Osage County, KS Sheriff's Office

05/13/2026

May 12th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE #: 2026-012
CONTACT: Sheriff Chris Wells

Osage County, KS – On May 12th at 3:03 p.m., an Osage County Sheriff’s Office Investigator conducted a traffic stop at West 117th Street and South Auburn Road for a traffic violation. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on suspicion of the following:

Tammy A. Banks, 61, of Burlingame
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Cortney F. Myers, 42, of Burlingame
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chris Wells, Sheriff
Osage County Sheriff’s Office

-END-

05/11/2026

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week surrounding it as National Police Week. During this time, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day.

The Deputies of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office work tirelessly to keep Osage County safe. From responding to emergencies and investigating crimes to protecting schools and assisting citizens during difficult times, their dedication to this community is constant.

We're thankful and proud to work with our local city departments, neighboring agencies, and law enforcement officers nationwide who serve their communities with the same commitment and professionalism.

Behind every badge is sacrifice—long hours, missed holidays, sleepless nights, and time away from family. Their work is not always seen, but it is always appreciated.

National Police Week is also a time to remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. We honor the more than 24,000 names on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, along with the 111 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025. Their courage and service will never be forgotten.

To the Deputies of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your professionalism, integrity, and dedication to serving our community every day. Your commitment and the sacrifices you and your families have made are deeply appreciated. Stay safe, and thank you for all that you do.

05/11/2026

May 11th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE #: 2026-011
CONTACT: Sheriff Chris Wells

Osage County, KS – On May 10th at 6:06 p.m., deputies with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 29200 block of South Berryton Road, near Melvern, in an attempt to make contact with a subject who had active felony arrest warrants.

While taking the suspect into custody, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain sight. A search warrant was subsequently applied for and granted, resulting in the discovery of additional suspected narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Michael E. Traver, 46, of Quenemo was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on suspicion of:
• Osage County arrest warrants
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Felon in possession of a firearm

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chris Wells, Sheriff
Osage County Sheriff’s Office

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05/11/2026

🔶Resurfacing work underway on U.S. 75 in Osage County

Resurfacing work is underway on U.S. 75 in Osage County. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s 9-mile project includes milling, overlay, striping and rumble strips from 245th Street north of Lyndon to just south of the U.S. 56 interchange.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers where crews are actively working. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed.

APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchinson, is the prime contractor on the $3.3 million project, which is expected to be complete in June, conditions permitting.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit KanDrive.gov or call 511. For updates on highway projects in northeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/NortheastNews.

05/04/2026

During the week of May 3–9, 2026, the Osage County, Kansas Sheriff’s Office recognizes a group of professionals who are often unseen, but never unimportant: its Corrections Officers.

While much of law enforcement work is visible in the field, Corrections Officers serve on the other side of the profession—behind secure doors within the jail—where professionalism, vigilance, and strength are required every day.

Corrections Officers are responsible for the care, custody, and control of individuals housed in the jail facility. They manage people during some of their most difficult moments, maintain order in a demanding environment, and do so with patience, discipline, and resilience that merit recognition.

This work is not easy. It requires mental toughness, strong character, and a consistent commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

At the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, the Corrections Division plays a critical role in the safety and overall operation of the jail. These employees perform their duties with professionalism, and their contributions are valued and recognized.

Thank you to our valued Corrections Officers for all you do!

05/04/2026

May 4th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE #: 2026-010
CONTACT: Sheriff Chris Wells

Osage County, KS – On May 2nd at 2:28 pm, an Osage County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop at milepost 161 on I-35 for a traffic violation. During the stop, a K-9 was deployed and illegal narcotics were located.

David W. Walker, 62, of El Dorado was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on suspicion of the following:
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of THC
• Driving while license revoked/habitual violator
• Butler County warrants

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chris Wells, Sheriff
Osage County Sheriff’s Office

-END-

05/02/2026

May 1st, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE #: 2026-009
CONTACT: Sheriff Chris Wells

Osage County, KS – On May 1st at 4:22 p.m., an Osage County Sheriff’s Investigator made contact with a suspicious vehicle near East 229th Street and South Stubbs Road. During the encounter, illegal narcotics were located.

Ashley N. Hogan, 40, of Pomona was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on suspicion of:
• Distribution of methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• No drug tax stamp

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chris Wells, Sheriff
Osage County Sheriff’s Office

-END-

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

On Sunday, April 26 at 1:00 p.m., the Osage City Fraternal Order of Eagles #3890 hosted a benefit dinner, “Lunch with an Officer,” for members of the Osage City Police Department and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.

We are incredibly grateful for the delicious meal, the fellowship, and the opportunity to spend time connecting with members of our community. Events like this remind us how fortunate we are to serve such a supportive and engaged community.

During the event, the Eagles generously presented a $300 donation to the Osage City Police Department and an equal $300 donation to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, numerous bags of stuffed animals were donated for our officers and deputies to provide to children during calls for service or difficult situations. These small gestures can bring comfort during some of the toughest moments a child may experience.

We are truly thankful for the continued support and generosity shown by the members of the Eagles and our community. Your kindness does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate you always standing behind local law enforcement.

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to all of our administrative personnel who ensure our office runs as smoothly as possible.

Kylie, Bonnie, Katie, and J—thank you for your hard work, organization, and dedication behind the scenes. From managing day-to-day operations and keeping everything organized, to supporting our deputies, staff, and the public, your contributions are vital to everything we do.

You are often the first point of contact for our office and play a key role in making sure communication flows, tasks are completed, and our team can focus on serving the community. Your professionalism, patience, and attention to detail do not go unnoticed.

Today, we recognize and thank you for the important role you play each and every day. We truly appreciate everything you do for this office and for the citizens we serve.