News
Missing woman victim of fire
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
Chanute Police have identified a body found in the rubble of a Jan. 25 house fire as Cristy K. Thomas- Wiles of Chanute. It was also announced the investigation is focused on aggravated arson and first-degree murder.
The update from the CPD came one day after it solicited the public for information regarding locating missing 36-year-old Cristy K. Thomas-Wiles.
Chanute Public Safety Director Sam Budreau originally ...
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Drug testing legislation could benefit health dept.
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
The Neosho County Health Department could greatly benefit from the passage of Senate Bill 149, which orders drug screenings for Kansans receiving food stamps or unemployment.
State Senate Bill 149 (SB 149), introduced by Republican Kansas State Senator Jeff King of Independence, calls for the drug screens for those receiving temporary assistance for needy families and unemployment payments. A failed drug test woul...
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CHS’ Babcock a semifinalist for National Teacher Hall of Fame
Joshua Vail
Tribune Reporter
Chanute High School math teacher Rex Babcock is one of 20 semifinalists for the National Teacher Hall of Fame.
Babcock has been teaching in Chanute for 34 years. He taught five years in Arkansas.
“Next year will be my 40th year in public education,” he said.
Babock was inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame in 2009 in Dodge City.
The application process involved providing basic information like degrees and ...
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Update: Body identified
Investigators have now identified the person that was found at the scene of the fire at 221 N. Lafayette as Cristy K. Wiles of Chanute. At this time, the investigation is focused on Aggravated Arson and First Degree Murder.
The Tribune received an obituary notice late Friday afternoon for Cristy Kay Thomas, 36, of Independence, which stated she died in a house fire in Chanute, but did not specify the date of the fire. A memorial service is pl...
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Soupline recipe a good one
Jimmy Potts
Tribune reporter
The breezy, overcast climate created the perfect atmosphere for another successful Operation Soupline Thursday, which raised money for emergency or utility assistance for local residents.
In its 31st incarnation, Operation Soupline had the Masonic Hall on 102 S. Highland packed for most of the day in hopes of surpassing the 3,434 meals served in 2012.
The fundraiser began at 11 a.m. and after four hours of operatio...
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Library lines up Valentine’s Day themed events
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
The Chanute Public Library hopes to broaden the horizons and liven the taste buds of its patrons with Valentine’s Day themed events set for next week.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Friends of Chanute Library will hold its All Things Chocolate Fundraiser next Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fundraiser gives the Friends of Chanute Library the opportunity to sell its chocolate confections to support the...
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Chanute police seek information on missing person
Chanute police this morning issued a release asking for assistance in locating a missing person. Investigators are continuing to pursue leads connected to the body found Wednesday at the fire scene at 221 N. Lafayette.
Attempts are being made to locate Cristy K. Thomas Wiles, 36.
Anyone who has information in regard to this missing person is asked to contact the Chanute Police Department (620) 431-5768.
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Body found at scene of Lafayette fire
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
A Jan. 25 fire claimed more than just a house on 221 N. Lafayette. On Wednesday Chanute Police Department (CPD) and Fire Department (CFD) officials found human remains inside the rubble.
The Neosho County Sheriff’s Department and Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office (KFMO) are assisting the Chanute authorities with the investigation, which led to a temporary shutdown of sections of Lafayette and Walnut Streets.
“This morni...
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Authorities still on look out for police imposter
Authorities say police impostor may be in western Kansas
Authorities are asking again for help finding an ex-convict who’s been traveling around Kansas posing as a law enforcement officer and cashing phony personal and payroll checks.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation released a list Tuesday of 24 cities throughout the state where 45-year-old Robert Wayne Helms, of Pittsburg, has pulled the scam. Information indicates Helms has recently be...
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Rec Commission seeking new member
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
The Chanute Recreation Commission has a few open positions after discussing the commissioner and recreation superintendent positions during an executive session of a special meeting Monday.
The departure of a current Recreation Commissioner Don Everly and Recreation Superintendent Mark Schoelmehl has the commission looking for a few good, local men or women to fill the vacancies.
During Monday’s special meeting to...
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School board hears reports on teacher evaluation, data collection
Joshua Vail
Tribune Reporter
At its Feb. 4 regular meeting Monday, the USD 413 School Board heard reports from Superintendent James Hardy on the Kansas Educator Evaluation Protocol (KEEP) and the school district’s structured walkthrough system.
KEEP is one of two teacher evaluation programs for Kansas schools. Schools must pilot a state approved teacher evaluation program this fall. The school board must make a decision at the March board mee...
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Royster compiling memories scrapbook
A display is being created of the history of Royster, from when it was a junior high to its transformation to a middle school.
“We would like community members to contribute with any pictures, memories they would like to share, or artifacts they would like to share for short term or long term or permanent loan,” said Nancy Brooks, Royster Middle School librarian, who along with Principal Brad Miner came up with the idea to compile a history o...
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Annual Soupline serving on Thursday
Operation Soupline, an idea that began 31 years ago, is a thriving annual fundraiser.
Soup, pie and drink will be served for $6 on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Masonic Hall, 102 S. Highland. Take-out is available.
The weather doesn’t seem to be a threat this year, with highs forecasted in the 50s.
Funds raised are donated to the Alliance of Churches for Christian Living Emergency Fund and ACCL Utility Fund. Last year $18,000 was donated ...
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Fourth grader adjusts to disorder, new school
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
Travis and Tanya Burk knew their daughter Kaynahn’s survival of a rare blood disorder made her special and continued calling her their miracle baby after learning she could not grow hair.
As an infant, Kaynahn developed a rare blood disorder, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), that mimics hemophilia due to low blood platelet counts. The cause of ITP remains unknown, as does the reason for Kaynahn’s recovery...
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‘Who’s Your Honey?’ photography at Safari Museum on Saturday
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum announces a unique photo opportunity fund raiser to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb, 9,, at the museum. There will be a free open house for the event entitled “Who’s Your Honey?” ¬†¬†¬†
“We invite people to bring their spouse, their BFF, or their dog to have their photos taken,” said Diane L. Good, director of development. “Dogs are welcome, but must be on leash. This is an unusual oppo...
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Conservation awards
Grassland award to rural St. Paul couple
Kenneth and Clara Whelan, rural St. Paul, are the recipients of the first Neosho County Conservation District Grassland Award. This award is given for their outstanding grassland stewardship.
The Whelans began their ranching career after Kenneth returned home from his Germany tour-of-duty with the U.S. Army. At the time they rented the farm, where they now live and own. To start the young couple farm e...
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Newman University performs in Year of Faith concert series
Joshua Vail
Tribune Reporter
The Newman University Troubadours performed for a full house at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Thursday as part of the Year of Faith concert series.
The Troubadours are the premier select ensemble from Newman University, a Catholic library arts university in Wichita. They are selected by auditions based on talent, work ethic and academic standing. They have been invited and performed at Carnegie Hall three times an...
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Commissioners reject support of bid-killing bill
Jimmy Potts
Tribune Reporter
ERIE — The Neosho County Commissioners agreed not to support State Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), which they claim would undermine the county’s bidding process.
Introduced to legislators by the Kansas State Committee on Federal and State Affairs, SB 54 would alter counties’ bidding process by favoring a quality based selection process. County Road and Bridge Director Charles Morse said the bill, if approved, would effect...
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Rep. Jenkins expresses ‘path to prosperity’
Joshua Vail
Tribune Reporter
Lynn Jenkins, 2nd District U.S. representative on a tour of the state, listened to Chanute citizens at the Memorial Building Friday morning.
Jenkins spoke briefly about fiscal issues before taking questions from those in attendance.
Jenkins said the federal government needs a plan to bring revenues up to 20 percent of gross domestic product while bringing spending down to 20 percent. Without balancing the budget a...
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