(KNZA)--An 85-year-old Wamego man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning in Shawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened just before 8:00 a.m. on U.S. 24 Highway at Countryside Road.

According to the KHP report, a westbound pickup driven by 36-year-old Zachary Obrock of Topeka crossed the center line for an unknown reason and collided head-on with an eastbound car driven by Robert Kidd of Wamego.

Kidd was pronounced dead at the scene.

Obrock was taken to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Kidd was wearing a seat belt. It was not immediately known whether Obrock was restrained.

 

(KAIR)--New life is coming for an Atchison business that closed its doors after 150 years of operation.

In a statement, Jefferson County-based Perry Milling says it's acquiring Blair Feeds & Elevator, which closed its Atchison doors in April. The Atchison business was established in 1867 as a flour mill.

The Perry, Kansas company says the acquisition strengthens its manufacturing, grain handling, and distribution capabilities, and expands its ability to serve livestock producers across Kansas.

Facility improvements are expected to begin shortly, focused on operational efficiency, production capacity, and preparing the site for future growth. Because of those upgrades, the Atchison facility will not reopen immediately, with the company to make that public once determined.

The company also says the site's grain elevator infrastructure will help strengthen local grain procurement and support feed production across its network.

Christopher Speckhals/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing felony criminal threat charges following his arrest last week.

Thirty-seven-year-old Christopher Speckhals was arrested June 27 after an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

According to court documents, Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed a three-count complaint Monday in Brown County District Court, charging Speckhals with two felony counts of criminal threat and one misdemeanor count of harassment by telephone.

The charges allege Speckhals threatened two individuals on June 26.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 8. Speckhals remains in the Brown County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Area northeast Kansas communities are gearing up for Independence Day celebrations honoring America’s 250th birthday. 

 In Hiawatha, fireworks will light up the sky Friday evening at dusk near the Brown County Historical Society Ag Museum.   

Bern will host a full July 4 celebration including a morning 5K, pancake feed, food trucks, evening activities, and a 10 p.m. fireworks show.   

In Highland, the day features a parade, community events, live music, and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display. 

In Horton, Summer Slam at Hickory Point includes a pulled pork dinner for a free-will donation , games, tournaments, and family fun Friday evening.   

And in Robinson, a full day of activities—from a morning run and parade to a street dance and fireworks—rounds out the holiday celebration.

Barron Stringfellow/Credit: Facebook

 

(KNZA)--A local magician and illusionist is being remembered.

Barron Stringfellow of Hiawatha died Tuesday at the age of 66.

Stringfellow discovered his passion for magic at the age of seven, turning a childhood fascination into a career that spanned nearly six decades. He entertained audiences with magic and illusion while becoming an active member of numerous magic organizations, where he mentored and inspired fellow performers.

He was also a familiar face at Hiawatha's annual Maple Leaf Festival, where he regularly performed for festival goers.

A celebration of life is scheduled for July 17 in Robinson.

Stringfellow is survived by his wife, Athena, three daughters, three sons, and other family members.

(KNZA)--The City of Hiawatha has offered to pay Brown County $125,000 annually for continued dispatch services.

City Administrator Brad Scott met with county commissioners Tuesday to discuss the proposal. The county has provided dispatch services for Hiawatha since 1990.

Until 2017, the city paid the county $40,000 per year for those services. That payment was suspended by a previous commission, with the city instead providing in-kind services and directing savings toward law enforcement needs.

Earlier this year, Brown County asked Hiawatha to resume contributing to the cost of dispatch operations. Since then, both sides have been negotiating a new agreement.

Scott told commissioners the city is prepared to offer $125,000 per year, paid quarterly, beginning in 2027. He said the amount fits within the city’s financial plan, noting the city’s 2027 budget discussions focused on avoiding property tax increases.

County Commissioner Richard Tesoriero said the county would prefer the agreement take effect within the current fiscal year. He thanked Scott for the proposal and said commissioners will review and get back with the city.

(KLZA)--Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jocelyn Brasher recently  made a campaign stop in Falls City meeting with the public on the balcony of the Falls City Library and Arts Center.
A former Deputy County Attorney in Dodge and Dawson counties who spent five years as an Assistant Nebraska Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Bureau says it is time for a change in the Attorney Generals office in Nebraska by ousting Mike Hilgers from the position. Brasher says Hilgers has  spent 3.5 years taking the office in the wrong direction by filing political lawsuits and using the office to overturn election results he does not agree with instead of serving the people.
Brashear says she has spent the majority of her career fighting for Nebraskan's advocating for children, prosecuting criminals, and getting money back for the state while putting money back in the wallets of Nebraska residents. 
Brasher who is challenging her former boss, criticized Hilgers for using the office to fight election outcomes he does not agree with. 
She says Hilgers is using the power of his office to fight election outcomes he does not agree with including medical cannabis and minimum wage.  
Brasher says Nebraska needs an Attorney General to stand up for people and not large corporations.  She says over and over Hilgers has sided with big corporations and not the people of Nebraska. 
Brasher says the Attorney General's election this year may be the  most important election in the state. She says Hilgers is the person calling the shots, filing lawsuits and making decisions.  She said even if a new Governor is elected and a new U.S. Senator, if Hilgers is elected he will continue down the same path, accusing him of being in the pocket of his billionaire friends. 
Brasher says her priorities if elected will be protecting Nebraska consumers; strengthening public safety;  respecting voters and independence, not politics.

(KAIR)--The Doniphan West school district is in need of a new superintendent. That follows the recent resignation of Heather Ball, as announced last week by the school district, which is now set to start the search for her replacement. 

Ball had been serving under an interim contract that concluded on June 30th, with her resignation becoming effective at that time.

In a letter dated June 29, and addressed to the Doniphan West Family, the school board says "finding the next leader for our district is the highest priority for the board members," who say they're "committed to a smooth transition for our staff and their families and a great start to the 2026-2027 school year ahead," adding that they aim to hire a leader who can "bring stability and focus" on the district's mission.

Ball leaves the district after the school board voted unanimously in April to place her on administrative leave while working through a formal complaint procedure. At the time, board members said the process was meant to be "thorough and fair to all involved," but did not release a reason behind the decision, citing employee privacy and confidentiality laws. A connection between that administrative leave and Ball's resignation has not been publicly confirmed.

This week's letter to the district's patrons also states the school board is "steadfast in our belief that the best for our district is yet to come," and says more news on district leadership will be shared "in the weeks ahead."

Students and staff return to school in August.

Larry Myer/Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff

 

(KAIR)--The Lieutenant for the Brown County Sheriff's Office accused of misdemeanor harassment crimes against a local tribal officer has retained legal counsel from Topeka in advance of his forthcoming first appearance in a Brown County courtroom.

According to online court records, Larry Myer, who also once served as Undersheriff for Atchison County, and a resident of Lancaster, has retained Thomas G. Lemon of the Topeka-based law firm of Cavanaugh, Biggs & Lemon, P.A. to act as his defense in the case accusing him of the charges of intimidation of a witness or victim and harassment by telecommunications device.

Myer, last week, was arrested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation after agents coordinated his surrender at the Jackson County Jail where the KBI says he was arrested on a warrant for his alleged crimes.

According to a release from the KBI, the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department requested the investigation by the agency in January after Myer allegedly threatened and harassed a tribal officer who had ticketed him for a traffic violation in December of last year.

Brandon Apperson, special prosecutor from the Johnson County District Attorney's Office, was appointed by Brown County to handle the case.

Myer, released on bond following his arrest, is scheduled to make his first appearance on the morning of July 22.

 

 

Timothy Workman/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--A Horton man is facing multiple child sex charges in Brown County.

According to court documents, 47-year-old Timothy Workman was charged Monday with six counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Workman was arrested June 26 following an investigation by the Horton Police Department.

The charges stem from alleged sex offenses on June 26 involving two children, one under the age of 14 and the other between the ages of 14 and 16.

Workman remains in the Brown County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Gerry Rilinger/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A Fairview man who had been charged with attempted second-degree murder has entered a no contest plea to three charges in the case.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 44-year-old Gerry Rilinger entered no contest pleas during a June 22 arraignment to aggravated battery, battery of a correctional officer, and battery on a law enforcement officer following a mediation hearing.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 17.

Hill says, based on Rilinger's criminal history, he faces a presumptive prison sentence of between 114 and 128 months for aggravated battery and between 31 and 34 months for battery of a correctional officer. He said the plea agreement was reached with the active involvement and agreement of the victim, with the understanding it would result in a lengthy prison sentence that also provides an opportunity for treatment while incarcerated.

Rilinger originally faced 10 charges, including attempted second-degree murder, stemming from an alleged violent attack on a woman on November 8, 2025. The victim was hospitalized, and Rilinger was later taken into custody following an altercation with deputies.

Rilinger remains in the Brown County Jail on a $2 million bond.

(KNZA)--Brown County Commissioners have awarded a bid for a bridge replacement project on 170th Street, southwest of Powhattan.

Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to award the contract to B & B Bridge Company of St. Paul, Kansas for $767,480. The action came on the recommendation of project engineer Brady Hedstrom with BG Consultants.

The winning bid was the lower of two submitted and came in more than $200,000 below the engineer's estimate.

Construction is expected to begin in August and is scheduled to take 120 working days.

The project is being funded through a $1.15 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation's Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program. Brown County provided more than $127,000 in matching funds to secure the grant.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners received information on the county insurance for the period July 1 through June 30, 2027 when they met last week.

Scott Miller and Steve Simon with Miller-Farrell Insurance presented the information which carries an annual premium of $341,696. The figure represents an increase of 1.54% over the current year amounting to an increase of $5,255.

Dakota Schulenberg, Emergency Preparedness Offsite Coordinator for for NPPD's Cooper Nuclear Station at Brownville presented a quarterly update on the facility.

The IPAWS system is to be fully implemented in the near future which will provide notifications of an event at the nuclear station as an alert on cellular phones.

Those without cell phones in the emergency planning zones area may obtain a radio that is specially designed to give the alerts if an incident would occur.

Highaway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. presented updates on the upcoming improvements to the “Dustless Highway” and discussion was held on adding the “Boy Scout Road” south of Humboldt and including the parking lot at the Courthouse in Falls City while contractors were in the area.

Discussion was also held with Extension Educator Kaytlyn Kennedy on her annual report from the Extension Service and the possibility of renting a vehicle from a University of Nebraska program for use by the staff of the Extension Office to help with the cost the county incurs for travel expenses by office staff.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is sending a reminder to residents who want emergency alerts to take action now or risk missing such notifications.

Atchison County Emergency Management is switching its emergency alert system from CodeRed to a new provider called Everbridge. The change affects all county residents, but city officials want to make sure Atchison residents are aware that their existing CodeRed registration will not carry over. Anyone who signed up through CodeRed will need to sign up again through Everbridge to continue receiving alerts.

The CodeRed system has been used to notify residents of severe weather, fires, boil water notices, and other emergencies. Officials say the new Everbridge platform will offer those same emergency notifications, along with additional non-emergency alerts as well.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge as soon as possible to avoid a gap in coverage. Information on how to register is below.

Credit: Atchison Co Emergency Management/Facebook

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A registered sex offender from Rushville, Missouri was arrested in nearby Atchison, Kansas Monday, accused of failing to register as required for his past crimes.

42-year-old Thomas A. Blankenship was taken into custody by Atchison Police shortly before 5:00 Monday evening in the 10000 block of U.S. Highway 59.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Blankenship was arrested on Buchanan County, Missouri warrants charging him with failure to register as a sex offender and non support.

Once in custody, Blankenship was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Online court records show Blankenship's past crime occurring in Atchison when he was 19-years old, convicted of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a girl of 15. That was in 2003 according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are on the search for a missing pickup truck, stolen in recent days while parked in Atchison.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says the 1992 GMC was stolen sometime between 6:00 Friday evening and 9:45 Monday morning while parked in the 700 block of Kearney Street.

Wilson describes the pickup truck as grey and black with front end damage.

Anyone with related information should contact authorities at 913-367-4323.

2nd District Atchison Co Commissioner John Calhoon/Credit: Atchison Co

 

(KAIR)--An Atchison County commissioner facing a legal effort to remove him from office is fighting back in court, accusing the county attorney and sheriff of weaponizing the legal system against a political adversary.

According to a filing in Atchison County District Court, attorneys for Commissioner John Calhoon filed a response Friday to a motion for judgment on the pleadings brought by Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker. The response asks the court to deny Becker's motion and allow the case to proceed to discovery.

Becker originally filed the petition against Calhoon in March, then filed an amended petition in May. Calhoon's attorney argues in the filing that Becker significantly scaled back the original petition after turning over 96 pages of documents in response to a Kansas Open Records Act request. The filing alleges those documents show the case was driven not by legitimate public concern, but by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, whom the filing describes as a political adversary of Calhoon's with a history of using litigation against opponents.

Calhoon's legal team raises several defenses, including that the state statute used to pursue the case is unconstitutional, that the action is barred by the statute of limitations, and that the case is tainted by what the filing calls unclean hands due to the sheriff's alleged involvement.

The filing argues that because Calhoon has raised multiple defenses, the court cannot grant judgment on the pleadings at this stage, and that discovery must be allowed to proceed before the merits of the case can be fully argued.

At issue is whether or not Calhoon can legally hold two county offices at once, including that of commissioner and Jackson County Undersheriff.

The case remains pending in Atchison County District Court.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City, Nebraska City Council is seeking to fill a vacant council seat following the resignation of Council Member Vickie Zelenka, effective immediately.

Mayor Charlie Hatfield is accepting applications from residents interested in serving the remainder of the term, which runs from July 13, 2026, through December 2028.

Applications are available at the Pawnee City Clerk's Office, located at 605 G Street, and must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10.

 

(MSC News)--An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Friday for Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri counties in the listening area.

For Southeast Nebraska there is a heat advisory in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Heat index values up to 106 degrees are possible today and Tuesday in Southeast Nebraska.

In Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values possibly approaching 110 degrees are possible throughout the week.

These hot temperatures and high humidity levels may cause heat illnesses.

Area residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay of of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.

Never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

You should take extra precautions including wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Be sure to take action when you notice symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

(KLZA)-- Prichard Auditorium in Falls City is going to be open this week until 8 p.m. Each day, serving as a cooling station due to the extreme heat.

The public is invited to come to Prichard Auditorium if you need a cool place during the heat wave.

The Falls City Police Department will close the building each evening at 8 p.m.

 

 

(KLZA)-- Nebraska's unemployment rate for May remained at 3%, the same as in April.

The National unemployment rate for the month was 4.3%.

The Nebraska Department of Labor shows Southeast Nebraska counties unemployment rates low as well.

Richardson County, 2.3%. Pawnee County, 2.8%.

Nemaha County, 3.3% which is the highest rate in the southeast corner of the state.

Johnson County, 2.9%. Otoe County, 2.4% and Gage County, 2.4%.

South Dakota continues to have the lowest unemployment figure in the country at 2.1%.

North Dakota is second at 2.4%. Hawaii 3rd at 2.5%. Vermont checks in at number 4 at 2.6% while Nebraska, Alabama and New Hampshire rank 5th at 3% unemployment.

Iowa has a jobless rate of 3.2% ranking 9th in the country. Kansas and Missouri are tied for 20th with Mississippi and Virginia with unemployment rates of 3.8%.

Editor's note: due to unspecified circumstances, the auction will not be held July 1. 

 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office will auction off abandoned vehicles on Wednesday, July 1, at 1 p.m. The auction will be held in the west parking lot of the Sheriff's Office in Hiawatha.

The public may inspect the vehicles at any time before the auction. All vehicles will be sold as-is, where-is, with no warranties or guarantees.

Prospective bidders may register beginning at noon on July 1 in the Sheriff's Office lobby. Winning bidders must pay before removing their vehicle. Payment will be accepted by cash, check, or money order, and a receipt will be issued as proof of purchase.

All purchased vehicles must be removed within seven days. The Brown County Sheriff's Office is not responsible for accidents during the auction.

(KAIR)--Atchison County voters, on August 4, will decide who advances from the primary to the general election in the race for 2nd District Atchison Commissioner. 

Seeking the seat is current, appointed Commissioner John Calhoon whose election run is challenged in the Republican primary by Randell Vanderweide. 

Meet both candidates during 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, July 6, as they answer questions submitted by you. 

Send your questions for the two candidates to kairradio@gmail.com all this week, with Vanderweide & Calhoon, Monday morning around 7:20, to begin fielding the questions, as submitted by you and finalized by MSC Radio News. 

Live and local, with questions submitted by you, in advance of your chance to decide at the polls. 

(KNZA)--Two St. Joseph, Missouri residents were killed in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning in Buchanan County, Missouri. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash happened just before 4:00 on Missouri Route 6 at 68th Road, about a mile east of St. Joseph. 

According to the Patrol, a 53-year-old St. Joseph man was riding a westbound Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle when he lost control while negotiating a curve. The motorcycle left the north side of the roadway, struck the ground, and then hit a steep embankment. 

The driver and his 47-year-old female passenger, also from St. Joseph, were both thrown from the motorcycle. They were pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Highway Patrol says both victims were wearing helmets. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of crash victims.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha-based community action agency is expanding its reach into northwest Kansas following approval of new federal grant funding.

NEK-CAP has been authorized by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to extend services into 22 northwest Kansas counties.

Agency leaders say the expansion follows the recent closure of another service provider and will help ensure rural communities continue to have access to essential support programs.

NEK-CAP will offer programs including Service Coordination, Foundations for Stability, and Filling the Gap, while building partnerships with local organizations and residents throughout the region.

The agency is also recruiting three new board members to represent the northwest Kansas service area.

NEK-CAP currently serves low-income residents in 16 counties across northeast and north central Kansas.