Cowley County

Returning seven players from last season's national runner- up squad, the Cowley College volleyball team was recently picked No. 1 in the NJCAA Division II national pre-season poll. The Lady Tigers were picked ahead of second-ranked Illinois Central College, the team that Cowley faced in last year's national title match. "This is a great honor for our program and the Cowley athletic department as a whole," Cowley head coach Jenifer Bahner said. "The volleyball program's success from past years is obviously a big contributor of this, along with the new kids we have brought in. " To go along with the seven returning players, Bahner brought in four talented freshmen that are expected to make immediate impacts to the squad.

The Cowley County Sheriff's office continues to investigate a deadly accident that happened just north of Arkansas City on Wednesday afternoon. According to Shawn Wheat of KSOK Radio, a truck driver was heading west on US-77 when he failed to see a motorcycle crossing the highway on 252nd Road and hit it. The motorcycle rider was rushed to the South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in very critical condition. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. He has been identified as 46-year-old Andrew Kelly of Arkansas City.

Cowley County Community College finished in second place in the NATYCAA (National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators) Cup standings. The Tigers tied with Monroe Community College in New York in the race. Iowa Central Community College won the competition and was awarded a $2,000 prize. Over 350 community colleges across the nation competed. The NATYCAA Cup program began in 2004 and awards two-year schools for success on the athletic fields and in championship competition.

(ARKANSAS CITY, Kan.) On a cold day, it can be tough to get out of your nice warm car. Lucky for the people driving through Arkansas City's Agri-business Building on Friday, they didn't have to. It was the Cowley County Health Department's version of a drive-thru - a drive "flu" clinic. People are given the H1N1 vaccine without ever stepping foot out of their vehicle. "Real slick, didn't take but five minutes and we were all done," explains Les Hadorn, who was getting the shot.

By Roger Cornish (AKANSAS CITY, Kan) The Arkansas City Police Department is warning consumers about a possible scam in Cowley County. It was discovered when a consumer came to Zeller Motor Company to get a free oil change based on a Neighborhood Maintenance Plan he had purchased. The dealership says it does not feature or endorse the plan. Police say that if anyone offers you a similar plan ask for some type of business card of identification. You're also asked to contact the Ark City Police Department.

by Chris Durden (COWLEY COUNTY, Kan.) Eyewitness News has confirmed that accused murderer Justin Thurber is back in Cowley County. Multiple sources say Thurber was returned to the county jail on Thursday. Thurber is charged with capital murder in the death of Jodi Sanderholm. The Arkansas City teen was kidnapped, raped and murdered in January 2007. In September, a judge sent Thurber to the Larned State Hospital for a mental evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine if Thurber is competent to stand trial.