Kansas Authorities Search For Missing Teen In Verdigris River

An Independence teen is in a Wichita hospital after he was pulled from the Verdigris River in Kansas Wednesday evening. Another Independence teen is missing.

Montgomery County Sheriff Robert Dierks said the teens were swimming in the river between Independence and Coffeyville near a low water dam when the current carried them away.

Firefighters rescued Bo Miesner, 16, but the other teen, Steven Whittley is still missing, according to Dierks.

There's no word on Miesner's condition.

Sheriff Dierks said the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Wildlife, Iola Fire Department, Neodesha Fire Department, Chanute Fire Department, and Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies are searching the river at a number of locations. 

The flood gates at Fall River Lake dam and Elk City lake dam have been closed in an effort to lower the water level of the river.

The Verdigris River crosses into Oklahoma in Nowata County before eventually flowing into Oologah Lake.

The National Weather Service says Montgomery County is under a Flash Flood Watch until Friday afternoon.