New highway patrol troopers ready for duty

Two new classes of Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers graduated from the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy on Tuesday, December 17 in Salina, Kansas. Condensed Recruit Class #69 graduated four (4) new troopers and Basic Recruit Class #70 graduated 17 new troopers. Class #69 began 13 weeks of training on Tuesday, June 25 at the Kansas … Read more

Work begins on new water well

The City of Ark City says work has officially begun on a new water well as part of the City of Arkansas City’s efforts to enhance its water infrastructure. Drilling has commenced for Well No. 16, an important step in the Drinking Water System Improvement Master Plan, which was unveiled in October 2024. The well … Read more

Ark City man arrested for rape

KBI agents and deputies from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Arkansas City man for rape and other crimes committed against a child. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, around 10:20 a.m., special agents arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City. Black was arrested on a warrant for three counts … Read more

Money coming for Cowley County rail project

Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday that 14 Kansas rail projects will receive a total of $13 million through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP). The projects include Cornejo Materials Rail Service Improvement Projects in Cowley/Elk/Sedgwick Counties, for just under $390,000.

Ark City Water Treatment Facility b ack to normal operations

The City of Arkansas City is pleased to announce that as of Dec. 18, 2024, the Water Treatment Facility has returned to regular operations following a comprehensive recovery process following a ransomware attack on September 22, 2024. On September 22, 2024, City of Arkansas City staff identified a ransomware attack targeting the Water Treatment Facility’s … Read more

KDOT updates rail service plan

The City of Ark City says On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) held a public meeting to update the public on its Passenger Rail Service Development Plan. KDOT is exploring expanding passenger rail service in south-central Kansas. The proposed project would extend the Heartland Flyer route from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to … Read more

Charges possible in case of teen allegedly coerced into vehicle

The Arkansas City Police Department has made an arrest in connection with several outstanding charges following an investigation into an incident involving a 14-year-old female in November 2024. On November 6, 2024, ACPD received a report from a 14-year-old female, who stated that on November 5, 2024, while walking home from school, she was approached … Read more

Kansas Geological Survey is sampling water wells

The City-Cowley County Health Department says The University of Kansas’s Kansas Geological Survey is sampling water wells across the state to gain a better understanding of water quality in different regions of Kansas. For more information or if you are interested in participating and potentially having your domestic or irrigation well tested, then visit the … Read more

MAN ARRESTED

An Arkansas City man has been arrested – with bond set at $500,000 – on charges of rape and other crimes against a child. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest late Thursday. 40-year-old Brian W. Black was taken into custody without incident at his residence Wednesday by KBI agents and deputies from the … Read more