Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Holton woman is facing multiple drug and alcohol-related charges following a welfare check in Holton Sunday evening.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, just before 6:00 p.m., deputies were called to the area near Anew Healthcare at 7th and Montana after reports of an unconscious person in the driver’s seat of a running Chevrolet Impala.

When deputies arrived, they located the woman and began an investigation. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, officers reportedly found drug paraphernalia.

The driver, identified as 34-year-old Miranda Linn Minner of Holton,  was arrested on charges including driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, possession of opiate narcotics, felony possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Minner was transported and booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KMZA)--The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public’s help identifying two people involved in an assault late last month.

The Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened shortly before 10:30 a.m. on April 24th near East Hickory and Calhoun Streets in Louisville.

According to a witness, a man driving a white mid-size SUV got out of the vehicle and repeatedly punched an elderly man in the face, knocking him to the ground. A female passenger then reportedly exited the SUV and struck the victim in the head at least once while he was down.

Both suspects left the scene in the SUV.

The male suspect is described as a tall, thin, light-skinned Black man in his mid- to late-20s. The female is described as a short, heavy-set white woman with straight, dirty blonde hair, also believed to be in her mid- to late-20s.

The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and declined transport to a hospital.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Martinez with the Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353, or submit an anonymous tip through the agency’s website, referencing case number 2026-2061.

( L-R)--Kayla Shopteese and Jadake Pewamo/Credit: Brown Co Sheriff's Office 

 

(KAIR)--A reported verbal domestic dispute in Brown County late last week led to a search warrant and to the arrest of two Horton residents.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies responded around 6:45 Friday evening to 1288 Fern Road. Merchant says that after the initial investigation, deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence.

The release says 18-year-old Kayla Shopteese was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and contributing to a child’s misconduct.

Merchant says 24-year-old Jadake Pewamo was also arrested on charges of furnishing cereal malt beverage to a minor, contributing to a child’s misconduct, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Once in custody, the pair was booked into the Brown County Jail.

The release credits the assistance provided by the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department.

Eddie Aldrine/Credit: Nemaha Co 

 

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Emergency Preparedness Director Eddie Aldrine is stepping down. 

The Nemaha County Commission accepted his resignation at their April 27th meeting. His final day in the role will be May 20th. 

Aldrine says he’s accepted a new position with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, where he will serve as Emergency Management Coordinator. 

He has been Nemaha County’s Emergency Preparedness Director since June of 2022. 

Commissioners have not yet announced how they plan to fill the position, which is required under state statute.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang alleges a violation of the Open Meetings Act by the Pawnee County Commissioners occurred during the Boards December, 23, 2025 meeting and January 6, 2026 meetings.

Sheriff Lang has filed a lawsuit against Pawnee County stating his belief that reasonable notice was not given for the meetings.

The Pawnee Republican newspaper reports Lang's suit seeks to have the resolution setting the salaries for elected officials for the 2027-2030 term of office be declared void.

In a social media post dated April 22, Lang alleges the action on the salaries did not take place at the time for which it had been scheduled on the Commissioners agenda.

In his post, Lang went on to say the salary structure set by the Board is not what has traditionally been followed.

The Chief Deputy position has traditionally been set at 87% of the Sheriff's salary. Following an increase in pay for deputy sheriff positions in October and again in December 2023, the deputy sheriff salaries now exceed the salary of the Pawnee County Sheriff.

According to figures Lang included in the post, the Chief Deputy now makes 107% of the Sheriff's salary; with two other deputy positions paid 105% and 101% of the sheriff's salary.

Lang has requested the Commissioners reconsider the salary set during the December, 23, 2025 meeting or revisit the decision and place the sheriff's salary for the next 4-year term of office on a future agenda for proper discussion and action.

For 2027 the Sheriff's salary was set at $69,864 with a built in 3% increase each year of the term, topping out at a salary of $76,343 in 2030.

Deputies are paid by the hour with their pay based on position in the department.

Pawnee County Commissioners have 30 days from the date the suit was filed to respond to the suit.

Braden Lang has been with the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department since 2009 and was appointed Sheriff in 2019.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department and the Falls City Police Department will be taking part in the “Make it Click” campaign May 15 – 31st.

With the end of the school year and summer approaching, more people are traveling. Local law enforcement is reminding all drivers of the importance of seat belt and child restraint use.

“Make it Click” is a national mobilization designed to save lives. In 2021, more thatn one person on average died per hour in vehicle crashes while not wearing seat belts.

During this mobilization, local law enforcement officers will be conducting high saturation patrols focusing on seat belt and child restraint use. Officers will have a ZERO TOLERANC approach to seat belt violations.

During the “Make it Click” campaign, officers will be working overtime with the overtime hours paid for through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Drivers and passengers are reminded to Buckle up, every trip, every time!

 

(KLZA)-- The 2026 commencement at Peru State College, Nebraska's first institution of higher education is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Al Wheeler Activity Center on the Peru State campus. More than 300 graduates will be conferred during the ceremony including master's and undergraduate degree recipients, and Winter 2025 graduates. Following a welcome by President Dr. Robert Mock, Jr., Ms. Connie Edmond of Lincoln will provide greetings from the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees. Edmond is a 1987 graduate of Peru State. The 2026 Peru State College Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Joyce Douglas of Lincoln. Douglas has had a long history of collaboration with the College. Peru State will recognize Ms. Cassandra Tangen, Instructor of Math, as its Teaching Excellence Award winner. Mr. Ted L. Harshbarger, Class of 1977, and Director of Alumni Relations of the Peru State College Foundation, will welcome the graduates to the Alumni Association. The presentation of the graduates will be overseen by Dr. Regina Toman, Dean of the School of Professional Studies, and Dr. Paul Hinrichs, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. President Mock will confer the degrees and provide concluding remarks. After commencement, those attending are invited to a celebration reception on the campus courtyard. A picnic meal and live music will be provided, allowing families, friends, and the College’s faculty and staff to wish the 2026 graduates success in their future endeavors. Established in 1867 as Nebraska’s first college, Peru State has transformed over the past century and a half into a state-of-the-art institution offering diverse, multifaceted educational programs to nearly 1,300 students each year. The commencement ceremony will be available via a livestream link at https://www.peru.edu/commencement/.

(KLZA)-- Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana is making a second round of statewide town hall listening tours, with stop scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 6 in Falls City.

These town halls will explain the current state of Nebraska’s medical cannabis program, what patients and families need to know, and how  ongoing legislative and regulatory decisions may affect access. Patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and stay engaged on an issue that matters deeply to Nebraskans.

The meeting in Falls City will take place at Smiley Bee's located in the 1700 block of Stone Street across from the Richardson County Courthouse between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Nebraskan's voted in support of medical cannibas during the November, 2024 General Election.

Many questions remain about implementation, access and patient protections.

Crista Eggers is the Executive Director of Nebraskan's for Medical Marijuana.

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program starting Monday May 4, and continuing through May 29.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency administers Grassland CRP, a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

Grassland CRP emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grasslands and land with shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion.

Grassland CRP enrollment will be competitive just like previous enrollment periods since the program is very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap.

Currently, more than 26.2 million acres are enrolled in CRP, with nearly 10.3 million acres in Grassland CRP. FSA recently closed the enrollment period for General CRP.

Due to the 27-million-acre statutory cap, only 1.9 million acres are available for all CRP enrollment this fiscal year.

Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their?local FSA county office before the May 29 deadline.??

 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a contract with Hall Brothers Inc. out of Marysville, Kansas for the 2026 Scrub Mastic hard surface on the dustless highway northeast of Falls City. The price for the 10.5 miles of work will be $271,044.

Commissioners also approved an agreement with Verizon Connect for a vehicle tracking subscription and dashcam service and software for county vehicles.

A discussion was held on quotes received for electrical hook-up and HVAC installation at the outdoor storage building at the Law Enforcement Center which will be used as an evidence storage area. No action was taken.

The Board congratulated dispatcher Chase Hardesty on recently receiving a Life-Saver Award while attending training at Kearney.

A proposal from Halsey Inc. doing business as ServPro of St. Joseph and Maryville, MO to do restoration service of areas within the Richardson County Courthouse was approved at a cost of $7,354.

The proposal was based on the formal mold investigation report dated April 15 that was completed by Techtron Environmental Solutions.

Commissioners also met with Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall to review a proposed salary increase for the Deputy Emergency Management Director position. The proposal was to increase the salary from $23.35 per hour to $27.02 per hour which would make the salary 75% of the Emergency Management Directors current salary.

Following a lengthy discussion, the proposal was tabled for further review.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday and Wednesday of this week the Community Focus Program on SUNNY 101.3 and KTNC Radio will feature interviews with the two candidates for Richardson County Sheriff.

Incumbent Rick Hardesty is seeking another term in office and is challenged by Nick Aitken.

Both candidates are Republican and will square off in the May 12 Primary Election. There are no candidates on the Democratic ticket.

Tuesday we will present an interview with Rick Hardesty and on Wednesday our interview will be with Nick Aitken.

The interviews will follow the local news and sports on KTNC in the 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. hour.

On SUNNY 101.3 the interviews will air following the news around 7:20 a.m. Both days.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with Southeast Nebraska Community Action Agency representative Susan Keholm last Wednesday.

She presented information about the organizations 60th Anniversary and offered a proclamation for the Board to sign designating May at Community Action Month in Pawnee County.

Krystal Nickels met with the Board to discuss SENCA's Pawnee County Family Development Associate update on services in the county and related events and activiites that are scheduled.

Commissioners also heard updates from several county officials during the meeting.

Credit: Maur Hill-Mt Academy

 

(KAIR)--A new head girls varsity basketball coach is named at Atchison’s Maur Hill-Mount Academy, with a release from the school saying a native of the local area steps into the position.

According to the release, Josie Weishaar, originally from Nortonville, takes over the head coaching role. She was a varsity standout at Jefferson County North, while also competing in multiple sports.

The release notes Weishaar continued her basketball career at Missouri Western State University, where she was part of a team that advanced to the Elite Eight. She later played at Benedictine College, helping the program reach a conference championship and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament Round of 32.

The release says Weishaar currently teaches physical education and most recently served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program at Benedictine College, citing her playing background, coaching experience, and focus on student-athlete development.

(KAIR)--The City of Valley Falls is marking National Public Service Recognition Week, releasing a social media message encouraging all to give thanks to those who serve the community.

The week began Sunday and runs through Saturday. The recognition follows a proclamation made during the Valley Falls City Council meeting of April 15.

The city says the week is meant to honor public servants across many roles, including first responders, healthcare professionals, teachers, public works staff, and others who help keep the city running, and it encourages residents to thank them for their commitment and service.

The City of Valley Falls is also recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, following a proclamation made during the same Council meeting.

The City says motorcycles are an important part of transportation and recreation across Kansas, and with more riders on the road, safety and awareness are especially important. The city is reminding drivers to stay alert, share the road, and show respect for motorcyclists on city streets and highways.

Mayor Dawn Kennedy is encouraging residents to promote safer roadways by watching for motorcycles and giving them space, with the goal of preventing crashes and keeping everyone safe.

(KAIR)--Two drivers were injured in an early Monday morning Jefferson County crash about two miles east of Ozawkie, with both transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

WIBW-TV, citing Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, reports the crash happened at the intersection of K-92 Highway and Ferguson Road shortly before 5:00 Monday morning, when an SUV northbound on Ferguson Road failed to stop for a stop sign and crashed into a car that had been eastbound on K-92.

The driver of the SUV, 29-year-old Gandarilla Gleudis Pena of Kansas City, Kansas, was taken by the Jefferson County Ambulance to Stormont Vail in Topeka.

The driver of the car, 62-year-old Matthew Grother of Ozawkie, was transported by Jefferson County Ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Fire departments from Oskaloosa, Ozawkie, and Fairview assisted at the scene.

Herrig told the TV station at least one of the drivers had to be extricated.

Both of the injured were traveling alone.

(KNZA)--Sabetha Community Hospital is announcing a significant change in how maternity care will be delivered to local families.

Beginning with a new “Shared Care” model, the hospital will phase out in-hospital labor and delivery services, with its final births scheduled for May 31, 2026.

Hospital officials say the decision comes after a long-term review of regional healthcare trends, along with a steady decline in local birth rates in recent years. Leaders say the transition is intended to preserve high-quality care while adapting to the changing needs of the community.

Under the new model, expectant mothers will continue to receive prenatal care locally through Sabetha Family Practice. As delivery nears, patients will then transition to a regional birthing center of their choice.

After childbirth, families will return to Sabetha for postpartum care, newborn checkups, and ongoing pediatric services—allowing much of the care to remain close to home.

Hospital leadership says the approach is designed to combine the comfort and familiarity of local care with the safety and resources available at higher-volume birthing centers.

Officials also say the change will allow the hospital to expand outpatient services, preventive screenings, and primary care offerings for residents across the region.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will hold its annual Citywide Clean-up Day on Saturday, May 9th.

The clean-up site will be set up at the City Public Works property, located at 912 Hiawatha Avenue. Drop-offs will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Each household is limited to one pickup load, one carload, or one single-axle trailer load. Contractors are not permitted, and the city reserves the right to refuse any load. Proof of residency will be required.

New this year, the city is offering curbside pickup of one bulk item per household. Residents must place the item at the curb for collection and call City Hall at 742-7477 by Thursday, May 7th to be added to the pickup list.

Items not accepted include household trash, leaves, grass clippings, tires, paint, oil, ignitable liquids, hazardous materials, and any material containing freon—except for appliances.

 

Natasha Crosby/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A Sabetha woman was arrested on multiple drug charges  following a traffic stop in Jackson County Friday evening. 

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a sheriff’s deputy arrested 45-year-old Natasha Crosby around 9:15  after a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 near 302nd Road.

During the stop, Morse said the deputy conducted a probable cause search of  her vehicle and reported finding cocaine, marijuana and THC products.

Crosby was booked into the Jackson County Jail on suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A Havensville woman was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Rogue around noon on Thursday for an alleged traffic infraction on U.S. 75 near 222nd Road.

46-year-old Margaret Thomas was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without insurance.

Following her arrest, Thomas was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- The 2026 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award recipients will be celebrated during a ceremony at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.

Seventeen adult volunteers, nine 4-H members and five families of volunteers were recognized during National Volunteer Week.

Among the families to be honored as Outstanding Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers is the Vonderschmidt family from Dawson and Richardson Counties.

The Vonderschmidt family said their favorite memory as 4-H volunteers has been watching all the children they have been involved with carry the skills and leadership they learned through 4-H into adulthood. They have worked over the years to help develop responsibility and accountability, emphasizing communication and confidence while teaching practical and technical skills.

The Mike and Deb Wilcox Family from Pawnee County will also be honored at the State Fair.

Their favorite memory is helping a first-year member through their project and then watching them step into the ring with confidence.

The Wilcox family has helped youth become Beyond Ready by focusing on real-world skills, "like responsibility, time management, communication, and problem-solving. Whether it’s completing a project, caring for an animal, or presenting in front of judges, the Wilcox family encourages the members to take ownership and learn from both successes and setbacks, making it a point to connect what they’re doing in 4-H to future careers and everyday life.

Nine 4-H members are being honored as Outstanding Youth Volunteers for going above and beyond in their local 4-H programs. One of those nine is Wesley Schmid from Johnson County who's favorite memory is announcing the Clover Kid pet show.

Among the nine Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award winners is Lisa Schawang from Richardson County. These awards go to those who have been leaders for more than four years. Lisa's favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer is when the group was in the barn and a sudden heavy downpour hit and quickly started to flood the barn. As everyone scrambled to keep the pens dry and push the water back one of the parents splashed a kid with a cup of water leading to a full-fledged water fight causing laughter to fill the barn.

Earning an award as an Emerging Adult Volunteer is Lukas Fritz from Nemaha County. Those honored in this category have served less than three years in their local 4-H community.

 

(KLZA)-- Governor Jim Pillen has appointed Daniella Akwanamnye of Chadron State, Lucas Hrabik of Peru State, and Mattie Kucera of Wayne State to serve as student trustees on the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges. They will serve a one-year term and represent the students of the State Colleges.

Hrabik, a junior at Peru State College, is majoring in secondary social science education with a minor in theatre.

He has served on the Student Senate as President, Vice President, & Freshman representative; One-Act Competition Director and Coordinator; Peru Theatre Company as President & Vice President; and Social Science Club/Phi Alpha Theta Vice President.

When discussing his appointment, Hrabik stated, “Serving as Student Trustee is my way of giving back to the college that’s become my home, continuing to advocate for students, elevate their voices, and help shape decisions that strengthen both my campus and the State College System.”

Lucas is the son of Curt Hrabik and Dr. Cindy Janssen Hrabik of Louisville, Nebraska.

 

(KAIR)--Kansas flags will be lowered to honor fallen firefighters this weekend.

Governor Laura Kelly, through executive order, has directed flags throughout Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown Sunday in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.

Kelly, in a release, calls first responders “the backbone of our communities,” saying they work selflessly to keep Kansans safe day in and day out, and that the day is a time to recognize firefighters’ essential work and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state.

Michael King (left) holds his Distinguished Educator of the Year award, joined by Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis (right)/Submitted photo

 

(KAIR)--Benedictine College has named Michael King as its 2026 Distinguished Educator of the Year.

According to a release from the Atchison-based college, King, an associate professor and chair of the college’s School of Business, received the honor during the annual Academic Honors Convocation on April 29. The college says the award is the highest faculty honor Benedictine presents and has been awarded for more than 30 years, with nominations submitted by students, faculty, and staff.

The college says King was recognized for qualities that include creativity and effectiveness as an educator, strong rapport with students, and a willingness to go beyond the classroom to help students succeed. Benedictine also notes King has helped grow the School of Business to more than 500 undergraduate students and incorporates a Catholic mindset into his teaching.

Benedictine says King is a 1983 graduate of the college and later earned his law degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, along with graduate degrees from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and Fort Hays State University. The release notes his professional background includes work in business ventures and investment banking, service on the professional staff of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, and time as president of the College of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More in Fort Worth, Texas.

(KNZA)--More scams are circulating in Brown County, with the sheriff’s office warning residents about fake text messages designed to intimidate people into paying money.
According to a statement from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, an overwhelming number of residents have recently reported receiving authentic-looking text messages claiming to be from the State of Kansas and the District Court in Johnson County. The messages demand the recipient appear in court for alleged toll evasion, speeding, and parking violations.

Merchant says the messages are fictitious, and that courts do not use text messages to demand someone appear in court. He says the texts are intended to intimidate and extort money, and residents who receive them should delete them immediately. Anyone who believes they have been victimized is asked to contact local law enforcement.
Merchant also warns of a separate scam involving texts claiming to be from the Kansas Turnpike Authority, stating the recipient owes a toll and that an arrest warrant will be issued if it isn’t paid. Merchant says the KTA does not notify people by text message and sends notices in paper form.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

(KNZA)--Brown County has a new Emergency Management Coordinator.

The County Commission voted Monday to hire Brandon Roberts for the position. Roberts will work 24 hours per week in the role.

He replaces Don Pounds, who resigned February 13 after serving in the position for the past six years.

Roberts was one of several candidates interviewed for the job. He officially began his duties on Tuesday.