Artists 18 years and older are invited to submit original artwork for the 70th annual Verdigris Valley Art Exhibit (VVAE). Artwork will be accepted at the Independence Historical Museum & Art Center (IHMAC), located at 123 North 8th Street in Independence from Thursday, June 6 to Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Entry fee is $15 for the first piece. Additional pieces submitted are $10 each. Art categories are: Oil & Acrylic; Watercol- or; Mixed Media; Drawing/Pastel and 3-dimensional. Prizes awarded are: $250 for Best of Show, $200 for First Place in each category with five or more entries, $100 for 2nd place in each category with five or more entries and $200 for People’s Choice.

SparkWheel, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential, is excited to announce it has been awarded a significant grant from Evergy. The grant, which underscores Evergy's commitment to supporting local communities, will play a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities for students in Kansas and Missouri.

With the recent adoption of a local ordinance allowing the use of registered golf carts and utility vehicles (UTVs) on city streets, the City of Independence is partnering with the Independence Country Club to offer a one-stop registration event where owners can satisfy all the regulatory requirements for their vehicles. The event is scheduled Tuesday, May 21, from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at the country club clubhouse, located at 2824 Country Club Circle.

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■ Law allows driving to work, church and school, changes fine payment options Wichita Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau said the bill overhauling Kansas law on unpaid traffic fines signed by the governor would reduce suspension of driving privileges and allow people to drive to work on restricted licenses as they attempted to make necessary payments.

Gov. Laura Kelly condemned a land property bill stemming from Republican fear of foreign country intrusion as overly broad and unconstitutional.

(TNS) Kansas authorities suspect foul play in the death of a man whose remains were found in rural Sumner County on Friday. Authorities are still working to identify the man and the signs of foul play were observed by the coroner, Kansas Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Melissa Underwood said.

The Happy Hustlers 4-H Club met Wednesday, May 1, at the Logan Park building for their monthly meeting. President Jacob Overall called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge. The song leaders, Chesney Debo and Maci Ferguson, led the club in singing 'There was an old lady who ate a fly.' Roll call was 'What city were you born in,' answered by 13 members and three leaders. Coy Harris gave the treasurer's report. Cheroke Whinery gave the reporter's report.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Thursday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m., the Montgomery County Democratic Party will hold its monthly meeting at the CCC Walker Alumni Center in Coffeyville. The alumni center is located at 10th and Willow, directly across the street north of the public library.

Frank Meade originally lost his driver’s license nearly 40 years ago. When he was young, Meade was fined for driving drunk.