Investigators say when temperatures go up, so does crimes. Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks says domestic violence and theft are two of the areas where they see the biggest increase. Chief Spinks calls them “crimes of opportunity,” and says officers will make them a special focus this year. Less than three months into the year — the department has already reported 51 domestic violence incidents and 35 thefts. In 2023, Parsons police reported 30 domestic violence incidents in March alone, and 38 thefts. And in April of last year, those numbers went up — to 42 for domestic violence, and 38 for thefts. “Crime has some level of seasonal change and part of that is not just based on the great weather, but it’s also about how many hours of sunlight we have. And with more sunlight, people are out and about. That’s always good. But we also know that some of our criminals like to stay out a little bit longer and a little bit later. So, what we do see in the spring is some increases,” said Chief Spinks. Chief Spinks recommends Parsons residents follow the 9 p.m. routine program.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Woodson U.S.D. 366 in Yates Center cancelled school Thursday (3/7) after authorities received a threat of violence. Wednesday night, Yates Center Police Department and the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office were made aware of a threat directed at the high school. Those agencies contacted the school district about the threat and the district decided to cancel school just in case the threat was real. Officials are still trying to figure out who is responsible for making the threat, but they say there is no risk to the public at this time. They say it’s an ongoing investigation and they are working with other agencies to track down those responsible.
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A group of Ft. Scott residents is determined to bring back a community theatre to Bourbon County. Last summer, Bourbon County Community Theatre or BCCT officially formed as a non-profit organization to bring theatre productions to Bourbon County. Vice President Melissa Guns says they want to utilize local theatre spaces available in Ft. Scott, as well as bringing in events like park performances. “We want to bring community theater back to Fort Scott, not just for entertainment purposes, but also for educational purposes. There’s so much that we learned through the theater, along with the entertainment value, and then it also provides an outlet,” she said. “It’s just something that brings a vitality to your town. It gives everyone an opportunity to get involved in theater. Theater and music are a couple of those things that allow people an opportunity to fade away from the world around them and just enjoy life for a little bit,” said Matthew Wells, BCCT President. On March 16, the group’s first event is an Adult Prom, with tickets starting at $50 per couple.
Source: KSNF/KODE