Local News - The Morning Sun

Pittsburg High School senior Lincoln Laverack signs his letter of intent to powerlift for the New Hope Bulldogs of Pittsburg Wednesday afternoon, sitting alongside his mother Julie and father Alec as well as Special Olympics Kansas Southeast Region Director Olivia Ryan.

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At a first-of-its-kind event, a Pittsburg High School senior signed to Special Olympics Kansas, Wednesday afternoon, and was showered with compliments and praise for his four years as a Dragon. … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 4/3/25

Pittsburg State University student Stirling Luckey competes against a friend in an apple stacking competition during Wednesday’s celebration of Apple Day at the Bicknell Family Center of the Arts. Lucky was also the recipient of a $500 scholarship won in a drawing during Apple Day festivities.

Apple Day returns to PSU

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Students, staff, and administration at Pittsburg State University partied like it was 1907 Wednesday morning through the afternoon, celebrating the university’s oldest … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 4/3/25

Pittsburg High School student Leo Norman provides a presentation on “affluenza” during Wednesday’s TEDx Talk event held at the Pittsburg High School auditorium, which featured 10 speakers.

‘Voices of reason’

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Wednesday saw the return of the Pittsburg High School AP Language and Composition class's TEDx event, at which students presented in-depth presentations on topics ranging from … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 4/3/25

Pittsburg Police and fire departments and EMS respond to a two-vehicle crash at 15th and Pine streets on Tuesday afternoon.

Two-vehicle crash causes possible injuries

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — A crash involving two vehicles occurred at the intersection of 15th and Pine streets in Pittsburg, April 1, according to the Pittsburg Police Department. more

Staff Reports / [email protected] | 4/3/25

Attorney and PSU Adjunct Professor Steve Angermayer asks a witness questions during a mock trial for the Law Day event April 2. Students from area schools acted as jury members and were tasked with finding a verdict in a case involving theft.

Law Day influences youth career paths

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Students from Crawford County high schools and PSU got an inside view of the legal system and related careers, Wednesday, at the inaugural Law Day event, held at the Crawford County Judicial Center. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 4/3/25

Wednesday morning’s storms were an introduction to spring weather in Kansas. According to Crawford County Emergency Manager Quinton Parsons, much of the damage in Crawford County was limited to powerlines and fallen trees, although some structures did suffer more significant damage, such as a garage in the northeastern corner of the county.

A stormy morning in the Balkans

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. –– It was an early day for newly appointed Crawford County Emergency Manager Quinton Parsons as severe storms blew through the area Wednesday morning, spawning a … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 4/2/25

Chelsie Welborn holds up Grayson Welborn outside of the Ghetto Tacos truck April 1 parked by Veterans Memorial Park in Girard. A different food truck will be featured in the park every first Tuesday of the month.

Decisions, decisions

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4/2/25

Meals on Wheels

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — During the month of March 2025, 852 meals were delivered to the elderly and disabled in Pittsburg. Mercy Hospital Nutritional Services prepares the meals. Special diets … more

Contributed | 4/2/25

Commissioners talk roads and tax sales

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GIRARD, Kan. –– The Crawford County Commission met with Michelle Brenwald of Klenda Austerman, LLC, a law firm based in Wichita, Tuesday, to discuss assistance with tax foreclosures on … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 4/2/25

Dr. Mark Johnson, a professor at Pittsburg State University and a Leadership Crawford County volunteer, asks students their names and representing school as part of Tuesday’s Leadership Crawford County graduation held at Memorial Auditorium.

Area youngsters learn leadership skills

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg Chamber President Blake Benson uttered the year 2003, and a gathering of sixth-grade Crawford County students gasped in astonishment. That seems reasonable, given … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 4/2/25

PSU Dean of Students Jon Bartlow opens Monday’s third-ever “Associate of Arts Degree Conferring Ceremony,” held at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts on Monday, honoring more than 200 college students.

‘Achieve as You Go’

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg State University honored more than 200 students on Monday as part of its “Associate of Arts Degree Conferring Ceremony” held at the Bicknell Family … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 4/2/25

Fire control calls hold steady

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — For the past two weeks, the Pittsburg Fire Department has responded to the same number of calls for fire control or extinguishment. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 4/2/25

Agencies handle increase in service calls

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PITTSBURG, KS – This past week, the Pittsburg Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office experienced an increase in service calls. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 4/1/25

Safehouse Crisis Center Board Member Kelsie Hudson silver designer purse during the live auction at the Bags to Riches fundraiser March 29. The live auction was led by cattle auctioneers from Missouri.

Safehouse hosts ‘unforgettable’ fundraiser

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PITTSBURG, KS – With many changes to Safehouse Crisis Center’s annual fundraiser, the Bags to Riches event was packed with positivity. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 4/1/25

Student Kaylin Walls reads through a brief description of her essay she completed in the fall, which helped her to become one of 11 finalists in Saturday’s Crawford County Civics Bee, part of the National Civics Bee, held at McPherson Hall at PSU.

Local students shine in ‘Civics Bee’

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — Crawford County middle school students showcased their social studies skills Saturday morning at the second-ever regional competition for the annual National Civics Bee, … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 4/1/25

Cherokee USD 247.  Mary Gilpin, Nick Hansen, Principal, Mary Colvin, 8th grade History Teacher, Grace Hildebrand, winner, Bryan Wycoff, Labette Bank, Cherokee.

Eighth graders recognized for historical essays

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CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. –– Each year, the Daughters of the American Revolution sponsors the American History Essay Contest for all students in fifth to eighth grade whether they are in … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 4/1/25

After a quick lunch and some play time, the 41 PCMS students helping to renovate the Franklin Community Park went back to work clearing trash at the park and helping out at the Miners Hall Museum before returning to class.

PCMS club build leadership skills

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FRANKLIN, Kan. –– The Kiwanis Builders Club at Pittsburg Community Middle School isn’t about building birdhouses but building future leaders, although some manual labor isn’t … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 4/1/25

Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker receives a proclamation from Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez declaring March 28, 2025, as “Paula Baker Day” as part of Friday’s retirement ceremony for Baker held at Freeman Hospital West.

Freeman Health honors Paula Baker

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JOPLIN, Mo. — Longtime Freeman Health System President/Chief Executive Officer and Pittsburg native Paula Baker was honored Friday afternoon for her legacy as part of a retirement ceremony held … more

By Aaron Pyle / [email protected] | 3/29/25

Danaya Baert waters her row of houseplants in her greenhouse, Deeply Rooted at Home, located at 1150 S 120th Street in Cherokee. Baert started her business last year is already expanding.

Rooting for plant lovers

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CHEROKEE – Danaya Baert, owner of Deeply Rooted at Home, had a drive to help people, but after discovering her future wasn’t in medical care, she decided to plant herself on a new career path. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 3/29/25

Five Below employees and city administrators prepare to cut the ribbon with the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Friday morning. The new store celebrated their grand opening with prizes and free hot dogs.

Pittsburg welcomes Five Below

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PITTSBURG – City administrators, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce members and Five Below employees cut the ribbon Friday morning during the grand opening of the new store located at 2507 N. Broadway Street in Pittsburg. more

By Antjea Wolff / [email protected] | 3/29/25