Gerri Carrell, Wichita,  caughtt her first spoonbill on Saturday, April 25, at the Chetopa dam.  She snagged two, one was 30-lb. and the other 45-lbs. Gerri is the wife of Ron Carrell and the daughter-in-law of Charles and Joan Carrell of Chetopa, and Peggy Hostettler of New Port Richy, Fla. She said she had loved it and had a lot of fun, can’t wait to go back.

The Chetopa Chamber of Commerce met at the Buckboard at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4. There were 18 members and one guest present.
The Chamber has set a goal of $5,000 for a fundraiser to help with the first phase of repairs on the swimming pool. It is estimated that $29,000 will be needed for the initial phase. Nathan Blackledge plans to hold a fish fry to raise an estimated $2,000. Toni Crumrine, city clerk, indicated that there were no grants available to help repair the pool. The total project is estimated to be $135,000. A cover is needed in addition which costs $12,500. The estimate was received from 4-States Pools. There is a branch in Arma with the home base of the firm being in Rogers, Ark.
Several thank-yous were read from those who attended the Mae Lessley Awards Banquet. Read more

Labette County was proclaimed as a state of local disaster at Monday’s county commission meeting.
Labette County Emergency Coordinator Jim Cook told the commission that more rains were in the forecast which would bring re-occuring flooding to the area. “Any serious winds can uproot trees and utility poles,” he said. “If this resolution is already in place, for instance, utility companies can move forward immediately and fix the problem,” Cook said.
The rains on April 25 and 26 started the problems in the area. “We are staying ahead of the game based on the exceptional rainfall and flooding,” Cook said.
Four other counties have declared disasters last week including Cherokee County. Read more

Vice president Rod Landrum of the Labette County Fair Board reported at the monthly meeting held April 29 that the Pride of Texas Amusements will be at the Labette County Fair this year, due to a cancellation. The carnival will be here from Tuesday through Saturday. The fair board meeting was called to order by President Steve McKinzie with 13 members and two guests present.
The fair is scheduled for July 27 through Aug. 1. Read more