Cherokee County Sheriff's Office distributing free gunlocks

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kans. — The country’s largest, most comprehensive firearms safety education program is helping residents of Cherokee County.

Project Childsafe partners with law enforcement agencies across the united states. The partnership with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in 150 free child-safe gun locks.

“You know, I think it’s important for anyone with, especially with kids in the home, to make sure that the firearms that are in the home are safe because kids are curious. Often times if they come across a gun, you know, they may think it’s a toy or something and unfortunately, that’s how kids accidentally discharge firearms sometimes and somebody, somebody can get hurt and so if you got kids in the house and you got guns in the house, it’s very important to make sure the guns are safe and thereby the kids are safe,” said David Groves, Cherokee County Sheriff.

The gun locks can be picked up at the sheriff’s office while supplies last during normal business hours.

Baxter Springs drug raid ends in 4 arrests

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kans. — A months-long investigation into a drug distribution and possession operation in Baxter Springs resulted in four arrests Thursday.

Early in the afternoon on June 30th, Baxter Springs Police and deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at 2400 Lincoln Ave., according to a Facebook post by BSPD.

The search yielded multiple illicit drugs, such as suspected methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia. Loaded firearms and boxes of ammunition were also uncovered at the home.

The four arrested and taken to Cherokee County Jail were:

  • Timothy Putnam, age 60 – Possessing Methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, Possessing Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Possessing of Marijuana bond $14,000
  • Andrew Putnam, age 55 – Possessing Methamphetamine, Possessing Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of a Firearm, bond $7,000
  • Nason Putnam, age 24 – Possessing Methamphetamine, Possessing Drug Paraphernalia, bond $6,000
  • Michelle Hughey, age 40 – Possessing Methamphetamine, Possessing Drug Paraphernalia, bond $6,000
BSPD Photo of the residence

The investigation remains ongoing.

Kansas to match Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program investments

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday that the Kansas Children’s Cabinet will begin matching investments made by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) programs.

The DPIL is a nonprofit organization that mails over 1.8 million age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. Dolly Parton’s mission is to create a lifelong love of reading in children and inspire them to dream. This flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted 184 million free books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Australia.

“We know that one of the most important factors for early childhood learning and development is an early introduction to books and being read to at home,” said Kelly. “Kansas community organizations currently connect more than 42,500 children with the gift of books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library each month. This new funding will enable the program to reach even more Kansas children.”

The Kansas Children’s Cabinet has been working on expanding access to the DPIL since September of 2021. Since every family must be signed up through a local community program, enlisting nonprofits is essential. The program has seen an increase from 82 to 98 programs and added coverage in 65 additional zip codes. Kansas now has coverage across 91 counties out of 105. This funding is to help cultivate even more local community programs.

“As a father, I know the joy that comes from reading with your child,” said State Representative Troy Waymaster. “Shortly after our son was born, we enrolled him in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. All children in the state of Kansas should have the ability to participate in this program as well. I am committed to helping ensure that all children in the state of Kansas, from ages zero to five, will have this opportunity.” 

The additional funding from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet is made possible by a line item to add $500,000 to the Children’s Initiative Fund included in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which the legislature passed.

To learn more about the DPIL, check availability in your area, and/or register a child, click here.

Reveal of the Big Kansas Roadtrip

Crawford Co., KS — The Big Kansas Roadtrip is coming to the 4-states. Not only is it coming to Crawford county, but Cherokee and Bourbon as well!

 

  • May the 5th through the 8th.
  • For more information click this link.
  • Multiple attractions, events, and restaurants are featured in this road trip including — Chicken Annie’s, Mary’s, and Big Brutus located in Crawford county. The color guide located on the site has everything you need to see along the way. The guide can be found here.

Cherokee County Fair in full swing with 4-H Youth Dog Show

COLUMBUS, Kan. – It’s county fair time for several area counties and each one has its own set of events lined up.

In Cherokee County, Kansas Tuesday, they hosted a 4-H youth dog show. Nine kids presented 11 dogs to the judges and were graded based on the dogs’ appearance and how they handled agility and obedience tests.

The Cherokee County Fair runs until Saturday.

 

Weir woman arrested for helping Cherokee County inmates escape

WEIR, Kan. – Cherokee County, Kansas investigators arrest a woman for helping two inmates escape from the county jail.

(Previous Story: $5,000 reward offered for escaped Cherokee County inmates)

The 26 year old woman from Weir, Kansas was taken into custody after authorities served a search warrant at her home. She’s held on allegations of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Escape (2 counts), Felony Aiding a Fugitive (2 counts), and Obstructing Justice. Police say she helped Mark Hopkins II and Michael Martsolf escape from the Cherokee County Jail Monday night. Formal charges have not yet been filed against the woman.

Police are still searching for Hopkins, who is held on murder charges, and Martsolf, who is held on felony drug charges. A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered for information leading to the capture of either suspects. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 620-429-3992. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting 888777. Just type ‘tip cherokee’ followed by the information you have to provide.

Southeast Kansas county updates as state enters COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 5

KANSAS – On Monday, March 29, 2021, Kansas entered the state’s final Phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccine plan. Now, all Kansas 16 and older can get the vaccine.

Only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for 16- and 17-year-olds, while the vaccines from Moderna and J&J are approved for those 18 and older. So, some counties may not be able to schedule anyone under 18 at this time.

Below is a look at updates and plans laid out by southeast Kansas counties. (Learn more about vaccines in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma here)

Allen County

  • According to the SEK Multi-County Health Department, there are no clinics currently scheduled for the week of March 29
  • Call the SEK Multi-County Health Department at 620-365-2191 for an appointment or to get on the waiting list.



Bourbon County

  • According to the SEK Multi-County Health Department, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled for April 6th, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bourbon County Health Department.
    • Health Department Office is located at 524 South Lowman Street in Fort Scott
  • Residents eligible include those 18 and older. They will require appointments.
    • Call 620-223-4464 to make an appointment



Cherokee County

  • According to Public Information Officer David Groves, the county will continue to move forward with vaccine distribution in the same manner as they have. They will continue to do drive-thru clinics that require appointments
  • They will not be vaccinating residents who are under 18 because they only have the Moderna vaccine, which does not have approval for use in people under 18.
  • Residents can call 620-429-3087 to make an appointment.

Crawford County

  • Crawford County has several clinics scheduled for this week
    • March 31, 2021: Crawford County Fairgrounds Drive thru clinic, Noon to 6:00 pm. No appointment needed.  First come first served.
    • March 31, 2021: Lincoln Center, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. For those who have made appointments already, your vaccine is reserved.  We will also take drop-ins.
    • April 1, 2021: Crawford County Health Department, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This clinic will be for those wanting the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. First come, first served.
  • For faster service at any of the upcoming clinics, download the vaccine consent form from the Crawford County website and have it completed before you arrive – https://www.crawfordcountykansas.org/coronavirus.html

Labette County

  • The Labette County Health Department makes announcements of open slots for COVID-19 vaccine appointments on social media (Facebook).

Neosho County

  • According to the Neosho County Health Department, the hospital still requires appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The Health Department has started doing some walk-in clinics which they announce on Facebook.
  • The Health Department is only vaccinating those 18 and older.

Wilson County

  • To sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine in Wilson County, contact the following (all vaccine sites are by appointment only)
    • Wilson County Health Department: 620-378-4455
    • Porter Drug Store: 620-325-2671
    • Fredonia Regional Hospital: 620-378-2121
    • Wilson Medical Center – http://www.wilsonmedical.org

Woodson County

  • According to the SEK Multi-County Health Department, there are no clinics currently scheduled for the week of March 29
  • Call 620-625-2484 for an appointment or to get on the waiting list.



Local COVID-19 vaccine updates and clinics week of March 15

PITTSBURG, Kan. / JOPLIN, Mo. – Medical centers, pharmacies and county health departments continue offering COVID-19 vaccinations. Check out some local clinics for the week of March 15, 2021 below as well as updates from health officials. If you know of a vaccination clinic in the 4-State area, email sstrader@koamtv.com with a link to the social media post or website where information can be found.

You can also find vaccine locators and more for Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma at KoamNewsNow.com/vaccine.

Nevada, Mo.

  • Nevada Regional Medical Center
    • NRMC recently announced that appointments are still available for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, March 16. It’s at the Nevada Community Center located at 200 N. Ash Street in Nevada.
    • Recently, the State of Missouri announced that beginning March 15, Missourians in Phase 1B – Tier 3 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes those who keep the essential functions of society running, including K-12 educators and school employees; child care providers; grocery store employees; and energy, food, agriculture, and other critical infrastructure workers, among others. You can find information about who is eligible at https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/priority.
    • Only Missouri residents who fall under the state’s priority phases 1A and 1B -Tiers 1-3 are eligible to participate in COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri for individuals unless qualified through a Missouri employer.
    • There are two vaccine options being offered at the clinic on March 16, Moderna from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine from 1 to 6:30 P.M. Moderna is a two-dose vaccine, requiring a second dose in four weeks. Janssen is a one-dose vaccine.
    • You must register, but appointments are still available. To schedule an appointment online, please visit nrmchealth.com/covid19-vaccine. If you require assistance scheduling, please call NRMC at (417) 667-3355.

McDonald County, Mo.

  • County COVID-19 vaccination clinic
    • Friday March 19 @ The Corcoran Ball Park – 1pm-3pm

Bourbon County, Kan.

  • County COVID-19 vaccination clinic
    • Tuesday March 16 at Former First Source Building, 4500 Campbell Drive, Ft Scott
      • 9am-12pm 65 and Older
      • 12-5pm; all person eligible in Phase 2

Crawford County, Kan.

  • Vaccination update from the Crawford County Health Department
    • Crawford County is still focusing on vaccinating people 65 and older against COVID-19 however, the Crawford County Health Department and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas are expanding to the remaining categories within Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccination Prioritization Plan.
    • These persons within Phase 2 includes, high-contact critical workers and congregate settings. Any individual from Phase 1 that still needs a vaccine may also call.

Joplin, Mo.

  • The Joplin Health Department posts that they are vaccinating Missouri residents 16 and older who have a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease, weakened immune system and intellectual/developmental disorder.
  • Missouri activated Tier 3 today, March 15, 2021. Read more about Tier 3 at KOAMNewsNow.com/vaccine.

Cherokee County, Kan.

  • The Cherokee County Health Department recently posted about COVID-19 vaccination openings. You can call 620-429-3087 to make an appointment.

Labette County, Kan.

  • The Labette County Health Department still has Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccinations available at the following locations.
    • Labette County Health Department
    • Labette Health clinics in Parsons, Altamont, Chetopa and Oswego
    • Bowen Pharmacy in Parsons
    • Riggs Pharmacy in Chetopa
    • Community Health Center of SEK in Parsons

 

Baxter Springs duo caught in mid-afternoon burglary attempt

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. – Cherokee County Deputies catch two people in the middle of a burglary.

Monday afternoon, Deputies responded to suspicious activity at a vacant home north of Galena. The first deputy arrived and apprehended a suspect who was allegedly trying to cut the catalytic convertor from a vehicle.

The deputy started detaining another suspect still inside their car when a third suspect emerged from inside the home and ran into a wooded area.

The Sheriff’s Office deployed a K9 in the area. They say they know the identity of the third suspect, but say he has not bee found yet.

One of the suspects, 33-year-old, Lacey Powell, had outstanding warrants for her arrest.