News

Cherokee County Jail Report

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
Teri Jeanne Williams, 54, was arrested Thursday by Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputies on charges of driving under the influence, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, defective tail lamp on motor vehicle and vehicle liability insurance req and is being held without bail.
Meals On Wheels Lunch Menu

Meals On Wheels Lunch Menu

Meals On Wheels Lunch Menu

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
Meals are for those 60 years or older. Consultation with SEK-AAA dietitian may be arranged. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.To order or cancel a meal, please call your site between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the day before.

Cherokee County Court Docket

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
This is the schedule of the District Court Room with Judge Maradeth Frederick presiding. All of the hearings, conferences, arraignments, dismissals, appearances and trials are open to the public. They are also subject to change or cancellation without notice.

CALENDAR

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
Saturday, January 3•Baxter Springs American Legion Breakfast 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. the American Legion Post•Breaking the Chains of Addiction Narcotics Anonymous Spiritual Support Group at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Baxter Springs 4 p.m.Sunday, January 4•Attend the church of your choice.
City workers Justin Rogers (pictured), Jared Kite and Kasie England took down the Christmas lights after the holidays. News Report photo by Shawn Churchill.

City workers Justin Rogers (pictured), Jared Kite and Kasie England took down the Christmas lights after the holidays. News Report photo by Shawn Churchill.

City workers Justin Rogers

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
Double murder trial set to start Monday

Double murder trial set to start Monday

Double murder trial set to start Monday

Kyle Butts
Friday, January 2, 2026
A murder trial is scheduled for Kyle Butts Monday, January 5, for his alleged killing two men in Baxter Springs in November 2022.Butts, of Independence, Missouri is charged in a shooting at 2400 Lincoln in Baxter Springs. Two Missouri men were killed, and a third was left in critical condition.

Chief Burton reviews fire department’s year to council

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
As the end of 2025 came, Fire Chief Stephen Burton gave a comprehensive report to the City Council on the state of the Fire Department.The Columbus Fire Department officers coming bined have 75 years of experience. They include Chief Steven Burton serving since 2004. Assistant Chief Steve Burton Sr.
West Mineral Fire Chief Randy Johnson surveys the extraction equipment his department received from the Columbus Fire and Rescue to help improve rescue service in the northern part of the county.

West Mineral Fire Chief Randy Johnson surveys the extraction equipment his department received from the Columbus Fire and Rescue to help improve rescue service in the northern part of the county.

CFD shares equipment with West Mineral

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
A set of older extrication tools, commonly known as the “Jaws of Life” have been donated to the West Mineral Fire Department by the Columbus Fire .
Security cam footage of suspect vehicle in area post office break-ins.

Security cam footage of suspect vehicle in area post office break-ins.

Sheriff asks help in post office break-ins

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
At least six local post offices including Columbus have been broken into according to a news release from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Columbus Public Library Hours

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
Mondays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m-6 p.m. Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 a.m. Fridays 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon.Curbside service will be available upon request.
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