Local News - The Morning Sun

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — A final autopsy report has concluded that the death of 27-year-old Tokumatsu Platt, of Pittsburg was self-inflicted, according to a Pittsburg Police news release. more

Staff Reports / [email protected] | 5/19/25

Calls for service increase for local agencies

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg Police Department and Crawford County Sheriff’s Office saw calls for service climb last week compared to the previous week. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 5/19/25

Freeman announces feasibility study for Frontenac hospital

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — In a news release Monday, Freeman Health Systems said its new president and chief executive officer, Matt Fry, “has initiated a comprehensive feasibility study to help strategically guide both development and long-term success of the proposed Southeast Kansas Hospital on the 55-acre Frontenac site.” more

Staff Reports / [email protected] | 5/19/25

Arma native Marcel Normand, center, was recognized during Friday’s commencement ceremonies at Fort Scott Community College. For more than 25 years, Normand worked as a history teacher at the college, inspiring students with his unique style of teaching history by focusing on the story. An Honorary Degree was presented to Normand by Ronda Bailey, right, a member of the FSCC Board of Trustees and a former student.

FSCC awards honorary degree

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5/19/25

After receiving their diplomas and listening to various speeches, the Girard High School Class of 2025 made it official Sunday afternoon in Ted R. Taylor Gymnasium, tossing their caps high in the air, officially marking the end of the time as a Trojan.

Area schools hold annual graduation

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GIRARD, Kan. — At high schools across Crawford County over the weekend, seniors marched to “Pomp and Circumstance,” celebrated their achievements and crossed the threshold into the … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 5/19/25

FPD announces ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign

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FRONTENAC, Kan. — The Frontenac Police Department, along with departments across the state and country, is on the lookout for drivers who are not buckled up through the remainder of the … more

Staff Reports / [email protected] | 5/19/25

Mulberry Mayor Pat Walden directs city workers at the newly refurbished baseball diamond in preparation for Mulberry’s Homecoming on May 23. Orange & Black Night begins at 5 p.m. and will feature a cake walk, bounce house, car show, games, food vendors, and live music provided by The Little Green Men.

Mulberry preps for Homecoming

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5/16/25

Members of the Gorilla Battalion, Class of 2025, take their oath of office administered by Lt. Col. Dustin Blum, Commanding Officer.

Gorilla Battalion commissions 13

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — While Pittsburg State has commissioned U.S. Army officers for well over a century, dating back to World War I, it was not until 1952 that a more permanent program was … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 5/16/25

Beauty in Bones

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My interests in skulls and antlers are not as trophies, but as natural sculptures and as part of an abiding fascination in the form-function aspects of nature. I have to say these elements are so deep-seated that they are a primary reason I got hooked on biology back in junior high- school. Models of leaf cross-sections held me like a lava lamp. more

By Steve Ford | 5/15/25

Puzzle Player

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My father was a puzzlesmith. I made up the word because I couldn’t find one that better describes someone with an affinity for working word puzzles. After reading through the Topeka Capital-Journal, he would pull out the page with the crossword puzzle, fold it just so, and start in on it. more

By Carol Ann Robb | 5/15/25

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Founding Board Member Dr. Daniel Minnis tells the story of his near-death experiences Thursday during the groundbreaking of the Mount Carmel House, a hospice center. The facility is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

New hospice center set to bring families together

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Next year, Mount Carmel House, a six-suite hospice center, will be available to the community. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 5/15/25

Frontenac tackles mobile homes

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FRONTENAC, Kan. — Frontenac’s City Commission meeting Wednesday night was short, sweet and to the point. The stand-out piece of business was adopting a new ordinance regarding mobile … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 5/15/25

Maintenance workers from Crawford County Mental Health consult the 80-plus page set of instructions to assemble pavilion for the upcoming CCMH Challenger Event on June 12 in Frontenac. Tasked with assembling two kits, each containing thousands of individual bolts, washers, nuts, boards, and roofing tin and should take three people about 30 hours to construct.

Carpentry by the numbers

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5/15/25

Making its way all the way to the ceiling of the Lakeside Auditorium, a man-made geyser awes students during Thursday’s Yellowstone simulation.

Lakeside Elementary holds Yellowstone simulation

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — First grade students at Lakeside Elementary got a taste of Yellowstone National Park’s geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and historical significance through Thursday … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 5/15/25

Benson named KBOR chair

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Kansas Board of Regents announced on Thursday the appointment of Blake Benson as chair for the upcoming fiscal year. The Regents voted earlier this … more

Staff Reports / [email protected] | 5/15/25

Little things matter. A crew of Pittsburg State University employees worked Wednesday to prepare John Lance Arena for Spring Commencement exercises on Friday and Saturday. Wyatt Hull, left, and Tony Jameson made sure the chairs for the graduates were evenly spaced as coworkers set the stage and cleaned the seating area for guests. Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday and for 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Attention to detail

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Little things matter. A crew of Pittsburg State University employees worked Wednesday to prepare John Lance Arena for Spring Commencement exercises on Friday and Saturday. Wyatt Hull, left, and Tony … more

By Ron Womble | 5/15/25

Autumn Leaves

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ARCADIA, Kan. — Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Lord’s Prayer Richard gave our blessing for the meal. There were 20 attending. A wonderful “Fish Fry” … more

Contributed | 5/15/25

White Elephant Emporium Owner Stephanie Watts rearranges merchandise at 804 N. Broadway.

Sole owner continues White Elephant Emporium

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Although Danielle Beitzinger has decided to step away from White Elephant Emporium, 804 N. Broadway, Stephanie Watts is assuring her customers and community that she is continuing as the sole owner. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 5/14/25

11th Judicial District seeks new judge

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — The 11th Judicial District, comprised of Cherokee, Crawford and Labette counties is seeking nominations to fill a judge vacancy. more

Staff Reports / [email protected] | 5/14/25

NAC is gaining ground

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — At Wednesday’s meeting of the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC), members shared stories of how their neighborhoods are starting to come together through hard work and … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 5/14/25