News

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.Monday,...

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

City workers Justin Rogers

News Staff

Friday, January 2, 2026

Double murder trial set to start Monday

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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 .In addition to the extrication tools, the local department also donated a set of rescue airbags designed to help lift vehicles when a patient is trapped...

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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.Two weeks after the initial incident, they are now asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect vehicle and two individuals believed to be involved...

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

The weather might have been warm, but Manny Napier sported his snowman cap while the second grade classes sang carols around the square before Christmas break. News Report photo by Shawn Churchill.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

The weather might have been warm

News Staff

Monday, December 29, 2025

Miles Reeves was one of the Park Elementary students performing at the annual Christmas program.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Miles Reeves

News Staff

Monday, December 29, 2025

Subscribe to