(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following the discovery of a body in Jackson County. 

Sheriff Tim Morse says authorities were notified around 2:00 Sunday afternoon after a hunter discovered the body about a half-mile south of Nebo State Fishing Lake, located 2 miles southwest of Larkinburg. 

According to Morse, the County Deputy Coroner arrived on the scene following the discovery, and the body was transported to Kansas City for an autopsy. 

Official identification has not yet been made, and it's not immediately made public whether the body is that of  man or woman. No statement has been released regarding a possible cause of death. 

Morse says more details will be released once official identification is made and the family is notified. 

 SEATTLE (AP) - One of the two elephants that were at the center of a controversial move from Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo to Oklahoma City last year has died. KIRO-TV reports that the Oklahoma City Zoo announced Saturday morning over Twitter that female elephant "Chai' was found dead in the elephant yard.

 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The 2016 legislative session that begins Monday will prove challenging for Oklahoma lawmakers grappling with a roughly 13 percent hole in next year's budget. Governor Mary Fallin and Republican legislative leaders have said they intend to target "off-the-top" funding streams earmarked for things like transportation and public schools as part of an attempt to fill the roughly $1 billion budget hole.

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/29/16 07:46 07:47 07:50 10:47 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001244 9551

S LAKE

RP ADV'D SEVERAL SUBJS REMOVING PROPERTY FROM RESI NEARBY. #27 ASND, #31 ASST'D.

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 19 YO W/M FOR POSS STOLEN PROPERTY.

CONNECT #16001252 & 1242

01/29/16 07:46 10:47 10:47 10:47 CRS RECOVERY PD 16001252 9551

S LAKE

#31 LOCATED STOLEN VEH '95 BLK/GOLD FORD VAN 679GGC. CONNECT #16001244 & 1242. VEH OWNER NOTIFIED.

01/29/16 08:10 08:12 08:15 09:19 DISTURBANCE PD 16001248 9751

S WAVERLY

RP IN A RED CHEV CRUISE IN PARKING LOT. HER HUSBAND IS CAUSING DISTURBANCE. TRIED TO STAB HIMSELF W/ A SCREW DRIVER.

#58 ASND, #08 ASST'D. WENT 10-15 W/ SUB DOB 1990 FOR KSO 44'S.

MALE DOES NOT MEET CRITERIA. VEH LEFT IN PARKING LOT.

01/29/16 10:33 10:34 10:34 10:50 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001256 9595

N UNION

#43 WENT 10-15 W/ 22 YO W/M FOR DIST CDS MARIJ.

01/29/16 14:54 14:55 14:55 19:17 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001266 9271

1ST & HIGHLAND

#20 T/S W/ 383DMW AND REQ NEXT NP BUDGET FOR VEH TOW.

WENT 10-15 W/ 56 YO I/F FOR NO INS, FAIL TO PAY TAXES DUE TO STATE, ALTER LIC PLATE, AND PAWNEE CO HOLD FOR 44'S.

01/29/16 15:27 15:31 15:42 18:31 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001269 9999

ELMWOOD

DHS REQ OFFICER FOR STANDBY.

#40 ASND, WENT 10-15 W/ 25 YO W/F FOR KSO 44.

01/29/16 15:44 15:45 15:47 00:09 FATALITY ACCIDENT PD 16001270 9863

5TH & BRADLEY

RP RPTS ACCIDENT W/ INJURIES. #38 ASND. #03, #07, #43, #34 ASST'D. #05, #22, & #29 CALLED OUT. RPT TKN.

WENT 10-15 W/ 54 YO W/F FOR VEH MANSLAUGHTER, DUI DRUGS, POSS METH, POSS PARA, TOC BEER, NO INS, & FAIL TO YIELD. RPT TKN.

01/29/16 19:43 19:45 19:46 19:52 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001283 9351

E OKLAHOMA

MALE IN PD LOBBY TO TURN HIMSELF IN. #53 WENT 10-15 W/ 52 YO W/M FOR KSO WA-ATR DOM A&B STRANGULATION; KSO WA-FTADOME A&B STRANGULATION.

01/29/16 21:30 22:04 22:04 22:04 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16001288 88PD

14TH & HUBBARD

KSO DEPUTY ADV'D THE EB LIGHT AT 14TH/HUBBARD IS STUCK ON RED. SIG TECH ADV'D. TECH ADV LIGHT ON A NEW LOOP & TAKES LONGER THAN NORMAL.

01/30/16 02:38 02:39 02:43 03:45 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16001294 9368

WARWICK

V162 ADV, UNK B/M WRG LIGHT CLR SHIRT RINGING THE DOOR BELL.

#45 & #13 ASND. #45 WENT 10-15 W/ 42 YO B/M FOR DRUNKENESS.

FAIRVIEW, Okla. (AP) - Three earthquakes have struck near the northwest Oklahoma towns of Fairview and Helena.

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 3.1-magnitude temblor hit near Helena Friday at around 2:45 p.m. Earlier in the day, two quakes with 3.4 and 3.3 magnitudes hit near Fairview.  No injuries or damage were immediately reported.

Oklahoma's earthquakes have been linked to the injection of wastewater underground from oil and gas production and state regulators have recommended reducing the volume or shutting down some of the disposal wells.

 This week, Gov. Mary Fallin approved the use of nearly $1.4 million in state emergency funds for state agencies working to reduce the increasing number of quakes linked to the disposal of oil and gas wastewater in Oklahoma.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska agencies are seeking people for respite care training.

The Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Nebraska Health and Human Services Department says people must be 14 or older to attend the eight-hour training sessions.

Respite care can be as simple as spending time with family members, helping with medical care or going shopping.

To become a respite provider, to find out if you qualify for services or to find a respite caregiver in your area, call 1-866-RESPITE or go to https: nrrs.ne.gov/respitesearch.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is traveling to South America next week for a trade mission.

Nixon has announced he's traveling to Colombia and Peru from Saturday through the following Friday.

Like previous trade missions, Nixon says the goal is to increase exports and encourage companies from those countries to invest in Missouri.

This is Nixon's first international trade mission of the year. Nixon last year traveled to Canada and made two trips to Europe.

First Lady Georganne Nixon and the state economic development director are joining Nixon. The Nixons' travel costs will be paid by the Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit organization that frequently finances gubernatorial trade missions.

Nixon says he'll meet with government officials and business groups in both countries.

 A crash at the intersection of Fifth Street and Bradley Avenue claimed the life of 53-year-old Dale Lawrence of Ponca City Friday afternoon.

The accident was reported to the Ponca City Police Department's Communications Center at 3:44 p.m. 
Friday.

Lawrence was riding his motorcycle northbound on Fifth Street. LaVonda Negrete, 54, also of Ponca City, was on Bradley Avenue and turned south onto Fifth Street, where the collision occurred.

Ponca City Police said Negrete was not injured and was wearing a safety belt. Lawrence was wearing a helmet.

Negrete has been charged with failure to yield, transporting an open container of beer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs and manslaughter.

Area High School Basketball Scores for 1/29/2015

Hubbard Road is now open to traffic.  

(KNZA)-- Two brothers have been sentenced for their role in a home invasion last April on the Kickapoo Reservation.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 35-year-old Westley " Sag Tuk" Banks was sentenced Friday in Brown County District Court nearly 11 years in prison ( 130 months) on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated burglary.
   
Hill says the sentence was handed down before a packed courtroom which included members of the Kickapoo Tribal Council, the victim and his family.  Banks was a member of the Tribal Council at the time of his arrest.
   
His brother, 32-year-old Tyler “ Tiger” Banks, was sentenced Monday to more than 9 years in prison  ( 112 months) on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and criminal threat.

Both men pleaded “ no contest” to the charges January 5th, canceling jury trials that had been set in their cases.

A third defendant,  22-year-old Andrew Darnell, is scheduled to sentenced March 28th on three felony counts.   Darnell pleaded no contest in December to charges of robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated assault in the case.

 

 Ponca City Police accident reconstruction experts are on the scene of a motorcycle-pickup truck accident at Fifth Street and Bradley afternoon at 4 p.m.

Updates will be posted as details become available.

Just over one pound of hydro-marijuana, along with two handguns --  a .25 caliber and a .357, ammo and digital scales, packaging materials , methamphetamine and over $300 in cash were seized during a search warrant when 22-year-old Blake Waller was arrested at his home late Friday morning.

The Ponca City Police Department Special Projects Unit, along with assistance from the 8^th Judicial District Attorney’s Task Force and Kay County Sheriff’s Department, served several arrest warrants Friday morning.

The warrants arose from a several months-long investigation focused in Ponca City. The various drug related charges ranging from possession of drug paraphernalia to distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

The warrant sweep consisted of 17 misdemeanor and felony warrants. Additional related arrest warrants are expected to be issued in the near future.

This morning’s arrests included: Joshua Lynn James, 22, on two warrants; Deserie Dawn Brooks 29; Justin Lee Cook, 23; Traci Dawn Dewberry, 35; Joshua Roderick Kendle, 27; Blake Ryan Waller, 22; Joseph Lee Collins, 30, also had two warrants; Douglas Dean White, 23; Mark Alexander Talbert, 23; and Joshua Tyler Keeling, 19.

Those arrested were transported to the Kay County Detention Center and are scheduled to make initial court appearances within the next few days.

(KAIR)--Good news for the City of Atchison comes in the way of a $169,000 grant. 

Awarded through the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, the funds will finance the improvements of sidewalks in the city. 

City Manager Trey Cocking tells MSC News the focus of the work, complete with ADA accessibility, will be Atchison's downtown district. “We're going to focus on making upgrades to our sidewalks, primarily the downtown core, realated to ADA and then just trying to the sidewalks in the downtown corridor area as travelable and as accessible as possible for folks.”

Total cost for the complete project is around $310,000, with the City already having budgeted more than $140,000 for the work. “I believe it will be this summer, hopefully, when we get work done on it,” Cocking says. “I know we're going to have a staff member out in [Hutchinson] in February attending the mandatory workshop related with it. There does have to be a little design work that goes in with it, which we'll handle that design work in house.” 

The City applied for the grant last fall, and was notified that the application was a success on Tuesday. 

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/28/16 08:47 08:54 09:07 09:19 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001201 9551

S 9TH

RP REQ AN OFFICER FOR RPT OF A STOLEN GENERATOR. #27 TOOK RPT.

01/28/16 10:05 10:07 10:14 11:35 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001204 9660

N 14TH

#54 WENT 10-15 W/ 55 YO W/M FOR FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE-TOPEKA, KS. (KSO: WA-PO VIOLATION, WA/FTP-RULE 8 SEX OFFENDER WITH 2000FT SCHOOL.)

#20 10-12 W/ 10-15 TO PD.

01/28/16 13:37 13:38 13:38 13:56 VEHICLE TOW PD 16001210 9595

N LAKE

#43 T/S W/ CHEV COBALT LS. WARNERS TOWED SEIZED VEH.

01/28/16 13:39 13:41 13:41 13:51 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001211 9551

S 10TH

#12 WENT 10-15 W/ 58 YO W/M FOR VIO SEX OFF ACT.

01/28/16 15:58 15:59 16:02 20:26 SUICIDE PD 16001218 9608

BRENTWOOD

POSS CODE BLACK. #52 ASND. #40/19 ASST'D. RPT TKN, M/E AND KSO ADV'D. TROUT RESPONDED. SCENE WAS RELEASED AT 20:21.

01/28/16 18:12 18:14 18:17 18:27 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16001222 9351

COOLEY

RP RPTS FIRE IN THE GARAGE. S1, 2, & 3. #53 & #34 RESPONDED. #53 ADV'D FIRE COMMAND SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT AND PD WAS NOT NEEDED.

01/28/16 19:11 19:13 19:18 19:38 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001226 9351

COOLEY

RP REQ AN OFFICER REF A WALLET STOLEN FROM THE RESI. #53 DISPATCHED AND TOOK INFOR FOR RPT. RP WANTS A TRESPASS WARNING ISSUED TO 31 YO C/F WHEN LOCATED.

01/28/16 19:19 19:26 19:45 20:13 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16001227 9863

N UNION

RP REQ AN OFFICER REF HIS BLU 94 GMC DIESEL W/ PARTIAL TAG "AZK" DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT IS OUT. #34, INFO FOR RPT TKN. NO TAG OR VIN AT THIS TIME. KEY IS BROKEN OFF IN THE IGNITION, WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, HAS "BABY ON BOARD" DECAL IN THE BACK WINDOW AND MILITARY DECALS ON THE BACK BUMPER. ATL TO ALL UNITS.

#34 LOCATED AT 2125 HRS, CONNECT #16001229.

01/28/16 20:16 20:18 20:18 20:18 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16001228 88PD

E HARTFORD

CFS# FOR DEBIT CARD FOUND IN ATM.

01/28/16 21:22 21:23 21:23 21:43 CRS RECOVERY PD 16001229 9863

N UNION

#34 AT PARKING LOT W/ OK 476AZK, ADV'D STOLEN VEH POSTED EARLIER. BLUE 94 GMC DIESEL P/U. CONNECT #16001227. #53 ASST'D.

01/28/16 21:36 21:38 21:40 23:01 ROBBERY, OCCURRED PD 16001230 9004

E LAKE RD

ALARM CO RPT'ING PANIC ALARM AT LAKE/PECAN, ALSO REC'D 911 CALL FROM CLERK AT STORE RPT'ING W/M ABOUT 6'3, GRY JACKET, GRY PANTS, JUST ROBBED THE BUSINESS. LEFT ON FOOT WB. #56 ASND. #51, #13, #45, #53, #07, #18. #06. #23. #40, & #43 RESONDED & SET A WIDE PERIMETER. DOG ON THE GROUND. UTL THE SUSPT. #56, RPT TKN.

01/28/16 23:11 23:13 23:13 23:40 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001233 9863

7TH & BROOKFIELD

#34 WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO B/M FOR (KSO FEL 44'S: ATR-POSS METH AFC.)

01/29/16 01:47 01:50 01:55 00:00 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16001237 9150

SPRINGWOOD

AMB FOR ADULT FEM APPEARS TO [REDACTED.] #13 ASND. #56 ASST'D. A114 TRANSPORTED CODE YELLOW. #13 FOLLOWED TO THE ER. EDWIN FAIR NOTIFIED.

01/29/16 02:05 02:08 02:12 03:26 DOMESTIC PD 16001238 9368

N PINE

RP RPT'ING A PHYSICAL DOMESTIC. OTHER HALF LEFT IN UNK DIR IN A SILVER FORD ESCAPE TAG 674AHA. #45 ASND. #51 ASST'D. INFO FOR DOM A&B WARRANT REQ TKN. NEG CONTACT W/ OTHER HALF.

01/29/16 05:35 05:38 05:43 06:03 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16001242 9004

N 9TH

FEM ADV'D 1995 BLK & GOLD CHEV SPORT VAN, MISSING PART OF FRONT GRILL. UNK OK/ 679GGC. STOLEN SOMETIME AFTER 11PM. #56 ASND, RPT TKN. ENETERED NCIC AND TTY SENT TO SURROUNDING AGENCIES.

01/29/16 06:14 06:25 06:25 06:26 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16001243 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

******** GUTHRIE PD TTY  ARMED ROBBERY & ASSAULT ***

* OCCURRED 01/29/2016 @ 0015 HRS.

SUSPT #1: W/F 06/28/1997. 5'7/190, SHORT BLONDE HAIR W/ BLK STREAK; BLK SHIRT W/ SKULL ON IT, JEANS, VANS TYPE SHOE.

SUSPT #2: W/F, MID-LATE 30'S, WHITE HAT, HOLLISTER SWEATSHIRT, JEANS & BOOTS.

SUSPT #3: W/M MID-LATE 30'S.

SUSPT VEH: BLK FORD F150 DIESEL W/ ARKANSAS TAG USAFOTE. FURNITURE AND TV IN BED OF TRUCK.

* STOLEN CREDIT CARD USED IN EDMOND.

VIC WAS PEPPER SPRAYED.

******** GUTHRIE PD TTY  ARMED ROBBERY & ASSAULT ***

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has approved a $20 million budget-reduction plan that includes early retirement buyouts for eligible faculty and staff.

The regents approved the plan Thursday from OU President David Boren. 

Boren says the cuts are needed as the state faces an approximate $1 billion budget shortfall for the next fiscal year. Under the plan approved Thursday, about $10 million will be saved through the early retirement incentive for about 400 eligible faculty and staff members.

Boren says another $10 million will be saved by eliminating vacant positions and making cuts to department budgets, including decreases in purchasing and travel.

(KAIR)--Two court warrant arrests during the midnight hour Thursday leads to additional drug related charges for an Atchison man.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers were called to an Atchison convenience store where the two offenders were spotted; and, he says it was when 34-year-old Jason Billings was arrested, the drugs were found. “Officers responded to a convenience store at 17th and Main,” Wilson tells MSC News. “When Billings was taken into custody, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was found on his person.” 

Billings was originally wanted on Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear, and now faces charges for the possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Atchison County Jail. 

Also arrested was 22-year-old Alyssa Powell, with the Atchison resident wanted on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear. She was also taken to jail. 

Hubbard Road will be open no later than noon on Saturday, Kay County Commissioner Vance Johnson said Friday afternoon.

He said the contractors completed their work within the time frame in the contract, despite several days when rain and cold temperatures kept crews from working on the road.

 A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service announced.

Windy conditions, warm temperatures and low relative humidity are contributing to the warning for parts of north central, south central and southeast Oklahoma.

Winds are from the south to southwest at 17 to 30 miles an hour, with gusts up to 35 mph, the NWS said. Humidity in these areas is between 14 percent and 20 percent.

The NWS said any fires that develop likely will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will occur shortly. 

Hubbard Road will be open no later than noon on Saturday, Kay County Commissioner Vance Johnson said Friday afternoon.

He said the contractors completed their within the time frame in the contract, despite several days when rain and cold temperatures kept crews from working on the road.

(MSC News)--U.S Senator Jerry Moran will visit the local area on Monday.

The Kansas Republican will start the day in Jackson County, visiting the community of Holton. That stop, coming as part of his Kansas Listening Tour, will happen at 11:00 at the Jackson County Courthouse, in room 105.

Moran's Monday agenda also includes a visit to Doniphan County. He will meet with constituents at Troy's Pioneer Center, at 137 West Walnut Street, from 1:30 to 2:30

Area residents are encouraged to attend and share feedback with Moran on the critical issues facing Kansas and the nation.

The issues Moran focuses on and the work he does in Washington, D.C., are largely based on the conversations he has with Kansans during these town hall meetings.

The Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center is available  to anyone in need of help at any time. 

Edwin Fair offers 24 hour emergency services. During business hours please contact the office closest to you. After hours and weekends, please call 1-800-566-1343; after hours TDD 1-800-522-9054.

The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If someone you know exhibits any of the following signs, seek help as soon as possible.

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
  
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
  
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain 
  
• Talking about being a burden to others
  
• Acting anxious or agitate, behaving recklessly
  
• Sleeping too little or too much
  
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  
• Displaying extreme mood swings

If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs seek help as soon as possible by calling Edwin Fair or you can also call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For more information, visit the Edwin Fair Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1137442439601976&id=382481458431415. The agency is available to help those in need even if they don't believe they can afford it.

TOPEKA, KS—Twenty-four students, including three from the local area, were recognized for their photography at a Kansas Day program at the Kansas State Capitol. The winners of the Happy Birthday, Kansas! Student Photo Contest participated in a program with Governor Sam Brownback, state legislators, Jennie Chinn with the Kansas Historical Society, and Marearl Denning representing legislative spouses.

Students who placed first received iPads; students who placed second received Kindles. Denning organized the statewide contest, jointly sponsored by the Historical Society, which invited students in first through 12th grade to photograph their Kansas communities. Photographs from the 24 winners will be on display in the Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center the afternoon of January 29 through the February 5, and online at kshs.org/18622.

The following students were recognized Friday:

Asher Cook, Kansas Wildflowers, first grade, first place, Olathe

Michaela Ferguson, Cheney Lake in the Winter, first grade, second place, Cheney

Morgan Nabus, Harvest Time, second grade, first place, Junction City

Spencer Wilson, Long Dirt Road, second grade, second place, South Hutchinson

Reese Hedstrom, Football and Heroes, third grade, first place, Cheney

Kyle Miller, Discovering Kansas Fall, third grade, second place, Derby

Tara Stallbaumer, The Oregon Trail, fourth grade, first place, Rossville

Abraham Hilbert, Pool Frog, fourth grade, second place, Seneca

Logan Nabus, Conversation in the Woods, fifth grade, first place, Junction City

Johanna Walker, Tricycle, fifth grade, second place, Franklin

Jada Nabus, Making Friends Before Practice, sixth grade, first place, Junction City

Maurice Hilbert, A Walk in the Woods, sixth grade, second place, Seneca

Paige Schroeder, Evening Hoops and Dreams, seventh grade, first place, Derby

Kiara Knox, Flags and Horses, seventh grade, second place, Clyde

Katie Brady, Dreamy Day, eighth grade, first place, Wakefield

Rylee Boyd, I Walk a Lonely Road, eighth grade, second place, Berryton

Samantha Wilson, Country Speed Limit Sign, ninth grade, first place, Holton

Michaela Falley, One Room School House, ninth grade, second place, Topeka

Gracie Rolls, Evening Happiness,10th grade, first place, Columbus

Kaliana Osborne, Sun Shining Through, 10th grade, second place, Concordia

Cameron Birney, Giddyup, 11th grade, first place, Bucklin

Ashleigh Carrillo, Friday Night Victory, 11th grade, second place, Kingsdown

Sydney Myers, Connecting on a Personal Level, 12th grade, first place, Topeka

Briana Yokum, Flowers, 12th grade, second place, Humboldt

Nearly 300 entries were received for the contest this year. 

A Blackwell woman, man and two children were injured in a collision about 5:45 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 177 at the intersection of Peckham Road, three miles south and two miles east of Braman.

Katelyn Hillhouse, 21, of Blackwell was driving a 2004 Nissan Maxima which collided with a 2008 Peterbilt driven by Johnny Chick, 43, of Pampa, Texas. Chick was not injured.

Hillhouse was flown to Wesley Medical Center by Eagle Med in critical but stable condition. She was admitted with head and trunk injuries, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

A passenger in Hillhouse's car, Robert Chessher, 30, of Blackwell, was taken by Blackwell ambulance to Alliance Health Blackwell and then transferred by Blackwell ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was admitted there in critical but stable condition with a head injury, the patrol said.

Two children, a 3-year-od boy and 9-month-old girl, were treated at Alliance Health Blackwell for minor head injuries and released, the patrol reported.

The patrol's report said Hillhouse was westbound on Peckham Road and the truck driven by Chick was northbound on U.S. 177. Hillhouse failed to stop at the stop sign and struck the passenger side door of the truck.

(KAIR)--Atchison's Benedictine College has launched a new study abroad opportunity, with students now able to apply to study in Dublin, Ireland.

The new program will give participants a chance to “Experience real Irish life,” said Executive Director of the Center for International Education at Benedictine College Daniel Musso.

Musso explained in the past few years, his office had to turn down students for its Florence program as they had too many apply. The decision to add the Dublin program is to help increase the numbers of students who are able to go abroad. 

Musso says more than 10 people have applied to go, and the number should only increase as applications are being accepted until Feb. 29.

For more information, go here. 

(KNZA)--A rural Horton woman charged in connection with an attack in Horton in late September that sent a man to the hospital has sentenced to more than 3 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $64,000 restitution.

22-year-old Ellen Keo was sentenced Friday in Brown County District Court to 38 months in prison on charges of aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon and possession of marijuana.

She pleaded no contest in December to the charges.  In exchange for the plea, a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed.

Keo was arrested in October following an investigation by the Horton Police Department.

(KNZA)-- Two additional candidates have filed for offices up for election this fall in Jackson County.

County Clerk Kathy Mick and County Treasurer Linda Gerhardt both filed Friday for re-election to another four-year term.

Sheriff Tim Morse filed Monday by petition to retain the seat he was elected to in 2012.

So far, the three face no opposition in their bid for re-election.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file. The Kansas primary election is set for August 2nd, and the general election for November 8th.

(KNZA)-- A town hall meeting has been set to discuss parking concerns in downtown Hiawatha.

Police Chief John Defore is inviting all business owners, property owners and tenants in the 600 and 700 blocks of Oregon to the meeting on Thursday, February 4th at 5:30 in the evening at the Hiawatha City Hall

Suggested ideas include placing one hour parking signs in every 3rd stall, making all stalls one hour parking, installing parking meters, or taking no action at all. Defore says it’s hoped the meeting will be the beginning of the process to find a solution that meets the needs of the majority.

In December, the owners of Giggle Girls Cakery told City Commissioners that the lack of parking in the 700 block of Oregon is causing issues with their business.  They asked the Commission for help, requesting they consider posting time-limited parking signs.  However, Commissioners said they weren’t in favor of installing parking limit signs and thought a better approach would be to ask the businesses to have their employees park in the back of their business.  
 
Defore told Commissioners he would visit with businesses in the block to request they utilize back door parking in the alley if possible to help alleviate the problem.  However, a month later some business owners in that block still feel there is a problem. 

 

(KNZA)--A Benedictine College student is interested in doing an internship with Doniphan County as economic development director.

That’s what Adrienne Korson, an economics and business major at the Atchison private catholic college, told Doniphan County Commissioners this week.

Korson was introduced to Commissioners by Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitator Teresa McAnerney.

Korson said she would be interested in doing an internship through a 10-week course as part of her studies at Benedictine College.
 

As part of her internship, she hopes to research and develop information on capital assets of Doniphan County, as well as, update the county website, business directory and business proposals.

 The Commission met with Korson both in open session and then in a ten-minute closed door session for the purpose of negotiations. 

The county has been without an economic development director for sometime.
               

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has announced that an error has been found on some Oklahoma driver licenses and identification cards. The holographic security emblem that should appear on the front of each individual license or card may, in some instances, appear on the back or not at all.

License holders and ID card holders are asked to examine their documents to make sure the image appears on the front. The accompanying image is an example of the correct holographic image.

DPS officials say the licenses and ID cards with incorrect or missing images are still considered valid, but will likely cause delays when the holder attempts to use them for personal identification in places such as airports, banks or federal buildings.

Those who have licenses or ID cards with incorrect images are encouraged to return to the Motor License Agency (Tag Agency) where the document was issued. A corrected license or ID card will be issued at no charge. Individuals are urged to do so at their earliest convenience.

To confirm which tag agency issued the faulty license or ID card, the bearer may check the four-digit number printed at the top right corner of the photograph on the card. The corresponding list of tag agencies is posted on the DPS website at https://www.dps.state.ok.us/dls/motor_license_agents.php.

Public inquiries may be directed to the DPS Driver License Help Desk at 405-425-2020.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office is investigating the burglary of an Auburn business that occurred early Friday morning. 

According to a news release, Cody’s U-Save Pharmacy, located at 2220 “J” Street in Auburn was burglarized. An undetermined amount of prescription pills were taken from the store.

Two individuals were seen leaving the scene in a gray hatchback vehicle. Anyone with information about the burglary or if you know who is responsible for the burglary is asked to contact the Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office at 402-274-3139.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Memorial Hospital and Rural Health Clinic has a new Chief Executive Officer.

According to the Pawnee Republican, Ruth Stephens began her duties as CEO on January 25th.

Previously Stephens, a registered nurse, was chief nursing officer at the Crete Area Medical Center and held several positions prior to that at the Beatrice Community Hospital, having served as Clinical Manager: Obstetrics/Outpatient Surgery and Director of Acute Nursing Services.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed the Jail Administrator position with First Sergeant Jeff Frederick this week.  

Sheriff Don Pounds is requesting the Jail Administrator also be a sworn, Nebraska Certified Law Enforcement Officer as it typical in most Sheriffs Offices in Nebraska.  In addition, Sheriff Pounds requested the Jail Administrator be considered and compensated as a Sergeant Officer position and to be given the additional duties to include the jail and dispatch services, Courthouse security and transportation of inmates to and from Court. 

The Board voted unanimously to approved the request.  

The Ponca City Police Department is investigating the death of a 13-year-old girl in the 700 block of Brentwood.

The call came in to the Ponca City Communications Center just before 4 p.m. Thursday.  The investigation continues, but all indications are that she took her own life.

The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is assisting and the body has been taken to Oklahoma City for autopsy.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A rare hearing of new evidence for two men convicted of a 1994 drive-by shooting in Oklahoma was prompted in part by a death-row inmate's videotaped confession.

Attorneys for Malcolm Scott and DeMarchoe Carpenter will present the confession of Michael Lee Wilson on Friday in Tulsa district court. 

Carpenter and Scott were convicted in the shooting death of 19-year-old Karen Summers. Wilson later pleaded guilty to being an accessory in the killing.

The attorneys hope the confession from Wilson, who was executed two years ago in a separate case, will win Scott and Carpenter their freedom - or at least a new trial.

Prosecutors claimed Wilson made the statement as a last-ditch attempt to save his friends.

The judge is not expected to immediately rule.

---

Michael Lee Wilson videotaped a confession to a 1994 drive-by shooting before he was executed two years ago.

The International Pancake Day Race is famous, but some lesser known traditions are also an important part of the day.

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Lent, and each year after the race, the community attends a shriving service. In fact, a shriving service is how Pancake Day racing started.

In Olney, the Pancake Race tradition dates back more than 500 years to 1445. A woman engrossed in using up cooking fats (forbidden during Lent) was making pancakes. Hearing the church bells ring calling everyone to the shriving service, she grabbed her head scarf (required in church) and ran to the church, skillet and pancake in hand and still apron-clad. In following years, neighbors got into the act and it became a race to see who could reach the church first.

The verb shrive (shrove, shriven) comes from the Old English verb scrifan, “to decree, decree after judgment, impose a penance upon (the penitent), hear the confession of," according to the American Heritage Dictionary. Shrove Tuesday is the day to reflect, to seek penance and get ready for Lent, and so we have the shriving service, the religious component of the holiday.

One hymn that is always sung during the shriving service in Liberal is “Amazing Grace,” a song that is especially meaningful to the Pancake Day Race winner each year. Among the array of prizes she receives— the tiara, the trophy, the silver tray, the medal, and the roses— is a small book, bound in green cloth and imprinted on the front with a gold silhouette of St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church in Olney, England.

This is the Olney Hymnal, the traditional gift to the race winner each year from Olney.  The most famous hymn in the book is “Amazing Grace,” penned by John Newton when he was the curate of the church in Olney between 1765-1780. The Olney Hymns were first published in February 1779, and are the combined work of Newton (1725–1807) and his poet friend, William Cowper (1731–1800).
 

The International Pancake Day Race is famous, but some lesser known traditions are also an important part of the day.

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Lent, and each year after the race, the community attends a shriving service. In fact, a shriving service is how Pancake Day racing started.

In Olney, the Pancake Race tradition dates back more than 500 years to 1445. A woman engrossed in using up cooking fats (forbidden during Lent) was making pancakes. Hearing the church bells ring calling everyone to the shriving service, she grabbed her head scarf (required in church) and ran to the church, skillet and pancake in hand and still apron-clad. In following years, neighbors got into the act and it became a race to see who could reach the church first.

The verb shrive (shrove, shriven) comes from the Old English verb scrifan, “to decree, decree after judgment, impose a penance upon (the penitent), hear the confession of," according to the American Heritage Dictionary. Shrove Tuesday is the day to reflect, to seek penance and get ready for Lent, and so we have the shriving service, the religious component of the holiday.

One hymn that is always sung during the shriving service in Liberal is “Amazing Grace,” a song that is especially meaningful to the Pancake Day Race winner each year. Among the array of prizes she receives— the tiara, the trophy, the silver tray, the medal, and the roses— is a small book, bound in green cloth and imprinted on the front with a gold silhouette of St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church in Olney, England.

This is the Olney Hymnal, the traditional gift to the race winner each year from Olney.  The most famous hymn in the book is “Amazing Grace,” penned by John Newton when he was the curate of the church in Olney between 1765-1780. The Olney Hymns were first published in February 1779, and are the combined work of Newton (1725–1807) and his poet friend, William Cowper (1731–1800).
 

KIOWA, Okla. (AP) - Police have charged two Tulsa men who they say had heroin, methamphetamine and syringes in their vehicle as they traveled through Kiowa.

The McAlester News-Capital reports (http://bit.ly/1JKFJbT ) that 28-year-old Nickolas Sherman and 54-year-old Rodney Thomas were arrested Jan. 20 while traveling north on U.S. Highway 69.

They are each charged with trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sherman is also charged with driving with an invalid license, failure to carry an insurance verification form, defective vehicle and failure to register vehicle within 30 days of purchase.

They remained at the Pittsburg County Criminal Justice Center on Thursday on a $50,000 bond each.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges. It wasn't immediately clear if they have a lawyer.

(KNZA)--Royal Valley Superintendent John Rundle will retire at the end of the current school year.

The USD 337 Board of Education this week accepted his resignation, effective July 31st.

Rundle spent his entire educational career at Royal Valley, beginning in Mayetta in the fall of 1976 as a junior high English teacher. His first year of teaching is most memorably marked by the fire that broke out in the school that spring. Rundle taught there for five years before becoming the grade school principal in Hoyt. After eight years as the building pricipal, he went on to become the assistant superintendent and curriculum director under Superintendent Fred Staker. He replaced Marceta Reilly as district superintendent, a position he has held for the past 15 years.

“My decision to retire is about timing, and while there might never seem to be the perfect time, this just seemed to be the right time both for our family and for the school district,” Rundle said. “The Royal Valley district is made up of some great support staff, excellent educators and a very supportive board of education. The next superintendent will be blessed to have the opportunity to work with these outstanding people moving forward.”

The Board of Education this week voted to enter into an agreement with the  Kansas Association of School Boards to help conduct the search for a new superintendent. 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman charged in the alleged theft of funds from two companies will make her first appearance in court on Wednesday, February 3rd.

35-year-old Gretchen Randall is charged with two counts of felony theft and one misdemeanor count of criminal use of financial card.

The alleged crimes occurred while Randall was an employee of Heartland Realty.

She’s charged with the theft of $1,800 from the realty company and more than $10,000 from G & G Callaway Inc., which owns a storage facility managed by Heartland Realty.

Randall was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

She posted bond $30,000 Wednesday and was released from the Brown County Jail.  

(KNZA)--A primary election will be held March 1st to narrow the field of candidates for a seat on the Holton City Commission.

Four candidates are vying for position two on the Commission.  They include Christina Cobler, Mike Meerpohl, Christina Murphy and Rodney Miller.

The two candidates receiving the most votes during the primary will advance to the April 5th general election.

Dan Brenner is running unopposed in his bid for re-election to position four on the Commission.

Tuesday was the filing deadline.

The Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 122^nd Annual Chamber Banquet Thursday night in the Phillips 66 Atrium.

RCB Bank hosted a reception prior to the banquet.

"The banquet honors great volunteers in our community plus outstanding business and industry," President Rich Cantillon said. 

Those honored at Thursday night's banquet include:

Larry Hughes Leadership Award - Daren Wilson

Business of the Year - Heather Cannon Honda

Industry of the Year - Dorada Foods

Volunteer of the Year - Brook Lindsay

Gary Martin City Employee of the Year - Police Chief Don Bohon

 Outstanding Citizen - Sue Lunsford

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A  man who escaped from the Oklahoma prison system last December was apprehended by police after a short standoff at an Arkansas City residence Thursday afternoon.

Jason Jude Leith, 38, was taken into custody just prior to 2 p.m. Thursday in northwest Arkansas City by the Arkansas City Police Department, with the assistance of the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Southern Kansas SWAT.

ACPD received information from Oklahoma Crime Stoppers that Leith — who escaped from prison on Dec. 21, 2015, and was wanted on an outstanding warrant — was in Arkansas City.

The report was that Leith was in an apartment in the 1300 block of West Cypress Avenue. He was considered armed and dangerous.

Police went to the apartment to contact the person who lives there, who told them that Leith was in an upstairs bedroom. He would not come out of the apartment after they made contact with him.

Because the residence where Leith was located is a short distance from Adams Elementary School, police instructed the school to be locked down. The school since has been released from the lockdown.

In addition to the school lockdown, police set up a perimeter and vacated the attached apartments.

Police tried to negotiate with Leith to surrender, but he would not communicate further with them. Southern Kansas SWAT arrived and also tried to contact Leith, but he climbed into the attic space of the apartment. With the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol K-9, the suspect came out of the attic and surrendered to law enforcement.

“We appreciate the assistance of all of our fellow law enforcement agencies, including the Southern Kansas SWAT, Kansas Highway Patrol and Cowley County Sheriff’s Office,” said Police Chief Dan Ward. “This situation was resolved without any injury due to their assistance.”

According to court records, Leith was charged with escape from an Oklahoma penitentiary on Jan. 26, 2016, in Oklahoma County District Court.  In August 2015 he was convicted of possession of methamphetamine in Tulsa County District Court after pleading guilty.

At that time he was sentenced to three years in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

Leith has a history of court cases in Kay County ranging from traffic offenses to assault and battery, forcible detainer, sale of beer to a minor and auto burglary.

Department of Corrections records show Leith escaped from the Clara Waters Community Correctional Center in Oklahoma City.

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/27/16 08:19 08:19 08:19 08:55 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001143 9906

HIGHLAND & LAKE

#31 ON T/S AT HIGHLAND/LAKE W/ KAW NATION 2666.

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 25 YO W/M FOR (WA/FTP VIOL CHILD RESTRNT,) DUS, AND SPEEDING SCHOOL ZONE 1-10 OVER.

01/27/16 09:30 15:46 15:46 15:46 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16001172 9906

N UNION

#31 REQ CFS# FOR SEX OFFENDER VIOLATION.

01/27/16 12:17 12:18 12:18 12:30 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001153 9595

W SUMMIT

#43 W/ TRAFFIC W/ 169GGE & 10-15 W/ 34 YO W/M FOR DUS & NO SEATBELT.

01/27/16 12:47 12:48 12:48 13:19 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001157 9906

E PROSPECT

#31 W/ TRAFFIC W/ 819BQN IN THE PARKING LOT OF BUSINESS. WENT 10-15 W/ 28 YO C/M FOR DUS.

01/27/16 13:37 13:38 13:39 14:41 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001160 8108

S PINE

#15 WENT 10-15 W/ 54 YO FEM FOR KSO 44'S: (2ND DEGREE MURDER AFC AND CHILD NEGLECT AFC.)

01/27/16 14:26 14:29 14:32 15:04 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001164 9906

E PROSPECT

RP ADV'D OF SUBJ LEAVING BLUE MERCURY COUGAR PULLING OUT ON PROSPECT. #31 DISPATCHED. ADV'D IT'S A CHEVY A COBALT. RPT TKN.

01/27/16 14:34 14:36 14:36 17:03 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001165 9595

OAK & MARLAND

#43 W/ TRAFFIC W/ OK 218LKK AT OAK/MARLAND. WENT 10-15 W/ 46 YO B/M FOR POSS DRUG PROCEEDS AND POSS PARA.

#43 REQ WARNER FOR TOW.

01/27/16 15:41 15:43 16:16 16:57 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16001171 9999

N PEACHTREE

RP ADV'D HIS SHED WAS BROKEN INTO AND MULTIPLE ITEMS WERE STOLEN. #40 DISPATCHED AND TOOK INFO FOR A RPT.

01/27/16 16:44 16:46 16:46 18:16 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001175 9271

W DRY RD

#20 WENT 10-15 W/ TWO ADULT MALES FROM KSO TO PCPD.

A) 10-15 W/ 34 YO I/M FOR (FTP-DUI, FTP-DISOBEY TRAFFIC SIGNAL, & NO INS.)

B) 10-15 W/ 24 YO W/M FOR (FTP-INDIRECT CONTEMPT OF COURT, FTP-NO SEATBELT, AND FTP-DUS.)

01/27/16 16:55 17:10 17:10 17:10 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16001177 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

***ATL***

ATL ON 26 YO W/M, 5'10, 175 LBS, W/ BLONDE HAIR AND HAZEL EYES. SUBJ IS BELIEVED TO BE IN 4DR WHITE MERCEDES. SUBJ HAS KSO 44'S AND IS INV'D IN A CURRENT CASE #49 IS WORKING. TAG IS ONI4889.

***ALL UNITS ADV'D***ATL***

01/27/16 18:19 18:20 18:25 21:17 DOMESTIC PD 16001180 9999

N 2ND

RP ADV'D HER SON HIT HER IN THE FACE.

#40 DISPATCHED. 10-15 W/ 50 YO W/M FOR POSS FA, DOM A&B. RPT TKN.

01/27/16 18:31 18:34 18:42 18:50 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16001181 9863

LAKE & PRENTICE

RP REQ AN OFF REF A HIT N RUN. SUSPT VEH WAS OLDER RED TRUCK POSS 252. #34 DISPATCHED AND OHP WAS ADV'D. NO INJURIES. OHP HANDLED.

01/28/16 04:05 04:05 04:05 04:41 CRS RECOVERY PD 16001199 9547

S PALM

#06 OUT W/ UNOCCUPIED FORD RANGE P/U, 253LVQ/OK IN THE WALLEY BEHIND S PALM. #51 REQ WARNER TOW.

CONNECT #15019517 STOLEN 12-25-15 FROM BUSINESS - KEYS LEFT IN VEH.

01/28/16 04:23 04:26 04:31 04:48 DISTRURBANCE PD 16001200 9368

WESTBURY

29 YO C/M RP RETURNED HOME AFTER 34 YO C/M SUBJ PULLED A GUN ON HIM 4+ HOURS AGO. #45 ADV'D RP DECLINED RPT. OPTIONS GIVEN.

RSVP and the Food Bank of Oklahoma have 50 extra food boxes this month only, which must be distributed by Sunday.

The boxes provide cereal, pasta, fruits, vegetables, meat, orange juice, peanut butter, shelf-stabilized milk and powdered milk, along with a 2-lb. block of commodity cheese.

The Kay County RSVP program currently is approved for 240 boxes a month for those who qualify. Those who apply and are eligible for the 50 extra boxes will be placed on a wait list to be added to the regular distribution as the program expands.

The boxes are available to Kay County residents age 60 and older. The boxes are provided as part of a federal program. 

For additional information, contact Traci Johnson at 580-762-9412.

RSVP is located in the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma building at 445 Fairview Ave., Ste. 101.

(KLZA)--  A four-page proposal is presented to the Richardson County Commission, with the document provided Tuesday by Sheriff Don Pounds, regarding a combined E911 Dispatch Center in the County. 

Pounds, who says it's his responsibility to be as fiscally responsible as possible with taxpayer monies while assuring the best possible public safety, has proposed implementation of a single location dispatch center in the under construction County Law Enforcement Center, on the west edge of Falls City. Currently, the Falls City Police Department and the Sheriff's Office have their own dispatchers, and Pounds says the central location would provide both efficiency and safety. The “bunker” type structure would protect the operations from storms and moderate earthquakes. 

Also among the Sheriff's proposals are having Falls City City Administrator Gary Jorn serve as E911 Administrator, while City Dispatcher Sherry Aitken would supervise the dispatchers, in addition to warrants and NCIC activities. 

Among other proposals, set to be discussed later, is to see the dispatch center governed by Richardson County Sheriff’s Office Policy and Procedures, with the Sheriff and City Police Chief working together to run the basic functions. 

A backup center would be put in place at the Emergency Management Office in the Courthouse.  

(KLZA)-- More discussion was held concerning burned buildings in downtown Pawnee City during the Monday night Council meeting.

Susan Pope operates a bedding plant business in a building connected to the buildings that burned.  The building she used suffered smoke and water damage during a fire last fall. Pope told the Pawnee City Council Monday night that it is nearing time to get her plants started for the upcoming season, but her insurance company will not insure her business due to the damage.

The owners of the buildings that burned are in negotiations with their insurance company for a settlement and while cleanup efforts have been ongoing, much of the damaged portions of the building are still standing.

The City Council will again be in contact with the owners of the burned buildings and will further discuss the action during the February 8th City Council meeting. 

MOUND CITY, Mo. – Southbound Interstate 29 will remain narrowed to one lane at mile marker 84.

On Tuesday, January 26, 2016, local maintenance crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation closed the southbound passing lane at the abandoned railroad bridge south of Mound City for maintenance. As of Thursday morning, they have reopened the passing lane, but closed the driving lane for similar maintenance. The closure will remain in place overnight and will reopen late tomorrow, Friday, January 29, 2016.

The passing lane will remain open with a 12-foot width restriction. At this time, no work is anticipated in the northbound lanes. All work and scheduled are weather permitting. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A newly formed coalition dedicated to reforming Oklahoma's criminal justice system is launching a ballot initiative for a public vote on policies to reduce the state's high prison population.

A group of legislators, criminal justice experts and business and community leaders launched the group Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform on Wednesday and filed paperwork for two proposed state questions.

The ballot initiatives would reclassify several low-level offenses, like drug and property crimes, to misdemeanors. Cost savings from the changes would be invested into rehabilitation programs to treat drug and mental health problems.

Oklahoma has the second-highest incarceration rate in the country.

Former House Speaker Kris Steele says the effort to gather about 86,000 signatures to put the proposals on the November ballot will include paid staffers.

ANADARKO, Okla. (AP) - Two people have been charged in the homicide of a convenience store owner in Anadarko.

KOCO-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1Tp7Ors ) that 18-year-old Joshua Lonewolf and a 17-year-old teen face first-degree murder charges.

Officials say a man entered Kim's County Mart on Saturday morning, and shot and killed the store owner, Son Duong.

Court documents say Lonewolf confessed to killing Duong while the unidentified teen was on the lookout.

Officials say the suspects said they knew Duong.

(MSC News)--U.S Senator Jerry Moran will visit Troy on Monday as part of his Kansas Listening Tour.

The Kansas Republican will be at the Pioneer Center at 137 West Walnut Street from 1:30 to 2:30.

Area residents are encouraged to attend and share feedback with Moran on the critical issues facing Kansas and the nation. The issues Moran focuses on and the work he does in Washington, D.C., are largely based on the conversations he has with Kansans during these town hall meetings.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Revenue has received reports of a tax
scam targeting Kansans.

The callers all say that the recipient has a tax debt with the state of
Kansas and push the recipient to pay the debt using a debit card or money
order and threaten jail. The recipients were also told they failed to file
a Form 61, which does not exist for the state of Kansas.

The calls show up on caller ID as a valid Department of Revenue number,
785-296-0671, which connects to the department’s Public Information
Officer.

If taxpayers receive a call and are unsure if it is fraudulent or not, they
should call the department’s tax customer service line 785-368-8222.

LANSING, Kan. (AP) - A Lansing prison worker has pleaded no contest to smuggling methamphetamine.
 
The Kansas City Star reports that prosecutors announced Wednesday that 60-year-old Jacqueline Doty, of Fort Scott, had entered a plea in the case.
 
Court documents say she was arrested in June 2014 after she was searched at the Lansing Correctional Facility and found to be carrying about 14 bags containing meth.
 
Prosecutors said the bags were hidden in a "girdle-type undergarment" Doty was wearing, with large bandages wrapped around her midsection to hide them. One of the bags held about 14 grams of meth.
 
 Doty told investigators that she had brought drugs into the prison on multiple occasions.

(KAIR)--USD 409 was granted a district wide recommendation for accreditation by AdvancED, an international accreditation firm whose mission is to improve education systems all over the world.

“You’re definitely within the accepted ranges as compared to the criteria that we expect from effective institutions that are accredited by AdvancED,” said Lead Evaluator Cheryl Allread. “We do recommend.”

What happened Wednesday was the recommendation, and the official accreditation will take place in June.

Allread said receiving accreditation means accepting the mission to improve the entire school system as a whole and create one unified, cohesive district that operates together.

Since this past Sunday, a small team from AdvancED has evaluated US 409 from the board of education to the classroom and everything in between. 

The process involved 49 classroom evaluations, going over data and 188 interviews with board members, administrations, staff, parents and students – just to name a few.

The team looked at three main categories: total impact of teaching and learning, capacity of leadership and the use of resources, said Allread. 

Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers expressed her gratitude for the chance to receive the recommendation.

“We’re thrilled to have the team here,” Myers said. “The whole purpose of an external review is to find out what your strengths and what your opportunities for improvement are. That has definitely been a wonderful experience.”

A common theme that Allread delivered in her report was the emphasis US 409 had on building relationships, creating a caring culture among the system and effectively using the limited resources the district has. 

Allread also commended the board of education for its collaboration and effectiveness overall.

Looking forward, the board is excited to get to work on improving their district says School Board President Herb Gwaltney.

“We’re doing some things right, and we’ve got some things to work on,” Gwaltney said. “And that’s the way the real world works. You’re never perfect. So, it was so important to have someone come in here and look at the stuff we do, and what we’re trying to make this educational experience here for our children better. I think we got some really great stuff.”

Now, Atchison High School has had this accreditation for more than 100 years, Gwaltney said. However, this will be the first time in history the entire school system has it together. 

(KNZA)--A Meriden woman was among four injured in a four-vehicle wreck on K-4 Highway Wednesday morning near the Shawnee-Jefferson County line.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the wreck happened about 7:15 at the intersection with Northeast 46th Street.

The Patrol says a Chevy Malibu was stopped waiting to make a left hand turn onto 46th Street when it was struck in the rear by a Ford Ranger, pushing the Malibu into oncoming traffic.  The Malibu struck a pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Amanda Butler, of Meriden, head-on.  Butler’s pickup deflected and struck a 4th vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign on 46th Street.

Butler and two others, both from Topeka, were transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center.  A 5-year-old child,  who was a passenger in the Malibu, was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries.  

The wreck closed down a portion of K-4 Highway for a period of time.  

(KLZA)-- Falls City officials are asking that people not walk on the ice at Stanton Lake at any time.

Recent colder weather has allowed ice to form on different sections of the lake. However, walking on an ice-covered lake is very dangerous and with fluctuating temperatures the ice conditions are constantly changing.  

City officials have also noticed individuals removing rocks along the lake’s banks.  The man-made habitat that surrounds the lake was constructed to aid in bank stabilization.  Reconstruction and rock replacement will be an added cost to the City this spring. The City is asking individuals to please refrain from any further destruction of the perimeter.  

 From the Ponca City Police Department

54 year old grandmother Esther Lee Montgomery aka Esther Bales was taken into custody this afternoon just before 2pm.  Bales was arrested as a result of the drowning investigation conducted by the Ponca City Police Department which resulted in the death of her four year old granddaughter Haley M Primeaux last July. A warrant was also issued for her aunt Wanita Gale Jackson. Jackson is in custody as well. The warrants were issued today. Bond for Bales is set at $150,000. Bond is set for Jackson at 75,000. They are both charged with Murder in the second degree.

Haley, along with several other children, had been at the swim beach at Ponca Lake in the care of her aunt and grandmother.  The 911 call was received at 6:37pm on July 27 by the Communications Center of the Ponca City Police Department. Bystanders at the swim beach administered CPR until ambulance personnel arrived.  

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures were up slightly in most Southeast Nebraska counties for the month of December. 

Pawnee County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the area at 2.3% . Pawnee County was the only county in the area with a steady figure for November.  

The highest are unemployment figures are in Nemaha and Johnson Counties, both at 3.1%, which is up slightly. In Richardson County the unemployment rate for December was 2.9% In Otoe County the figure was 2.8% and in Gage County the unemployment rate was 3%.

The figures were lower in all the Southeast Nebraska counties than in December, 2014, accept in Pawnee County where the rate was 2.3% a year earlier as well. 

Nebraska is tied with South Dakota for the second best unemployment rate in the nation at 2.9%. That figure is unchanged from November. North Dakota leads the nation at 2.7%.  Iowa has the sixth best figure at 3.4%; Kansas is tied for 11th at 3.9% and Missouri is tied for 19th in the country at 4.4% unemployment.  

Peru, Nebraska– Retired Rear Admiral Dr. Ali Khan will speak to Peru State College students on Thursday, January 28 at 1 p.m. in the CATS Conference Room. His visit will allow pre-health science students to ask questions about federal public health initiatives and agencies.

Dr. Khan is a practicing physician and the Dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He achieved the rank of rear admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps before retiring.

Dr. Khan’s long public health career includes being named an Assistant Surgeon General; Director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; and Deputy Director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Khan studied medicine at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and completed his residency at the University of Michigan. He later earned a Masters of Public Health from Emory University.

The event is free and open to the public.

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/26/16 11:44 11:46 12:04 12:05 EXTRA PATROL PD 16001109 MED1

RIVIERA

RP ADV'D SOMEONE CUT THE LOCK OFF HIS GARAGE.

** XPTL TILL 1800 HRS ** #49 NOTIFIED.

01/26/16 14:02 14:42 14:42 14:42 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001113 6775

E OKLAHOMA

#03 10-15 FROM COURT @ 13:58 W/ 46 YO I/M FOR (CITY: FTP-FALSE INFO.)

01/26/16 14:03 14:20 14:20 14:20 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16001114 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

ATTEMPT TO LOCATE 34 YO, 5'3, 135 LB W/F W/ BLUE EYES AND BROWN HAIR. HAS TATTOO ON LOWER BACK AND PIERCINGS ON BOTH EARS. CK'D HERSELF OUT OF GROVE W/ ANOTHER FEM WHO LIVES HERE IN PONCA. NO KNOWN LAST NAME ON 2ND SUBJ. MOTHER IS WANTING 1090. IF LOCATED ADV HER TO CONTACT HER MOTHER. ALL UNITS ADV'D.

***ATL***

01/26/16 17:58 18:00 18:02 18:22 DOMESTIC PD 16001122 9678

N 2ND

RP ADV'D HER SON HIT HER. #17 ASND. #32 ASST'D. MADE CONTACT. ADV'D ALL VERBAL. BOTH SUBJS EXTREMELY SIG 87. #17 10-12 W/ MALE HALF TO ADDR ON S 8TH. NO RPT.

01/26/16 19:01 19:06 19:09 19:24 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001125 9908

E OKLAHOMA

RP REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN PHONE. #28 ASND. RPT TKN.

01/27/16 02:20 02:21 02:21 02:21 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16001136 88PD

MONUMENT

RPT'ING A TROUBLE SIGNAL FROM THE AREA. LOG FOR INFO.

01/27/16 06:39 06:40 06:50 07:06 ANIMAL CALL PD 16001139 9150

DONNER & PECAN

ANON MALE ADV'D INJURED DEER NEAR FIRE STA. #13 ASND. #13 ADV'D THE DEER IS 10-7 AND OUT OF THE ROADWAY IN THE GRASS ACROSS THE STREET.

( Nebraska Radio Network)-- More than one-third of Nebraska's population is either diabetic or prediabetic and a new campaign being launched here hopes to reverse the dangerous trend. Dr. David Grayson Marrero, past-president of the American Diabetes Association, says they're focusing on the several hundred-thousand Nebraskans who are prediabetic with the goal of getting them to make a few key changes that could mean saving their lives.

Dr. Marrero says prediabetes can be headed off before it worsens. Modest changes such as losing 5-10 percent of your body weight, increasing physical activity to 150 minutes a week, which equates to walking 30 minutes a day can help reduce your risk of diabetes 60-70-percent. 

Studies find about 160-thousand Nebraskans, or about 11-percent of the population, has diabetes and perhaps 30-percent of them don't know it as they haven't been diagnosed.

There are several long-term risks of prediabetes, including stroke, heart attacks, blindness and amputation. Dr. Marrero says lifestyle changes like a better diet and more exercise can significantly reduce the risk for a person who's prediabetic.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Authorities say Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts was not injured in a traffic accident that occurred about eight blocks from the Capitol.

The crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday. Police say the Nebraska state trooper driving the governor also wasn't hurt, but the driver of the other vehicle was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police suspect the other driver failed to yield the right of way and struck the governor's van.

(KLZA)-- The City of Pawnee City has received notice, the City has been approved to receive a reimbursable matching grant for renovation of the city swimming pool. 

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Grant is worth up to $87,500 but requires matching funds from the City for the project. The pool is currently in need of significant plumbing repairs.

The City will continue to seek other sources of funding to help with the match.

In other business during the Monday City Council meeting, it was revealed Pawnee City has been notified by Nebraska Public Power District that the electric rate charged for the Pawnee City Sewer Plant will be lowered due to a reclassification.  The change will mean a savings to the City of approximately $8,600 in 2016.  

(KAIR)--Atchison firefighters rushed to the scene of a popular downtown eatery Tuesday following the report of a fire at the 701 Commercial Street establishment. 

Despite initial emergency radio communications indicating Willies Sportsbar had been evacuated, Interim Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf says that was not the case. “The situation was relatively minor,” Graf tells MSC News. “Fortunately the staff, recognizing the problem right off the bat, taking appropriate action, was the key to keeping this to a minor incident.” 

Graf says despite the small fire happening just before the noon hour, the dining area was never affected, with the matter contained only to the kitchen area. “It's believed that the cord that supplied electricity to the refrigerator, that's where the actual fire had started, and it caused some damage to the insulation surrounding that plug.” 

Once the situation was resolved, it was business as usual for the restaurant. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City wants the Legislature to change a law to shift responsibility for the stalled American Indian Cultural Center and Museum from the state to the city.

 Under the law passed last year, the state would borrow $25 million to help complete the museum. The city would be required to pay 50 percent of all revenues in excess of $7 million per year to the state.

City leaders want the Legislature to roll back a revenue-sharing provision and drop plans for a new authority that would oversee state-issued bonds.

The city has until March 15 to finalize a deal with the state.

The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/1PAFEUo ) the Chickasaw Nation has offered millions of dollars to help the city complete and open the museum.

 FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office has released autopsy results for one of the two Arkansas duck hunters who disappeared during wintry weather last month.

In a report released Tuesday, the medical examiner's office said 22-year-old Chase Morland accidentally drowned when his boat capsized in Kaw Lake in northern Oklahoma. Morland's body was found Dec. 28 after he and his friend, Craig Strickland, went missing while hunting during a winter storm.

Fayetteville, Arkansas, television station KHOG reports (http://bit.ly/1UqfGY0 ) that the medical examiner's findings also cited exposure to freezing temperatures as contributing to Morland's death.

Strickland, who was the lead singer of the country rock band Backroad Anthem, was found dead on Jan. 4. Officials have not yet released his cause of death.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s city commission has decided to revisit its taxi cab insurance requirements. 

The decision comes after St. Joseph based taxi service owner Phil Wallick said he was interested in starting a cab service in Atchison, but was unable due to the insurance requirements. Wallick brought his concerns forward during the public forum portion of Jan. 19th’s city commission meeting.

“That’s something I could not do and wouldn’t do,” Wallick said in reference to the amount of insurance he would have to pay. “I’m not sure that you would get any cabs in this town to transport drunks safely from the bars and just for people who need rides.”

Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking said he’s been working with Wallick, and he agrees the current rates may prohibit him from starting business in town. 

Cocking said the taxi ordnance was passed back in 2010 when the city manger’s office received complaints from citizens about accidents involving taxis that didn’t have insurance.

But not having any cabs in town could create issues for citizens as well, Cocking said.

“We know around nine percent of our adult population in Atchison doesn’t have access to a vehicle which makes alternative transportation such as cabs very important to Atchison,” Cocking said. “It’s something we think serves our citizens.”

Wallick said his service would also be open for late night pick ups which Cocking felt would help promote safety and help to prevent potential drunk drivers.

Cocking hopes to bring a proposal before the commissioners relaying his findings about what it would mean for Atchison to lower insurance requirements for taxis at the next city commission meeting.

(KAIR)--Nearly 550 dentists, hygienists and medical providers will be available all day Friday and Saturday to provide free dental care to adults and children at the Landon Arena/Kansas Expocentre.

The Kansas Mission of Mercy, as part of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation will provide treatment to patients on a first come, served basis with doors opening at 4:30 a.m. The first approximately 1,000 people will be let in before the doors are closed.

Patients should be prepared to wait in line until possibly mid-afternoon.

Absolutely anyone is eligible to receive this free treatment and no proof of income is required nor do patients need to bring their dental records.

This will be the 15th year for this event, and Dr. Larre Betsworth says it gives he and his colleagues a great chance to serve the community, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support they receive.

“It’s an incredible event,” Betsworth said. “The outreach throughout the cities that we do put this on in is incredible. The amount of feedback we get from donations, people helping as far as monetary donations as far as getting food donated to help with this. We have hundreds of volunteers that come in from all over Kansas. They look forward to doing this every year, and this has just became a really great event to put on.”

It is recommended to bring any prescription medications with you so as not to miss any doses. A breakfast and lunch will be provided to those waiting. For more information, go here.

• Patients should continue taking any prescription medication as directed so bring it along so a dose is not missed should the patient have to wait a good portion of the day.

• The patient will need to fill out a brief health history so bring a list of allergies, prescriptions, etc. to have this information available.

• Patients do not need to bring dental records or proof of income.

• Services are first come, first served and ALL patients must be able to wait in line – no appointments.

• The clinic opens at 4:30 am on both Friday and Saturday (Jan. 29-30) and waiting in line or determining how early to get in line, is up to the patient.

• We only let in as many patients as we will be able to treat that day (approximately 1,000) and we will then close the doors. Standing in line on Friday and not getting in does not give the patient priority 

the next day. It is the same process on Saturday, first come, first served.

• Be prepared to wait and potentially be there all day. We let approximately 1,000 patients in the clinic so it may be mid-afternoon before a patient is treated.

• We will provide breakfast and lunch for the patients at no cost to them.

• After a medical screening, the patient will be examined by a dentist at KMOM and the patient’s ngreatest need will be treated. For example, if a patient needs extractions and fillings, the greatest needn(probably the extractions) will be treated at KMOM. The patient does have the option to come back the next day to get the fillings but they must wait in line again like everybody else. No line priority is  given.

• No dentures will be provided at KMOM.

• Full mouth extractions will be done if determined necessary by the examining dentist. The patient will be able to discuss treatment/procedure options with the dentist prior to care.

• We typically have as many volunteers as we need registered prior to KMOM. Therefore, volunteering will not give priority or access to treatment. Registered volunteers who wish to be treated need to manage their schedule so they can wait in line for treatment.

• Minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

• After treatment, patients will be provided a phone number to call for follow up emergency care if they experience any problems regarding the treatment received at KMOM.

Feb. 1 is the deadline for student filmmakers to submit their films for Ponca City's Bison Bison Film Festival, which will be held April 9.

The fee is $25 and films are uploaded on the BBFF website: bisonbisonfilmfestival.org.

Eligibility is open to a six-state area:  Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.

Students entering the film festival  must be enrolled in an accredited college, university or technical school. Film must have been made with the past two years and while the filmmaker was a student. Filmmakers who graduated the spring before the Festival are eligible, as long as the film was made in the past two years and while filmmaker was a student.

Festival organizers say that 17 films have been submitted so far, from Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri.

Workshops are at the Fourth Street Clubhouse and start at 11 a.m., break for lunch, and resume at 1 p.m. April 9. Films will start at The Poncan Theatre at 7 p.m.

The top three filmmakers will each be awarded $1,000.

(KNZA)--A rural Mayetta man charged in a fatal stabbing last November is now facing additional charges.

49-year-old Wilson Noriega is accused of fatally stabbing 49-year-old Leann Sanchez early November 21st at a residence on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation where the two lived.  He’s charged with first-degree murder, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia in the case.

Now Noriega has also been charged with trafficking contraband in a correctional facility, a “ shank”, along with criminal use of weapons and criminal damage to property. The charges stem from a December 14th incident in the Jackson County Jail where Noriega has been held since his arrest.

Meanwhile, the Holton Recorder reports Noriega is requesting dismissal of his attorney.   A hearing on his request to dismiss Holton Attorney J. Richard Lake is scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Noriega remains in the Jackson County Jail on a one million dollar bond.   

(KNZA)--The jury trial for a St. Joseph man charged in the stabbing death of a man last April unexpectedly ended before the first full day of testimony was slated to begin Wednesday morning.

The St. Joseph News Press reports that came after the attorney for 22-year-old Primalton Peterson informed the judge that his client wished to plead guilty to all charges against him—including first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse.

Sentencing was set for March 7th.

The trial for Peterson began Tuesday in a Buchanan County courtroom.

Peterson was among three charged in the stabbing death of 28-year-old Richard Berry, whose body was found in Third Fork of the Platte River near Easton, Missouri on April 25th.  Authorities believe Berry was taken to the remote location in a robbery attempt, and then stabbed multiple times and dumped into the river.

Also charged in the case were 44-year-old Kelli Hoard, of Elwood, Kansas and 25-year-old Sean Liechti, of St. Joseph.  Hoard was sentenced last month to 20 years in prison on a charge of second-degree murder for her role in the death and Liechti was sentenced in October to ten years in prison on the same charge.

 It’s always exciting to see the judges’ picks in a contest, but it’s also fun to select a winner yourself. The audience at this year’s Pancake Day Talent Show will vote by text for the winner of the United Wireless Montana Beesley People’s Choice Award. The texting feature will be provided and set up by United Wireless, sponsor of this year’s talent show.
The talent show will feature 20 acts competing for prize money and trophies in four divisions. The Pancake Day Talent Show is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the James Maskus Auditorium at Liberal High School. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Pancake Day Hall of Fame; First National Bank in Liberal; or online at www.pancakeday.net.
For more information, call 620-624-6423. The Talent Show is hosted by the Noon Lions Club.

The Liberal City Commission met Tuesday evening at 5:30pm for their regular meeting. Among the items on the agenda, the Commission approved the purchase of a truck load of trash bags for a total of $31,200.00. These bags are available for purchase to residents. Also for the Solid Waste Department, Commissioners approved the purchase of 108 3 yard dumpsters to replace the ones that have become worn out. Cost of the dumpsters will be $48,096.00. The Commission approved the staking of Air Park Road for future upgrading. For the airport, Commissioners approved crack sealing for the parking lot and taxi ways, and approved the purchase of an LED Wind Cone to replace the one on runway 4. The next meeting of the Liberal City Commission will be February 9th.
     

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/25/16 09:04 09:06 09:08 09:43 ACCIDENT, MINOR PD 16001064 9666

14TH & HIGHLAND

ACCIDENT ON 14TH/LAK. WELLS PLUMBING TRUCK AND SUV, UNK INJURIES. #41 ASND. #49 ASST'D. NP ACTION TOWED 013MXR. #41 TOOK RPT.

01/25/16 13:23 13:24 13:33 14:17 DEATH, REPORTED PD 16001074 9906

W GARY

REQ OFFICER REF CODE BLACK. #49 ASND, #24 ASST'D. RPT TKN FOR ATTENDED DEATH. GRACE RESPONDED.

01/25/16 14:52 14:55 15:03 15:15 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001078 9666

S 4TH ST

BUSINESS STAFF REQ OFFICER IN REF TO THEFT. #41 ASND. NO RPT FOR NOW. UNK IF THERE WAS A THEFT.

01/25/16 15:24 15:25 15:27 15:54 ACCIDENT, MINOR PD 16001082 9678

14TH & HARTFORD

RP ADV'D OF BLK CHEV MALIBU THAT WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A POLE. NO INJURIES. #32 ASND, RPT TKN. NP PINKY TOWED VEH.

01/25/16 16:37 16:37 16:42 16:48 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16001085 8306

E CLEVELAND

REQ OFFICER REF FOUND ITEMS. #17 COLLECTED WALLET.

01/25/16 21:54 21:55 21:56 23:05 DOMESTIC PD 16001092 8654

N 5TH

A BUNCH OF PEOPLE SCREAMING INTO THE PHONE. OFFICER #57 RESPONDED. #37 & #38 ASST'D. RPT WAS TKN.

01/25/16 23:32 23:33 23:35 01:20 FIRE RUN PD 16001093 8216

N UNION

VEH ON FIRE. #59, #11, & #14 RESPONDED. CA 5NSN431, 05 ACURA. #59 TOOK RPT.

01/26/16 00:18 00:20 00:22 00:39 INTOX SUBJECT PD 16001094 9547

W HARTFORD

RP ADV A W/M IS PASSED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT, WRG SHORTS AND A T-SHIRT. SUBJ MIGHT BE INTOX. #51 ASND. #37 IN AREA ASST'D. REQ AMB FOR NON-RESPONSIVE MALE WITH POSSIBLE INJURIES. TRANSPORTED TO ER. NOT INTOX.

01/26/16 01:15 01:15 01:15 01:18 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16001095 8654

DRAKE

#57 OUT WITH OPEN DOOR ON VEH AT RESI. DRIVER DOOR OPEN. SECURED AND UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT W/ HOME OWNER. LOGGED FOR INFO.

01/26/16 02:45 02:46 02:50 03:12 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16001097 8654

MONUMENT

CONTACT RP IN A RED 2002 CEHV CAVALIER IN PARKING LOT REF ITEMS STOLEN FROM HIS CAR. #57 TOOK RPT.

01/26/16 02:54 02:55 02:55 03:20 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001098 9547

S 14TH

911 ADV AN I/M JUST STOLE A CASE OF BEER AND LEFT WB ON SOUTH AVE IN AN OLDER MODEL SILV 4DR CAR. #51 RESPONDED, IN AREA, VEH GOA FROM AREA, UTL. THEFT RPT WAS TKN.

01/26/16 03:08 03:09 03:12 03:19 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16001099 9004

W DRY RD

KSO REQ ATL FOR SUBJ IN WHI FORD EXT CAB DIESEL FLATBED TRUCK, OCCUPIED X5, L/S SB FROM NEWKIRK, INV'D IN BEER THEFT OF 20 PK BUD LIGHT. OK TAG 653DRJ. #56 & #57 CK'D AREA AND OWNER ADDR, UTL VEH. KSO ADV'D A PETIT I/F WRG A PURPLE SHIRT AND A W/F WITH SANDY BLONDE HAIR WRG A BLACK OPENED FRONT JACKET WITH A WHITE SHIRT UNDERNEATH. KSO ALSO ADV'D THE WHITE P/U ALSO SOUNDED LIKE IT HAS PIPES ON IT WHEN IT LEFT.

01/26/16 05:06 05:07 05:10 05:32 VANDALISM PD 16001102 9547

S 7TH

FEM THINKS SOMEONE PUT SOMETHING IN HER GAS TANK. #51 TOOK RPT ON OK/ 712ERT AND 677ASC.

01/26/16 06:18 06:20 06:22 06:38 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16001103 9742

N 14TH

STEREO STOLEN OUT OF VEH. #37 TOOK RPT ON TX/ BY39034 & OK/ 326DXY.

**** XPTL FOR AREA ****

01/26/16 06:52 06:55 06:55 06:55 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16001104 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

******* STOLEN VEH  CUSHING PD  TTY *******

STOLEN BTWN 1900 HRS 1/25/16 & 0615 HRS 1/26/16

SILV 2012 CHEV DURAMAX OK 479JMR. KEYS WERE IN THE VEH. DARK TINTED WINDOWS, IRON CROSS BUMPER ON FRONT. SILVE FUEL & TOOLBOX COMBO. NUMEROUS TOOLS IN VEH.

******* STOLEN VEH  CUSHING PD  TTY *******

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department was recently the recipient of a generous donation of gear from Consolidated Fire District #2, which serves Northeast Johnson County, Kansas. 

January 22nd, Stella native Jon Gossman delivered 19 sets of bunker gear to the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department. Bunker Gear is the coats and pants firefighters wear at the scene of a fire. 

Gossman, a nearly 10-year veteran of Consolidated Fire District #2 is a member of the Bunker Gear Committee under Fire Chief Tony Lopez.  Gossman is also a good friend of Dan Wenz.  Wenz is an active member of the Lincoln Fire Department and doubles as a member of the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department. 

When the Johnson County, Kansas Fire Department purchased new bunker gear, Gossman called Wenz the two of them coordinated the donation of gear to the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department.

Falls City Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Simpson estimates the cost of a new set of bunker gear at $1,800.  He says the donation will hopefully allow the Falls City Fire Department to spend some money on other needed equipment.

About every 8-years CFD#2 purchases new gear.  You cannot sell used gear, but you can donate it. Falls City Volunteer Fire Chief Ken Simpson says the used gear still has life left in it. The donated gear is black, which Simpson says will turn color as it wears out.

Chief Simpson says the department tries to purchase a couple of sets of new gear each year, so with a roster of 30-plus volunteer firefighters, it is likely you don’t get new gear very often. With firefighters coming in all shapes and sizes, it is rare there is a used set of gear a new member can wear, meaning an expense of new gear, once the firefighter has proved through training they will be able to stick with the department.

The addition of the bunker gear donation, it means the local department, will likely only need to purchase helmets, boots and gloves when new people join the department for at least a few years.  

Chief Simpson expressed thanks to both Gossman and Wenz for coordinating the donation of the gear.  

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following a hoax bomb threat at the Atchison High School Monday. 

USD 409 Superintendent Doctor Susan Myers says the threat was made in the way of a writing on a wall, with the school taking all precautions once it was discovered. “I was notified by the High School Principal after school had begun that it was reported that there was a bomb threat written on a bathroom wall,” Myers tells MSC News. “We go through our normal procedures when we get any type of threat. Police are called, students in the affected areas are removed from that location and a search is begun. We notify our school patrons through our text alert system then we follow up with a  text to our parents, or anybody that's actually on our text alerts, letting them know when students are returned to class and when the threat is no longer an issue.” 

Myers says the search by police turned up no explosives, with the threat believed to have been a hoax. 

She says the school district is working closely with Atchison Police in trying to identify who was responsible for making the threat. 

(Mound City, MO.)--Southbound Interstate 29 has been reduced to one lane at mile marker 84 in Holt County, Missouri.

Local maintenance crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation closed the southbound passing lane at the abandoned railroad bridge south of Mound City, and it will remain closed around the clock through Thursday, January 28. The driving lane will remain open with a 15-foot width restriction. At this time, no work is anticipated in the northbound lanes. All work scheduled is weather permitting.

MoDOT encourages all motorists to slow down, buckle up, eliminate distractions and drive safely to ensure everyone is able to Arrive Alive.

(KMZA)-- Plans to seek a state grant for the construction of a new fire station in the Nemaha County community of Bern have taken another step forward.
  
No public comment was received during a hearing at Monday’s Nemaha County Commission meeting on the county’s plans to seek a KAN-STEP grant through the Kansas Department on behalf of Bern Fire District #4.

Following the hearing, the Commission approved an inter-local agreement with the fire district supporting the grant application.

Bern Fire Chief Eldon Kaster told MSC News that a new fire station is needed. Kaster says their current building is an old military Quonset that was torn down and reassemble by volunteers in the 1960’s.  He says the building only has one door for all the trucks to exit from.  In addition, Kaster said the building leaks and has a mold and rodent problem.

The maximum KAN-STEP grant is $300,000 and requires at least a 35 percent local match in the form of “ sweat equity” and donated equipment.

The fire department has a committee working to make the February 15th grant application deadline.

If awarded, the department hopes to have a new fire station by the summer of 2017.






 

(KAIR)--Motorists traveling in Leavenworth Wednesday can expect delays. 

That's because both eastbound and westbound traffic on K-92, from the Centennial Bridge to 4th Street, will be reduced to one lane, in both directions. 

The Kansas Department of Transportation says that has to happen in order for concrete pavement grinding work to be completed. 

The closure will happen between 10:00 Wednesday morning and 3:00 in the afternoon. 

Motorists will be directed through the work zone by flaggers, with delays to be expected. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Two more Oklahoma death row inmates have exhausted their appeals and are ready to have execution dates set once the state finishes its investigation into drug mixups during the last two lethal injections.

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals released an order Monday for stays of execution for two convicted killers - Richard Stephen Fairchild and Jeremy Alan Williams.

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt notified the court both men had exhausted their appeals, but that execution dates shouldn't be set while a grand jury investigates how the wrong drug was delivered for the last two lethal injections.

One inmate was executed using the wrong drug in January 2015, and a second inmate was just hours away from his lethal injection in September when prison officials noticed the mistake.

(Information in the following story is from: The Journal Record, http://www.journalrecord.com )

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A panel established to review tax incentives provided by Oklahoma's state government missed a Jan. 1 deadline to list the programs it intends to review.

Lawmakers last year established the eight-member Incentive Evaluation Commission. Appointments are still pending from the governor and Senate president.

The director of Oklahoma's Office of Management and Enterprise Services is on the panel. A spokesman for the office said that once the last two appointments are made, the commission will meet and hire a private firm, a nonprofit or an academic institution to evaluate the tax incentives.

The panel was set up when Oklahoma faced a $611 million budget shortfall last year. Next year's shortfall is expected to be at least $900 million.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College has announced the hiring of a new director of financial aid.

Joshua North will be joining the College on February 1st.
 
He comes to Highland after serving as the Financial Aid Specialist at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City.

Prior experience includes time at State Street Financial Corporation, Missouri Western, and Citibank Student Loans.

A native of Orrick, MO, North holds two bachelor’s degrees from Missouri Western – one in French and one in economics.

Do you know a junior high or high school student who would like to be a page for a day in the Kansas State Capitol for Senator Love? In addition to learning about the legislative process by paging on the Senate floor, pages will get a guided tour of the beautifully restored Capitol building and a picture with the Governor and Senator Love. If interested, please contact Senator Love’s office at 785-296-7359 or garrett.love@senate.ks.gov for more details.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen received the annual report from the Mound City Rural Fire District during their January meeting. 

Fire District Board member Jason Hall reported there had been 76 fire calls for the Department in 2015, with a majority of them being grass fires.  The City presented the annual payment to the Fire District.

Aldermen also decided it would not be possible for Mound City to house impounded dogs for the community of Craig since there is not a designated facility worker at the City Dog Pound.  

A donation from Monsanto to help expand the sitting area at the Mound City Pool was also discussed.  Alderman Kristine Gibson will be applying for grants to help cover the remaining costs.  The fence will need to be replaced and cement work done to complete the improvements.  

“Quilting Made Easy," a Northern Oklahoma College Community Enrichment Course, begins Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the Renfro Center, room 103, on the Tonkawa campus.

The class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday through March 8. The instructor will be NOC’s Kerri Gray.

“This pattern, ‘Binding Star,’ will be offered as either an easy beginning class or an intermediate; the student may choose,” Gray said.You may enroll Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the class or in advance. Contact Gray at (580) 628-6760 or email kerri.gray@noc.edu to enroll early and get a supply list so you can begin sewing the first night. If you have questions or need more information, contact Gray.

The cost for this six-week session is $30 plus materials, if needed. 

Northern Oklahoma College’s woodworking class, a community enrichment course, offers community members and NOC students a great opportunity to build that special project they always wanted but didn’t have the space or equipment needed to get it done.

NOC’s large shop and large array of woodworking equipment and tools will be available to those who attend this class.

NOC woodworking class instructor Rick Allan said the class will begin Tuesday, Feb. 2 and continue through March 10. Participants will meet in the woodshop located in the Creative Arts Building on the Tonkawa campus from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The cost is $45, not including materials. Class members may either bring their own materials or purchase them in the class.

“Both men and women will enjoy working on their special projects, ranging from craft items to fine furniture,” Allan said. “Some of the projects completed during previous classes included a cedar chest, oak changing table, canning shelves, wood art, outdoor bench using old tractor wheels, decorative baskets, an entertainment center, cabinets constructed using old barn wood and a gun cabinet.”

NOC community enrichment classes are non-credit courses and have no grades, tests or attendance requirements. You may enroll Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the class or in advance at the NOC registrar’s office located in the Vineyard Library-Administration Building on the Tonkawa campus.

For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at (580) 628-6220.

(MSC News)--Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse has filed for re-election. 

According to a press release, Morse filed by petition Monday, seeking to retain the seat he was elected to in 2012. 

Morse originally took over as Sheriff when appointed in 2011 to fill a vacancy. 

Morse, in the release, cites accomplishments made during his time in office, including solving financial problems at the county jail, balancing the budget, increasing rural patrols to reduce crime, and improvements made for employee morale, training, and jail infrastructure and security. 

So far, Morse is unchallenged in his bid for another four year term. 

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file.  

The Kansas primary election is set for August 2nd, and general election on November 8th.

SYRACUSE, Neb. (AP) - Authorities say nearly 90 pound of marijuana was found inside a car at a Syracuse motel.

The Otoe County Sheriff's Office had been on the lookout for three cars suspected of being used by drug traffickers. Over the weekend deputies found one of the cars at a Syracuse gas station and talked to two people who were using it. They were allowed to leave. but deputies later discovered that one of them had rented a room at the motel where one of the other cars was found. A patrol dog taken to the scene alerted deputies to the odor of drugs coming from the car.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Holland said Monday that information about the two people has been sent to prosecutors. No arrests have been reported. 

(Falls City)-- F&M Bank President Kevin Malone is pleased to announce several promotions within the Falls City bank.  

During the Bank’s Annual Shareholder’s Meeting, January 14th , Beth Sickel was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President, Cashier and Trust Officer.  She has also been elected to the Bank’s Board of Directors.    Sickel joined F&M Bank in January 2014 as a Vice President and Cashier, and has been involved in the Operations area since her arrival and now manages that function for the bank. 

 Derrick Leyden has been promoted to Vice President and Loan Officer.  Derrick, who joined the Bank in August 2014 as an Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer, focuses primarily in the area of agricultural lending.  

By Rosario Méndez, Attorney,

Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

It’s tax season, and you know what that means: identity thieves who want to steal your tax refund are at work. Find out how to stop them during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, Jan. 25-29.

The FTC and its partners are hosting a series of events to help you understand tax identity theft, how to minimize your risk of becoming a victim, and what to do if thieves have stolen your tax refund.  Check these out:

• Jan. 26, 1 p.m. – an FTC webinar for consumers, co-hosted AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and Tax Aide Program. Learn how tax identity theft happens and what you can do if it happens to you.

• Jan. 27, 10 a.m. – the FTC and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host a Twitter chat with information about tax identity theft for veterans. Join the conversation at #VeteranIDTheft.

• Jan. 27, 1 p.m. – the FTC, TIGTA and the VA will host a webinar with information about tax identity theft for veterans.

• Jan. 28, noon – the FTC and the IRS will co-host a webinar with information to help victims of tax identity theft.

• Jan. 29, 1 p.m. – the FTC and the Identity Theft Resource Center will co-host a Twitter chat about tax ID theft. Join the conversation at #IDTheftChat.

(All times are Central Standard Time) 

Help promote awareness about tax identity theft. We have free resources to share in your community. Want to know more about identity theft in general? Visit www.IdentityTheft.gov, the government’s one-stop resource to help identity theft victims recover.

EUFAULA, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma authorities say they are trying to determine if the suspect in a fatal bank robbery in Eufaula is the same assailant in a convenience store robbery in Texas.

Police in Irving, Texas, issued a news release and surveillance footage Friday depicting a man matching the description of Cedric Lamont Norris walking into a convenience store Jan. 19 around midnight and beating the store clerk before stealing his vehicle.

The release says the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation contacted Irving police regarding the vehicle, which may have been the same car Oklahoma authorities chased after the robbery at the Bank of Eufaula. The bank's president and CEO was fatally shot in the robbery.

Authorities say Norris died during a shootout with police following the robbery Thursday at the Bank of Eufaula.

ST. MARY, Nebraska (AP) - A malfunctioning gaming device at a Nebraska bar has generated several big winning tickets.

A keno machine randomly generates numbers, and players place bets on combinations of numbers that they choose. Bettors win if their numbers match what is generated by the machine.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that about seven people matched numbers for prizes under $500 on Oct. 31 at Smartville Station bar in St. Mary. The next day, someone won $6,000 and another person won $3,000.

Cass County Keno LLC determined that a software glitch caused the machine to repeat certain numbers in a pattern. Bar owner Susan Goracke says someone figured out the pattern and spread the word. The machine has been removed.

Johnson County Attorney Rick Smith says he's still deciding whether anyone will be prosecuted.

Lincoln Elementary and East Middle School both recently received donations from the Charitable Giving Committee of the Ponca City Aviation Foundation.

Steve and Judy McGuire presented Lincoln with a $400 WalMart card to be used for classroom supplies. The couple also gave East Middle School principal, Barbara Davis, a WalMart gift card to be used for student needs.

McGuire is the Chairman of the Aviation Foundation that focuses its resources on the youth of Ponca City and the north central region. All of the money they provided is derived from the fly-in breakfasts they host on the first Saturday on every month. The public is invited to participate in these fly-in breakfasts.

(KNZA)--A Holton woman, accused of stealing two vehicles in Brown County last year, has pleaded no contest to charges in two separate cases.

In the first case, 19-year-old Shelby Hopkins entered the "no contest" plea Monday to charges of felony theft and criminal use of a financial card, and in the second case to a charge of felony theft.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 22nd.

Hopkins turned herself in to authorities September 2nd on a Brown County warrant in connection with the theft of a Chevy Suburban stolen from downtown Hiawatha on July 30th.

She posted bond in the case, and then was taken into custody October 1st after a car stolen from Horton was recovered in Goff.

Hopkins remains in the Brown County Jail. 
   

Charges were filed Monday in the homicide of Eddy Mahseet, 39, of Anadarko.

Her body was found Christmas Eve inside the house she shared with boyfriend Lawrence Hinton. Hinton was found with sharp force trauma to his throat and transported to a hospital.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents were called in to help with the investigation. Hinton is charged with one count of first degree murder.

An autopsy revealed Mahseet died from her throat being cut. Her back was also broken sometime near her death.

Evidence collected inside the house as well as information gleaned from neighbors, friends, and family gave investigators enough for the murder charge. Hinton, 59, was booked into the Caddo Co. jail Monday.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man convicted of aggravated battery in connection with a domestic violence incident last August that left the victim with serious injuries has been sentenced to more than 2 ½ years in prison.

26-year-old Michael McCann was handed a 32 month prison sentence Monday in Brown County District Court.  McCann was given credit for 110 days served in jail and was ordered to pay more than $4,100 restitution.

He pleaded no contest to the felony charge in December.  In exchange for the plea, a misdemeanor charge of criminal damage to property was dismissed.

McCann was charged with attacking a woman on August 3rd that he was in a domestic relationship with at the time.  She suffered fractured ribs and facial contusions.

McCann was arrested August 15th after he was found hiding out at a Hiawatha residence.  Police were able to ping his phone to the residence. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved renewal of the county’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.

The Commission took the action Monday on unanimous vote at the urging of representatives of the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development.

Commissioners decided to make no changes to the current plan which expires in August.  The plan offers a 75 percent property tax rebate for a five year period for new construction or improvements to residential, agricultural,  commercial or industrial property that results in at least  a $15,000 increase in the property’s appraised value. 

Property owners must apply for the program through the County Appraiser’s office before the project begins.

In other business, the Commission approved the hiring of new senior citizens taxi driver for the Horton area. 

Larry Pickman, who has served as a substitute driver, was selected from among five applicants to fill a vacancy.  The Commission also approved the hiring of Mary Oswald as a substitute driver.   
     

CJ Wettstein (Republican) has filed his intent to run for Seward County Commissioner, District 1. 

The filing deadline for the following offices is June 1, 2016 at noon. 

                        STATE OFFICES

United States Representative 1^st District

State Senate 38^th District

State Representative 124^th, 125^th Districts

District Court Judge, 26^th District, 2^nd Division

COUNTY OFFICES

                                County Commissioner District 1

                                County Commissioner District 5

                                County Clerk

County Treasurer

County Register of Deeds

County Attorney

County Sheriff

Township Trustee, Seward Township

Township Treasurer, Seward Township

Township Trustee, Fargo Township

Township Treasurer, Fargo Township

Township Trustee, Liberal Township

Township Treasurer, Liberal Township

The following positions will be elected in each political party which has qualified to participate in the Primary Election:

                                One Precinct Committeeman in each Precinct

                                One Precinct Committeewoman in each Precinct

(KAIR)--United States Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins came to the local area last week, meeting with constituents at several stops during her ongoing “Coffee With Your Congresswoman” initiative. 

During a visit to Atchison Friday afternoon, Jenkins told MSC News the tour gives her a chance to meet with those who give her her marching orders, the voting public, and to hear their concerns for the nation. 

“A briefing from my boss is what it is with every town hall that we do. I work for them. I need to know what priorities they have, and we heard some today. They'd like to see Obamacare repealed, they'd like to see Dodd-Frank repealed, they'd like, I think, to see a balanced budget. All of that just is good feedback for me to take to Washington and know my priorities and what they want me to be spending my time on.” 

From Atchison, the 2nd District Republican Congresswoman Friday traveled to both Highland and Horton to meet with residents of those communities. 

Earlier in the week, she made stops in the local region, including those in Holton and Blue Rapids. 

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/24/16 07:24 07:28 07:35 07:48 VANDALISM PD 16001036 9731

W HARTFORD

RP ADV'D THE CAR PARKED NEXT TO HER VEH HAD THE DOOR OPEN WHEN [REDACTED] WENT TO HER CAR, AND THE DOOR TO HER VEH HAS BEEN SCRATCHED. #49, RPT TKN.

01/24/16 11:04 11:07 11:10 12:20 DISTURBANCE PD 16001038 9551

E COMANCHE

RP ADV'D THAT MALE SUBJ IS IN THEIR YARD AND HARASSING THEM. WON'T LET THEM OUTSIDE.

10-15 W/ 22 YO W/M FOR TRESPASSING.

RP REQ XPTL.

01/24/16 12:54 12:55 12:59 13:20 DOMESTIC PD 16001040 9666

E DIXIE

RP ADV'D OF PHYSICAL DOMESTIC. #41 ASND, #49 ASST'D. PROBLEM HALF GOA. RPT TKN.

01/24/16 15:34 15:35 15:37 15:53 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16001044 9351

E OKLAHOMA

REQ OFFICER IN LOBBY REF ASSAULT. #53 ASND. RP WANTED STANDBY AT ADDR ON S 6TH TO COLLECT PROP. #53 HANDLED. NO RPT.

01/24/16 16:52 16:55 16:56 17:32 ANIMAL CALL PD 16001046 9678

MCGRAW

RP REQ OFFICER REF HER SON BEING BIT BY DOG. #32 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/24/16 17:03 17:22 17:28 17:46 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001047 9908

N 14TH

REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #28 ASND. RPT TKN.

01/24/16 17:22 17:23 17:23 17:35 VEHICLE TOW PD 16001049 9677

E HIGHLAND

#38 OUT ON T/S W/ VEH. BUDGET TOWED 295KTU FOR NO INS.

01/24/16 19:11 19:12 19:16 19:21 SUICIDE, ATTEMPTED PD 16001054 9678

N 14TH

ER REQ OFFICER REF INTENTION O.D. #38 ASND, SUBJ WAS TAKEN INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY BUT WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE ICU FOR MEDICAL ISSUES. THE HOSPITAL WILL LET US KNOW WHEN THIS SUBJ IS AVAILABLE TO BE EVALUATED.

01/24/16 19:23 19:25 19:35 19:51 VANDALISM PD 16001055 9908

S WASHINGTON

REQ OFFICER REF VANDALISM TO BLU DODGE VAN. #28 ASND. RPT TKN.

01/24/16 19:40 22:36 22:36 00:00 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16001061 9677

N 14TH

#38 REQ CFS# FOR THREAT OF SUICIDE AT ER. TRANSPORTED TO PD FOR TRANSPORT LATER.

01/24/16 22:04 22:04 22:04 22:31 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001059 9742

LAKE & OTOE

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 24 YO W/M FOR (LOCAL 44'S: FTP-POSS MARIJ, FTP-POSS PARA X2, FTP-DOG AT LARGE, FTP NO INS, FTP SPEED SCHL ZN 15+, INDIRECT CONTEMPT.)

01/25/16 05:39 05:40 05:43 06:20 DOMESTIC PD 16001062 8216

N 7TH

RP REQ AN OFFICER REF VERBAL DOMESTIC W/ HALF. #11 ASND. #37 ASST'D. #11 ADV'D HE WILL BE DOING A WARANT REQ FOR DOM A&B, THE FEM HALF IS GOING TO A FRIEND'S RESI.

(KMZA)--A Fort Riley soldier has been arrested in connection with head-on collision last August in Nemaha County that sent four people to the hospital. 

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says 29-year-old Justin Gerdes was arrested Sunday on a Nemaha County warrant for three counts of aggravated battery, transporting an open container and driving under the influence.

The charges stem from a two-vehicle wreck on August 22nd on U.S. 63 Highway about 7 miles north of Seneca that was investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The Patrol says Gerdes was northbound when he attempted to pass another vehicle and collided head-on with a southbound vehicle driven by 21-year-old Kelsey Ann Bradley, of Seneca.

Gerdes and Bradley were both transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca with unspecified injuries. Two passengers in the Bradley vehicle, 46-year-old Bryce Bradley and 45-year-old Dana Bradley, both of Seneca, were also transported to the hospital with possible injuries.

Gerdes remains in the Nemaha County Jail,  held on a $150,000 bond. 

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/23/16 08:36 08:48 08:54 09:06 VANDALISM PD 16000998 9906

WOODBURY

MAILBOX DAMAGED. #31 TOOK RPT.

01/23/16 09:08 09:10 09:10 11:03 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16000999 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

******* SAND SPRINGS PD  STOLEN VEH  TTY ***

*

BLACK 2006 LINCOLN TRUCK W/ BEDCOVER. 895DTH/ OK. KEY IN THE VEH. CRHOME RIMS, CHROME RAILS, & CHROME RUNNING BOARDS.

*

******* STOLEN VEH TTY FROM SAND SPRINGS PD ***

01/23/16 13:45 13:46 13:46 13:46 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16001006 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

BOOKING REQ CFS# FOR TURNED IN WALET.

01/23/16 15:27 15:29 15:38 15:53 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16001009 9863

RIVIERA

RP FOUND PURSE IN ALLEY. #34 HANDLED. RETURNED TO OWNER.

01/23/16 16:06 16:08 16:10 16:21 ANIMAL CALL PD 16001011 9351

S OSAGE

RP ADV'D OF AGRESSIVE DOG ON CHAIN WRAPPED AROUND HER PORCH. DOESN'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM. DOG GETS AGGRESSIVE WHEN SHE TRIES TO HELP.

#53 ASND, TOOK NON AGGRESSIVE DOG TO A/C.

01/23/16 16:43 16:47 16:53 19:55 INTOX DRIVER PD 16001012 8306

N UNION

RP RPTS INTOX MALE JUST BACKED INTO THE PORCH AT RESI AND IS NOW SITTING ON THE PORCH AND IS INTOX.

#17 ASND, #34 ASST'D. 10-15 W/ 37 YO W/M FOR DUI.

01/23/16 17:06 17:09 17:12 17:39 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16001013 9678

N 14TH

RP ADV'D HER SILVER F150 WAS HIT IN THE PARKING LOT BY A SILVER CHRYSLER SUV. VEH LEFT SB ON 14TH. 5 MIN TLAPSE. #32 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/23/16 17:30 14:39 17:44 18:07 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16001014 9678

N 14TH

REQ OFFICER REF A THEFT THAT HAPPENED EARLIER. #32 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/23/16 19:55 19:57 19:57 21:00 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001016 9677

N 3RD

#38 OUT ON TRAFFIC. NP TRM TOWED VEH.

#38 WENT 10-15 W/ MALE SUBJ FOR (CITY 44: FTP-NO INS.)

01/23/16 21:35 21:44 21:45 22:13 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16001017 8654

E PROSPECT

CONTACT RP IN THE LOBBY REF HIS DAUGHTER'S PHONE WAS STOLEN AT BUSINESS. #57 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/23/16 22:15 22:16 22:16 00:06 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16001020 9677

N UNION

#38 OUT ON T/S. VEH WAS LEFT LEGALLY PARKED.

#38 WENT 10-15 W/ 21 YO W/M FOR POSS MARIJ.

01/23/16 23:43 23:45 23:47 23:55 DISTURBANCE PD 16001024 9368

OSAGE & HAZEL

911 ADV ABOUT 12 SUBJS ARE OUT IN STREET, SCREAMING. #45 ASND. MULTIPLE UNITS BACKED. #45, QOA, THERE WAS A FIGHT EARLIER. THE PROBLEM IS GOA.

***CONNECT #16001034, 1026, & 1024***

01/23/16 23:57 23:58 23:58 00:49 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16001026 9368

HAZEL & OSAGE

#38, SUBJ ON THE BACK DRIVE SAID HE WAS ASSAULTED BY A SUBJ AT HAZEL/OSAGE. #45 RESPONDED. #11 ASST'D.

#45, SUBJ DECLINED TO PRESS CHARGES, HAS MOVED ON.

***CONNECT #16001034, 1026, & 1024***

01/24/16 00:03 00:16 00:16 00:16 EXTRA PATROL PD 16001028 9498

ELM & PONCA

SIG 87 RP ADV HER WHITE JEEP CHEROKEE IS PARKED IN THE AREA, AND SOME GUY WHO'S NAME SHE DOESN'T KNOW HAS THE KEYS. RP ADV SHE WILL REMEMBER THE MALE'S NAME IF HE STEALS THE CAR, BECAUSE STEALING A CAR ID GRAND LARCENY. #39 ASND.

@ 00:19, #39 CK'D THE AREA, THERE IS NO MATCHING VEH.

***CONNECT #15001033***

01/24/16 02:29 02:30 02:35 02:45 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16001033 9368

N OAK

WHT JEEP CHEROKEE BACKED UP TO THE BACK OF THE RESI. DOES NOT BELONG THERE. #45 ASND, #39 ASST'D. #45 RE-ASSIGNED TO AN ASSAULT CALL AT THE ER. #57 RESPONDED. #39, 647ALC IS PARKED IN THE BACK YARD. RP DOESN'T KNOW IF THE HOMEOWNER IS ALLOWING SOMEONE TO STAY THERE. VEH IS THE RP'S WHO CALLED FOR XPTL AT ELM/PONCA EARLIER TONIGHT IN CASE SHE OR SOMEONE CALLS ABOUT IT.

***CONNECT #16001028***

01/24/16 02:30 02:33 02:38 02:52 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16001034 8216

N 14TH

SUBJ IS IN ER ROOM, ADV HE WAS ASSAULTED BY SOME MEXICANS AT HIS RESI A LITTLE WHILE AGO. #11 ASND. #45 RESPONDED.

SUBJ, 21 YO C/M, IS EXTREMELY SIG 87. HE WILL RECALL AFTER HE SOBERS UP IF HE DECIDES HE WANTS A RPT.

***CONNECT #16001034, 1026, & 1024***

01/24/16 05:12 05:14 05:17 05:33 DISTURBANCE PD 16001035 9368

N SUNSET

RP ADV'D INTOX FEM OUTSIDE HER RESI TRYING TO GET IN. FEM ARRIVED IN A SILVER 4DR CAR. #45 ASND, #11 & #39 ASST'D. PROBLEM FEM GOT A RIDE.

(KMZA)--A burglary and theft from a building in Wetmore is being investigated.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department took a report January 21st of a burglary and theft from a building at 527 2nd Street.

The sheriff’s office says sometime between January 7th  and January 20th an unknown person forced entry and removed two rifles and a toolbox.

The loss was estimated at more than $330.

Anyone with information on the crime should contact the Nemaha County Sheriff’s office in Seneca.

(KNZA)--The bonds issued for the construction of the Brown County Jail should be paid off well ahead of schedule. 

That word came Monday during the annual meeting of the Brown County Public Building Commission.

County Commission Chairman Warren Ploeger, who serves as a member of  the Public Building Commission, says based on information provided by bond counsel Dustin Avey the jail should be paid off  this year or be very close to being paid off.

Voters in November 2008 approved a half-cent retailers sales tax to fund the construction of a new jail.

The Public Building Commission was formed to issue $4.4 million in bonds to finance the project, with the revenue from the sales tax going to pay off the bonds.

Collection of the sales tax began April 1st, 2009 and is to end when the bonds are paid off or July 1st, 2020, whichever occurs first.

The Public Building Commission, chaired by Dr. Steve Davies, set their next annual meeting for January 30th, 2017 but could hold a special meeting earlier if the jail is paid off before that time. 

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education heard an update last week on the building project at the school. 

Superintendent Ken Eaton said the multipurpose room should be enclosed by the end of February so the utility work can be done. The multipurpose room should be completed by the middle of June.

The elevator project is underway, but time restraints slow the progress.  During the Christmas vacation the elevator shaft was cut out. The permanent walls need to be put in place for the elevator shaft, but that work can only be done on nights and weekends when there is no school  

The rain last spring and summer slowed down the work on the project, which was originally supposed to have been done by the first of the year.  

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen have appointed a new City Clerk and Deputy Clerk. 

During the January meeting of the Aldermen, Annissa Brandon was unanimously appointed to the position of City Clerk.

Council members also voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Tysha Davis to the position of Deputy City Clerk.

Retirement merit pay of 10% of her departing salary was approved for City Clerk Patsy Smith.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Commissioners appointed two new members to the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital and Rural Health Clinic Board when they met January 19th.  

Inerim Hospital Administrator, Gary Bieganski met with Commissioners to discuss the openings.  Jim Kubik and Carol Schaardt were appointed to the Board. 

Commissioners approved renewal of the County health insurance with United HealthCare through the Nebraska Association of County Officials following a meeting with Dennis Maggert with NACO.

Commissioners also approved a motion, stating that Pawnee County will stop accepting used oil from the public effective February 2nd, due to the loss of state funding for recycling.  

The public hearing on the One and Six Year Pawnee County Road Plan was set for February 16th at 10:30 a-m.   

(KLZA)-- Officials at Consolidated Grain and Barge in Falls City have locked down the area following an incident Saturday that has damaged a large grain bin.

A CGB spokesperson says a grain bin at the facility on the southern edge of Falls City has experienced a leak in one of the bin's seams.

According to a news release, CGB's team was working with the bin manufacturer and emptying the bin so the leak can be safely examined and repaired. 

The release goes on to say there has been no fire or explosion at the location.

     (Information in the following story is from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com)

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says the number of handgun licenses it issued in 2015 was down from the previous two years.

      The OSBI says more than 40,000 Oklahomans received a license to carry a handgun last year. The Oklahoman reports that the data shows fewer licenses were issued in 2014 to 2015 following a dramatic increase in permits in 2013, the first full year license-holders could carry openly. Previously, permits allowed only concealed-carry handguns.

      That was also the year after 20 children and six adults were shot to death in a school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. in December 2012.

      Records show 40,466 handgun licenses were issued in 2015, down from 44,811 in 2014 and 60,628 in 2013. Oklahoma does not require a license to buy a gun.

     NORMAN, Okla. (ow.AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has fined the University of Oklahoma more than $19,000 for Animal Welfare Act violations related to animal testing.

      A recently released document by the USDA says the university is being cited for failure to follow research protocols, failure to administer pain relief to animals in connection to surgical procedures and inadequate veterinary care.

      Eleven incidents in 2014 and 2015 were listed during the USDA evaluation. Some of the incidents involved guinea pigs that bled to death, several rabbits that underwent procedures without the proper administration of approved pain reliever buprenorphine and the hosing down of baby baboons.

      Dr. James Tomasek of the university's health sciences center has defended the department's standards and says the university is taking additional steps to address the issue.

      TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A 30-year-old Oklahoma City man has died following a single-vehicle crash on the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa County.

      The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Sunday that John Virgil David Picard was pronounced dead at the scene of Saturday's crash.

      Troopers say the collision occurred about 4:35 a.m. in the city limits of Tulsa. Picard was a passenger in a westbound pickup truck that left the roadway and collided with a large concrete sound barrier wall alongside. Troopers say Picard was partially ejected through a passenger side window.

      Troopers say the cause of the crash is under investigation. They say Picard was not wearing a seatbelt.

This year’s Pancake Day shirt is now available. In addition to a t-shirt, Pancake Day fans will want a commemorative button to add to their collection.  The button also serves as admission to the Pancake Breakfast on Feb. 9.
Pancake Day merchandise for sale also includes tote bags, aprons, bandanas, postcards, sno-globes and a variety of other items. 
Merchandise and event tickets can be purchased at the Hall of Fame, 318 N. Lincoln, between 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. and also on the Pancake Day website at www.pancakeday.net <http://www.pancakeday.net> .  On the web site, click on SHOP to view and purchase merchandise.  Check out the web site for a special discounted ticket package. Pancake Day shirts and other items will also be for sale at Pancake Day events Feb. 6-9.
Call 620-624-6423 for more information.

As of Friday afternoon, seven women have entered the International Pancake Day Race slated for Feb. 9, including two veteran racers. Returning racers are Summer Parsons, 27, who won the Liberal leg of the race in 2014 with a time of 63.5 seconds, and Leslie Spikes, 33, who took third place in 2012. First-time racers include Nakiesha Cohens, Shawna Quint, Ashley Werkmeister, Kitty Lum and Abbey Hubbard.
The Men’s Race is almost full, with 13 contestants so far: Tyson McGuire, Randy Ortiz, Erving Altamircano,  Robert (Pino) Hildreth, Lee Moore, Conner Villanueva, Joe Grassmuck, Chris Orellano, Brandon Buck, Matt Quint, Matthew McLane, Matthew Williams, and Fernando Zavala.
A number of children’s categories are full; see the most recent list on the International Pancake Day Facebook page.
Contestants of all ages may sign up at the Liberal Recreation Center, 1109 W. 7th St. (in Blue Bonnet Park) through Friday, Jan. 29.
The number of contestants in each race is limited to 15, and a category will be closed once that limit is reached. There is no entry fee. No late sign-ups will be accepted. For more information contact Ronna Stump at 620-626-0133

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha is moving forward on the demolition of five derelict properties.

The City Commission last week agreed to solicit bids for demolition of the properties.

Eleven properties had originally been slated for demolition last summer and the city is now down to four houses and one shed. They include houses at 714 Kickapoo, 900 Shawnee, 214 Potawatomie, and 1104 Delaware Street along with a shed at 712 Kickapoo.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says bidders will be asked to submit a price for each property along with a lump sum bid for the demolition of all the properties.

Bids will be opened February 10th and bids awarded at the Commission’s February 16th meeting.

On the recommendation of Code Enforcement Officer Evans Woehlecke, the Commission agreed to proceed with the demolition of the house at 900 Shawnee and to grant the owners of another house on the derelict property list located at 114 North 12th an extension until April 1st to complete needed repairs.

 

( MSC News) --Unemployment was up in all by one area northeast Kansas counties in December.

That’s according to the latest figures released by the Kansas Department of Labor.

Atchison County continued to have the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent and Nemaha County the lowest at 2.3 percent.

Elsewhere, Brown County’s jobless in December stood at 3.2 percent; Doniphan, 3.6 percent; Jackson, 3 percent; Jefferson, 3.6 percent; Leavenworth, 4 percent; Marshall, 2.9 percent and Pottawatomie, 3.1 percent.

All the figures were up from November except in Brown County which saw it’s jobless rate hold steady.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in December was 3.9 percent.  That’s unchanged from November, but down from 4.2 percent in December 2014.

(KMZA)--A 7th grader at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Seneca won the Nemaha County Spelling Bee Saturday held at the Nemaha County Courthouse.

Dalton Hermesch correctly spelled the word “ patrician” to capture 1st place.

Taking second place was Camble Haverkamp, an 8th grader at Centralia Middle School.  Ainsley Thomas, an 8th grader at Nemaha Central Middle School, took third place.

The event was sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which is comprised of key women educators.

Hermesch and Haverkamp will advance to the Topeka Capital Journal Regional Spelling Bee on March 5th.
 
 

(KAIR)--A who's who of Atchison came together Saturday night to celebrate Atchison's business success. 

That came during the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards Ceremony, where local history was commemorated under an old west theme, complete with period costumes worn by many of the 425 in attendance. 

Chamber President Jacque Pregont tells MSC News, Ronda Crossland was named Ambassador of the Year, while Casey Quinn earned the award for Excellence in Leadership. Entrepreneur of the Year honors went to Angela Harris-Spurlock, Project Atchison was named Organization of the Year, and the Tourism Award went to Travis Grossman. Earning the Quality of Life Award was the Atchison Community Health Clinic, while the YMCA Leadership Cabinet was named Team of the Year. 

The prestigious Business of the Year award was also presented, with that honor bestowed on Atchison's MGP Ingredients.  

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle rear end collision Sunday night on U.S. 75 Highway in Jackson County sent one to the hospital.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says it happened shortly before 9:30 just north of 134th Road.

Morse says 45-year-old Melissa Livengood, of Hoyt, was northbound when she fell alseep at the wheel and her Ford Escape struck the rear of a northbound Hummer driven by 35-year-old Norman Caballero-Miramontes, of Holton.  The impact caused the Hummer to travel into the median and continue into the southbound lane.

A passenger in the Hummer, 25-year-old Holton resident Kareli Gomez-Cardona, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center with minor injuries.

Livengood was injured but refused medical treatment.  Cabellero-Miramontes was not hurt.

Morse says Livengood was issued a citation for driving while suspended.

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - Beatrice police have deployed a new weapon in their search for suspects: humor.

Officer Kris Gill is the brain behind the humorous Facebook posts that accompany security snapshots, and Gill says all of the individuals pictured in the posts have been identified. Gill says that's a vast improvement from the limited results gained from previous postings.

Police Chief Bruce Lang told the Beatrice Daily Sun that he was amazed by how fast some of the crimes were solved following the posts

He also says it's tricky finding the right balance of humor and seriousness when dealing with suspected crimes.

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma lawmakers have more than 3,400 measures to consider when the 2016 session begins on Feb. 1, and that doesn't include dozens more bills that will be needed to build a state budget with a roughly $1 billion hole in it.

      A total of 1,725 new House and Senate bills and resolutions were filed by a key legislative deadline last week on a wide variety of topics. There are another 1,700 bills that remain active from the 2015 session.

      The issues range from the serious, like public education and state tax policy, to the not-so-somber, like a bill to mandate people subscribe to their local newspaper.

      But much of the focus of the upcoming session likely will be on managing a $900 million hole in the state budget.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill says it's time Missouri joins the country's other 49 states and establishes a prescription drug monitoring program.

The Senate's Special Committee on Aging heard testimony Tuesday in Jefferson City about how to lower addiction rates for opioid painkillers and heroin.

State Rep. Holly Rehder told the committee that Missouri's lack of a monitoring program makes it a target for people from other states seeking as many painkillers as possible. The Sikeston Republican has introduced a bill that would create a monitoring program aimed at identifying potential drug abuse.

A House committee is scheduled to review the measure Wednesday.

State lawmakers have resisted enacting such a program for more than a decade because of worries about the security of a government database with medical information.

(KLZA)--Officials at Consolidated Grain and Barge in Falls City closed down the area Saturday following an incident that damaged a large grain bin.

A CGB spokesperson says a grain bin at the facility experienced a leak in one of the bin's seams.

According to a news release, CGB's team is working with the bin manufacturer and emptying the bin so the leak can be safely examined and repaired. 

The release goes on to say there was no fire or explosion at the location on the southern edge of Falls City.

      (Information in the following story is from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com)

      OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Department of Corrections' former director has testified again before a multicounty state grand jury that is investigating problems with the state's last two scheduled executions.

      The Oklahoman reports that Robert Patton testified for about 90 minutes Thursday. He first testified on October 21st.

      The grand jury is investigating, at the request of Attorney General Scott Pruitt, how the wrong lethal injection drugs were used during an execution last January, and how the same incorrect drugs were delivered to the state prison hours before an execution was to be carried out last September.

      Patton resigned in December and accepted a position as a deputy warden at a private Arizona prison.

      The grand jury is expected to issue a report on the case February 18th.

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A published report says the suspect in a bank robbery in which the president of the Bank of Eufaula was fatally shot had been released from prison by mistake.

      The suspect, 39-year-old Cedric Lamont Norris, died during a shoot-out with police following Thursday's bank robbery.

      Records indicate that Norris had been released from a Texas prison in March 2012 although he still had to complete 60-year and 10-year prison sentences in Oklahoma.

      The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/1PujOBW ) that Norris was arrested in Dallas in February 2005 after jewelry store robberies in Oklahoma and Texas. He was moved in December 2005 to Tulsa County and then Creek County for trials. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a Tulsa jewelry store robbery and 60 years for a robbery in Sapulpa.

     ---

     Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com 

(Lincoln)-- The Nebraska State Patrol wants more young drivers to wear a seatbelt. 

A new program uses a rollover simulator to show how effective a seatbelt is in a crash. Trooper Charlie Cook says they also use the “seat belt convincer” to demonstrate a slow-speed collision.

The “seat belt convince” demonstrates what can happen at just five miles per hour.

The distracted driver simulator is a new tool that shows the dangers of such things as texting while driving. Trooper Cook says teens can experience the danger of not focusing on the road through the simulated driving program. Deer and animals coming out in front of the vehicle, pedestrians and even other cars coming at you are included in the program.

Trooper Cook says any school or group interested in the program should contact their local Troop area office. 

Teens seem to have the highest number of distractions when driving from cell phones to food and friends. This coupled with a general lack of driving experience make it important for teens to buckle up and try to limit the number of distractions in the vehicle.

The State Patrol is offering the program through March.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska students will not be required get vaccinations against meningitis, despite senators who argue the disease is a public health concern.

Lawmakers rejected a bill Wednesday that would have required two rounds of meningitis vaccinations for students between seventh grade and age 16. The vote was 29-14, four votes short of the 33 required to break a filibuster and carry it to the next round.

The bill's sponsor, Omaha Senator Bob Krist, designated the measure his priority this session after it failed to gain approval last year. Krist says bacterial meningitis can result in loss of limbs and organ failure.

But opponents say vaccinations should be decided by parents and there have been too few cases of meningitis in Nebraska to mandate a statewide vaccination.

The bill is LB18.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council last week discussed a request from the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce concerning Holiday Banners for poles on Nemaha Street, which is Highway 105. 

The Chamber is asking the City crews hang and maintain new welcome banners. The Council suggested that NPPD about hanging the banners since they have a bucket truck.  

The Council did authorize Mayor Crystal Dunekacke to sign a contract for architectural services on the Humboldt City Auditorium with Treanor Architects once the current billing rate schedule is provided by the company.

The Humboldt Council also discussed a request to declare a Drug Free Child Care area around a new child care facility in Humboldt. Research indicates that “child care” facilities are not mentioned in state statute allowing such a designation.  Councilman Dean Bogle suggested Mayor Dunekacke write State Senator Dan Watermeier to find out why child care facilities are not included.  

Cemetery Board member Art Wherry was scheduled to meet with the Council to discuss ways to invest a couple of significant monetary gifts to the cemetery. A person from out of town was unable to attend due to the weather so no discussion was held.  

(KAIR)--A pick-up truck, and cattle trailer, reported stolen in Jackson County, have been located in Saint Joseph, Missouri. 

That word Friday from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who says they were recovered Friday afternoon by the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. 

The truck and trailer were stolen earlier this month from 16621 326th Road. 

No suspects are yet named and no arrests are reported. 

(KAIR)--Bald eagles following large flocks of migrating Canada geese have made Lewis and Clark State Park their winter vacation destination, said park superintendent Jim Kunce. 

Kunce counted 40 eagles in one spot this past Monday at the park, but he says the total number is likely higher.

Why are they here?

They’re following the food.

“That’s the primary reason that the eagles are here because they’re following the geese,” Kunce explained. “That’s a critical food source for the eagles, and eagles are very opportunistic. The easier it is for them to get their food, the better.”

Kunce says the best place to see the eagles is at the far corner of the park by the shelter house. That’s where the lake will surely have open water as the spot is aerated to keep it from freezing.

The eagles should be here until February and Kunce encourages all to go and see them.

“It’s pretty fascinating to come out here and see them,” Kunce said. “It gives you a real sense of being out in the wild, being out in nature.”

A reminder, hunting both bald eagles and golden eagles is forbidden under federal law.

(KAIR)--Two arrests are made following a report Friday regarding a burglary at the Jackson County location of a cell phone tower belonging to a telecommunications company.

Taken into custody are two Topeka men, 50-year-old David Wallace Brooks and Earl Kuhn III. 

Sheriff Tim Morse tells MSC News the report of the crime was made around 4:30 in the morning. “The Sheriff's Office received a report of a burglary in progress at 12100 U. Road, and that's in southeastern Jackson County. It's the sight of a large radio tower there, a former AT&T tower and outbuilding there.” 

Morse says it didn't take long for deputies to arrive on the scene, but the two suspects had already fled, but were located later in Topeka. “Deputies arrived soon thereafter, believed that the suspects had traveled east on the low maintenance road into Jefferson County. Detectives [shortly before the noon hour] made two arrests in Topeka.” 

Morse says Brooks and Kuhn are accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of equipment during the burglary, using a stolen pick-up truck to haul their ill-gotten gains. “Approximately $6,000 to $8,000 worth of cabling and about $3,000 worth of generators were taken from the facility. Mr. Brooks [at the time of his arrest] was in possession of a Ford F150 pick-up truck that was believed to be used in the burglary and  had been reported stolen out of Platte County, Missouri.” 

Following their arrests, Brooks and Kuhn were booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges including  burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and felony theft.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Adults suffering from a terminal illness would have the right to end their own life with a doctor's assistance under a bill Nebraska lawmakers will consider this year.

Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha introduced legislation Wednesday that would allow patients to self-administer an aid-in-dying drug prescribed by their doctor.

Patients would have to request the prescription orally and in writing, with a statement signed by two witnesses. At least one of the witnesses could not be related to the patient and could not be listed as a beneficiary of the patient's estate.

The bill would only apply to patients are believed to have less than six months to live.

The bill is LB1056.

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/21/16 08:53 08:54 08:59 11:18 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000915 9906

GRAND & PINE

RP ADV'D W/M STOLE WIRING FROM STREET LIGHT POLE. #31 ASND. #27 & #08 ASST'D.

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 55 YO W/M FOR PL, KCSP, AND POSS STOLEN COPPER WIRE.

#08 WENT 10-12 W/ 10-15 FOR #31. NP BUDGET TWOED 837JPM.

01/21/16 09:28 09:29 09:39 10:05 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16000916 7842

JOE

SECOND HAND INFO FROM RP REQ AN OFFICER TO CONTACT HER SISTER AT THIS RESI. RP ADV'D THE MALE HALF AND HER HAVE BEEN FIGHTING AND HE LEFT AND TOL HER IF SHE WAS STILL THERE WHEN HE RETURNED HE WAS GOING TO BEAT HER UP. #16 ADV'D HE CONTACT D/V ADVOCATE. THE MALE RETURNED & PICKED UP HIS PROP AND LEFT. FEM WAS LEFT W/ DV ADVOCATE. VERBAL ONLY.

01/21/16 09:50 09:50 09:50 11:51 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000917 9271

N 1ST

#20 WENT 10-15 W/ 19 YO I/F FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT.

01/21/16 13:17 13:19 13:27 13:44 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000926 7842

MEADOW LN

REQ OFFICER IN LOBBY REF STOLEN ITEMS. #16 DISPATCHED AND TOOK INFO FOR RPT.

01/21/16 14:55 14:56 15:00 19:55 DISTURBANCE PD 16000930 9551

S ELM

DISPUTE OVER CUSTODY. #27 DISPATCHED ADN WENT 10-15 W/ 41 YO I/M FOR DOM A&B PRES MINOR X2. RPT TKN.

01/21/16 16:07 16:11 16:14 16:25 BURGLARY, INVESTIAGTION PD 16000933 9863

S 7TH

RP REQ AN OFFICER REF AUTO BURGLARY. #34 DISPATCHED AND MADE CONTACT W/ RP WHO ADV'D NOTHING WAS MISSING AND SHE JUST WANTED XPTL.

01/21/16 16:51 16:54 17:01 17:32 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000934 9608

WILLOW AVE

RP ADV'D GARAGE WAS BURGLARIZED. #52 DISPATCHED, RPT TKN.

01/21/16 18:02 18:05 18:08 18:39 INTOX SUBJECT PD 16000936 9863

E OKLAHOMA

RP IN THE FRONT LOBBY REQ AN OFFICER REF HER EX HUSBAND IS INTOX AND WON'T GET OUT OF HER VEH.

#34 DISPATCHED AND WENT 10-15 W/ 52 YO MALE FOR PI AND (FTA CIVIL SUIT KSO.)

01/22/16 00:26 00:27 00:27 00:31 STALLED VEHICLE PD 16000946 9498

N ASH

#39 & #45 ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO ASST A 1026. TAG 210LQZ, '94 JEEP CHEROKEE IS PARKED AT BUSINESS. OWNER WILL GET IT MOVED TODAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. #45 10-12 W/ OWNER TO HIS RESI.

UPDATE:On December 2015, Texas County Sheriff Matt Boley, was contacted by the Superintendent of Tyrone, Oklahoma School Distrct. The Superintendent reported that he had been made aware of an inappropriate relationship between a Tyrone Public School teacher and a student. The Superintendent reported that through his investigation he was able to gather enough information that he needed to report his findings to law enforcement. The Superintendent reported the teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave.

Texas County Sheriff's Investigator, Andrea Walter was assigned to the investigation. Through interviews and other evidence, the investigation uncovered multiple violations of Oklahoma Statutes and these findings were presented to District One, District Attorney's Office.

On January 21, 2016 a felony arrest warrant was issued by the court for the arrest of Claire Louise Torres, 27, of Liberal KS. Bond on the arrest warrant was set at $100,000. The felony warrant includes 5 counts of rape and 22 counts of indecent exposure.

On January 22, 2016 Torres was taken into custody in Seward County Kansas. Torres declined to sign a waiver of extradition,to the State of Oklahoma, and was released on a $25,000 Fugitive of Justice Bond. Oklahoma authorities will now apply for a Governors warrant to have Torres returned to the State of Oklahoma.

TEXAS COUNTY SHERIFF MATT BOLEY

According to an affidavit filed Thursday in the Texas County Court, a warrant was issued for former Tyrone and Liberal teacher and coach, Claire Louise Torres on 27 felony counts. Counts 1 through 5 are Rape in the 2nd degree, with Counts 6 through 27, Indecent Exposure. These counts involve a male not less than 16, and not older than 20. A $100,000 bond was set with the condition Ms. Torres has no contact with the alleged victim. She has been taken into custody and is currently in the Seward County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--Atchison firefighters were kept busy Friday, making several responses to 2604 Industrial Road, the location of Progressive Rail Services, formerly known as Amsted RPS and Unit Rail Anchor. 

Interim Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf says the first call came in during the midnight hour, sending crews to the scene. “On arrival, flames were visible, coming from the venting system connected to the equipment inside. At that point in time, for tactical purposes, it was decided to set up the ladder truck and use the ladder to access that top point of the venting system, a few stories off the ground, at the top of that. That's actually where the fire was coming from. As it turned out, there was a fire inside the duct work, the ventilation system for all the processing equipment that is located within the facility.” 

Graf says crews went to work, strategically sawing into enclosed locations to extinguish the fire while launching suppression efforts inside the building. 

Graf says that was successful and it's believed the cause of the fire has been determined. “It was determined at that time that electrical failure had caused the stoppage of the ventilating airflow throughout the system so the heat that was built in the vapors, the oil vapors coming off their processing equipment, was just getting up into the duct work and not being properly exhausted out. [That] subsequently ignited oil vapor buildup that occurs on the inside of the duct work system itself.” 

Since the initial response, flare-ups have proven to be problematic, with firefighters again called to the location shortly after 4:00 Friday morning. “When they got out there, they found some fire and smoke coming from a separate part of the duct system that they do not believe there was any issues with on the prior response. They extinguished the flare ups in that duct system, and it also at that time had extended into their filtration system outside of the facility [and] they [firefighters] encountered some fire in there.” 

Efforts of suppression again appeared successful, but fire crews were called back to the site shortly before 10:00 in the morning. 

Graf says since October, the Atchison Fire Department has responded to five fires at the location, and it's believed that all but one is related to the malfunction system. Graf says good news comes from the company, which says they plan to replace it with a newer, more efficient system which will likely alleviate the combustion issue. 

(KNZA)-- Plans are underway to honor a longtime Hiawatha police officer who died earlier this month.

During their regular meeting this week, the Hiawatha City Commission gave Police Chief John Defore approval to solicit donations for a plaque and flag pole honoring Michael Thompson.

The pole will be used to display a Kansas flag, which Commissioners previously agreed to have installed in a planter on the east side of City Hall.  Commissioners felt it was a good fit considering Thompson's National Guard background.

Defore requested and was granted approval to advertise for the hiring of a full-time officer along with part-time officer.  Applications will be taken until 5:00 the evening of February 1st.

The Commission also granted Defore approval to sign the title to the 1949 vintage police car over to the Brown County Historical Society.  He says his department  also intends to donate a period uniform to the Historical Society.

Please welcome Dobbie back to the Ponca City Humane Society!

Rescued from Animal Control and adopted, Dobbie was not working out at his previous home.

He has done well with us, but Dobbie needs a home with older children and owners that have had previous experience with large breed dogs. He loves us, enjoys treats and toys and can't get enough of playing outside.

Dobbie is only 2 years old so still has a puppy mentality.  He will need a secure fenced yard.

Contact us for more information at 580-767-8877.  

The Ponca City Humane Society is preparing for the Third Annual "Tails of the Heart" fundraiser at the Osage Hotel and Casino.

The event is set for 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 20. Executive Director Patricia Amador said there will be new door prizes, delicious deserts and hor d'oeuvres, entertainment by Danny Mavis, a silent auction and another diamond up for grabs!

Tickets are $40 a person and include desserts and hor d'oeuvres, two complimentary drink tickets and $10 free play at the casino for every guest.

To be an event sponsor, contact Amador at the Humane Society at 580-767-8877. Sponsors will receive general admission with advertisement at the event and after the event; a reserved table for eight, PCHuS T-shirts for everyone in the group, eight entries for the diamond as well as signage on one of  the humane society's dog runs showing the public how much you support the mission in saving more lives in our area.

All proceeds go toward saving lives in 2016. The Ponca City Humane Society hopes to hit an all-time record of 600 lives saved this year! 

For more information on volunteering at the event, donating auction items, or sponsorship inquiries, contact Patricia at the Humane Society at 580-767-8877,  email pchumane@gmail.com, or FB message us! 

(KNZA)--A local Kansas legislator is seeking re-election.

Randy Garber, of Sabetha, has filed for another two-year term representing the 62nd District in the Kansas House.

Garber, a Republican, is the first candidate to seek the seat, which he’s held since 2011.

The 62nd District includes all of Brown and Nemaha Counties along with portions of Atchison and Jackson Counties.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file.      

The Kansas primary election is set for August 2nd, and general election on November 8th.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A survey shows some bankers had a dire view of the rural economy in their 10 Western and Plains states.

A report released Thursday says January's Rural Mainstreet Index plunged to 34.8 from 41.5 in December. It's the lowest overall index figure since August 2009. Survey officials say any score below 50 on any of the survey's indexes suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the monthly survey of rural bankers and says it's the fifth straight month for a decline. He again blames lower prices for agriculture and energy commodities and downturns in manufacturing.

The farmland and ranchland price index dropped to 23.9 in January from December's 28.8

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Tickets for the 2016 Father-Daughter dance are now on sale at Whimsy, located in the Ponca Plaza behind Maurice's. 

Tickets will be sold from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Feb. 5, as long as tickets are available. 

The dance will be Feb. 6 at the Marland Mansion. It is intended for girls up to 13 years old and their fathers or father figures.

Three sessions are scheduled: First session is from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. and is suggested for ages kindergarten and younger. The second session is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is suggested for first through third grade, and the third session will be from 8 to 9:30 p.m. and is suggested for fourth through seventh grade.

Tickets are $30 per couple, per session. Additional tickets are $15.

T-shirts can be ordered by Jan. 28 and are $15 each. Sizes are available from toddler to adult XL.

Proceeds benefit the Opportunity Center.

Candidate Filing for Seward County 2016 August Primary Election

Jack Jacob (Republican) has filed his intent to run for Seward County Commissioner, District 5.

The filing deadline for the following offices is June 1, 2016 at noon.

STATE OFFICES

United States Representative 1st District State

Senate 38th District State Representative 124th,

125th Districts

District Court Judge, 26th District, 2nd Division

COUNTY OFFICES

County Commissioner District 1

County Commissioner District 5

County Clerk

County Treasurer

County Register of Deeds

County Attorney

County Sheriff

Township Trustee, Seward Township

Township Treasurer,  Seward Township

Township Trustee, Fargo Township

Township Treasurer,  Fargo Township

Township Trustee, Liberal Township

Township Treasurer, Liberal Township

The following positions will be elected in each political party which has qualified to participate in the Primary Election:

One Precinct Committeeman in each Precinct

One Precinct Committeewoman in each Precinct

 “Winds of Change,” the 2016 Women in Agriculture Conference, will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Renfro Center at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa.

The keynote speaker will be Lyndall Stout, director of Oklahoma State University's Ag Communications and SUNUP TV host.

Several choices are available for morning and afternoon breakout sessions.

Morning sessions include Farm Transitions and Estate Planning with Shannon Ferrell, OSU Ag Economics Department; Back Yard Poultry 101 with Dana Zook and Corbin Dewitt, OSU Extension educators; So You Want to Take a Trip with Pam Smith of Global Dream Vacations; and Food Labels: What Do They Mean?, with Sarah Weeks, Gordon Cooper Technology Center.

Afternoon sessions include Farm Leases with Damona Doye, OSU Ag Economics Department; Management for Improved Performance in Beef Cattle with Dana Zook and Corbin Dewitt, OSU Extension educators; Organic Gardening 101, with David Hillock, OSU assistant Extension Horticulture Specialist, and Wind Turbine Development, with Jeff Neves, Amshore Energy and Graham Furlong, Duke Energy.

The conference provides a continental breakfast, catered lunch, informational booths, goodie bags and door prizes.

Pre-registration is $15 per person. Cost at the door is $25 per person. Checks are due by Feb. 1 and may be made payable to “Women in Ag.” They can be mailed to c/o Kay County Conservation District, 5501 N. Pleasant View Ave., Newkirk, OK 74647 or the Noble County Conservation District, 1302 Highway 77 North, Perry, OK, 73077.

For additional information, please call or email Kay County Conservation District at 580-362-2438, kayccd@conservation.ok.gov or Noble County Conservation District, 580-336-2003, nobleccd@conservation.ok.gov.

Additional information and forms are available at www.kaycountyconservation.com.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department is investigating an incident Wednesday afternoon that sent two women to the hospital--one with a knife wound.

According to a release from Police Chief Duane Armbruster the Police Department received a report of a female walking in the alley in the 2100 block of Lane Street. She was described as bloody and undressed.  The responding officer located the woman and a juvenile. 

It was determined the adult female was 30-year old Adrienne Franzen who resides at 1911 Morton Street in Falls City.

Further investigation revealed an incident had occurred at 1911 Morton involving Franzen, 31-year-old Megan Shipley, of Albion, and two minor children.  During the incident, Shipley was cut with a knife. Shipley along with Franzen were transported to Community Medical Center.

No further details are available. The investigation is ongoing.   

 The Ponca City Police Department is continuing its partnership with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office in 2016.

Through a competitive grant process, the Police Department was awarded funds to put additional officers on the streets to enforce traffic laws and keep the streets safer. Continuing the campaign to target aggressive and drunken or drugged drivers and remove them from the streets is only part of the campaign. The bottom line is traffic enforcement.

Patrol Division Capt. Earl Watkins reminds drivers that not wearing a safety belt is a primary reason for an officer to make a traffic stop, even if no other driving violations are observed. An officer spotting a driver texting and driving will get a driver pulled over very quickly too; distracted drivers cause accidents.

Drunken and drugged drivers cause accidents. Officers are constantly on the lookout for impaired drivers, hoping to remove them from the streets before they cause an accident.

“The Oklahoma Highway Office grant funding allows us to hire extra officers to remove impaired drivers from the streets of Ponca City,” Watkins said.  

(KLZA)-- Weather permitting, The Nebraska Department of Roads says work is scheduled to begin the week of February 1st on U.S. Highway 73 east and west of Verdon.

Hawkins Construction Company, of Omaha, Nebraska, has the contract for the $4 million dollar project, which will consists of guardrail replacement, bridge rail replacement, concretebridge deck repair and membrane waterproofing.

During construction, traffic will be controlled by traffic signal lights and “reduced speed” signs with a 14-foot width restriction. 

Minimal delays can be expected. The project is anticipated to be complete in August. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy Corporation has announced that it is planning employee layoffs over the next few months.

Company executives made the announcement during a town hall meeting with employees Wednesday morning.

Spokesman Tim Hartley said that the layoffs are a necessary part of cost management efforts for Devon as oil and natural gas prices remain weak.

Hartley said that it has not been determined how many employees will lose their jobs, but that a majority of the layoffs will happen by the end of March.

According to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission last year, Devon had about 5,500 employees as of Dec. 31, 2014.

(KLZA-- The Mound City Board of Education conducted a public hearing, as required by state statute, for any school district beginning the school year 10 days or more prior to the first Monday in September. 

Following the hearing the Board approved the 2016-17 school calendar with a first day of classes for students of August 17th. The Final day of the school year will be May 19th.  

The Board also voted to meet on February 17th at 12:30 p-m. The annual Board Member observations will take place the same day from 8:30 a-m to 11:30 a-m.. 

The Mound City Board of Education also accepted the letter of retirement submitted by Art Instructor Cate Kenny.  

(KLZA)-- ATV’s,  UTV’s are allowed to drive on city streets in Falls City and now a proposal to allow golf cars to be driven on city streets in Falls City is moving forward.

The City Council Monday night voted 7-0 to have the City Attorney prepare an ordinance to allow golf cars on city streets in the city limits of Falls City.  Council Person Judy Murphy made the request, after being contacted by the son of a local citizen wanting to drive her golf cart a few blocks to church.

Police Chief Duane Armbruster suggested the Golf Car provision be written separately from the established ordinance allowing ATV’s and UTV’s to operate on city streets. Armbruster said state statute pretty well spells out what the ordinance will be, and noted there would be some differences from the current ordinance allowing ATV’s and UTV’s to be operated on city streets.  

If approved golf cars cannot drive on state highways but can cross the highways and likely will not be allowed in the downtown business district. 

The ordinance will need to be read and approved three times before golf cars will be allowed to be driven in town. 

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - An Omaha woman has been accused of illegally providing cellphones to inmates while working as a guard at the state prison in Tecumseh.

She's charged with three felony counts of unlawful acts by a corrections employee. Court records say she was fired in March. 

Nebraska City radio station KNCY reports that officials suspected that up to five phones were taken into the prison.

A phone listing couldn't be found for the 22-year-old woman, Kiahna Arquilla. Her attorney didn't immediately return a call Friday from The Associated Press, seeking comment on her behalf.

(KLZA)-- Progress is being made on a Community Development Block Grant awarded to Falls City for Downtown Revitalization. Monday night the City Council authorized Mayor Jerry Oliver to sign a contract with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for the $350,000 grant.  

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained that business owners awarded grants for improvements to their properties, will be required to pay a 25-percent match called for as part of the grant.  Jorn is hoping to have applications ready later this month.  

The Southeast Nebraska Development District will administer the grant for the City. 

In other business Monday night the Council approved the purchase of two new pickup trucks from Hullman’s Ford of Falls City at the state bid price.  

A 2016 half-ton truck will be purchased for the Water Department at a cost of $25,865. 

A 2016 half-ton crew cab 4x4 pickup will be purchased for the Falls City Police Department to use as a patrol unit. The price will be $30,101. Bids for this pickup were also received from Sid Dillon Auto of Blair and from Professional Safety System in Richland Hills, Texas.  

Council members also gave favorable comment following a public hearing drawing no public comment, to a liquor license application for Dion Grier, at Southside Bar and Grill.  

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council received a Code Enforcement Update report from Rian Harkins with Southeast Nebraska Development District when they met Tuesday. 

Harkins provided information on six properties in Humboldt.  Following the report the Council voted to have two of the nuisances abated. The owners will receive a letter from the City Attorney directing them to abate the nuisance or it will be turned over to the courts.  Two other houses were declared nuisances by the Council. The owners will receive a letter from the City Attorney informing them of the nuisance declaration. 

All of the houses involved have structural issues.  

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Republican state senator is proposing a package of legislation he says will raise the salaries of Oklahoma public school teachers by $10,000 a year without raising taxes.

Sen. David Holt of Bethany said Thursday that in spite of an estimated budget shortfall of about $1 billion next year, there is a "moral obligation" to address teacher pay raises during the legislative session that begins Feb. 1. Oklahoma teachers haven't had a pay raise since 2008 and their salaries are more than $10,000 behind the national average.

Holt's plan includes six measures calling for changes to state tax credits, exemptions and deductions, dedicated revenue from economic growth and reducing Oklahoma's more than 500 school districts to 200.

A $10,000 raise for the state's 41,000 teachers would cost about $400 million.

ST. LOUIS (AP) - The Missouri Supreme Court has set a May execution date for a man convicted of killing a deputy and two other people 13 years ago.

The court on Thursday issued a warrant of execution for 66-year-old Earl Forrest. His execution on May 11 would be the first this year.

Forrest was convicted of killing Harriett Smith, Michael Wells and Dent County Deputy JoAnn Barnes in December 2002. Smith was killed at her Salem home in a drug dispute, and Wells was visiting her. Barnes died in a shootout when officers went to Forrest's home to investigate the killings.

Missouri executed 10 men in 2014 and six last year, but the pace is expected to slow because most of the remaining death row inmates still have court appeals pending.

EUFAULA, Okla. (AP) - Officials say a bank president was shot to death during a robbery in eastern Oklahoma and the suspect was killed after a car chase and exchange of gunfire with police.

FBI Special Agent Terry Weber said at a news conference that a man walked into the Bank of Eufaula, about 125 miles east of Oklahoma City, Thursday morning and shot a bank employee.

The state banking commissioner confirmed the bank's president and CEO, Randy Peterson, was killed.

Authorities say the man tried to take another employee hostage and shot her when she resisted. He then took a female customer hostage and fled in a car.

Authorities pursued, caught up with the suspect and exchanged gunfire. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Cedric Lamont Norris, was killed, and the hostage was shot.

Weber says both women who were shot are expected to survive.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The driver accused of causing the traffic death of an Oklahoma City sportscaster has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Twenty-seven-year-old Gustavo Castillo Gutierrez pleaded guilty Thursday to cocaine possession and causing an accident while driving a vehicle without a driver's license, resulting in death.

Police say Bob Barry Jr. was killed last June after his motor scooter collided with Gutierrez's vehicle as Gutierrez made an illegal U-turn.

Fifty-eight-year-old Barry had worked for KFOR-TV since 1982.

Gutierrez's plea agreement gave him five years for the traffic offense and 10 years for the drug offense, the maximum punishment for both crimes. The sentences will run concurrently.

Gutierrez has a history with U.S. Immigration and Customs and has been voluntarily returned to Mexico three times. Officials say his deportation process will begin after his sentence.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Former Oklahoma congressman J.C. Watts has been named the new president and chief executive officer of Oklahoma-based charity Feed The Children.

Watts, who in the 1990s became the first black Republican congressman from the South since Reconstruction, now runs a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. He says he'll remain chairman of that company when he starts his new role Feb. 1 at Feed The Children.

The charity said in a news release that Watts has a strong background in business and politics, plus he has traveled extensively to impoverished countries, making him an ideal candidate for the job. 

Feed The Children works to end childhood hunger both domestically and abroad. The organization says it distributed $344 million in food, essentials, educational supplies and medicine in 2014. 

(KNZA)--Water rates will be going up for customers of the city of Hiawatha.

During a special meeting Thursday evening, the Hiawatha City Commission approved an ordinance establishing the new rates which will be effective March 1st.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says the rate increase is necessary due to the city’s plans to build a new estimated $5 million water treatment plant to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in it’s  water supply system.  The last rate increase was in 2011.

Nichols says the average customer will see about a $6 monthly increase, while minimum users will see a $3 increase.  He noted information will be included in next month’s water bill about the rate increase.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg says he’s excited about being able to move forward in providing customers with a good quality water supply, something that has been a priority of his.

City officials expect the new water treatment plant to be operational in 18 to 24 months.

(KAIR)--A lifelong Doniphan County resident has announced his candidacy for the Kansas House of Representatives, seeking the 63rd District Seat. The position has long been held by Democrat Jerry Henry, of Cummings. 

W. Brett Neibling, in a press release, says he is also running as a Democrat, looking to provide commonsense solution's to the state's issues, including addressing what he calls Governor Sam Brownback's “extreme political policies.” 

Niebling, who filed for election Thursday, says his key goals are education, the economy, and healthcare. 

Niebling grew up on a farm outside of Highland, and returned there following time spent working in education and business. 

He and his wife, Brittney, have two daughters, Brenna and Bristol. Brittney is a 3rd grade teacher at Doniphan West Elementary. 

The Kansas Primary Election is set for August 2nd, followed by the General Election on November 8th. 

(KAIR)--A lifelong Doniphan County resident has announced his candidacy for the Kansas House of Representatives, seeking the 63rd District Seat. The position has long been held by Democrat Jerry Henry, of Cummings. 

W. Brett Neibling, in a press release, says he is also running as a Democrat, looking to provide commonsense solution's to the state's issues, including addressing what he calls Governor Sam Brownback's. “extreme political policies.” 

Niebling says his key goals are education, the economy, and healthcare. 

Niebling grew up on a farm outside of Highland, returning to his family farm following time spent working in education and business. 

He and his wife, Brittney, have two daughters, Brenna and Bristol. Brittney is a 3rd grade teacher at Doniphan West Elementary. 

The Kansas Primary Election is set for August 2nd, followed by the General Election on November 8th. 

(KNZA)--A teenage runaway from Waco, Texas is arrested in Brown County, facing a number of charges in connection with his methods for fleeing from his home. 

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 16-year-old Robert Edwards was taken into custody Monday on charges of criminal deprivation of property, illegal registration, possession of stolen property, and driving without a drivers license. 

According to Merchant, Edwards left his home Friday behind the wheel of his mother's car which he took without permission. He made his way to Olathe where he stayed with a 15-year-old friend. 

The pair on Monday drove to Marysville and were on their way back to Olathe when a Brown County Deputy stopped the vehicle because of a non-working brake light. 

The resulting investigation apparently led to to the discovery of Edwards' identity and his apprehension. 

By coming to Kansas, the teen violated the conditions of his probation that he was placed on in Texas, and is currently held in the Douglas County Juvenile Correction facility awaiting his return home. 

Merchant says Edwards' mother has expressed her gratitude for the Deputy's work that led to her son being located safely. 

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/20/16 08:29 08:37 08:44 09:26 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000861 9906

FAIRVIEW

CAR BURGLARY. #20 TOOK RPT.

01/20/16 09:02 09:08 09:34 09:46 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000863 9731

W HARTFORD

P&P ADV'D FEM W/ KSO 44 IN HIS OFFICE.

#49 WENT 10-15 W/ 28 YO W/F FOR (KSO FEL WA-APP TO REVOKE BATTER ON OFFICER AND BENCH WARRANT.)

01/20/16 10:48 10:51 10:56 11:37 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000866 9906

S 14TH

MGR @ BUSINESS ADV'D MALE ASKED FOR PD ASSISTANCE, REFUSED INFO. #31 & #20 RESPONDED.

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 60 YO W/M FOR PI.

01/20/16 11:17 11:24 11:24 11:24 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16000868 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

********* STOLEN VEH I35 & HWY 33 NEAR GUTHRIE TTY ***

* STOLEN FROM GAS STATION APPROX 1030 AM ON 01/20/16

MAROON 2013 BUICK VERANDA PARTIAL TAG 505KUT

SUSPT: MALE W/ LONG GREASY HAIR

POSSIBLY W/ FEM CARRYING A RED BACK PACK.

VIC'S PURSE AND KEYS WERE LEFT IN THE VEH WHEN IT WAS STOLEN.

*** GUTHRIE PD  STOLEN VEH ***

01/20/16 13:01 13:04 13:19 13:48 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16000873 9731

PROSPECT & UNION

RP IN THE LOBBY REQ OFFICER IN REF TO VIDEO RECORDING OF SOMEONE ADMITTING GUILT IN A MURDER THAT OCCURRED IN MISSISSIPPI. #49 DISPATCHED AND TOOK INFO FOR RPT.

01/20/16 15:12 15:33 15:40 16:20 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000882 8961

E BROADWAY

RP REQ OFFICER IN REF TO POSSIBLE THEFT. #19 DISPATCHED. RPT TKN.

01/20/16 15:57 16:26 16:26 16:26 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16000886 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

STILLWATER REQ ATL FOR A RED 1990 JEEP WRANGLER. WILL HAVE A BRIGHT BLUE HIGH LIFT JACK ON THE FRONT BEARING OK TAG 257AFZ. IF LOCATED CONTACT STILLWATER PD. ALL UNITS ADV'D.

01/20/16 15:57 16:10 16:11 16:23 VANDALISM PD 16000887 9908

N PINE

RP REQ OFFICER REF VANDALISM. ADV'D HE WOULD BE SITTING IN BLACK CHEV P/U. #28 DISPATCHED AND TOOK INFO FOR A RPT.

01/20/16 16:32 16:33 16:33 16:53 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000891 9863

S PALM

#34 & #31 WENT TO ADDR LOOKING FOR A FEM WHO HAS LOCAL 44'S.

WENT 10-15 W/ FEM FOR (CITY FTP-NO INS X2, FTP OBT MERCH BY FRAUD.)

01/20/16 17:03 17:10 17:11 17:25 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000896 9863

S LAKE

RP REQ OFFICER REF A BURGLARY FROM EARLIER. #34 DISPATCHED AND GAVE OPTIONS.

01/20/16 17:11 17:15 17:21 17:32 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000897 9608

N 14TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF FAILURE TO RETURN PROP. #52 TOOK RPT.

01/20/16 17:56 17:56 17:56 21:44 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000898 8961

S OSAGE

#19 WENT 10-15 W/ 25 YO W/F FOR POSS MARIJ W/ INT W/IN 1000FT, MAINTAIN DWELLING W/ DRUGS, POSS DRUG PROCEEDS, CONT TO DELINQUENCY MINOR X2, CONSPIRACY, POSS PARA.

CONNECT #16000845

01/20/16 18:36 18:37 18:37 19:10 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000900 9863

S ELM

#34 WENT 10-15 W/ 51 YO I/M FOR (KSO 44: ATA-DOM A&B.)

01/21/16 00:47 00:49 00:50 01:04 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16000907 9498

E CHESTNUT

RPT OF 2 MALES BREAKING IN VEH, RAN EB THEN NB ON 7TH. ONE WRG BLK HOODIE. #39 ASND. NO RPT. SPOKE TO RP & NOTHING IS MISSING, WILL ATL THE AREA & GIVE XPTL.

01/21/16 04:46 04:47 04:52 05:12 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000910 9498

E CLEVELAND

RP ADV'D HER VEH WAS BROKEN INTO AND HER WALLET WAS STOLEN. #39 ASND, ADV'D RPT TKN.

01/21/16 06:48 06:49 07:01 07:26 ACCIDENT, MINOR PD 16000912 9271

N 14TH

RP ADV'D HER VEH WAS REAR ENDED IN DRIVE THRU. #20 ASND, ADV'D RPT TKN.

(MSC News)--A Riverside, Missouri man is facing charges following a recent local area pursuit in a stolen vehicle which  eventually ended in Platte County, Missouri. 

The Kansas Chief reports that 20-year-old Corey Lee Singleton was taken into custody along Interstate 29 following the January 12th chase.  He faces felony charges of tampering with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Don Hughes tells MSC News the pursuit began when the suspect vehicle failed to stop for a Trooper attempting to issue a speeding citation. “It started in Nemaha County, went eastbound on 36 to Brown County, while in Brown County the traffic was a lot heavier around Fairview and the Trooper terminated the pursuit because of the safety for the traveling public.” 

Singleton apparently made his way into Doniphan County, where the newspaper says the Sheriff's Office and the Patrol continued the pursuit on several eastern Doniphan County roads and  through the city of Wathena before the suspect vehicle crossed the Pony Express bridge into Missouri.  

Pursuing officers requested assistance from the Missouri Highway Patrol, which placed stop sticks on Interstate-29 in an attempt to stop the vehicle.   

After one of the vehicle’s tires was flattened by the stop sticks, the vehicle continued on for about another four miles before finally coming to a stop.

Also assisting in the pursuit were the Wathena Police Department and Platte County Sheriff's office.

At 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Oklahoma County District Judge Timothy Henderson said a former police officer convicted of raping and sexually victimizing women while on his beat in a low-income Oklahoma City neighborhood should spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jurors last month convicted 29-year-old Daniel Holtzclaw on four first-degree rape counts and 14 other charges, and recommended he spend 263 years in prison. The judge agreed Thursday.

Prosecutors said Holtzclaw, who is half-white and half-Japanese, targeted black women while on patrol.

Holtzclaw's lawyer said prostitutes and drug abusers misconstrued his efforts to help, and that many came forward only after police said an investigation showed that they might be victims.

Defense attorney Scott Adams says Holtzclaw will appeal.

 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The former Oklahoma City police officer convicted of raping and sexually victimizing eight women on his beat will not get a new trial, a judge said Thursday during the sentencing hearing.

The hearing was delayed by a few hours as Daniel Holtzclaw, 29, and attorneys met privately with District Judge Timothy Henderson over the defense's request for a new trial or evidentiary hearing. After hearing testimony from another officer, Henderson rejected the request and moved on to witness statements.

Holtzclaw faces up to 263 years in prison after last month's convictions on 18 counts - four counts of first-degree rape, plus additional counts of forcible oral sodomy, sexual battery, procuring lewd exhibition and second-degree rape. He was acquitted on 18 other counts. Henderson will decide whether Holtzclaw will have to serve the sentences consecutively.

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph, Missouri woman pleads guilty to one felony count of aggravated battery. 

That happened Tuesday in Atchison County District Court, where 29-year-old Buffy Riley waived her right to a preliminary hearing, entering the plea instead. 

Sentening for Riley is set for February 19th. 

She was arrested last month in connection with a December 12th fight in the 1300 block of Atchison's Maple Street that sent another woman to the hospital. "She was subsequently transported by EMS to the hospital with facial injuries, and she had some pretty severe contusions and lacerations about her face,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News last month. He said Riley was not immediately located after the fight, but was located by Saint Joseph Police on December 23rd and taken into custody on an Atchison County district court warrant in connection with the altercation. 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -Governor Jay Nixon says he wants to sign into law a small increase in Missouri's fuel tax.

The governor said Wednesday in his State of the State address that a bill from the Senate's transportation chairman is a fair way to pay for roadwork. Doug Libla, a Poplar Bluff Republican, has proposed increasing the tax by 1.5 cents-per-gallon for gasoline and 3.5 cents for diesel.

Nixon said roads aren't free and drivers should pay for updating the state's transportation system. He said shifting money from elsewhere in the budget would be patching potholes with money for cops and schools, which he opposes.

Nixon also called for a $5 million increase in port funding.

The Po-Hi Steppers are sponsoring their annual Mini Stepper Clinic for girls ages 3 through 6th grade. The $30 cost includes a T-shirt and props.

The clinics will be Monday through Thursday, Feb. 1-4 at Robson Fieldhouse. The girls will perform Friday, Feb. 5.

The clinic will be taught by members of the Po-Hi Steppers and will include instruction in basic dance techniques, stretching, poise and projection.

On Feb. 5, the girls ages 3 through first grade will perform at halftime of the girls' basketball game and girls in second through sixth grades will perform at halftime of the boys' basketball game.

Clinic times for the younger group will be from 5 to 6 p.m. and the older girls will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Parents are advised that the clinic will be well organized and strictly supervised. Children will not be permitted to leave the group until a parent comes into the building to pick them up. Please pick your child up promptly.

Parents can now register their girls at Tyndall Family Dentistry at 415 East Hartford. Bring the registration form and $30 to the office Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration forms are available at the front desk. 

Those who register after Jan. 25 will be charged $35. 

For more information, call or text Lisa Hand at (580) 382-1433. No registrations accepted after Feb. 1.

(KLZA)--  The Falls City Council Monday night tabled a request from the Falls City Area Chamber of Commerce for $15,000 in funding for 2016. 

Chamber Executive Director David Branch explained the funds help the Chamber promote Falls City, and that he felt the Chamber events helped bring many people into town.  

Branch said 2015 was a tough year financially for the Main Street program which is part of the Chamber. Branch said changes will be made, including the cancellation of the Sauce and Cycles event. The event lost $3,100 in 2015 and the National Pork Board pulled out as  the major sponsor of the event which meant $5,000 less to work with for the event. 

Councilman Mike Dougherty asked Branch to provide a copy of the Chamber / Main Street budget before action is taken. Prior to 2012 the City contribution to the Chamber was much less than the $15,000 request for 2016. Mayor Jerry Oliver said the money is not part of the City budget. In 2012 the City provided $15,000 to the Chamber to help them out of financial difficulties and that the $15,000 total was not meant to be an ongoing amount 

Branch said the Chamber is hoping to expand other Chamber activities such as Lemonade Days and the Cobblestone Festival, to make up for the cancellation of Sauce and Cycles.

Branch said the Chamber has explored moving the Cobblestone Festival to an earlier date in August or even into July but said it is nearly impossible to change dates with the carnival, or to get another carnival to come to town due to their schedules.  

(KLZA)--The Mound City Board of Education voted Wednesday night to promote a district teacher to be the new Elementary / Middle School Principal. 

Current Middle School Science Teacher Carolyn Hall verbally accepted the position. Hall has been teaching in the Mound City School District for 14 years. She started as a Special Education Teacher, moved to third grade and for the past four years has taught Middle School Science.

Part of her duties will be Special Education Director for the entire Mound City School District.  

The Mound City Board also voted Wednesday evening to extend the contract of Superintendent Eaton an additional year, which means he is working on a three-year contract.  

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals says one of two teenage brothers accused in the stabbing deaths of their parents and three siblings should be tried as an adult, despite his age.

The court on Thursday upheld a ruling by a Tulsa County judge who denied Michael Bever's request to be tried as a youthful offender.

Bever and his 19-year-old brother, Robert Bever, are charged in Tulsa County with five counts of first-degree murder in the July attack that killed their parents and siblings, the youngest of whom was 5.

Michael Bever, who was 16 at the time of the deaths, challenged the ruling that rejected defense attorneys' request that he be certified as a youthful offender.

A preliminary hearing for the brothers is set for Feb. 23.

 The hearing for a former Oklahoma City police officer convicted of rape and sex assault is temporarily delayed as a judge considers the defense's motion for a new trial.

Former officer Daniel Holtzclaw was set for sentencing at 10 a.m. Thursday, but proceedings were delayed as Holtzclaw and attorneys met privately with District Judge Timothy Henderson in the judge's chambers.

Holtzclaw's attorney, Scott Adams, tells The Associated Press that both sides are discussing Holtzclaw's motion for a new trial, which alleges that prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.

Adams says he expects Henderson to rule on the motion later Thursday. Prosecutors declined to comment.

A bailiff cleared the courtroom shortly after noon for a lunch break with proceedings set to resume at 1:30 p.m.

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) - Police in Miami say a man has been found shot to death inside his home on the city's north side.

The Miami News-Record reports (http://bit.ly/1ZEqNxS ) that 23-year-old Caleb Friend was found Tuesday night with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police say friends of the victim had gone to the home to visit when they found Friend lying face down in the living room. Friend was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not identified any suspects and say the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation.

A fatal collision occurred at approximately 12:41 a.m. Thursday U.S. Highway 60 1/2 mile west of County Road 1010, located 5.5 miles west of Lamont in Grant County.

Chad Eric McNamara, 41, of Pond Creek was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple injuries, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. His body was transported to Wilson Funeral Home of Pond Creek. 

McNamara was driving a 2013 Chevrolet pickup. He was traveling westbound on U.S. 60 when the truck departed the roadway to the left,  re-entered the roadway, and then departed the roadway to the right.

The truck then re-entered the roadway in a broadslide before departing the roadway again to the left, into the south ditch and then rolling one complete time.

The highway patrol said the collision  is still under investigation.

 EUFAULA, Oklahoma (AP) --  Two people are dead after a bank robbery in Eufaula Thursday morning.  It happened at the Bank of Eufaula at 102 North Main.   

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says shots were fired inside the bank during the robbery and one person was killed and another was injured.

Troopers say the suspect -- who was a man dressed in women's clothing -- and a woman who was with him, fled the bank. A trooper intercepted them as they were driving north in a white SUV on Highway 69 at Road 3 near Checotah.

Shots were fired after the chase ended at an RV park and the man who was dressed as a woman was killed in the shootout, troopers say.

The woman who was with him was wounded in the shootout and is in custody, and investigators are trying to determine if she was part of the robbery plan or if the woman was taken hostage by the robber.

OHP says no troopers were injured in the incident.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Wednesday evening Jackson County crash sends one to the hospital.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says it happened shortly before 8:00 near the 150th Road overpass on U.S. Highway 75.

Morse says the investigation indicates a 2013 Ford Escape had been northbound on U.S. Highway 75 in the passing lane when the vehicle swerved to the right to exit on the 150th Road off ramp, striking a northbound 1998 Buick in the right lane.

Morse says the car was driven by Marrissa Sue Blassingame, of Highland.  He says a passenger in her car, Marissa Nicole Morrissey, of Oskaloosa, was transported to a Topeka hospital for what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

Responding to the scene were the Mayetta, Hoyt, and Prairie Band Pottawatomi fire departments along with Jackson County EMS and Jackson County Sheriff’s office.

(KNZA)--A Mayetta woman was captured late Tuesday night after escaping from a patrol vehicle on the Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says 30-year-old Saleena Rae Masquat was arrested on a probation violation warrant and placed in a parked tribal  patrol vehicle at 156th Lane when she escaped through a window and fled on foot.

Utilizing tracking dogs, Morse says officers located Masquat less than a mile east of Buffalo Drive and took her into custody shortly before midnight.

In addition to the warrant on the probation violation charge, Morse says Masquat was also arrested for aggravated escape from custody and on felony drug charges.  She remains in the Jackson County Jail.

Following her escape, the Sheriff’s office sent out an alert to the public around 10:30 Tuesday night saying a female fugitive was on foot on the reservation.  The alert urged residents to remove the keys from their vehicles and to keep their doors locked.
   

(MSC News)--A comprehensive review, presenting a snapshot of all activities last year, is compiled by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. 

Sheriff Tim Morse last week shared the report he completed with the Jackson County Commission. 

To download the document, go here. 

After 9/11 Kirk Sours began studying Islam and the Bible since salvation in 1983 and is a lifelong student of history. He has been in various ministries since 1988 including a Bible Study designed as an outreach to Muslims. He began a website in 2010- “Definingthenarrative.com” which discusses the Soul of America and the Fallacy of Religion. He is active in politics on the local & state level (KS), involved with Kansas HB 2087. Kirk states, “Even 15 years after 9/11, Islam continues to gain influence in every institution with little resistance. If America is to survive as a free Republic, Islam must be stopped. Islam is not compatible with the US Constitution.” COME HEAR KIRK-get informed and involved! A question & answer session will follow his motivating talk. The tak will take place at the ROCK ISLANd Depot, 4 Rock Island, Liberal, KS on January 23, 2016 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Hosted by Celia Beymer 620-290-5976, Bob Deacon 620-563-7700, Cindy Hall 620-624-4317 PLEASE PARK IN EAST CHAMBER LOT-NOT RUFFINO’s.

The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 100 years of Excellence at its 100th annual banquet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.

The banquet will be held at the Renfro Center at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa.

Honors will go to Ricardo Soto, Employee of the Year; Dineo Heilmann, Citizen of the Year; and Marjilea Smithheisler, Lifetime Service Award.

Others receiving recognition are Gene Dougherty, Tonkawa Pride, and TS Fork, Business of the Year Award.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at the Memorial Student Union on the Tonkawa Campus.

Students from Union's gifted and talented program traveled to Kaw City for the Ultimate Eagle Watch program last Saturday.

They participated in habitat and conservation presentations and were able to view a bald eagle up close.

Students also viewed eagles in their natural habitats using a high-powered telescope.

Sponsors for the trip were Brandie Choate and Debbie Snelding.

Northern Oklahoma College students Tara Lucas and Travis Spinney were crowned NOC Tonkawa Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the men’s basketball game, in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse, Jan. 14, as part of NOC’s homecoming week festivities.

Lucas is a sophomore majoring in radiology and represented and is actively involved in the NOC Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also involved Phi Theta Kappa, Maverick Magic, and is Student Senate secretary. She is the daughter of Herb and Tammie Lucas.

Spinney is a sophomore majoring in business administration and represented NOC Baseball. He is a baseball team member and involved in the FCA. He is the son of Mark and Candace Spinney.

Chase Glenn, Ryan Weathers, Ted Wisdom and Tanner Nelson were the other Homecoming King candidates, and Baylie Wilson, Lexi Cowan, Darian Rush and Tori Smith were the other Homecoming Queen candidates.

Glenn, a sophomore majoring in computer science/information systems, represented NOC Maverick Cheer. He is a member of the Maverick Cheer Squad, serves as Rho Delta Rho president and Bush Hall resident assistant, and is a radio broadcaster. He is the son of Dustin and Lea Glenn.

Weathers is a sophomore from Coyle majoring in mathematics. He represented NOC’s FCA and is involved in FCA and Phi Theta Kappa. He is the son of Shane and Julie Weathers.

Wisdom is a sophomore majoring in mass communications and represented Easterling Hall. He is a member of the NOC baseball team and FCA. He is the son of Whip and Laura Wisdom.

Nelson, a sophomore arts and sciences major, represented NOC softball and is the son of Scott and Cheryl Nelson. He is a member of the NOC baseball team and FCA.

Wilson is a sophomore majoring in social sciences and represented Bell Hall. She is a member of the NOC Cheer Squad, Phi Theta Kappa, Maverick Magic and FCA. She is the daughter of Jeff and Kim Wilson.

Cowan, a sophomore pre-med major, represented NOC baseball and is a member of the NOC basketball team and FCA. She is the daughter of Quent and Bobbie Cowan.

Rush represented Easterling Hall and is a sophomore from Ponca City majoring in art. She is a member of FCA and has been a member of the NOC Maverick Cheer Squad. She is the daughter of Lona Rush.

Smith a sophomore pre-nursing major represented the Presidents Leadership Council. She is active in the PLC, FCA and is a member of the NOC softball team. She is the daughter of James and Sylvia Smith.

NOC’s Dean Pearcy, director of KAYE-FM radio, served as master of ceremonies for the coronation.

Finalists and royalty are determined by a secret ballot vote by NOC students, faculty and staff from a pool of candidates nominated by college clubs and organizations.

The Mavs basketball teams split with Redlands. The NOC women lost in a close contest 73-72 and the men cruised to a decisive victory defeating Redlands 100-60.

 ---

Tara Lucas and Travis Spinney were crowned NOC Tonkawa Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the men’s basketball game, Jan. 14, as part of NOC’s homecoming week festivities.

 ___

The Homecoming Court includes, from left, Tanner Nelson, Tori Smith, Ted Wisdom, Darian Rush, King Travis Spinney, Queen Tara Lucas, Chase Glenn, Baylie Wilson, Ryan Weathers and Lexi Cowan. Royalty candidates are nominated by college clubs and organizations. The queen and king are selected by a secret ballot vote by NOC students, faculty and staff.

(KMZA)-- An Oneida man convicted of aggravated battery has been placed on probation.

Dustin Barrett was recently sentenced in Nemaha County District Court on the felony charge.  Barrett was given a 56-month suspended prison sentence and placed on 36-months probation.

Barrett was charged in connection with an altercation with another man at the old Sabetha Lake last July.

He was arrested in September on a Nemaha County warrant.

 A new children’s chess club is set to begin meeting Feb. 3, providing Ponca City area children a safe place to learn and play chess with other students.

The First Lutheran School Chess Club will begin meeting each Wednesday morning from 7:15-8:10 am in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. The hall can be accessed through the double red doors at 4th Street and Liberty.

Jennifer Vaughan, local Ponca City resident and mother to four small children, decided to start the club when her oldest son Wesley started showing great interest in chess. 

On deciding to start the chess club, Vaughan said “I’ve discovered that it’s easy to be supportive of a child’s passion for sports, but intellectually-focused activities take more strategy and planning. It’s important to me to provide all my children with the tools that they need to succeed in whatever area they choose to invest in.”

The club is open to all students in Ponca City, grades 1st through 12th. The mission of the First Lutheran School Chess Club is to develop and improve chess skills in a supportive environment, to encourage each student to their full potential, and to nurture the specific chess-related skills including strategic thinking, problem solving and self-confidence, and to promote the value of chess throughout the community.

All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advance.  The meeting format will be informal as the club gets established and will primarily be a safe place for students to get together and enjoy the game. Students are welcome to bring their breakfast and encouraged to leave at whatever time is necessary for them to make it to their own school on time.

The club will continue morning meetings through the end of the school year, but will switch to an evening meeting or find another meeting time that works for the majority of students at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.

Students are required to submit a one-time $35 membership fee. The fee will help cover the cost of chess sets and clocks for the club as well as the student’s own scorebook. Membership is required to participate; however, there are limited scholarships available if needed. 

Please call or text Jennifer Vaughan, FLS Chess Club Coordinator, at 580-716-1931 or email JenniferKayVaughan@hotmail.com with any questions, to receive the necessary sign-up form for students, or to volunteer to assist with the club.

___ 

Wesley Vaughan, left, FLS Chess Club member, sits and waits for his next chess match at the Ida Freeman Elementary School chess tournament in Edmond on Jan. 16. 

(MSC News)---Kansas Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins will make stops in Atchison, Highland and Horton Friday as part of her “ Coffee With Your Congresswoman” tour.

The 2nd District Republican Congresswoman will be in the commissioner’s room on the 2nd floor of the Atchison City Hall from noon to 1:00; at the Highland City Hall in the council room from 2:00 to 3:00; and then at the Horton City Hall in the commission room from 3:30 to 4:30.

Jenkins will provide an update on what’s going on in Congress and hear the concerns of local residents on the issues of the day. 

On Tuesday, Jenkins made stops in Holton and Blue Rapids. 

(KNZA)-- The jury trial for a Topeka man charged in a Jackson County road rage case has been pushed back.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller says the trial for Cory Huff, which had been set to begin this week, was continued at the request of his attorney due to medical reasons.

Miller says the trial is now set for May 31st through June 3rd.

Huff is charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and reckless driving.

He’s accused of shooting at two vehicles on U.S. 75 Highway on December 31st, 2014.  No injuries were reported in the incident, which Miller called a random act of road rage.

 Miller says Huff remains free on bond.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is charged with felony criminal damage to property when extensive damage is discovered in a home he once lived in. 

Police Chief Mike Wilson says 41-year-old Jeffery Fultz resided in a house he owned in the 1100 block of Hickory Street. A local bank took ownership of the home last summer, and Fultz moved out in the fall. Wilson says when the bank inspected the home last month, the extensive damage was discovered. “Included some damage to a number of walls by some object, such as a hatchet or hammer,” Wilson tells MSC News. “There was also some intentional damage done to a furnace, water heater, supply lines, Quikrete being poured down drains. All totaled, it looked like there was about $10,000 worth of damage done to the residence.” 

Wilson says the police investigation launched after the damage was found led to Fultz who was arrested Tuesday on an Atchison County District Court warrant, with County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman formally charging him in connection with the crime. 

Seward County Community College/Area Technical School has asked for the public’s perspective as it begins the process of a name change.

Background:

The issue of a name change surfaced at the end of 2015 when board chair Ron Oliver received his annual tax bill, which said, “Seward County Junior College.” The wording is connected to legal definitions about property titles and deeds, and can’t be updated without official action. That prompted the board to consider a name change now, rather than waiting for the College’s 50th anniversary in 2019. Research through college records and first-person interviews did not uncover solid documentation of when and how various name changes took effect. In 2008 and 2009, Seward County Community College/Area Technical School became the College’s official name. At the time, Seward County residents may recall, the decision to join two long-standing educational bodies caused concern. The State of Kansas promised funding to ease the transition, but the money never materialized. Over time, however, employees found a way to become one college, to work as one team, and to share one set of priorities and dreams.

Today:

A new web site will debut in the spring of 2016, and it is just one of nine key projects to transform and optimize our effectiveness and scope. All these “Movers” leverage the energy and optimism that have materialized in the last three months. It’s natural at this point, administrators and board members believe, to settle the question, “What will be the name of our College?” The Board has a clear sense that it should be Seward County Community College. As stakeholders valued and trusted by the College, community members have an opportunity to ensure the College considers its past, the former Vo-Tech, and the past eight years of slow but steady assimilation. If you are a graduate, parent, team member or retiree, you own a piece of that history. What you recall is unique. It might be something related to a high-achieving graduate, or a person who has since died or moved away, but deserves to be remembered and honored. We ask you to share your thoughts, memories and considerations as we embark on the name-change process. As we move forward, we aspire to collect these stories in some form that ensures the people who helped make this College great are not forgotten.

Looking Ahead:

The Board set a brisk pace, and plans to vote on the name change at the March 7 meeting. At the same meeting, the board will receive solid plans and prices for a paved, landscaped walking path to connect the central and northernmost sections of campus. The path will serve a practical purpose and show — with more than words — that the collaborative process is real; that the history and presence of multiple ways of learning are valued; that the sometimes painful process of healing and binding together has been largely accomplished, and that we — as ONE College — have much to celebrate and anticipate. As we Move Seward Forward, shade trees and places to pause will provide refreshment to everyone on the path and complement the choice of one name for this College.

To share:

If you have thoughts or memories to share about the College’s name, its history, and that of the former Vo-Tech, please contact us. We want to honor and preserve our heritage! President Dr. Ken Trzaska: PresidentOffice@ad.sccc.edu; Lois Magner: 620-417-1011; Rachel Coleman, Dir. of Marketing & Public Information: 620-417-1125, rachel.coleman@sccc.edu

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/19/16 09:29 09:32 09:32 09:32 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 1600819 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

**** STOLEN VEH CREEK CO CRIMINAL JUSTICE TTY **

** STOLEN FROM RESI NEAR TULSA

BLACK 2007 CHEV TRAILBLAZER 527KRS/ OK OR PAPER TAG

ZEBRA PATTERN HEART STICKER ON BACK WINDOW NEAR GAS CAP

*

**** STOLEN VEH FROM TULSA AREA TTY *************

01/19/16 11:04 11:10 11:13 11:34 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000823 9731

N OAK

FEM ADV'D HER DAUGHTER TOOK HER CAR KEYS AND .38 CAL REVOLVER AFTER THE RP WAS TRANSPORTED FOR SIG 34. #49 TOOK RPT.

01/19/16 11:31 11:32 11:37 12:01 FIRE RUN PD 16000825 9751

EL CAMINO

RP ADV'D FURNACE IS ON FIRE. #58 ASND. NO RPT.

01/19/16 13:24 13:31 13:38 13:52 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000828 9271

N 7TH

RP RPT'D THEFT OF A DOG. #20 ASND. INFO TKN FOR RPT.

01/19/16 13:44 13:44 13:44 14:56 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000830 9498

E OKLAHOMA

#39 WENT 10-15 FROM THE LOBBY W/ 68 YO W/M FOR PL.

01/19/16 14:17 14:19 14:25 14:34 VANDALISM PD 16000832 9271

N 5TH

RP ADV'D THAT NEIGHBOR HAD VANDALIZED HIS RENTAL PROP. #20 ASND. VERBAL ALTERCATION OVER A SIGN ON PROPERTY. ATTEMPTED TO ISSUE TRESPASS WARNING TO PROBLEM HALF. NO CONTACT MADE AT THIS POINT.

01/19/16 14:31 14:32 14:34 18:44 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000833 9731

N 2ND ST

RP ADV'D OF A POSSIBLE BURG IN PROGRESS. RED DODGE P/U. DRIVER JUST TRIED TO ENTER HOUSE. #20 ASND. #49 & #58 ASST'D.

#49 WENT 10-15 W/ MALE SUBJ FOR KSO 44'S AND WAS SENT STRAIGHT TO COUNTY.

FEM HAD PERMISSION TO GET HER BELONGINGS OUT OF HOUSE. MALE SUBJ WAS TRYING TO HIDE BC HE HAD 44'S.

01/19/16 16:20 16:22 16:22 16:22 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000837 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

BOOKING REQ CFS#. #32 WENT 10-15 W/ 46 YO W/F FOR CC-PL.

01/19/16 16:37 16:42 16:42 16:42 EXTRA PATROL PD 16000838 88PD

N 14TH

MANAGER REQ XPTL REF BUSINESS IN BLACKWELL BROKEN INTO LAST NIGHT. WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN IN PONCA TONIGHT.

***XTPL***ATTN HOOTS***

01/19/16 17:28 17:30 17:34 21:00 ACCIDENT, UNK PD 16000841 9608

2ND & HIGHLAND

RP ADV'D 2 VEH ACCIDENT W/ TWO GRY VEHS. #52 TOOKR PT AND WENT 10-15 X2:

A) 10-15 W/ 55 YO W/F FOR FAIL STOP, ILL WINDOW TINT, DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED, INDIRECT CONT COURT (KSO,) AND FTP-FTY RIGHT OF WAY (KSO.)

B) 10-15 W/ 28 YO W/M FOR NO LIC & NO INS.

01/19/16 19:13 19:15 19:18 03:39 DOMESTIC PD 16000845 8961

S PEACHTREE

RP REQ OFFICER REF A DOMESTIC IN THE FRONT YARD. #19 ASND. #52, #07, #28, #03, & #37 ASST'D.

#03 WENT 10-15 FOR #19 W/ 27 YO W/M FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT.

#38 WENT 10-15 FOR #19 W/ 20 YO W/M FOR POSS MARIJ W/ INT DIST W/IN 1,000 FT OF A SCHOOL OR PARK.

01/19/16 21:42 21:44 21:47 22:28 VANDALISM PD 16000851 8216

S 7TH

CONTACT RP REF POSS BURG TO A NEARBY RESI. COULD NOT GIVE AN ADDR, WILL POINT IT OUT. #11 & #13 RESPONDED. #11 LOCATED DAMAGE TO A DOOR, APPEARS A FEW DAYS OLD. UTL THE RENTER. TOOK INFO FOR DEST OF PRIV PROP FOR NOW.

01/19/16 23:31 23:29 23:29 23:29 EXTRA PATROL PD 16000855 8216

E OKLAHOMA

#11 REQ CFS# FOR A&B AT THE PD. 10-15 W/ 33 YO W/M FOR KSO FEL 44'S. A&B VIC DECLINED CHARGES.

01/20/16 03:20 03:24 03:24 03:36 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16000858 9742

N 3RD

SIG 34 CALLER CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES DURING THE NIGHT, VERY ABUSIVE ON THE PHONE, REFUSING TO GIVE HIS LOCATION. RAMBLING ON AND TALKING ABOUT BUGS IN HIS HEAD CONTROLLED BY INTELLIGENT VOICES, AMONG OTHER THINGS. SOME OF THE 911 CALLS TRACKED TO THIS LOCATION. #37 & #59 RESPONDED & CONTACTED A SUBJ, TENTATIVELY ID'D BY THE VOICE AS THE CALLER. IT WAS NOT THIS SUBJ CALLING. CONTACT MADE W/ NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS. BOTH WERE PRETTY HOSTILE. UTL CALLER.

(KAIR)--The preliminary hearing for an accused Atchison murderer remains on hold.

That happened Tuesday in Atchison County District Court, with the case involving Terell Dixon continued.

Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman tells MSC News the hearing is rescheduled for February 23rd. 

The 19-year-old Dixon, a former Arkansas resident, is accused of the September 9th fatal shooting of 24-year-old Winston Downing, of Atchison. Downing apparently confronted Dixon regarding a past altercation involving a family member, and that's when the probable cause affidavit says Dixon shot Downing in the head with a semi-automatic handgun. The document states that Downing was holding a handgun at the time of the altercation, and Dixon's attorney is claiming self-defense on behalf of his client.  

Fleeing the scene on foot immediately following the shooting in the parking lot of an Atchison convenience store, Dixon was apprehended 18-hours later in Henry County, Missouri, halfway between Kansas City and Springfield, and taken into custody on an Atchison County warrant for 2nd Degree Murder. 

Later extradited from Missouri to Kansas, Dixon remains jailed on a bond of $500,000.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas senators are considering a measure that would allow limited possession of marijuana.
 
The bill includes provisions that reduce penalties for first- and second-time offenders. It also allows some medical cannabis treatment for those suffering from seizures and encourages industrial hemp research. The House passed the bill last year.
 
In a Kansas Senate committee hearing Wednesday, parents of children with developmental disabilities discussed the advantages of using medical marijuana for seizures.
 
Scott Schulz, executive director of the Kansas Sentencing Commission, also supported reducing criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana.  The bill would reduce the severity of a first-time offense, while a second conviction would be considered a misdemeanor instead of a low-level felony.
 

 

Tulsa’s citywide gas price average took an upward bounce overnight but even so, with the most common price now at $1.43 per gallon, Tulsa has the lowest average among the nation’s major metropolitan areas, AAA reports.

Across the country, Oklahomans are paying the least at the pump for regular gasoline – $1.576. Only Missouri comes close at $1.60.

“Crude oil’s in a free fall amid plentiful supplies, increased exports from Iran, and concerns that problems in the Chinese economy will reduce fuel demand,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “While this is not good news for the oil industry or the state of Oklahoma, these low gas prices are making driving more affordable, incentivizing motorists to hit the highway for a good-fashioned American road trip, weather permitting."

Tumbling crude oil prices around the world have helped send the Oklahoma retail average price for gasoline to its lowest mark since January 2009.  Today’s price is $1.07 below the 2015 high of $2.65 recorded on July 22 and marks the 13th consecutive day the state average has fallen.

National retail gas price averages have fallen for 64 of the past 75 days, for a total savings of 35 cents per gallon, reaching today’s price of $1.87 per gallon. Gas prices are down eight cents per gallon on the week, which is the fastest pace gas prices have dropped since the middle of November. Motorists typically enjoy falling gasoline prices in early winter due to decreased demand for gasoline and that also is helping to push prices downward. Despite recent declines, the national average price of gas is only 18 cents per gallon cheaper than a year ago.

In light of the recent downward shift in oil and gasoline, the Energy Information Administration has lowered its forecasts for the year. The EIA expects regular gasoline to average $2.03 per gallon, 37 cents lower than initial estimates and 40 cents below last year's average.

Earlier this month, the EIA also forecast that monthly gasoline averages would reach as high as $2.56 in July; this year's monthly average peak has been revised to $2.18 in June. The price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil is now forecast to average $38.54 per barrel, $10.13 lower than last year. 

The price of oil has dropped more than 70 percent compared to the June 2014 high of $107.26 per barrel, and is at its lowest level since 2003. The rout in oil prices has continued this week with WTI closing yesterday at $28.46 per barrel on the NYMEX, a loss of 96 cents on the day.

AAA estimates Oklahoma’s annual average price of gas in 2016 will be $2.05 to $2.25 per gallon, although the sharp decline in oil costs since the year began has the potential to lead to even lower gas prices if global oversupply and economic concerns persist.

The retail average in California ($2.74) continues to be the most expensive in the nation and remains relatively high due to lingering refinery issues impacting supply in the region. The Golden State is followed by regional neighbors: Hawaii ($2.64), Alaska ($2.48), Nevada ($2.40) and Washington ($2.31). On the other hand, a total of 38 states are posting averages below $2 per gallon and gas prices are below the $1.75 benchmark in 17 states, seven states more than a week ago.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

(KAIR)--A fiery single vehicle rollover wreck leaves a Horton man injured.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, it happened Saturday, in Smith County, Kansas, when 19-year-old Connor Waser was northbound on K-181, a mile north of the Osborne/Smith County line. 

The Patrol reports Waser had just passed a vehicle when his Chevy Camaro went onto the right hand shoulder of the road. Waser overcorrected, sending the car across the road and into the west ditch where it struck a driveway, and rolled, colliding with a tree row and catching on fire. 

Waser, and his 22-year-old passenger, Tyler Harnett, of Hoisington , were both transported to the Osborne County Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. 

The Patrol says Waser was not wearing a seatbelt, while Harnett was buckled up, when the wreck happened shortly before 2:30 Saturday morning.  

A Garden City man claimed a $1 million Powerball cash prize this morning. The lucky winner, who wished to remain anonymous, matched the first five numbers, but not the Powerball to win the large cash prize in the January 13 Powerball drawing.

The Garden City winner picked his own winning numbers on a $10 ticket and was literally two digits away from matching the Powerball number and winning the record-breaking Powerball jackpot of $1.6 billion. The winning numbers in the January 13 Powerball drawing were 04-08-19-27-34 Powerball 10. The winning numbers the winner had picked were 04-08-19-27-34 Powerball 08.

The winning ticket was purchased at Food Mart 3, located at 1505 Buffalo Jones Ave. in Garden City. For selling the $1 million winning ticket, the store is eligible to receive a $1,000 selling bonus.

TULSA -- The State of Oklahoma has identified impaired driving as one of its top traffic safety concerns. On average, there are 4,500 alcohol-related crashes and 220 alcohol-related fatalities annually.

Officials are developing statewide goals that represent verifiable improvements with impaired driving and incorporate all facets of the impaired driving system.

As part of a statewide enforcement effort, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa Police, and Able Commission will be operating a ENDUI special enforcement/Checkpoint patrol on Saturday Jan. 23, from 10 p.m. until
3 a.m.  in the 1300 block of Cincinnati in Tulsa County.

Southwest Medical Center introduced technology upgrades for patients this month with the installation of two new ultrasound units in the Diagnostic Imaging department. Patients receiving ultrasound imaging at Southwest Medical Center will have higher quality images available through this new equipment, in addition to many other benefits. “Patients entering our department are cared for by highly skilled members of our team who have excellent imaging technology available,” SWMC’s Diagnostic Imaging director, Kelly Denton, explained. “Installing these two new ultrasound units will improve the comfort of our patients, as these faster ultrasound units will reduce the amount of time our patients spend holding their breath or body positioning during a scan.” Ultrasound units send high-frequency sound waves through a patient’s body to capture real-time, moving images of organs and blood vessels to diagnose for a number of conditions. The two identical units installed recently feature “Superb Microvascular Imaging” software, which can be used to record images of a patient’s smallest blood vessels for better detail of blood flow. This improvement in image quality also better assists with guide procedures, such as needle biopsies. “Having two fast, high-quality units also means patients will have a shorter wait time before their scheduled ultrasound appointment,” Denton added, “This allows us to better serve patients and their providers who depend on these images for an accurate diagnosis.” The addition of these ultrasound units followed installation of a 64-slice CT scanner in 2015 and a dual-head nuclear imaging camera during 2014 inside Southwest Medical Center’s Diagnostic Imaging department.

The Communications Center at the Ponca City Police Department has received more than a dozen calls Wednesday morning reporting a telephone scam.

Local residents report receiving phone calls or voice mail from a person representing themselves as being from the Internal Revenue Services, saying taxes are due.

The IRS makes notifications by mail -- never by telephone -- to tax payers.

Police strongly urge residents that receive these calls to hang up immediately. Never give telephone solicitors any personal, bank account or credit card information. Also, if you receive a voice mail from a solicitor, you have no obligation to return the call.

The Communications Center at the Ponca City Police Department has received more than a dozen calls Wednesday morning reporting a telephone scam.

Local residents report receiving phone calls or voice mail from a person representing themselves as being from the Internal Revenue Services, saying taxes are due.

The IRS makes notifications by mail -- never by telephone -- to tax payers.

Police strongly urge residents that receive these calls to hang up immediately. Never give telephone solicitors any personal, bank account or credit card information. Also, if you receive a voice mail from a solicitor, you have no obligation to return the call.

(MSC News)--Portions of the local area have been placed under a Winter Weather Advisory from 6:00 Wednesday evening until 6:00 Thursday evening. 

The National Weather Service says included in the advisory are the local Kansas Counties of Brown, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, Nemaha and Pottawatomie. 

Light to moderate snow will develop around sunset in central Kansas and progress east and northeast across the area in the evening and overnight hours. Accumulating snow should be ending during the day Thursday. However, freezing drizzle may develop Thursday as the snow tapers off.

Snow accumulations of one to four inches is expected, with the greater chances for heavier amounts being west of a line from Marysville to Emporia.

Less than one hundredth of an inch of ice from freezing drizzle is expected.

(KNZA)--Two open positions have been filled at Hiawatha High School for next school year.

Following an executive session Monday evening, the USD 415 Board of Education voted to hire Ted Brown of Ingalls, Kansas as the new head football coach and social studies teacher at the high school.

Brown has coached and taught in Ingalls USD 477 for the past five years.

Hiawatha High School Principal Andrew Gaddis told MSC News that not only is Brown an exceptional social studies teacher but he also has a proven record on the field.  In five seasons, Gaddis says Brown has accumulated a 72 percent winning percentage as head coach.  He says Brown took a team that in four seasons had a record of 8-28 to a record of 10-1 and 9-2 the last two years.

The USD 415 Board in November accepted the resignations of  Chris Diller as head football coach and Alexandra Kilhoffer as high school social studies teacher. 

In other action, it was the consensus of the Board to try a bus rider tracking system on one bus for a month before deciding whether to purchase the necessary equipment for eleven buses.  The equipment, at a cost more than 11-hundred dollars per bus, would come from Verizon Wireless.  In addition, existing tablets would be utilized. The system would allow the district to track which students are riding on a bus at any given time. The need for such a system came up following last November's school bus wreck.

The Board approved a list of an estimated $430,000 worth of capital improvement projects planned this summer.  The biggest project will include the replacement of the exterior doors at the elementary school and high school, which the Board approved letting for bid.

Meanwhile, the middle school gymnasium roof is to be replaced over spring break following the acceptance of the low bid for the project from Midwest Coating, of Topeka, in the amount of $18,800.  The bid was around $13,000 less than had been estimated.       

And the Board approved a school calendar for the 2016-17 school year.  The first day of school will be August 18th and last day, May 25th.     


 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed the position of Jail Administrator with Deputy Sheriff Jeff Frederick in the absence of Sheriff Don Pounds Tuesday.  

Tentative plans for the position to also incorporate matters that will be involved with the new jail facility, court attendance with inmates and Courthouse building security were reviewed. 

Board members also briefly discussed the current agreement with the City of Falls City for the 911 Public Service Answering Point.  The possible relocation of the P-SAP to the new Jail / Law Enforcement Center and possible consolidation of dispatching services with the City of Falls City was also briefly reviewed.  Commissioners will discuss the matter again January 26th and plan to schedule a meeting with the City of Falls City later next week. 

Payment of a $3,500 claim to Lancaster County to settle litigation over a general assistance claim was approved. The claim was for a Richardson County resident that received medical treatment in Lancaster County.

(KNZA)--A Hoyt man will stand trial on charges in a Jackson County child sex case.

50-year-old Leon Holloway was recently bound over to Jackson County District Court on four sex-related charges following his preliminary hearing.

Holloway faces charges of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Arraignment is scheduled for February 26th.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between April 2013 and March of last year in the city of Hoyt, and involve and child under the age of 14.

Holloway was arrested in May of last year on a Jackson County warrant following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. 

He remains free on bond.        

 SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) - An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper is hospitalized in serious but stable condition after being struck by a vehicle while helping a motorist along Interstate 40 east of Oklahoma City.

OHP Lt. John Vincent says Trooper Jason Richardson was out of his patrol car and in the median of the interstate near Shawnee just after 8 a.m. Tuesday when a vehicle went into the median and rolled into the trooper.

The trooper was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital with leg, head, and internal injuries. Vincent says the collision remains under investigation.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to make a campaign stop at Tulsa's Oral Roberts University with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

Trump is scheduled to speak at noon Wednesday at ORU's Mabee Center arena following a morning event in Norwalk, Iowa.

Palin endorsed Trump on Tuesday and is scheduled to join him at both campaign stops on Wednesday.

It will be Trump's first public visit to Oklahoma since he spoke to a crowd of more than 5,000 people in September at the state fair in Oklahoma City.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas drew about 2,000 people to the Mabee Center last month when he wrapped up a tour through several Southern states with stops in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma's presidential primary election is March 1.

MCALESTER, Okla. (AP) - The due process termination hearing for the suspended McAlester Public Schools superintendent has been cancelled without explanation.

Approximately 100 people were waiting for the meeting regarding Marsha Gore's termination to begin around 3 p.m. Tuesday when school board president Angie Nelson said the meeting was cancelled.

The other board members present at the meeting say they weren't given the opportunity to provide input on the cancellation.

The board's attorney says he was ready to proceed, but Gore's attorneys requested a continuation.

The McAlester News-Capital reports (http://bit.ly/1luah5W ) the board voted in November to suspend Gore and her husband, plant operations director Joseph Skip Gore, amid questions regarding spending at the district's administrative offices, as well as other issues. The Gores have denied the allegations.

Interim Superintendent Jim Northcutt says a special meeting is expected to be called for Thursday evening.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A former Oklahoma sheriff is due in court on two criminal charges stemming from his indictment last year by a grand jury. 

Former Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz is expected at a hearing Wednesday. 

Glanz, who resigned Nov. 1, is charged with two misdemeanors: failing to release an internal report questioning the field training of a reserve deputy who fatally shot an unarmed man and willfully violating the law in an unrelated incident involving a stipend he received for a vehicle. 

The internal report was leaked after ex-volunteer deputy Robert Bates fatally shot Eric Harris last April.

The memo alleged top sheriff's officials knew Bates was inadequately trained but pressured others to look away.

Thousands of county residents signed a petition to empanel the grand jury that indicted Glanz.

The 67th International Pancake Day is Feb. 9, and as of Tuesday afternoon, five women have entered the International Race. They include Nakiesha Cohens, Leslie Spikes, Shawna Quint, Ashley Werkmeister, and Kitty Lum. The Men’s Race has four contestants so far: Tyson McGuire, Randy Ortiz, Erving Altamircano, and Robert (Pino) Hildreth. Space remains in most children’s categories, but Five-Year-Old Boys is full. Only a few spots remain in some age groups. Contestants of all ages may sign up at the Liberal Recreation Center, 1109 W. 7th St. (in Blue Bonnet Park) through Jan. 29. The number of contestants in each race is limited to 15, and a category will be closed once that limit is reached. There is no entry fee. No late sign-ups will be accepted.

RACE CATEGORIES The International Race The International Race is the main event, and this will be 67th match-up between the women of Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. This race is limited to women age 18 or older with a Liberal address who have “domestic duties.” (High school students who are 18 should enter the youth division.) Women who sign up for the International Race should bring a photo of themselves when they sign up.

Men’s Pacer Race The Men’s Pacer Race is open to all men ages 18 and older (except those still enrolled in high school, who will run in the youth division).

Youth Races This category is for teens ages 13-18 who live in Liberal. The youth division will feature at least two races, one for men and one for women. The number of racers who sign up will determine how many age categories the racers will be grouped into. The youth division race is a 75-yard dash and will be held immediately after the children’s races conclude. Pancake Day organizers would like to encourage high school students to enter, since USD 480 is closed in honor of Pancake Day. Winners will receive medals only and no monetary prizes, so high school athletes can enter without losing eligibility. Any entrant under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign the entry form.

Children’s Races Children from ages 3-12 who live in Liberal are eligible, and each age and gender competes in a separate category, offering lots of room for Liberal’s youngest Pancake Day Racers. The child’s parent or guardian must be present to sign the entry form.

Sign-ups continue during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 29. All sign-ups will be at the Liberal Recreation Center, 1109 W. 7th St. (in Blue Bonnet Park). For more information on any race, call Ronna Stump, at 620-626-0133 or JoAnn Combs at 620-624-6423.

(KAIR)--An investigation is underway following the reported theft of a pick-up truck and cattle trailer in Jackson County. 

Sheriff Tim Morse says also stolen from an outbuilding at 16621 326th Road was an air compressor. 

Morse says the theft was discovered on the morning of January 15th. 

The truck is described as a 1985 black Chevy dually with a dent on the passenger's side and peeling paint on the hood. 

The trailer is described as a 2008 Titan 24-foot silver and grey cattle trailer with minor damage on the passenger's side behind the fender. 

The air compressor is black and stands upright at around 5-feet in height. 

Morse says anyone with information about the thefts should notify his office at 785-364-2251. 

(KAIR)--City of Atchison violators are going to pay a little more in court fees following the approval of a resolution to increase municipal court costs at Tuesday  night’s city commission meeting.

Becky Anderson, Atchison Finance Director and Assistant City Manager, said increasing court fees by $3, from $75 to $78, will help relieve some reliance on property taxes to fund the court system.

Anderson also said the increased fee will enable the court to invest more in technology.

The higher fee would make it possible for anyone coming to municipal court to pay off their outstanding warrant with a $75 fee on the spot.

The resolution passed 5-0 with very little opposition.

The city has agreed to move forward and continue working with Flint Hills Development Group’s application to redevelop the Lincoln and Martin School buildings into affordable apartments for families.

The resolution passed 4-1 after Commissioner Charlie Perdue voiced concerns he heard from the Lincoln school alumni board about losing control over the building. 

However, Trey Cocking, Atchison City Manager, stressed the preliminary status of the resolution.

The deadline to apply for tax credits for the development project is Feb. 5.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Board of Commissioners held their annual reorganization meeting on January 13th.

Dennis Wittman was elected Chairman of the Board and Bob Hutton was elected Vice-Chairman.  

The Board of Commissioners will serve as Highway Superintendent for Nemaha County for calendar year 2016.  Renee Critser was re-appointed Emergency Manager and Tom Catlett was re-appointed as Surveyor.  

In other business Ameresco was authorized to conduct an energy audit on all Nemaha County buildings with no cost to the county.  The purchase of a 2016 MACK Tractor from RDO Truck Center in Lincoln was approved through the state bidding process.

A special meeting of the Board is scheduled for 10 a-m January 20th for review of personnel records for investigation and potential disciplinary action. 

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Board of Commissioners held their annual reorganization meeting on January 13th.

Dennis Wittman was elected Chairman of the Board and Bob Hutton was elected Vice-Chairman.  

The Board of Commissioners will serve as Highway Superintendent for Nemaha County for calendar year 2016.  Renee Critser was re-appointed Emergency Manager and Tom Catlett was re-appointed as Surveyor.  

In other business Ameresco was authorized to conduct an energy audit on all Nemaha County buildings with no cost to the county.  The purchase of a 2016 MACK Tractor from RDO Truck Center in Lincoln was approved through the state bidding process.

A special meeting of the Board is scheduled for 10 a-m January 20th for review of personnel records for investigation and potential disciplinary action. 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have approved a 2-year agreement with the union representing the county road department. 

The agreement covers two years, dating back to July 1, 2015 and continuing through June 30th, 2017.  Commissioners last week approved a 2-percent salary increase each year of the contract for employees.  

Negotiations had been ongoing for several months.  

 Students at West Junior High in Ponca City got a very short break from classes today when a dirty smoke detector sent off a false alarm.   Several units of the PCFD responded but were on site for a very short time once it was discovered the alarm was false.

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/18/16 09:41 09:45 09:53 12:42 DEATH, REPORTED PD 16000783 7842

TURNER

RP ADV'D OF A DEATH. WIFE FOUND HUSBAND HAD PASSED IN HIS SLEEP. #16 ASND. #49 ASST'D. BODY TRANSPORTED TO OKC.

01/18/16 11:39 11:41 11:41 11:41 EXTRA PATROL PD 16000784 88PD

CEDAR

RP ADV'D HIS VEH WAS ENTERED DURING THE NIGHT, NOTHING TAKEN OR DAMAGED. REQ XPTL AT NIGHT.

******XTPTL HOOTS******

01/18/16 12:29 12:31 12:31 12:33 DOMESTIC PD 16000786 9666

E FRESNO

RP ADV'D OF DOMESTIC AND HUNG UP PHONE. #41 ASND. #49 ASST'D. REQ A STAND BY FOR PROPERTY BETWEEN EX 1/2'S AT A LATER DATE.

01/18/16 12:58 13:01 13:07 13:20 DISTURBANCE PD 16000787 9731

W HARTFORD

RP REQ OFFICER IN REF TO A MALE IN A WHI MERCEDES NOW SB ON UNION AFTER URINATING ON RP'S VEH. VEH TAG ON 14889. #49 TOOK RPT.

01/18/16 14:34 14:41 14:49 15:19 THREATS/HARASS/OBSCENE PD 16000789 9731

N WAVERLY

RP REQ OFFICER TO THE LOBBY IN REF TO AN ASSAULT FROM EARLIER AND THREATS TODAY. #49 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/18/16 14:42 14:45 14:48 15:23 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000790 9527

S 8TH

RP REQ OFFICER IN REF TO BURGLARY TO A VEH. #30 TOOK RPT.

01/18/16 15:02 15:06 15:14 15:58 MISSING PERSON PD 16000791 7842

WINTERGREEN

RP IN PD LOBBY WANTS TO RPT HIS ADULT GRAND DAUGHTER AS A MISSING PERSON. NO CONTACT SINCE DEC 28, 2015. #16 ASND. FEM SUBJ DOB 1986. KSO 44 FOR $300 BOND. ATL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT SHE IS STILL LOCATED IN TOWN. NO RPT.

01/18/16 17:10 17:12 17:13 17:55 DOMESTIC PD 16000798 9908

W HIGHLAND

RP REQ OFFICER REF DOMESTIC. ADV'D MALE WAS BEATING HER. #28 ASND. INFO TKN FOR RPT.

01/18/16 18:16 18:19 18:27 18:39 THREATS/HARASS/OBSCENE PD 16000803 9608

BRADBARY

RP REQ OFFICER REF THREATS SHE IS RECEIVING VIA PHONE FROM SON. #52 ASND. MADE CONTACT W/ PROBLEM HALF, ADV'D HIM TO KNOCK IT OFF. RP REQ XPTL.

***XPTL***

01/18/16 18:30 18:43 18:45 20:28 RAPE PD 16000804 9908

UNDISCLOSED

RP REQ OFFICER IN REF TO A POSSIBLE RAPE. #28 ASND. CONNECT #16000800. RPT OF RAPE TAKEN.

REQ XPTL REF UNK VEHS CIRCLING THE AREA.

***XPTL***

01/18/16 20:45 20:46 20:46 20:46 EXTRA PATROL PD 16000807 88PD

S 7TH

RP REQ XPTL REF HER NEIGHBORS VEH BEING BROKEN INTO.

***ATTN HOOTS***XPTL***

01/18/16 21:21 21:23 21:27 22:59 DOMESTIC PD 16000809 9785

LORA

RP IN THE LOBBY RPT'ING A PHYSICAL DOMESTIC. #59 ASND. ER SECURITY ALSO CALLED IN TREATING THE FEM HALF OF THE DOMESTIC. #37 MADE CONTACT AT ER. #59 MADE CONTACT AT RESI AND INFO TKN FOR WARRANT REQ.

01/18/16 23:02 23:06 23:11 00:00 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000812 8216

E PARK

RP REQ OFFICER REF HER HOUSE BEING BROKEN INTO. ADV'D HER PS4 AND TV WERE STOLEN. #11 ASND, RPT WAS TKN.

01/18/16 23:33 23:51 23:51 23:51 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16000814 9742

HIGHLAND & WAVERLY

#37 T/S AT HIGHLAND/WAVERLY W/ OK 655LUX. CITATIONS ISSUED, VEH REL TO LIC DRIVER.

(KNZA)--A special alert is issued by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, following the report of someone attempting to make a vehicle pull over. 

According to the alert, a motorist from Topeka reports she was closely followed by another vehicle while traveling in Jackson County Tuesday. The driver of the suspect car drove closely behind her and waved to her to pull over. When she didn't comply, the car, possibly a Dodge Charger, sped off, heading eastbound on 198th Road toward Denison. 

The car is described as having a Jackson County license plate, black rims, a special hood, featuring a scoop or air vents, and was driven by a short haired white man in his 30's. 

Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle is urged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. 

(KAIR)--A pilot killed in a Colorado plane crash last week is now confirmed as the same pilot once accused of flying marijuana to Atchison. 

The Daily Sentinel, of Grand Junction, Colorado, last week reported that it was believed the plane that crashed Thursday in Rio Blanco County, Colorado was owned by 62-year-old Ray Hiler. 

On Monday, the newspaper confirmed the identity, although authorities say they are awaiting forensic evidence to be 100-percent certain that the victim is Hiler. However, those same authorities says based on the evidence and identification found at the crash scene, it's believed Hiler is the victim. 

Hiler was arrested in April 2013 for landing his 1952 plane at the Amelia Earhart Airport while it was loaded with what Atchison Police at the time called $100,000 worth of high-grade marijuana, brought from Colorado. 

Hiler was ultimately acquitted of the charges. 

(KAIR)--A weekend traffic stop leads to the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and to the arrest of a Saint Joseph man in connection with the crime. 

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says it happened Sunday night around 9:30. "The officer on patrol stopped a Dodge Caravan in the 300 block of North 10th on a traffic violation," Wilson tells MSC News. "During that stop, it was determined that that vehicle had been reported stolen by a rental car company out of Saint Joe, Missouri. The vehicle recovered was later released to that rental company in St. Joe." 

Arrested for possession of stolen property was 31-year-old Charles Schenecker, who was also taken into custody on an unrelated Elwood, Kansas Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear. 

He was booked into the Atchison County Jail. 

(KAIR)--A special meeting Monday night of the Board of Education for the South Brown County Schools ends with no action, but results in the issuance of a statement regarding school district policy.  

Although it's not confirmed, speculation holds that the meeting, held primarily in executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel, was focused on the recent controversy stemming from a profanity-laced Facebook post made by a language arts teacher at the Horton High School. 

The closed door session of the Board lasted nearly an hour; and, once they returned to regular session, the Board took no action. Instead, a statement was issued as a reminder of district policy. It reads: “The Board encourages all complaints from students, employees and patrons regarding the district be resolved at the lowest possible level. When a complaint is made it  will be referred to the principal and superintendent for investigation and resolution.”

The controversy arose earlier this month when the Facebook post caught the attention of concerned district patrons, who brought it to the attention of both MSC News and district leaders. 

The teacher made the post on her personal account, supporting President Barack Obama's announcement of executive actions regarding gun violence. 

It closed by saying those in opposition are "the ones who deserve" to have their children, sibling, or spouse, shot. 

The post has since been removed. 

(KLZA)-- Representatives of the Upward Bound Math and Science program at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville will be visiting with Falls City High School students on Wednesday.

Karen Wood, Assistant Director of Upward Bound Math & Science explains the 6-week summer program is for students in grades 9 –11 interested in a career related to math or science who have taken and passed college prep math and science classes each year.  

During the program students will live on the Northwest Missouri State University campus in Maryville, attending enrichment math and science classes not usually available in a local high school. 

There is no cost to the student or family. All expenses are paid. Mileage to and from the campus is reimbursed to the students and participants earn a stipend for each of the six weeks.  In addition, students completing the six-week program will keep the supplies provided including a Ti-Nspire CX handheld calculator.

Wood says this is also a good experience for parents who will soon be sending their kids off to college. 

The program will be June 4th through Saturday, July 16th. 

Interested students will be able to learn more about the Upward Bound Math and Science Program Wednesday afternoon from 2:42 – 3:32 p-m at Falls City High School. 

OSKALOOSA, Kan. (AP) - Jefferson County Attorney Jason Belveal says he doesn't expect to file charges against officials involved in an investigation that led to a man being wrongly convicted in the 1999 death of a 14-year-old Oskaloosa  girl.
 
Belveal says a former prosecutor, county sheriff and a Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent made mistakes while investigating the case of Floyd Bledsoe but he doesn't believe the mistakes were intentional.
 
Bledsoe served more than 15 years in prison for the death of Zetta Camille Arfmann before his conviction was overturned and he was released from prison last year. His brother, Tom Bledsoe, admitted to the crime in notes he left before he committed suicide.
 
The Lawrence Journal-World reports  the KBI is re-examining the case but it's unlikely to address the original investigation.

(KLZA)-- Several current, local office holders have filed for the upcoming May 10th, primary election in Nebraska. 

Filing for re-election as District 2 Richardson County Commissioner on the Republican ticket is David Sickel.  District 3 Commissioner James Standerford has filed for re-election on the Republican ticket. Richard Martin of rural Dawson will seek the Democratic nomination for 3rd District Commissioner.  

Two current members of the City Council in Falls City have filed for re-election.  In Ward I Mike Daugherty will run again and in Ward IV Jim Wisdom is seeking another term on the Council. City Council positions are officially non-partisan. 

Eddie Joe Harris has also filed for another term on the District 56, Falls City, Board of Education. 

The filing deadline for incumbents for the May, 10, primary elections in Nebraska is February 16th.  Nonincumbents have until March 1 to file. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Area Jaycees presented their annual Distinguished Service Awards Monday evening.

The awards were presented to six outstanding men and women from the community. 

Distinguished Service Award- Stacey Bailey

Community Leader Award- Steve Severin

Good Neighbor Award- Barb Froeschl

Robert J. Chab Community Service Award- Falls City Police officer Sean Nolte

Outstanding Educator Award- Kathy Martin

Boss of the Year Award- Dennis Hullman

Each winner was presented a plaque commemorating their achievement.

The awards ceremony was held at the Falls City Elks Lodge.

(KLZA)-- It was a good year financially for the City of Falls City. 

Julie Bauman, CPA, presented the 2014-15 audit report for the City of Falls City during the Monday night Council meeting. The City received an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion the city can receive. Bauman said her audit firm found no material weaknesses, no significant deficiencies and no compliance findings.

Bauman went over the main points of the audit, which shows the city total assets of $46,084,213 increased nearly $173,000. The total equity increased by nearly $664,000 in the last fiscal year.

In addition, the City cash and investments increased by $474,400.  The total long-term debt for the City is $1,342,241, which is what is still owed on the wastewater treatment plant improvements.

The utility departments and the mechanic shop realized an increase in cash of $308,000 for the year and a total increase in assets of $631,615.

Following the presentation the Council voted to accept the audit report.  

(KNZA)-- The Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting Monday evening  at the Fisher Community Center.

The meeting included the presentation of the organization’s  annual awards.
The “ Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Thomas Schuetz, for the role in played in the renovation of the Arrow Twin Theatre. The “ Business of the Year” award went to Rainbow Communications, and receiving the “ the Civil Servant of the Year” award was Corinne Weldon for her work with the Latchkey program.

Besides their annual awards, the Chamber presented a special award  to the family of late longtime Hiawatha police officer Michael Thompson in appreciation of his honorable service to the community. Thompson, who had served as an officer since 1978, died January 6th. 

Outgoing Chamber Board President Carrie Potter said last year was a good year for the Chamber, with a lot of exciting changes—including the hiring of Eric Thompson as the organization’s new director.  Besides their traditional events, Potter said the Chamber added several new ones.  Those included a soldier sendoff in June; 4th of July festivities which included an auto show and barbecue competition; and a holiday homes tour, which Potter said was a big success.

Mike Twombly will serve as Chamber Board President for 2016; Joey May, vice-president; Jake Wisdom, treasurer and Felicia Cortez, treasurer.  Other board members include Mike Grier, Sarah Davies, Kate Miller, David Schmidt and Seth Tollefson.

Guest speakers at the meeting include Ian Schuetz with Hiawatha ACES and Hiawatha Mayor Steffen Shamburg.


 

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will be removing snow from the downtown area Tuesday night and Wednesday night.

Crews will be starting after 8:00 in the evening.

The city is asking that all motorized vehicles be removed from the streets prior to that time.

Those with questions can contact the City's Public Work's Department at 742-3196.

Students from across the state recently put their creative talents to work to help spread the message about the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety by participating in the Fire Safety Poster contest conducted annually by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The agency is delighted to announce the winners of this contest, who will see their posters featured on a display in the Capitol Building rotunda, on the FireMarshal.ks.gov website, and printed in the 2016 Fire Safety Calendar.

The competition kicked off in October in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week. The poster contest is designed to support the fire safety education efforts of local fire departments.

Schools across Kansas, both public and private, encouraged participation from their students, emphasizing the importance of having working smoke alarms near sleeping areas in all homes. In Kansas, nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep.

The Poster Contest was divided into three categories: Kindergarten through Second Grade, Third and Fourth Grades, and Fifth and Sixth Grades.

Bragging rights goes to Ellinwood Grade School in Ellinwood, Kansas, as two of their students were winners in two different categories.

Reece Stickney, a first grader, won in the K-2nd Grade Category, while Evan Ringwald, a fourth grader, won in the 3rd-4th Grade Category. Earning the top spot in the 5th-6th Grade Category is Lauren Schutter, a sixth grade student at Mill Creek Valley Junior High in Paxico. Several students’ entries are being recognized as “Honorable Mentions” and their posters will be featured in the annual Fire Safety Calendar along with the winners. Their posters will also be displayed in the Capitol Building rotunda. Students earning Honorable Mention include: ·

Kori Simmons, Kindergarten, Gridley Elementary, LeRoy, Kansas ·

Havana Olander, 2nd Grade, Windom Elementary, Windom, Kansas

Brecken Bergkamp, 2nd Grade, Cheney Elementary, Cheney, Kansas ·

Eva Daugharthy, 3rd Grade, Chanute Christian Academy, Chanute, Kansas ·

Carissa Sohm, 4th Grade, Rolla Elementary, Rolla, Kansas ·

Rylan Konen, 5th Grade, Windom Elementary, Windom, Kansas ·

Jenna Donaldson, 5th Grade, Mill Creek Junior High, Paxico, Kansas ·

Isabelle Waters, 6th Grade, Pleasanton Elementary, Pleasanton, Kansas ·

Madi Phelps, 6th Grade, Ellinwood Grade School, Ellinwood, Kansas

All poster submissions will be displayed in the State Capitol rotunda Jan. 19-22. The three state-wide winners will be invited to meet Governor Sam Brownback and Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen at a ceremony in the Governor’s office on January 21, when they will be presented with a certificate.

Approximately 75 people joined in the 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration Monday. The event, sponsored by the Black History Committee of Liberal, featured a March that started at Liberal Memorial Library and opened with guest speakers. The participants, led by Liberal Police Department, moved from the Library, north on Kansas Avenue, then east on 8th street, to the Mahuron Park Building. For the Celebration, guests were treated to a chili supper, door prizes, informational booths set up by Seward County Health Department, Southwest Medical Center, Liberal Area Rape Crisis Center, Red Cross, and the Baker Arts Center. A Martin Luther King Jr. program followed the supper.

 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Mary Fallin has approved shortening the prison sentences of two state inmates - the first commutations she's authorized since 2012.

Fallin signed off last week on recommendations made by the state Pardon and Parole Board for two drug offenders serving lengthy sentences.

Donnie Daniel's life without parole sentence will be commuted to life with the possibility of parole, and William Wood Jr.'s 117-year-sentence will be shortened to time served.

Daniel was sentenced under the state's three-strikes law, which, until 2015, mandated a life without parole sentence for drug trafficking after two drug convictions.

Wood is an Army veteran and former preacher imprisoned since 2005 for methamphetamine.

Commutation, a rare form of clemency that reduces an offender's sentence, hasn't been granted in Oklahoma since 2012.

 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Mary Fallin has approved shortening the prison sentences of two state inmates - the first commutations she's authorized since 2012.

Fallin signed off last week on recommendations made by the state Pardon and Parole Board for two drug offenders serving lengthy sentences.

Donnie Daniel's life without parole sentence will be commuted to life with the possibility of parole, and William Wood Jr.'s 117-year-sentence will be shortened to time served.

Daniel was sentenced under the state's three-strikes law, which, until 2015, mandated a life without parole sentence for drug trafficking after two drug convictions.

Wood is an Army veteran and former preacher imprisoned since 2005 for methamphetamine.

Commutation, a rare form of clemency that reduces an offender's sentence, hasn't been granted in Oklahoma since 2012.

DAVIS, Okla. (AP) - Interstate 35 in southern Oklahoma has reopened after being closed following a standoff with a driver who crashed while being chased by police.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the interstate reopened near Davis shortly after 7 a.m. after being shut down for about 3 1/2 hours Tuesday morning.

Police say the chase began about 2:30 a.m. in Norman when police tried to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver then led officers on the chase for about an hour before crashing the vehicle. The driver then refused to leave the wreckage for nearly two hours before finally surrendering about 6 a.m.

The driver's name and condition were not immediately released.

 SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) - An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been struck by a vehicle while investigating an accident along Interstate 40 east of Oklahoma City.

OHP officials told reporters that the trooper was outside a patrol car near Shawnee when struck just after 8 a.m. Tuesday. The trooper was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital in undisclosed condition.

An OHP spokesman did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press for additional information.

The highway patrol released a statement saying eastbound lanes of the interstate are currently closed.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - A fire has destroyed the home where an elderly St. Joseph couple was shot to death by their grandson.
 
The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office says firefighters responded Monday afternoon to the blaze at the home of James and Beverly Johnson.
 
The Johnsons were fatally shot in July at the home in rural Buchanan County. Their grandson, Joseph Johnson, pleaded guilty in December to two counts of second-degree murder. He is awaiting sentencing.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports the home was not occupied. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
 
The Missouri State Fire Marshal and the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office are investigating.
 
    

(KAIR)--A crowd, small but mighty in purpose, gathered Monday night at the steps of Atchison's City Hall, focused on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. “I just think that Reverend King was an amazing person,” Atchison resident Jacque Pregont told MSC News. “He was one of those people that was not afraid to fight in a peaceful way for what he believed in and we need to commemorate the sacrifice that he made.” Joining Pregont, an annual attendee of the ceremony, was Jim Robinson, attending for the first time. “Well I'm new here, but it's a great man we're honoring, and he's been an American hero.” Another long time attendee of the ceremony is Atchison resident Janet Smith, who returned for another year. “ I do it because it brings unity. I love to see people of all walks of life come together.” 

From City Hall, the crowd marched, reflective of the Civil Rights marches once led by Dr. King, while singing songs made famous in the fight for equality. They made their way to Atchison's First Christian Church, where a worship service was held. 

The focus of the service was Atchison during the era of Dr. King and the civil rights movement. Music filled the church, as did reflections of that troubled time, as remembered by longtime Atchison residents Dub Ehret and Michele Fobbs, who relayed their memories. 

The annual ceremony is a long-running Atchison tradition timed with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior holiday, and organized through the efforts of the Atchison Ministerial Alliance. 

(MSC News)--The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for light to moderate snow and freezing drizzle, in effect from 9:00 Tuesday morning until midnight. The advisory is in place for the local region. 

A quickly moving winter system will move into and through the forecast area on Tuesday. This snow event likely will not bring any heavy snow. However, there could be a period of moderate snow with rates around 1 inch per hour at times during the evening commute.

The snow could be preceded by some light freezing drizzle. 

Ponca City Crime Stoppers

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000

01/16/16 10:44 10:52 11:02 11:19 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000720 7842

N 14TH

STAFF @ BUSINNES ADV'D RENTAL PROPERTY NOT RETURNED AS AGREED. #16 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/16/16 14:53 14:54 15:02 15:29 DOMESTIC PD 16000725 9666

S LAKE

RP REQ OFFICER REF DOMESTIC THAT HAPPEN A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO. #30 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/16/16 18:05 18:09 18:13 18:46 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000734 9351

W HIGHLAND

RP ADV'D OF THEFT FROM STORE. W/M, BLONDE HAIR AND TATTOOS. LEFT IN WHITE EXPEDITION. HEADING WB ON HIGHLAND. STOLE A TRICYCLE THAT WAS ON DISPLAY. #53 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/16/16 18:06 18:07 18:08 18:43 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000733 9863

W GRAND

REQ OFFICER REF BEER RUN, UNK CLOTHING, NB ON ASH. #34 ASND, PN 004-793 POSS SUPT, RPT TKN.

01/16/16 18:17 18:20 18:24 18:29 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16000735 8306

W SOUTH

BUSINESS STAFF ADV'D OF BEER RUN. I/M LEFT IN A DARK GRY HONDA CIVIC. PONCA TAG STARTING W/ 004. ADV'D THAT THEY LIVE ON S FRANKLIN. #17 ASND, FORM DROPPED OFF, WILL CALL WHEN READY.

01/16/16 20:26 20:27 20:27 21:08 INTOX SUBJECT PD 16000739 9351

E WALNUT

RP ADV'D OF INTOX MALE AT RESI.

#53 ASND. 10-15 W/ 52 YO W/M FOR POSS MARIJ AND DRUNK IN PUBLIC PLACE.

01/16/16 22:40 22:42 22:42 22:42 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16000745 9677

S 11TH

#38 T/S W/ SUBJ. CITED PASSENGER FOR SIG 12 AND RELEASED.

01/16/16 23:09 23:11 23:14 01:49 DISTURBANCE PD 16000746 8654

QUEENS

5-6 PEOPLE ACROSS THE STREET, YELLING AND SHOVING EACH OTHER. #57 ADV'D. #53 & #34 ASST'D. WARRANT REQ ISSUED. RPT TKN.

01/16/16 23:17 23:19 23:20 23:39 VANDALISM PD 16000749 9498

S 14TH

CONTACT RP AT FRONT DESK REF THE WINDOWS OF HIS VEH WERE BROKEN OUT SOMETIME TODAY. #39 ASND, RPT TKN.

01/17/16 07:46 07:53 07:53 07:53 08:06 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16000755 9527

N UNION

RP RPTS A HIT N RUN AND DAMAGE DONE TO HER SON'S VEH. #30 ASND. #30 ADV'D RPT TKN.

01/17/16 07:53 07:54 08:02 08:08 VANDALISM PD 16000756 9731

WREN

RP ADV'D OF SUBJ DRIVING INTO YARD AND HITTING MAILBOX SOMETIME LAST NIGHT. #49 ASND, ADV'D RPT TKN.

01/17/16 10:54 10:56 10:56 11:35 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000758 9527

N UNION

#30 ADV'D OUT AT BUSINESS W/ A BROKEN WINDOW. #27 & #49 ASST'D. #49 ADV'D RPT TKN.

01/17/16 16:46 16:47 16:49 19:58 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16000764 9677

N UNION

MALE POSS KICKED IN DOOR ON RESI. #28 ASND, #38 ASST'D. SUBJ LOCATED.

WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO H/M FOR KSO 44'S. #38 TRANSPORTED TO KSO.

WARRANT REQ ISSUED FOR CHILD NEGLECT.

01/17/16 19:36 19:50 19:50 19:50 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16000766 8306

E OKLAHOMA

KSO 10-15 W/ 29 YO I/M FOR PL, LOCAL 44'S.

01/17/16 20:07 20:09 20:12 21:05 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16000767 8306

RED OAK

RP ADV'D HER HOUSE WAS BURGLARIZED. #17 ASND. #53 ASST'D. RPT TKN.

01/17/16 21:00 21:02 21:09 05:07 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16000770 9908

AMES

911 ADV SUBJ IS THREATENING SUICIDE AND HAS A KNIFE. #38 ASND, #28 ASST'D. 10-12 TO PD. REQ AMB FOR CHEST PAIN. AMB TRANSPORTED.

01/17/16 21:50 21:52 21:54 22:00 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16000772 9785

N OAK

RP REQ OFFICER REF HER MOTHER IS HAVING A MENTAL BREAKDOWN. #59 MADE CONTACT W/ SUBJ. DOES NOT MEET CRITIERIA. ADV'D VERBAL ARGUMENT BETWEEN FAMILY. NO RPT.

01/17/16 22:20 22:22 22:23 23:19 ROBBERY, OCCURRED PD 16000774 9785

W HIGHLAND

RPT OF ARMED ROBBERY AT BUSINESS. 2 W/M'S W/ GUN TOOK MONEY AND ELFT ON FOOR WB ONE WRG BROWN HOODIE AND OTHER GRY HOODIE. #59 ASND. MULTIPLE OFFICERS ASST'D. SUBJS WERE GOA. UTL. RPT TKN.

ACTIVE CRIME SCENE @ 22:21  CRIME SCENE RELEASED AT 22:51

01/17/16 23:49 23:52 23:56 01:19 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16000776 9785

N OAK

MOTHER AT RESI IS MAKING THREATS TO COMMIT SUICIDE AGAIN, #59 & #37 RESPONDED. #59 WENT 10-12 W/ SUBJ 10-19.

01/18/16 06:39 06:43 06:47 06:53 WELFARE CHECK PD 16000780 9785

N PINE

K12 REQ A 1090 ON A MALE REF A 1090 SENT OUT BY BLACKWELL PD ON 1/16/16. RP ADV'D HIS LIC SHOWS ADDR ON N PINE. CONTACTED BLACKWELL PD, THEY ADV'D HIS SISTER ATTMEPTED TO MAKE A MISSING PERSON RPT BECAUSE THEY GOT INTO A FIGHT AND SHE HASN'T HEARD FROM HIM. #59 ASND, #37 ASST'D. ADV'D NEG CONTACT. APPEARS THE RESI IS VACANT.

Ponca City Public Schools will be hosting Dr. Kym Puga to speak to secondary school students, staff and parents about suicide prevention.

Puga will meet with East Middle School students at 9 a.m. Jan. 26 in the Ralph Lester Auditorium. She will meet with West Middle School students at 2 p.m. that same day.

Puga is scheduled to meet with Po-Hi students on Jan. 27. She will meet with freshman and sophomores at 9:45 a.m. and juniors and seniors at 12:15 p.m. in the Howell Auditorium. 

She also will speak to parents at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at the West Middle School Auditorium. All parents are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Puga is on a mission. Since her daughter’s suicide in 2012, Puga has advocated for suicide prevention education and reform in school systems. During the month of September, which is designated as National Suicide Prevention Month, Puga shared her powerful message with mental health professionals, educators, first responders, middle school and high school students, youth groups and concerned citizens.

“We have to do something,” she said. “We can’t have any more kids dying, so I am on a mission to save all these kids.”

In a television interview with CBS News Channel 7 in Crane, Texas, Pugh said "Educating students and faculty and raising awareness is the only way we are going to end this tragedy.”

With a doctorate in education administration curriculum supervision, Puga reflects on how she never received any training about suicide.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and the third leading cause of death for 10- to 14-year-olds. Why didn’t they teach me this?” Puga asked.

“Our goal is that ‘Because of Hanah’ there will become a federal law mandating suicide awareness and prevention training and curriculum in all public schools throughout the country," she said. "The mandate should enforce that not only administrators and educators are trained, but that students are trained as well so they can recognize signs in their peers.”

On Sept. 28, 2015,  Puga presented at the 21st Annual Zarrow Symposium hosted in Tulsa. While sharing her message with some of the state’s top mental health professionals, she received feedback from numerous students in post-graduate studies affirming that even in the industry designed to treat suicidality, there is little to no training on the facts about suicide.

Locally, Puga’s message was the catalyst for a United Way grant received by Youth and Family Services of Washington County.

“We have so many individuals who are struggling right here at home,” said Stella Shoff, chairman of the Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

“This grant provides minimal funding allowing for evidence-based best practices assessments to be provided to those who need help and are uninsured,” she said.

The grant, a legacy of loss, is titled “Because of Hanah.” Although the funds are minimal, "if we can save just one life, it is well worth it,” Puga said.

Following Puga’s presentation at a Texas Mid-High, she received the following private message through social media.

“Everything you said was meant for me. I had a plan to end my life today when I got home from school. After seeing how hurt you were from your daughter’s death, I couldn’t do it. You saved me.”

Through Puga’s Facebook memorial page, www.facebook.com/hanahsrestlesssoul, thousands who are struggling have been reached with a message of hope and inspiration. For those experiencing the grief of suicide loss, messages of solace and comfort have been shared.

Recently they launched the website www.becauseofhanah.org.

“I’ve reached out to people around the world. I’ve shared with moms from Africa to Japan. You see, when it comes to this type of horrific grief, it is easy to bond deeply with folks you have never even met and who live on the other side of the world,” Puga said.

On Sept. 2, a night when Puga was riddled by insomnia stemming from her traumatic grief, she created a “notecard” social media video. “I was really just playing around with the concept. I sent a really rough draft of the video to a friend for her feedback and without me knowing it, she uploaded the video,” Puga said.

The video, featuring original music by Hanah, went viral with over 40,000 views in just a few days — and more than 56,000 total.

“My baby’s dream finally came true. She got to perform her music to an audience that would’ve filled a stadium. I only wish she were here to see it,” Puga said.

 We will have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday  for Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters, located at 1217 E. Prospect. Please join us and see the great improvements the Heads have made to their restaurant. It is very impressive.

We are excited to offer a PRIDE Training on quality customer service to PC Concrete on Wednesday. This training is free for Chamber Members. We can increase the quality of customer service your employees offer with this training. Phone the Chamber Office for details.

It has been a busy time with our tourism efforts for Ponca City. We were in McAllen, Texas, last week talking to “Winter Texans” on why they should stop in Ponca City when they head home this spring. Many said they would. Honestly, everyone was impressed with our tourist attractions. We also attended the American Bus Association convention promoting Ponca City along with the Oklahoma Department of Tourism. Ponca City has incredible and unique attractions, awesome events, several casinos, and great outdoor recreation. Tourism is a major industry for Ponca City and easy to promote!