The City of Coffeyville will be holding a volunteer stream bank clean up at LeClere Park this afternoon.

Participants can help pick up litter, remove debris, and clean along the stream banks to prevent pollution and protect water quality. The City will provide glove, grabbers, and buckets for the clean up. Those wishing to help should plan to meet at the main parking lot at LeClere Park on the south side at 1pm today.

Coffeyville will be one of the Southeast Kansas stops on the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Impact Tour Thursday, October 15th.

The tour will stop at the recently completed Rails to Trails pathway near LeClere Park at 11am.

The three-day tour is highlighting projects across Southeast Kansas made possible through state programs, local partnerships and community investment.

In Coffeyville, the spotlight will be on the one-point-2-mile multi-use pathway.

The project was funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program and a Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant.

After years of planning and construction, the pathway officially opened with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony July 29^th.

City officials say the project is now providing residents with a place to walk, run and bike, while showcasing the impact of state and local investment in the community.

The Wilson County Commission discusses a road closure between Altoona and Thayer.

The county’s Road and Bridge Department has closed a bridge on Wichita Road between 900 and 1000 Roads because repairs are needed for public safety. Road and Bridge Supervisor Kary Tatum added that the department is no longer on summer hours. Regular hours are now from 7am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.

County Coordinator Kris Marple also reported Wilson County will receive just over 99-thousand dollars this year through the state’s Federal Highway Funds Exchange program for road and bridge project reimbursement.

Commissioners also reviewed and accepted the county’s fiscal year 2025 audit. They then approved the chairman signing a representation letter and authorized an agreement with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips to conduct the county’s fiscal year 2026 audit.

The Wilson County Commission will meet again on October 7 at 9am at the courthouse in Fredonia. The meeting is open to the public.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has released its new eight-year construction work plan, outlining more than one-thousand-200 highway and bridge projects across the state.

The Federal Fiscal Year 2027 through 2034 plan, approved Monday by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, represents more than seven-point-three billion dollars in proposed construction.

ODOT says the plan focuses on critical safety, pavement and bridge needs. But inflation and rising construction costs are making it harder for the agency to keep pace with those needs.

Transportation Secretary and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz says DOTs nationwide have experienced nearly 18 years’ worth of inflation since 2020.

Gatz says growing demands on the highway system are also outpacing traditional transportation revenues, raising concerns about ODOT’s ability to make needed investments on time.

Some projects have been pushed beyond the eight-year window. ODOT says those projects remain priorities and will continue to be developed as funding becomes available.

Tax receipts for the State of Kansas in September come in above estimates.

The total tax receipts last month came in at $1.08 billion, making it five months in a row that taxes have exceeded estimates. That number is about 5.5% or $56 million above estimates. Receipts were also nearly 8% higher than in September 2025. District 12 State Representative Doug Blex says the numbers show a good start to Fiscal Year 2027.

Both corporate and retail taxes rose in September, driving the higher-than-projected numbers. Corporate taxes were $261.7 million or 28.6% above expectations while retail taxes showed a slight increase. Those receipts were $8.3 million or 2.8% above estimates and 5.2% more than a year ago.

Individual income tax collections was the only indicator to miss the mark at $477.7 million or 2.7% below estimates. To see the full report for September 2026, follow this link.

A popular October event returns to Independence this Saturday.

Independence Community College history professor emeritus, Doctor Isaias McCaffery, will lead a historical walking tour called “Crime and Vice in Historical Indy.” The tour will explore stories, events and scandals that helped shape the city. It begins at 10 a-m at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center on Eighth Street. The route is just under a mile, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tickets are 20 dollars for adults, 15 dollars for museum members, and free for children 14 and under. Payment can be made at the museum before the tour.

Montgomery County approves the search for a consultant to perform bridge inspections across the county

At Monday’s meeting, Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins requested permission to go out for bids for the positions. He says all of the county’s 248 bridges must be inspected every two years.

The county also includes bridges in the Cities or Coffeyville and Dearing in their bridge inspections.

Kansas health care providers in rural areas have new opportunities to apply for more than 50 million dollars in state grants.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has opened applications for the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Regional Partnership Grant Program will provide 44 million dollars to support collaboration among rural providers, improve preventive care, strengthen the health care workforce, and expand innovative and value-based care.

Another 11 million dollars is available through the Transformative Capital Investment Grant Program. That funding will help providers invest in new ways of delivering health care in their communities.

Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, clinics, physician practices, local health departments, behavioral health providers and long-term care facilities.

Applications for both programs are due November 13th.

KDHE will also hold an informational webinar October 9th at 10 a-m. More information and application details are available through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program.

The Independence Community College Fine Arts Department will stage a production of Little Women this week.

The play is an adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott coming-of-age novel about the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—growing up in Massachusetts during the American Civil War.  The story is about sisterhood, growing up, finding one's identity, and deciding what makes a fulfilling life. Alcott uses the four sisters to explore very different ideas of womanhood—marriage, career, family, independence, creativity, and personal ambition.

Public performances will be Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday afternoon at 2pm at ICC’s William Inge Theater. Admission is free.

The Caney City Council approves a series of expenses during last night’s meeting, including payments to Conrad Fire Equipment, personnel expenses, and invoices from Main Street Auto.

In other business, the council approves authorizing the completion of an application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding a loan from the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund.

The council also approves an ordinance granting IDEATEK TELCOM, LLC, a contract franchise to construct, operate, and maintain a telecommunications system in the City of Caney.

The next Caney City Council meeting will be Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m.

It was standing room only at last night's Cherryvale City Council Meeting as the public packed the meeting room.

While no public comments were allowed at this meeting, and no decision regarding data centers was made, the council did have a 30-minute executive session on zoning likely related to the potential data-center project.

After the session, City Attorney Seth Jones recommended the council clear up an industrial zoning issue for an unspecified property.

Jones recommended the council pass a resolution to enable the planning and zoning commission to look at the property and make recommendations to be sent back to the council for a final vote.

In other business, the council approved a street closure for an community event in front of Lincoln Central on November 7^th and agreed to work with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips once again for assistance with the 2028 budget.

The next Cherryvale City Council meeting will be on Monday, October 19^th at 6 p.m.

For the fourth straight week, Osage County Commissioners table a contract to deliver meals to residents in the Fairfax area.

Osage County Nutrition Director Jeanie Howerton is asking commissioners to approve a contract allowing James Hunt to deliver meals for $350 a month. She says the department has relied on county employees and volunteers since its previous Fairfax meal delivery arrangement ended. Howerton says the contract would allow the department to get a regular driver back on the route.

The proposed contract is for the same $350 monthly amount the county paid its previous meal deliverers. Commissioners have cited budget concerns while delaying approval of the contract. District Two Commissioner Steve Talburt says his frustration is with how the nutrition department got into its current situation. He says commissioners had previously asked the department not to make changes while looking for possible solutions.

Talburt says replacing the previous delivery arrangement at the same cost does not help solve the department’s overall budget problem. The board ultimately tabled the contract for another week.

Two drivers are injured in a two vehicle crash in Nowata County.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the collision happened at about 5:30am yesterday at Highway 169 and County Road 27. 48-year-old Louis Cox of Ochelata was traveling east on County Road 27 when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a commercial vehicle traveling north on Highway 169. The commercial vehicle was driven by 65-year-old Lyndon Wright of Kansas City, Missouri.

Both vehicles left the roadway following the collision. Cox's vehicle came to rest off the road, while Wright's vehicle struck a fence and then a tree before coming to rest Both drivers were injured. The collision remains under investigation.

Washington County 4H presents to the Washington County Commission for National 4H Week.  Commissioner Mike Dunlap says he was excited to the see the group and is always excited to celebrate Washington County 4H.

In honor of National 4H Week and after the presentation by the Washington County 4H, the Commissioners named this week Washington County 4H Week.

Coffeyville Community College’s Humanities Project welcomes veteran country music entertainer Carl Acuff Jr to the Spencer Rounds Theater.

Acuff will bring his “Country Music Unplugged” show to the CCC stage, offering audiences an intimate acoustic performance featuring country favorites spanning from the 1950s to today, along with stories, humor, and plenty of audience entertainment.

Acuff has entertained audiences around the world for more than four decades, traveling more than 3 million miles throughout his career. His “Country Music Unplugged” brings his music and stories to the forefront, giving audiences an up-close and personal evening of familiar songs, laughter, and memories.

Acuff will perform tomorrow night at 6:30 on the CCC campus. Admission is free.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Allen County Rural Water District #10.

The original advisory was issued on September 3rd  because of possible contamination due to water line break. Laboratory testing of the Allen County Rural Water District #10 water supply showed no contamination and the K-D-H-E has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

A Columbus woman suffers serious injuries in a single vehicle accident near Baxter Springs.

84-year-old Linda Roark was injured in the crash that occurred around 9:15 on Sunday night at the intersection of US-400 and US-69 Alternate or about a mile north of Baxter Springs. Roark was a passenger in a 2019 Honda Civic driven by 24-year-old Adam Roark also of Columbus. The Civic was westbound on US-400 and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection. The vehicle crossed the roadway and went into the ditch before striking the tree line. The driver was not injured in the accident.

Both occupants were wearing seat belts.

A driver suspect of driving under the influence is arrested near Girard.

The incident began on Saturday when Crawford County Sheriff’s deputies attempted a traffic stop on K-47 west of Girard. The driver was suspect of driving under the influence and refused to stop for law enforcement, leading to a short chase. The driver was stopped using a tactical vehicle intervention.

The driver was identified as 55-year-old Ronald Robert Paulie. Deputies arrested Paulie and took him to the Crawford County Jail where he faces charges of DUI, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, no insurance, unlawful registration, and ignition lock required.

Paulie is also facing similar charges in Labette County after a September 23rd incident in Parsons.

Photo courtesy Crawford Co. Sheriff's Office

Fire crews in Elk County respond to a weekend house fire.

Crew were called to the scene on 3rd Street near the intersection with Pine in Moline on Saturday afternoon. Reports indicate the fire was mostly confined to the home’s garage. Two vehicles were lost in the fire, but no injuries were reported.

Elk County Rural Fire was among the departments that responded to the blaze.

Photo courtesy City of Moline

The Galesburg Fire Department is set to receive a grant through the Kansas Forest Service.

The department has announced that it will receive the funding in the form of a Volunteer Fire Assistance grant. The money comes through a 50/50 cost-share program using federal funds from the U.S. Forest Service. Officials say they will use the funds to update fire hoses, pagers, and a new pump for one of the fire trucks.

This is the third year in a row that Galesburg Fire has received this grant.

A four-vehicle accident on Friday night on US-59 north of Garnett kills two and leaves three more injured.

The accident occurred around 9:30 on Friday night when 18-year-old Auriana Davis of Kansas City, Missouri, attempted to pass a 2014 Chevy Cruze and collided head-on with a 2008 Cadillac driven by 73-year-old Myron Wolken of Beloit.

That collision killed both Davis and Wolken while leaving 22-year-old Christian Wellbrock who was a passenger in the Cadillac with serious injuries.

The driver of the Cruze, 18-year-old Emma Franlkin of Uniontown also suffered serious injuries. The driver of the fourth vehicle, 20-year-old Jolee Olsen of Lawrence received minor injuries in the crash.

Drivers in Coffeyville are advised of a minor traffic disruption that’s underway today.

Crews from Coffeyville Public Works are in the process of paint striping on 11th Street today. Work will be done between Willow and Walnut Streets. Drivers are asked to use caution and to remain alert for lane closures while work is underway.

Fire crews in Wilson County respond to a grass fire just south of Neodesha.

The call came in around 6pm on Saturday night, calling crews to a location on Pratt Road near the Fall River. Upon arrival, firefighters found a grass fire in progress. Responders were able to bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be an arc from a broken ground wire on a nearby power pole.

No injuries were reported. Crew from Neodesha Fire and Wilson County Rural Fire worked the call.

Photo courtesy Neodesha Fire Dept.

Five people including four children are injured in a two-vehicle accident in Cherokee County.

The accident happened just before 6pm on Friday at the intersection of US-400 and K-7, just west of the City of Cherokee.

A Kia Sedona Van had stopped at the stop sign at the intersection. When the driver 43-year-old Shelly A. Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, proceeded through the intersection, her vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by an eastbound 2015 Nissan Pathfinder driven by 57-year-old Vickie Goodman of Fredonia.

Five passengers in the van received minor injuries including one 18-year-old female and four juveniles. All were properly restrained in the vehicle when the accident occurred.

The Montgomery County Commission is set to meet today as they address several requests from Public Works.

On today’s agenda Public Works Director Brandon Beurskins  is expected to engage in a discussion over speed limit signs in the county and also make a request to go out for bids for bridge inspections. Commissioners will also consider an occupational license for a Cherryvale business located just south of the city. There will also be a discussion regarding the Economic Development Incentive Policy. A Montgomery County citizen has also requested 15 minutes to address the commission on open positions within the county, requests for information, and transparency.

There is also an executive session planned to discuss confidential information related to a prospective economic development project in the county.

Today’s meeting begins at 9am in the Commission Room on the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence. The public is invited to attend in person or to view the meeting online via the County’s website.

The Cherryvale City Council will meet tonight for its regularly scheduled meeting.

On the agenda is the signing of a letter of engagement with a firm for preparation with the city's 2028 budget. The Council will also consider an application for a street closing on November 7^th and hear from Jonathan Rozell on community improvements. An executive session related to attorney-client privilege is also on the agenda.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Cherryvale City Hall and is open to the public.

For the first time in more than two decades, the public got a chance to walk the halls of the Longfellow School in Coffeyville.

On Friday, an open house was held at what is now called the Longfellow Center, giving former students the chance to walk the halls and reminisce about their school days.  

While the building has most recently sat vacant and vandalized after being closed by this school district more than 25 years ago and changing ownership several times, the facility is being reborn as the region's first transitional housing facility with the completion of the first apartment. 

The venture is being spearheaded by Robert Cooper and his daughter Emily Lewis of Friend and Kin Properties, a non-profit in Coffeyville.  Cooper says he became aware of the need for temporary and transitional housing through a personal experience.

Cooper says there will eventually be several individual apartments and one large shared apartment in the old kindergarten room.

Cooper says the idea of transitional housing is short term hand-up assistance to help people get back on their feet.  The housing will be managed by a third-party, most likely Four County Mental Health and Friend and Kin is working towards an agreement.

The Longfellow Center is already host to KFAN's assistance center and a local furniture ministry headed by Doug Mund and Joe Brooks.  Cooper says after the apartments are finished, work will begin on the other wing of classrooms.

Friend and Kin acquired the property more than three years ago from a pastor in Parsons, while the apartments have been in the works for about two years.  Cooper says the project has been funded largely by private grants and donations, and built through volunteer hours.  To learn more about the Longfellow project, listen to the full interview here.

To learn more about Friend and Kin and how you can help, click here.

Inside the north wing - home to transitional housing apartments.

Inside the first finished 2-bedroom apartment, complete with private bath.

Longfellow School in 2022 vs Today

Gym in 2022 - now used as a furniture ministry warehouse

Classroom in 2022 - Secured and ready for the next phase

Kindergarten Room in 2022 - Robert Cooper shows future site of Veterans' housing

The South Wing - eventual home for non-profits, ESL classes, etc.

All photos by James Copeland

A meeting organized by concerned Montgomery County Citizens against a proposed artificial intelligence data center in Cherryvale is coming up this Sunday.

According to organizer Jennifer Williams, area residents are invited to gather at 6:30 p.m. this Sunday, October 4^th at the Cherryvale Community Center to sign a formal protest petition and coordinate public testimony.  Because the building was not rented before City Hall closed on Friday, organizers say it will still be held outside in the parking lot.

This gathering will be ahead of the regularly scheduled Montgomery County Commission Meeting at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Judicial Center in Independence and the Cherryvale City Council meeting at 6 p.m. in city hall.

According to the agenda for the upcoming Cherryvale City Council meeting, there is no proposed action on the agenda regarding a potential data center, although there is a 30-minute executive session scheduled related to attorney-client privilege.

Citizens have expressed concern after discussion at the last Cherryvale City Council meeting with Texas-based broker Bevlaurent regarding a proposed hyperscale data center to be built on a certified site at the Cherryvale Industrial Park north of town. A preliminary proposal would be to use between 1 and 6 million gallons of water a day piped directly from Big Hill Lake.

According to community members organizing the effort, they are demanding “transparency, an independent state hydrological study and an immediate moratorium on data center zoning.”

At the last Cherryvale City Council Meeting, approval was given to begin drafting what terms the city would like in place to regulate issues such as water and power consumption as well as noise with any future center. CLICK HERE to read about the discussion at the last meeting.

Coffeyville Community College continues to show positive long-term enrollment growth, according to Fall 2026 census data released by the Kansas Board of Regents.

CCC reported a 1.9% decrease in headcount this year, compared with Fall 2025, following an 11.4% increase the previous year. The College's 2026 change mirrors the overall trend among Kansas community colleges, which collectively experienced a 1.9% decline in headcount this fall.

Despite the decrease from fall 2025 to fall 2026, CCC says longer-term enrollment trend remains strong. Over the past five years, the College has experienced a 14.3% increase in headcount and a 4.9% increase in FTE and credit hours. Kansas resident enrollment has also grown significantly, increasing 26.2% from Fall 2020 to Fall 2025.  

The Coffeyville Fire Department sends personnel and equipment in northern Kansas in anticipation of flooding.

Coffeyville Fire sent three firefighters, an inflatable rescue boat, and a pickup as part of Kansas Task Force 4 to support flood standby operations in northern Kansas earlier this week. With flooding concerns across portions of northern Kansas, the State Emergency Operations Center pre-staged swift water rescue teams in several areas to ensure resources were positioned and ready to respond if needed. As the danger of flooding receeded, Task Force 4 was released from their assignment and returned to Coffeyville on Friday afternoon.

The Coffeyville crew was joined by team members from the Pittsburg, Chanute, and Cherryvale Fire Departments.

Photo courtesy Coffeyville Fire Department

The Independence High School Theater Department is hosting its annual Mystery at the Museum Fundraiser.

The event features an interactive mystery play written and performed by IHS theater students. This year's play is called Western Showdown and will be performed on October 16^th an 17^th at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center.

The evening includes the play, a full dessert bar, silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $20 per person and all proceeds go the fund the IHS spring musical.

As the greenery of summer changes to the vibrant colors of fall, wildlife in the four-state region is on the move.

Deer-vehicle accidents spike significantly during the fall mating season known as the "rut,” which runs from October through January, with activity peaking in November. Tips for avoiding such collisions including driving with high beams on at night to make it easier to see eye reflections at the roadside. Remember that deer usually travel in groups or herds. If you see one deer cross the road, slow down and expect more to follow. Stay alert near wooded areas, fields and waterways. And, always wear your seat belt. If you do happen to hit a deer, Coffeyville Police Officer Tyler Hagebush says to stop and call 9-1-1.

Turn on your hazard lights, and stay inside your vehicle. Do not touch a live, wounded deer because it could be dangerous.

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk … the same times most people are commuting to and from work.

Neewollah releases the map of the food truck locations for 2026.

A favorite of Neewollah attendees is the wide variety of tasty treats available in downtown Independence during the annual celebration. From BBQ to fish and chips and Indian tacos to Cinnamon rolls, there's a little something to be had for every taste and preference. 

Neewollah runs from October 23^rd through 31^st in downtown Independence.

A convicted sex offender residing in Bartlesville has pleaded guilty to felony charges.

50-year-old Kenneth Cox pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender and residing within 2,000 feet of a school as a sex offender. Cox was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Cox will also pay $750 in court costs and fines. Cox pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in 2012 and 2023. Cox was sentenced to five years in DOC after his 2012 conviction and six years after his second conviction.

Cox was convicted and sentenced in January 2004 for rape by instrumentation and lewd molestation. He was sentenced to 15 years in DOC with seven to serve.

A bipartisan bill backed by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran has cleared the U.S. Senate and is now headed to the President’s desk.

The Criminal History Access Act, introduced by Moran and Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, would give state Peace Officer Standards and Training offices access to the National Crime Information Center, or N-C-I-C.

Supporters say the expanded access would help improve the background-check and hiring process for local law enforcement officers by giving officials additional criminal history information when evaluating applicants.

Moran, a Republican who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science and Justice, says strengthening the vetting process is important for communities that depend on law enforcement.

The legislation passed the Senate unanimously. Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt introduced the House version, which passed in May.

The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law.

A long-time business in downtown Independence is moving to a new location.

Magnolia Scents By Design will soon begin the process of moving into the Sayers Ace Hardware building at 314 North Penn Avenue.

Magnolia has been at its current location at 106 North Penn since the store first opened in 2008 by proprietors Brian Hight and Ryan McDiarmid. The shop specializes in soy candles in addition to handmade bath and body products, teas, herbs, spices and home décor.

Magnolia plans to complete the move by March 22, 2028, to mark the 20^th anniversary of the store's original opening.

Photo courtesy Magnolia Scents by Design

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

KDOT has approved two projects: One in Cherokee County and another in Labette County. The Cherokee County project will involve pavement restoration on US-69-Alternate between 20^th and 23^rd Streets in Baxter Springs. The $1.9 million project was awarded to Heck & Wicker Inc. of Parsons.

In Labette County, KDOT approved a project to install pedestrian and bicycle paths in the City of Altamont for one mile along 5^th Street. The $580,000 project went to J. Graham construction of Coffeyville.

Drivers on the northwest side of Coffeyville will need to find an alternate route today.

The City of Coffeyville Public Works Department will be installing a water main near the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Cline Road. Construction will cause the closure of the eastbound lane of Woodland Avenue. Drivers are advised to find an alternate route and avoid the area while work is underway.

Kansas is launching a new Medicaid program aimed at providing additional support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced the official launch of the Community Supports Waiver, developed in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The program is for Kansans age five and older who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and need support, but do not require 24-hour paid care.

The state is initially inviting people who have been waiting the longest for services under the comprehensive Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or I-D-D Medicaid Waiver. waiver. Those who receive an invitation will work with their local Community Developmental Disability Organization and a Targeted Case Manager to determine whether the new waiver is appropriate.

The program is expected to serve up to 500 people in its first year, with services including employment support, respite care, therapies, personal care and assistive technology.

State officials say the goal is to help Kansans live more independently, participate in their communities and pursue competitive employment.

Dalton Defender Days starts today in Downtown Coffeyville.

The annual festival will kick off this afternoon with a prayer and national anthem plus craft vendors and food trucks opening at 4 p.m. Line dancing will start at 5, and there will be one reenactment tonight at 6 p.m., after a gun safety demonstration. After that, there will be live music and a street dance starting at 7 with the band Left of Center, which is a new event this year.

Events tomorrow include a car show starting at 9 a.m. plus three reenactments at 10 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m. KGGF staff will broadcast live tonight from 5 to 7 and 9 to 11 on US 98. All events take place in downtown Coffeyville.

There will be some rodeo action at the fairgrounds this weekend in Coffeyville.

The Jackie Perkins Memorial WRCA Ranch Rodeo will take place tomorrow, October 3rd. According to organizers, there will be 18 teams of six cowboys and cowgirls who will compete for a trip to the WRCA finals in Amarillo.

Gates will open tomorrow at 5 p.m., and admission is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 4-11. Admission is cash only.

A wellness fair is on the way this weekend in Elk County.

The Elk County Health Department is presenting its 2^nd Annual Wellness Fair tomorrow from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be a variety of labs available, including CBC, CMP and Lipids for $40, A1C for $15 and PSA for $40. Anyone getting blood work is reminded to fast before coming to the event.

Flu and Pneumonia vaccinations will also be available, in addition to a variety of information from different organizations that provide services to citizens of Elk County. It all takes place tomorrow morning at the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church at 1217 KS-99 in Howard.

Current Coffeyville City Commissioner and democrat candidate for Kansas House District 11 outlines his positions on property taxes and data centers.

Democratic Challenger William Kendall faces Republican incumbent Ron Bryce. Both candidates answered questions during a forum in Coffeyville. Kendall, during his opening remarks, emphasized public school funding, protecting freedoms and government accountability. On property taxes, He says relief should help residents who struggle to keep up with their bills.

Kendall also says Kansas needs to stop taxing residents out of the state and District 11. On data centers, Kendall says development agreements should protect taxpayers and be open to public scrutiny.  Kendall supports statewide standards that give residents a voice before projects move forward. He also suggests considering a public vote in the city or county where a data center would locate. Voters choose between Kendall and Bryce in the November 3^rd general election.

It's a sure sign that fall is here as the Neewollah flags go up in downtown Independence.

The annual event is the largest annual celebration in the state and this year's festival features Frozen the musical on October 23^rd through 25^th, The Queen Neelah contest on the 26^th and 27^th, and live music at Memorial Hall from acts The Dueling Pianos and Bleu Edmondson on October29th and 30^th. The chili cookoff happens at Riverside Park on October 24^th and the carnival midway opens downtown on the 28^th.

The Neewollah Store at 317 North Penn opens on Saturday at 8am. Ticket sales will begin in the Veterans Room at Memorial Hall at 8am with online sale starting at 1pm.

Neewollah has been a locally favorite celebration since it began in 1919 as a way to keep local youth from taking part in Halloween mischief. Neewollah draws nearly 75,000 to Independence each year.

The City of El Dorado in Butler County issues a statement regarding the signing of a non-disclosure agreement between the El Dorado City Manager and a data center company.

The issue of data center construction has been on the minds of many, including those here in southeast Kansas over the past few months. Cities, counties, and citizens have been keeping an eye on other communities and their dealings with data center companies, especially when it comes to non-disclosure agreements.

The City of El Dorado has confirmed its City Manager David Dilner signed an N-D-A in January with the Atlanta-based Beltline Energy LLC on behalf of the City. The City has acknowledged that a discussion was had with the company concerning possible development sites for a data center in or around El Dorado. The discussions were conceptual and were intended to understand the company’s infrastructure needs to allow the City to begin to understand the feasibility of serving a project. According to city officials, any action on a proposed data center project would take place during a City Commission meeting during open session.

In Montgomery County, Cherryvale has been in discussions regarding a possible data center with a broker for one company, while the City of Coffeyville has received proposals from several different companies. The Montgomery County Commission has considered a moratorium on data centers and other similar projects, but a motion to implement a moratorium was defeated at a recent meeting.

Dalton Defenders Days happens this weekend in Coffeyville.

Organizer Richard Elliott says downtown Coffeyville will be bustling with activity.

There will also be live music as well. A big part of the festival is the historic reenactment of the 1892 Dalton raid on Coffeyville, when the band of outlaws attempted to rob both the First National Bank and the Condon National Bank at the same time. The raid led to a shoot out with Coffeyville citizens. Elliott says the reenactment is always safety-focused and takes a lot of volunteers to create.

Dalton Defenders Days begins tomorrow at 4pm in downtown Coffeyville.

The City of Cherryvale is reminding residents that RVs, campers and travel trailers may not be used as permanent residences outside of am approved RV park.

The requirement is meant to ensure compliance with the City's minimum housing codes, zoning regulations, and health and safety requirements. Exceptions may be made if the residents secures the proper permit.

According to the City, the reason for the requirement is to make sure residents are living in adequate housing with water, a sanitary sewer, and other services in order to maintain habitable living conditions.

Anyone with questions should contact Cherryvale Code Enforcement at 620-336-2400 or visit the Cherryvale Police Department during regular business hours.

The Nowata Cemetery Board hears resident concerns about a city ordinance on the removal of gravesite decorations.

The meeting was held on Wednesday morning after a Facebook post two weeks ago announced that graveside decorations would be removed from the city cemetery beginning on September 21^st. The ordinance authorizes the removal of structures and decorations that are not placed on the concrete plot paid for by an individual. Nowata City Commissioner Cary Robinson says he encourages people to care about the cemetery.

Tensions rose at the beginning of the meeting when many residents voiced their concerns over mowing performance by crews at the cemetery. Robinson says the contract for cemetery maintenance is up for a vote each year.

The cemetery ordinance states that “the placing of curbs, trees, bushes, structures, benches, or statues around cemetery lots—other than the original markers or its replacement around or upon cemetery lots—is prohibited, except by the City Cemetery Caretaker.”

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signs an executive order directing the development of a 10-year plan to prepare the state for its growing older adult population.

Kelly signed the order Tuesday, at the opening the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging at the University of Kansas Conference Center.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services will coordinate the plan with other state agencies, community organizations and the public.

The Multi-Sector Plan on Aging will address health care, long-term services, housing, transportation, economic security, the workforce, caregiver support, social connection and emergency preparedness.

Kelly says Kansas is aging, and the state must work across agencies and sectors to help older Kansans live with dignity, independence and connection in their communities.

The plan builds on Kansas’ existing aging initiatives and its participation in a national planning collaborative.

The conference, which ended on Wednesday, brings together health professionals, policymakers, educators and community leaders.

Kelly also presented the first Kathy Greenlee Award for Public Service to Older Kansans. The award honors those who strengthen the lives of older adults through public service.

Independence Community College reports an increase in overall enrollment.

According to the school, ICC, showed a year-over-year growth in overall headcount, increased high school enrollment and continued gains in student retention for the Fall 2026 semester. ICC also showed growth with younger students with high school enrollment increasing by more than 3% . Additionally, first-time, full-time student retention reached 50%, up from 47% the previous year and 44% in 2023-24, marking the third consecutive year of improvement for the college.

“This is a big step, but our goals are bigger than one semester,” said ICC President James Arnold. “We want every student in Southeast Kansas and beyond to see ICC as the place for them. We’re in a strong position to build on this momentum, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

ICC’s growth comes as community colleges across Kansas are collectively experiencing an enrollment decline. Preliminary Fall 2026 census data released by the Kansas Board of Regents shows community college headcount statewide decreased by 1.9%, while all of public higher education in Kansas, enrollment fell by nearly 1%.

ICC is one of just six Kansas community colleges to report growth this year.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Cherokee County Rural Water District #4.

The original advisory was issued on September 25^th  because of possible contamination due to an equipment malfunction. . Laboratory testing of the Cherokee County Rural Water District #4 water supply showed no contamination and the K-D-H-E has determined that all conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

Property taxes and data centers are among the top issues facing the citizens of Kansas House District 11.

Republican Incumbent Ron Bryce faces Democratic challenger William Kendall. Both candidates answered questions during Tuesday’s forum in Coffeyville. Bryce grew up in Coffeyville and worked as a physician before returning to the community and becoming involved in restoring properties and operating businesses. On property taxes, Bryce says he supports changes aimed at slowing increases in what homeowners pay.

Bryce also encourages residents to participate in local government, where school boards, city commissions and county commissions set property-tax rates. During the discussion on data centers, Bryce says potential economic benefits should come with protections for the communities hosting them.

Bryce says he believes the right agreement with a data center could generate enough property-tax revenue to substantially reduce the burden on other property owners. The general election is November third. KGGF News continues its District 11 candidate profiles tomorrow with Challenger Kendall.