ISFR parade is on Wednesday on August 12^th. Westbrook says there is till time to sign up for it.  Fun Pass prices for the grandstand entertainment are $50 during August or $15 a night at the gate during fair week.

The USD 445 Board of Education will hold a special meeting Monday morning to consider several items for the upcoming school year.

The board will consider a nearly $1.8 million base bid from Decker Construction for the Field Kindley High School Natatorium Project. Members will also consider purchasing a new HVAC unit for the facility from Daikin TMI for just over $332,000. Other action items include an updated negotiated agreement and proposed pay increases for classified, administrative, director and support staff. The board will also consider updated district rates and employee handbooks for the 2026-27 school year.

The special meeting begins at 9:00am Monday at the Field Kindley High School Technical Academy. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10^th.

The Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce welcomes a new employee.

Membership and Events Coordinator Trinity Kuehn says she was born and raised here.  Kuehn has been working this summer as an intern for the Chamber and will start her new role officially next week.

After a busy morning of livestock shows, the Crawford County Fair continues Friday with a full lineup of family-friendly events and entertainment.

The afternoon begins at 12 p.m. with the 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, where youth exhibitors will put their livestock evaluation skills to the test.

Families can then cheer on young participants during the Kids Tractor Pull at 3 p.m., followed by the Corn Hole Tournament at 4 p.m., offering a chance for fairgoers of all ages to join in some friendly competition.

Children can enjoy the Barnyard Bounce Bash from 6 to 11 p.m., while live music featuring Ty Ellis and Bourbon Co. Revival will also take place from 6 to 11 p.m.

The evening wraps up with one of the fair's biggest attractions. Mutton Busting begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Bull Bash at 8 p.m., bringing exciting rodeo action to the fairgrounds.

An Owasso man is sentenced Thursday to more than 10 years in federal prison on child pornography charges.

25-year-old Corey Michael John was sentenced in federal court on Thursday to 121 months in prison after pleading guilty to receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography in Indian Country, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

In addition to the prison sentence, John was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release, pay $24,000 in restitution to victims and register as a sex offender upon his release.

According to court records, the investigation began in 2025 when an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit was using the social media application Kik to investigate online groups discussing illegal activities with children. Prosecutors said John contacted the agent privately and offered to exchange illicit material.

Investigators traced the account to John's home in Owasso, where they executed a search warrant and seized electronic devices. During an interview, John initially denied his involvement but later admitted to communicating with others online about such material, downloading it and viewing it.

Prosecutors also said John admitted to creating an alias and attempting to frame another person.

The restitution ordered by the court will be distributed to victims who requested compensation, prosecutors said.

John remains in custody pending his transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

Students in Caney will have a chance to celebrate the end of summer and the start of a new school year at the Caney Back-to-School Bash this weekend.

Organizer Mollie Yadon says there will be lots of activities for the kids.

Kids will also be able to pick up some of the supplies they will need for the upcoming school year.

The Caney Back-to-School Bash happens tomorrow from 11 to 2 at the Caney Church of Christ. The first day of school for Caney students is Thursday, August 6.

Today is the last day to register to vote or update voter registration for those who wish to cast their ballot in August 25^th Oklahoma primary.

Voters are reminded that all runoff primary elections held during the August 25 Election are closed. Voters may participate in a party’s runoff primary only if they are a registered voter of that party. State law does not permit party affiliation changes from April 1 – August 31 of even-numbered years. Party affiliation changes submitted during that time will be processed after August 31.

 While a number of runoff primaries will take place on August 25, all voters are eligible to vote on two state questions which will appear on the ballot. Some voters may also have nonpartisan elections to decide.

All voters are encouraged to confirm their registration using the OK Voter Portal prior to the voter registration deadline.

Instructions for registering to vote and updating your voter registration are available on the State Election Board website. The list of elections can also be found on the State Election Board website. Sample ballots are available by logging into the OK Voter Portal.

Two Caney High School students attend a national youth AI event in Boston,

C-H-S students Samantha Roberts Dildine and Kinlee Littleford represented the State of Kansas as Senators at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston earlier this month. The two joined 130 students and education leaders from all 50 states in collaborating to develop recommendations that will help shape the future of artificial intelligence in K–12 education. The festival challenged students to debate issues including student privacy, AI literacy, responsible classroom use, and academic integrity.

Both Dildine and Littleford stated that the event was an opportunity to  represent rural Kansas and share a perspective that was often very different from those of students from larger districts.

Students at the festival drafted a policy that will be presented to lawmakers to provide youth input on AI policy.

Photo: Littleford and Dildine at festival, courtesy USD 436

The service of a search warrant leads to the arrest of one man on drug charges and two others on warrants.

On Thursday, July 30, Deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant on a residence near Pittsburg in rural Crawford County. The search resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The resident of the home – identified as 38-year-old Ryan W. Robinson – was arrested on charges of Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

34-year-old Kathreen Willis and 44-year-old James Paulson were also taken into custody at the scene. Both were arrested on outstanding warrant unrelated to the search.

The Parsons Fire Department responds to a structure fire.

Last night around 10:45, a fire was reported at a house in the 2300 block of Broadway Avenue.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire in the attic of the structure and were able to extinguish it. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Registration for the 18^th annual Kiwanis Buck-Out ends tomorrow. Organizer Griffin Walker says they try to recreate the atmosphere of a bull riding event.

To sign up for the Buck-Out event contact Walker, Jana Kastler or Jim Faulkner or stop by the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce. Registration is $50. Last years event had 52 riders and 25 sponsors.

The City of Nowata appoints a Nowata native as its new city manager.

Marie Gorley grew up in Nowata and graduated from Nowata High School in 2006. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rogers State University. Gorley previously worked as the bursar at RSU before moving into corporate finance. She most recently spent six years as a senior accounting analyst with Phillips 66. Gorley says she is honored to serve the community that shaped her and looks forward to working with city employees, elected officials, businesses and residents.

Mayor Garry Gibson says Gorley has already helped improve communication and internal operations since joining the city in June. As city manager, Gorley will oversee Nowata’s day-to-day operations and work with the City Council to carry out its priorities.

A former Parsons police officer is now in federal custody following his arrest in Labette County.

The Labette County Sheriff’s Office says 28-year-old Tyller White was transferred from the county jail to a federal holding facility. He remains in custody pending an appearance in federal court. Deputies arrested White Saturday after responding to a report that someone had recorded a juvenile girl in a bathroom. Investigators say they collected video evidence during the investigation.

White was booked on charges of breach of privacy and official misconduct. He was employed by the Parsons Police Department at the time. PPD later terminated White following an internal investigation.  The sheriff’s office says the matter is now under federal jurisdiction. No information about potential federal charges has been released.

Labette County USD 506 will hold grade school enrollment for the upcoming school year beginning Monday, Aug. 3, with enrollment fees waived for all K-12 students.

Enrollment will take place at each elementary attendance center on the following schedule:

• Altamont: Monday, Aug. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Bartlett: Monday, Aug. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Edna: Monday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Meadow View: Monday, Aug. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Mound Valley: Monday, Aug. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

District officials encourage families to complete enrollment during the scheduled times as students prepare to return to the classroom for the new school year.

History comes to life this weekend in Independence as the Little House on the Prairie Museum hosts Carrie Days on Saturday and Sunday. The event celebrates Carrie Ingalls, who was born near Independence in 1870, with pioneer activities, demonstrations, special guests, and family-friendly fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Visitors can also enjoy a performance of When the Prairie Stopped Singing: A Kansas Prairie Musical at 6 p.m. both evenings. Other weekend events include the Independence Farmers and Makers Market, a petting zoo, live music, and more throughout the community.

As temperatures rise, pond weeds and algae become more common in ponds across Southeast Kansas. While some aquatic vegetation is beneficial, excessive growth can interfere with fishing, recreation, and livestock watering.

Extension Agent Adaven Rohling says using the correct control method is the best way to manage pond weeds and keep them from becoming a bigger problem.

Landowners are encouraged to identify the type of weed before beginning treatment and to contact their local Extension office for management recommendations.

As breeding season gets underway, Southeast Kansas sheep and goat producers are preparing their herds for a successful lambing and kidding season next spring. Proper nutrition, herd health, and breeding management are all key to improving reproductive success.

Wildcat Extension District Agent Adaven Rohling says one of the biggest differences between managing sheep and goats during breeding season is their mineral program.

Taking time to prepare now can help improve conception rates and lead to healthier offspring in the spring.

The Crawford County Fair continues today in Girard with plenty of activities this afternoon and evening. The 4-H Meat Goat Show and Open Class Goat Show begin at 4 p.m., followed by the Champion of Business recognition at 5:30.

The Barnyard Bounce Bash runs from 6 to 11 p.m. on the midway. Mutton Busting sign-ups begin at 7 p.m., with the competition at 7:30, followed by the Coal Miners Rodeo at 8 p.m.

Families are invited to come out and support local 4-H exhibitors and enjoy an evening at the fair.

A former USD 282 West Elk special education teacher is facing criminal charges in both Elk and Greenwood counties.

According to a criminal complaint in Elk county, 45-year-old Cristen Bahr has been charged with Criminal Sodomy of a Child Between the Ages of 14 and 16, Indecent Solicitation of a Child, and Electronic Solicitation. The charges stem from allegations that Bahr engaged in illegal activities with a 15-year-old student.

She also faces multiple charges in neighboring Greenwood county including distribution of marijuana, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and aggravated child endangerment. Bahr posted a $40,000 bond on those charges and was released. She will appear again in Elk County District Court on August 12.

USD 282 has stated that Bahr is no longer employed with the school district.

The Montgomery County Commission will hold a special work session today.

The expected topic of conversation will be janitorial jobs and contracts discussed at Monday's commission meeting. Today's work session will begin at 2pm on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence.

The session is open to the public.

The K-State Extension-Marais des Cynes (mar-ray-duh-SEEN) District is offering an ATV Safety Training course next week in Ottawa.

The three-hour course will offer training on starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, obstacle avoidance, and emergency stopping. Attendees will be provided with a loaner ATV and safety equipment. Riders will need to wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt and over-the-ankle boots. The course is open to ages 10 and up and is free to attend.

The course will offer three sessions: on Monday from 2 to 5pm, and on Tuesday from 9am to Noon and from 1 to 4pm. The course will be held at Kan Equip in Ottawa. For more information, contact the Paola extension office at 913-294-4306.

The Nowata Police Department reminds city residents it is a violation of city ordinance to dispose of grass clippings on city streets.

N-P-D issued a statement on July 29 in response to recent complaints received by the City regarding grass clippings in local streets and roadways. Nowata Police Chief Mike McElhaney reminds residents that it is unlawful to throw, place or deposit any rubbish, trash, grass, brush or any other waste matter in any city street or ditch.

Violators may be subject to a citation and a fine.

Two people are dead in a motorcycle accident near Altamont.

38-year-old Ryan Myers of Altamont and 30-year-old Samantha Cahow of Parsons were killed on Wednesday, July 29, when their Harley-Davidson motorcycle collided head-on with a pickup truck on US-59 just north of Altamont. Myers was driving the motorcycle northbound just after 3pm when it went left-of-center for an unknown reason. The motorcycle collided head-on in the southbound lane with a 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup driven by 55-year-old Shaun Powell of Fort Scott. Both Myers and his passenger Cahow suffered fatal injuries. Powell also sustained minor injuries in the accident.

Coffeyville Police invite the public to take part in the City's 12^th Annual National Night Out event on Tuesday.

The event will be held at the Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center. Coffeyville Police Chief Kwin Bromley says there will be activities for the whole family.

Attendees will also be able to enjoy music, bounce houses, and fun games for the whole family. There will also be booths from local organizations, and prize giveaways. Bromley says it's also a good opportunity for members of the community to first responders from the Coffeyville Police Department and Coffeyville Fire & EMS.

Coffeyville's National Night Out happens at the Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center on Tuesday from 5:30 to 8pm.