Grain Truck Overturns

A grain truck overturned north or Arkansas City at the U.S. 77 bypass, holding up traffic, Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported, according to Bob Frazee, the city's emergency management coordinator. Frazee said the material was apparently feed corn.

Janet English, former mayor and commissioner, passed away Saturday

Former city commissioner, mayor, Janet English has died.
Janet Lynn (Ross) English, 62, of Arkansas City, died Saturday, December 27, 2008, at her residence. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Parker Cemetery. The Reverend Danny Daniel and the Reverend Joyce Daniel will officiate.



The family will greet friends at the funeral home 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.



Janet was born August 23, 1946, in Arkansas City to Kenneth and Gail (Fesler) Ross. Janet graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1964 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Kansas in 1968. Janet married Stephen A. English on June 20, 1970, at the First Presbyterian Church. The couple lived in Minneapolis, Minn.; and Milwaukee, Wis.; before returning to Arkansas City in 1976.



Janet was a well-loved teacher in USD 470 schools for 19 years. As a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, she graciously served as deacon, elder, Christian education chair, Presbyterian Women's Association member and Sunday school teacher for youth and adults and various Presbytery committees. Throughout her life, Janet also proudly served her community while on the Beautification Advisory Board, Arkansas City Beautification Foundation, Arkansas City Public Schools Enhancement Fund (ACE), Arkansas City Outstanding Student Committee and the Chapter GH of P.E.O. Sisterhood. In addition, she served as Arkansas City Commissioner and as Mayor of Arkansas City for one year. Janet has been honored as a recipient of the Presbyterian Women's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Cornerstone Award.

Suspicious death

A man was found dead outside by a camper at a residence on N. Eight St. Sunday afternoon. The case is being investigated as a suspicious death and police are not ruling out homicide. The 40-year-old man was spotted by two people walking by 326 N. Eight. They called police about 12:48 p.m. The man's identity was not made available. Check back for more details as they become available.

Playground suspects charged

The three teenagers arrested in the fire of the Island Park Playground have been formally charged and will be prosecuted in the juvenile system. Theymade their first appearances in court earlier this month, County Attorney Chris Smith said.
Zachary Buhkle, 17, is charged with felony arson. Brett (cq) Martinez, 17, is charged with felony obstruction of the legal process. A 15-year-old girl is also charged with felony obstruction.
All are Winfield residents. The arson charge carries a penalty of 11 to 34 months of incarceration for adults, the obstruction charge carries a five to 17 month sentence. Their arraignments are coming up soon, he said.
The playground was totally destroyed by fire Oct. 27.

No bank sale

CornerBank President Bruce Schwyart told the Courier Friday that the bank will not merge as planed with Emprise Bank. See story here

Red Zone cited

Tyler Hibbs 18 of Ark City was cited for minor in consumption of alcohol, and Red Zone bartender Heather Shugart 23 of Ark City was arrested for furnishing alcohol to a minor, after an incident last weekend at the local bar.

On Nov. 8 at about 1 a.m., Arkansas City Police officers conducted a routine club check at the Red Zone on N. Eighth St. in Ark City. When officers entered the bar they noticed two individuals that officers recognized as minors drinking beer. Officers walked up to the two minors and started to escort them out of the bar. That was when one of the minors took off running and was never located.

Fire District grant

Cowley County Fire District 3 will receive a $206,226 grant, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt. This grant will be used to improve the fire department’s response capabilities including, but was not limited to: pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.