September 8, 2026 – Sumner NewsCow

Wellington freshman Cooper Norris is the Big Cheese Athlete of the Week

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Cooper Norris

By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Cooper Norris, a Wellington freshman, has been named Big Cheese Athlete of the Week – the first of the school year.

Norris made his high school debut in a big way, nabbing two interceptions in the Wellington secondary in a 48-7 victory over Clearwater on Friday evening. His first was in the second quarter, which got him down to the 12, setting up Wellington’s third touchdown of the game. His second was for 50 yards on a pick-six interception that gave the Crusaders an insurmountable 48-7 lead late in the fourth quarter.

For his efforts, Norris is the recipient of a large, delicious Big Cheese Pizza at 324 N. Washington.

Wellington Fire Rescue workers fight wildfire on the 700 block of East 30th Ave. North

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Sumner Newscow report — On Sept. 7 at about 3:35 p.m., the Wellington Fire Rescue was dispatched to a grass fire on the 700 block of East 30th Ave. North.

Upon arrival, crews encountered an active wildland fire covering about 20 acres in rough, challenging terrain. Firefighters worked alongside other mutual aid agencies to contain and extinguish the fire and remained on scene for about 3 1/2 hours conducting fire suppression operations and extinguishing remaining hot spots.

Firefighters operated in extreme heat conditions, with temperatures reaching about 101 degrees and a heat index of about 103 degrees during the incident.

Wellington Firefighters douse garage fire Monday morning on East Harvey

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Garage fire at 4:12 a.m. Monday morning. (Courtesy photo)

Sumner Newscow report – On Sept. 7, at about 4:12 a.m., Wellington Fire/EMS was dispatched to a reported garage fire in the 900 block of East Harvey.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a detached garage with heavy fire coming from inside and outside the structure. Firefighters made entry and conducted an interior fire attack, locating a fire inside the garage. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and conducted overhaul operations. The garage is owned by Darick Jones.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. Estimated loss to he structure is $30,000. There were no firefighters or civilian injuries.

Front Porch Tuesday: Who takes the keys next?

September 08, 2026 Cueball

By Stacy Davis, Sumner County Economic Development Commission Director — Over the past several weeks, I have been writing about infrastructure. Not necessarily the kind we traditionally think about. Not roads. Not water lines. Not sewer systems.

Instead, we have talked about housing, childcare, healthcare, small businesses, quality of life, and leadership- all of the things that make a rural community function and give people a reason to stay.

This week, I want to add another piece to that conversation: business succession.

Because sometimes the greatest threat to a rural business is not its failure. It is successful; the owner is ready to retire, and no one is standing behind them to take the keys.

Think about the businesses in your own community. The mechanic who has been fixing vehicles for 35 years. The owner of the local hardware store who knows exactly what part you need before you finish explaining the problem. The restaurant where generations of families have eaten. The insurance office. The accounting firm. The grocery store. The salon. The welding shop. The contractor. The downtown retailer.

Sumner County Conservation District Newsletter: Fall 2026

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Sumner Newscow report — The Sumner County Conservation District Newsletter for Fall of 2026 can be found here: Fall 2026 Newsletter.

Sumner County Sheriff’s weekly jail bookings: Aug. 31 – Sept. 7, 2026

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Sumner Newscow report — The Sumner County Sheriff’s weekly jail bookings for Aug. 31, 2026, through Sept. 7, 2026, are as follows:

Wellington Police weekend report: Friday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Sept. 7, 2026

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Wellington Police weekend report: Friday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 7, 2026:

Friday, Sept. 4, 2026

Wellington staff to remove 2 play features from Candy Cane City

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Sumner Newscow report — Staff will be removing two play features and adding two new play features this week at Candy Cane City. Staff will also finish installing new playground mulch in the play area. This engineered wood fiber is specifically designed for playgrounds, providing a softer, safer surface that cushions falls and enhances play safety. This will require the playground to be closed beginning Tuesday, September 8, and it will reopen on Monday, September 14.

These new pieces were primarily funded through a Lion’s Club fundraiser.

Road closed next week on 2nd from H to G St. in Wellington

September 08, 2026 Cueball

Screenshot

Sumner Newscow report — Dondlinger Construction will be installing a new storm sewer pipe at 2nd & G beginning next Monday, Sept. 14. This project will require the area to be blocked off on 2nd Street between “G” & “H” Streets through the end of that week.