(KNZA)--One person was killed and eight others were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash Saturday morning on Interstate 29 in Buchanan County, Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a Ford Expedition driven by a 34-year-old St. Joseph man suffered a blowout of the left rear tire at about 10:40 a.m. The driver lost control, and the SUV traveled off the west side of the interstate before overturning several times and coming to rest on its roof.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle was carrying 11 people, including the driver. A 36-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries. The remaining injured occupants were juveniles.

Three girls from Leavenworth, Kansas — ages 16, 14, and 13 — suffered serious injuries. A 10-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl, both from Leavenworth, along with a 3-year-old girl from St. Joseph, received minor injuries. A 2-year-old girl from St. Joseph suffered moderate injuries. Two infant girls from St. Joseph were not injured.

The Patrol says all the occupants were wearing safety restraints.

Several victims were transported directly to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Others were initially taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph before being transferred to Children's Mercy.

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

 

Michael West/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)-- Jefferson County man convicted in the 2023 beating death of his father is now asking a judge to allow him to withdraw his guilty plea.

Michael West, of Ozawkie, pleaded guilty in April to first-degree murder. That plea canceled a jury trial that had previously been scheduled in the case.

However, court records show West’s attorney filed a motion last week requesting that the court allow him to take back that plea—just one day before he was set to be sentenced.

At the time of sentencing, prosecutors and the defense were both expected to recommend a life sentence, with parole eligibility after 25 years.

In the filing, West says he now regrets accepting the plea agreement. He argues he did not fully understand the consequences of pleading guilty and believes he has potential defenses he wants to present at trial.

Under Kansas law, a judge may permit a defendant to withdraw a guilty plea before sentencing if “good cause” is shown. The decision now rests with the court.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for July 23rd at the Jefferson County District Court. After that hearing, a judge will decide whether West’s guilty plea will stand or whether the case will proceed to a jury trial.

(KAIR)--A Sunday evening boating crash on Jefferson County's Lake Perry has left one dead and one facing charges related to the death. 

WIBW-TV, citing Jefferson County Sheriff Timothy Bacon, reports the fatal accident happened around 6:00 when two water vessels collided. 

Dead is 22-year-old Olathe resident Hannah Heflin who suffered fatal injuries in the crash. 

Arrested in connection with the deadly accident was 20-year-old Carter Page, taken into custody by officers for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and facing the charge of vehicular homicide. According to publicly available social media profiles, Page is a resident of Lancaster, in Atchison County. 

Credit: Jefferson Co Sheriff

Following his arrest, Page was booked into the Jefferson County Jail but released on a bond of $5,000. 

Additional details regarding the circumstances of the fatal boating crash have not immediately been made public. 

Photo credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A Topeka man was arrested on multiple drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County early Sunday morning. 

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, just after midnight, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near 142nd Road on U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged traffic violation.

During the stop, Morse said a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, leading to the driver’s arrest.

The driver, 21-year-old Isaac Calabrese, was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Calabrese was booked into the Jackson County Jail. 

Photo credit:  Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--An Oklahoma man is facing multiple drug charges following a late-night traffic stop in Jackson County.

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a deputy stopped a Honda Pilot on U.S. Highway 75, just north of 198th Road, shortly after 10:00 p.m. Sunday for an alleged traffic violation.

During the stop, deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.

Morse says 34-year-old Darrian Taylor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was taken into custody at the scene.

Taylor was booked into the Jackson County Jail on multiple allegations, including possession of cocaine, marijuana, THC, and drug paraphernalia, as well as transporting an open container.

 

Photo Credit: Meadowlark Extension District 

 

(MSC News)--The Meadowlark Extension District has announced the hiring of three new 4-H agents who will serve communities across the region.

Abigail Burger joined the staff May 11 and is based in Seneca. Megan Vrbka and Ashtyn Humphreys both began their roles on June 8, serving in Holton and Oskaloosa.

District officials say the new hires bring strong backgrounds in agriculture, education, and youth development, along with personal experience in 4-H.

Burger grew up near Wathena and previously worked in 4-H programming in Brown County after earning her degree from Kansas State University. Vrbka, originally from Nebraska, has experience as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, and was active in livestock, leadership, and judging programs. Humphreys, also from Nebraska, holds a master’s degree in agricultural education and leadership and was a longtime 4-H member herself.

All three say they are excited to work with youth and families and help strengthen local 4-H programs across the Meadowlark District.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has approved updated cell phone and social media policy language for the 2026–27 school year.

The action came during the June 8th board meeting and follows guidance from the Kansas Association of School Boards as the district works to align with a new Kansas law passed during this year’s legislative session.

Under the new policy, students will not be allowed to use or access personal electronic communication devices during the school day on district property, unless an approved exception applies. Devices must be turned off, stored away from students, and kept inaccessible throughout the school day.

The policy also places new limits on staff communication with students. Employees will be required to use approved school communication systems only, with no private contact allowed through social media or messaging apps.

The state law takes effect July 1st, and school districts must be fully in compliance by September 1st.

In other business, the board approved a nearly 143-thousand-dollar bid from Carly Construction of Wamego for roof repairs at the district’s Career and Technical Education building. Members also renewed the district’s insurance policy with SBS Insurance for the 2026–27 school year.

(KMZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation mill and overlay project is scheduled to begin Tuesday, June 16 on U.S.36 highway in Marshall County.
KDOT says  said the project will begin at the K-87 highway junction and proceed west to 20th Street in Marysville.
Traffic will be restricted to one lane in the active work area and will be directed by a pilot car and flaggers. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.
A 12-foot width restriction will also be in place through the work zone.
Work will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. The project is expected to be complete in late August, conditions permitting.
Hall Brothers Inc., of Marysville, is the prime contractor on the $5.5 million project.

(KLZA) --The Richardson County Commission has declared a state of emergency following a series of severe weather events that caused widespread damage across the county.

Commissioners approved the declaration during their June 10 meeting. The action comes after severe storms on May 16 and 17, a tornado on May 18, and heavy rainfall on June 4 and 5. County officials say the weather events resulted in significant damage to both public and private property, disrupted utility services, and threatened the health and safety of residents in affected areas.

During the meeting, Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. provided an update on road and bridge maintenance efforts. Darveau also informed commissioners that the Martin Marietta quarry near DuBois will remain closed for much of the summer because of flooding.

In response to the anticipated shortage of rock materials, the board recommended the county begin planning to build a stockpile of rock for future road and bridge projects.

 

(KLZA)-- Authorities in Nebraska City continue an investigation following one man being killed and another wounded Wednesday night in Nebraska City.

Nebraska City Police report 45-year-old Will Neeman was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. A 28-year-old male who has not been identified was transported to CHI St. Mary's Hospital in Nebraska City and then flown to an Omaha hospital with a gunshot wound to the head.

Rescue crews were called to the 1100 block of North 4th Street at approximately 10:30 p.m.

(KAIR)--A rear-end collision on a dusty Atchison roadway sent emergency response to the scene Thursday morning.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded around 11:00 Thursday morning to the 1200 block of North River Road after a southbound Jeep SUV struck a semi truck from behind.

Wilson says heavy truck traffic on the gravel road had kicked up significant dust, and the semi driver had slowed to allow a northbound truck to pass when the crash occurred.

The Jeep was driven by 32-year-old Joseph Hunt of Atchison while the semi was driven by 30-year-old Leavy Jones of Kansas City, Kansas.

Atchison County EMS responded and examined Hunt on the scene but he was not transported.

(KNZA)--The annual Pony Express Re-Ride will travel through Kansas Monday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 16, with riders retracing portions of the original trail in a tribute to the routes and riders that helped shape the nation ahead of the U.S. semiquincentennial.

Organizers say the re-ride will cross northeastern Kansas through communities that once served as key links in the Pony Express system. Featured stops include Horton, the Seneca Pony Express Museum, the Marysville Pony Express Museum, and the Hollenberg Pony Express Station near Hanover, described as the only original Pony Express station still standing on its original foundation.

Kansas route highlights include a handoff in Elwood near the St. Joe Bridge Monday afternoon around 3:30, followed by a stop in Horton Monday night around 8:45. Riders are expected in Seneca early Tuesday morning around 2:30, then in Marysville Tuesday morning around 9:15, with the Hollenberg Station stop Tuesday morning around 11:30. A handoff at the Nebraska-Kansas state line is scheduled Tuesday afternoon around 12:30.

The Pony Express operated for only about 18 months, but organizers say it demonstrated rapid, reliable communication across long distances, helping connect the country during a pivotal period. They say the re-ride is carried out by volunteers in a continuous relay, day and night, passing a mochila along the historic route.

 

Governor Laura Kelly/Credit: state of Kansas

 

(KNZA)--Two local electric cooperatives have been awarded funding for infrastructure projects.

Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday announced more than 13-point-7 million dollars in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience projects in 18 Kansas communities.

The funding includes more than 10 million dollars from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and 3-point-6 million dollars in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund.

Locally, Brown-Atchison Electric Cooperative Association will receive funding for a pole replacement project totaling more than 1-point-27 million dollars, while Doniphan Electric Cooperative will receive support for a substation rebuild project totaling 1-point-75 million dollars.

State officials say the investments will strengthen infrastructure and improve the reliability of Kansas energy systems.

(KMZA)--The City of Sabetha has approved a contract with Nemaha County to provide dispatch services for the city.

The agreement was unanimously approved during Monday night’s City Commission meeting.

Under the plan, Sabetha will transition from operating its own local dispatch center for police, fire, and EMS to relying on the county’s consolidated system.

Emergency dispatch responsibilities will shift to the Nemaha County Communications Center in Seneca. That center already handles dispatching for the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca Police Department, EMS, and six rural fire departments.

City officials say the move is intended to improve public safety coordination, reduce operating costs, and streamline emergency communications.

In other action, the commission approved a charter ordinance raising the transient guest tax from two percent to five percent. The tax is applied to overnight stays at local hotels and motels. The additional revenue will go toward tourism promotion, community events, parks, recreation, and other quality-of-life improvements benefiting both residents and visitors.

The commission also approved the hiring of Jeremy Haverkamp as Director of Operations and Dennis Enneking as Director of Utilities.

(KLZA)-- Governor Jim Pillen has issued several emergency declarations to provide state resources in areas that have experienced destructive weather events.

Last ,month, multiple counties experienced widespread damage resulting from severe weather May 15-18. Gov. Pillen has issued an emergency proclamation covering Richardson, Nemaha, Gage, Buffalo, Fillmore, Jefferson, Thayer, Thurston and Howard counties. 

The issuing of these proclamations not only allows for the activation of resources, but also the use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help cover costs associated with managing the impacts of these weather events.

The most current situation involves a wildfire in Sioux County between Crawford and Harrison. The South Fork Fire has burned nearly 9,000 acres since it was detected Wednesday afternoon. 

(KAIR)--A State of Local Disaster Emergency is proclaimed for Jefferson County.

That happened Monday, with the unofficial minutes of that day's County Commission meeting saying the Jefferson County leaders voted unanimously to approve the resolution formally declaring a disaster due to the impact of flooding and severe storms that began June 5th.

County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers brought the resolution before the Commissioners, citing damage from those storms, with the unanimous vote following his presentation.

A local disaster declaration gives county officials expanded authority to mobilize emergency resources and opens the door to requesting state assistance as needed.

Credit: Atchison Co Historical Society

(KAIR)--A once all-but-forgotten aspect of Atchison history will be on display this coming weekend with the opening of the Black Business District Museum one part of the overall local celebration of Juneteenth.

Preserving the history of the once thriving northside district has long been a goal, with the Atchison County Historical Society and its volunteers working to make it a reality, with the City of Atchison, in 2024, signing over related properties for the project.

Atchison artist and genealogist Patty Boldridge has been instrumental in the project, focused on the preservation of the history of the once thriving 100 Black-owned businesses in the district. "It was a wonderful discovery," Boldridge said during a visit to 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday. "It wasn't until they were going to demolish the buildings. My cousin Angela called me and she said you've got to be at the city commission meeting tonight. That's when we found out that they were going to possibly demolish the buildings and that they were the last of those businesses to be standing because so many had already been torn down. My sister, Sonia Boldridge, and I, we are genealogists."

It was after that Commission meeting, Boldridge says, that research began on the history of the black businesses. "We started digging into just those buildings, and in the process was able to find out that there were all these different black-owned businesses in Atchison. And we have uncovered over 100 black-owned businesses starting in, I believe, the earliest was 1876. I won't say the ending of black-owned businesses, but in its heyday, it would have been in the late sixties. After segregation, that's when things started to change.”

The opening of the Black Business District Museum will happen Saturday afternoon at 2:00, followed by Black History Trolley Tours from 2:30 to 4:00 and 4 to 5:30.

The opening of the museum is one part of the three day Juneteenth celebration which begins Friday, with the bulk of the 20th annual Atchison event taking place at the city's LFM Park.

The museum, which the historical society says is housed in a 1920 structure, is located in the 1100 block of North 7th Street near the park.

 

 

 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education has organized for the upcoming school year.

During Monday night’s meeting, board members selected new officers for the 2026–27 school year.

Board President Roni Tietjens nominated fellow board member Ryan Patton to serve as the next board president. The board approved the nomination.

Tietjens said she felt it was time to step aside after serving two years in the role and pass leadership on to someone else.

Patton then nominated Griff Howard to serve as vice president, which was also approved by the board.

Patton and Howard will officially assume their roles at the board’s next meeting.

(KNZA)--Authorities are investigating after a body was recovered from Perry Lake Tuesday morning. 

According to Jefferson County Sheriff Timothy Bacon, deputies were called just before noon to a report of a body in the water near the Slough Creek Boat Ramp off Ferguson Road. 

WIBW-TV reports the body was identified as 51-year-old James Meredith of Berryton. Bacon said there were no apparent signs of foul play. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

Bacon thanked the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jefferson County EMS, the Fairview Fire Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies for their assistance at the scene.

Photo Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--Two Hiawatha residents were arrested on drug-related charges early Saturday morning following an investigation by local law enforcement.

According to the Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, Sheriff's deputies and officers with the Hiawatha Police Department were attempting to locate a wanted individual shortly after 12:30 a.m.. While conducting a consent search of a residence, officers reportedly observed suspected illegal drug-related items in plain view.

Merchant said additional consent was granted to conduct a more extensive search for narcotics within the home.

As a result of the investigation, 47-year-old James Scott was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony distribution of narcotics, no drug tax stamp, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested was 37-year-old Allicia Ramirez, who was booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KNZA)--The City of Hiawatha is considering new regulations for the use of e-bikes and motorized scooters within the city limits.

Police Chief Dave Villanueva and City Attorney Andy Delaney presented information on the issue during Monday night’s City Commission meeting.

Delaney explained that under current Kansas law, e-bikes are generally treated the same as traditional bicycles. The state does not have a minimum age requirement or helmet mandate, though some cities across Kansas have adopted their own local restrictions.

City officials noted there have been several incidents in recent years involving e-bikes and motorized scooters in Hiawatha, raising public safety concerns among residents.

The discussion also included the possible regulation of utility vehicles within city limits.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd urged caution, warning against overregulating e-bike and scooter use. Commissioner Tom Martin said basic rules may be needed to improve safety. Commissioner Laura Tollefson said the city should examine how other communities of similar size are addressing the issue.

Villanueva and Delaney will gather additional information, and the issue is expected to be revisited at the next City Commission meeting.

(KAIR)--Three people went to jail Friday night on drug charges following a pair of Atchison traffic stops.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, around 8:20 Friday evening, an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the 300 block of North 7th Street after recognizing the driver as 28-year-old Zane Boldridge of Atchison, knowing there were outstanding warrants for him. A passenger in the vehicle, 28-year-old Morgan Brashear of Horton, also had an outstanding warrant. Both were taken into custody.

Boldridge was arrested on a District Court warrant for probation violation, a Johnson County warrant for probation violation, and charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Brashear was arrested on a Leavenworth County warrant for failure to appear in court and charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Later that night, around 11:00, an officer stopped a vehicle at 10th and Main Street for a traffic violation. The driver, 64-year-old Edwin McBratney of Atchison, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and taken to the county jail.

Once in custody, all three were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved a zoning change and plats for a new housing development planned west of Bruning Park.

Commissioners voted 4-to-1 Monday night to rezone about three-and-a-half acres from agricultural to multi-family residential use. Commissioner Brian Shefferd cast the lone dissenting vote.

The Commission also approved both the preliminary and final plats for the Villas of Beautiful Maples Project on separate 4-to-1 votes, with Shefferd again voting no. Commissioners authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the necessary documents.

The Hiawatha Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the zoning change and plats. Following those meetings, a 14-day protest period drew no objections from adjacent property owners.

The development is planned as a 10-unit duplex project. The preliminary plat outlines general information including lot sizes and utility easements, while the final plat contains the legal descriptions that will be filed with the Brown County courthouse.

In other business, the Commission approved a curb-and-gutter replacement project in the 200 block of North Third Street. J and B Contractors will complete the work at a cost of more than 31-thousand dollars.

 

(KNZA)--Plans for an ADA accessibility project at the Doniphan County Courthouse are moving forward.

The Doniphan County Commission voted Monday to enter into an agreement with Snyder & Associates of St. Joseph, Missouri, for design and construction engineering services. The contract fee will not exceed 66-thousand-250 dollars.

The county was awarded a state grant of more than 400-thousand dollars last year for a project that would add an ADA-accessible ramp to the south side of the courthouse.

The new ramp would replace the courthouse’s current electrical lift, which has experienced technical problems and weather-related challenges.

Doniphan County will be responsible for more than 84-thousand dollars in project costs.

Commissioners also received correspondence from officers and board members of the Doniphan County Historical Society expressing support for the project, provided it does not affect the integrity of the historic courthouse building.

County Clerk Peggy Franken said the county and the Kansas Historical Society are awaiting a response from the Doniphan County Heritage Commission regarding the project.

(KLZA)--Falls City Police Chief Jamie Baker has announced the department has been awarded $4,614 in grant funds to help with the purchase of bulletproof vests for officers.
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership is an initiative through the U.S. Department of Justice designed to provide critical resources to state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant Chief Mike Dougherty  wrote the grant application for the department. Dougherty noted the funds will help pay to replace the officers current bulletproof vests because of aging. The vests have a five-year life expectancy.
Manufacturers recommend replacing a vest after five years of service due to its vital importance to officers.
In the news release announcing the grant award, Baker and Dougherty state that grant funding is a tremendous benefit to the department, the City and taxpayers and noted that the FCPD try's to take advantage of every opportunity available when grant funding is available.