From left to right--1st runner-up, Aubrey Wright; Halloween Queen, Lauren Herbster and Miss Congeniality, Jessica Gieger

(KNZA)--The 2016 Hiawatha Halloween queen was crowned Monday evening prior to the evening parade, which concluded the 102nd annual Halloween Frolic.

Selected for the honor was Miss Sabetha: Lauren Herbster.

As the winner, Herbster, a senior at Sabetha High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The 1st runner-up and winner of a $750 scholarship was Miss White Cloud-Brown County: Aubrey Wright, a senior at Hiawatha High School.

Miss Robinson: Jessica Geiger, a senior at Hiawatha High School, was named as Miss Congeniality and will receive a $250 scholarship.

21 girls from 12 different schools competed in this year's scholarship contest.

The girls were judged on an essay, leadership skills, community involvement, scholastic achievement and an interview.  

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - An official with the Kansas secretary of state's office says it has determined that ballot selfies are legal in the state after all.

Elections Director Bryan Caskey said Monday that the office has re-examined a state law that makes it a felony to disclose a ballot's contents and concluded it applies to election officials but not voters themselves.

Ballot selfies are illegal in some states . Federal judges have struck down bans in Indiana and New Hampshire.

A secretary of state's office spokeswoman said earlier this month that taking selfies at a polling place is legal but "a picture of the actual ballot violates Kansas law."

Caskey said repeated questions led the secretary of state's office to further review the law.  He says, "There's not a law that prohibits it."
 

(KAIR)--An undercover investigation lands one Atchison man behind bars.

“Atchison Police Department as well as the Kansas Bureau of Investigation had an undercover investigation that expanded over a period of several years dating back to 2012,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He says 44-year-old Charles Young is now facing charges related back to 2012 including: distribution of cocaine, use of a telecommunication facility to facilitate a controlled substance transaction and no drug tax stamp.

“That was one of a number uncover cases that we made over a several year period of time,” Wilson said. “In his case, it focuses on a case that was centered around the sale of cocaine in the LFM Park area.”

He was booked into the Atchison County Jail where he remains held without bond.

(KLZA)-- A Dawson man was arrested Saturday by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office on a felony charge of animal cruelty. 

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle near Dawson. 

It was determined the vehicle, owned by 56-year old Gary Cornely, was allegedly used in the asphyxiation of six cats which belonged to Cornely.

After the cats were asphyxiated, the report indicates they were removed from the vehicle and burned in a fire pit a short distance from the vehicle.
 

(KLZA)--Damage to a Falls City church is estimated at $4,000 after a pickup truck collided with the building Friday morning.

According to the Falls City Police report, Colton Hayworth parked his pickup in a driveway at 2305 Towle Street, leaving the engine running. Hayworth exited the pickup and entered the home.

The report indicates the pickup’s transmission slipped from park into reverse and the pickup rolled out of the driveway across Towle Street, through the parking lot of the Jehovah’s Witness Church and struck the church building causing significant damage to the structure. 

No injuries were reported.  

(KLZA)-- Two people sought medical treatment following a collision at the intersection of 18th and Lane Streets in Falls City shortly after 5 o’clock Friday afternoon.

The Falls City Police Department report indicates an eastbound car on 18th Street, driven by 76-year-old George Rhodd of Falls City, was struck by a car headed south on Lane Street operated by 25-year-old Jennifer Delong of Falls City.

According to the report, Long stated she was speaking on a cell phone at the time of the wreck and that her vision was obstructed by the glare of the sun.

Delong was issued a citation for failure to yield the right-of-way. 

Rhodd and a 12-year-old passenger in his car, Taryn Coronado, suffered possible but not visible injuries and sought medical treatment at Community Medical Center in Falls City.  

(KLZA)-- USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul announces the awarding of nearly $962,000 in grants for 40 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are supported through the Rural Energy for America Program .   

 The projected energy savings from the announced projects is equivalent to the amount required to power 345 homes.   

Among the recipients, are:  Merlyn Bender - Nemaha County. A grant of $8,209 will be used to install a waste heat recovery system.  Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems. 

Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of $20,000 or less are due by Oct. 31, 2016, for the first funding cycle and March 31, 2017, for the second funding cycle.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring “Spooks On Stone Street” beginning at 4 o’clock Monday afternoon.

At 4, a presentation will be made by the Falls City Police Department on safety at the Falls City Library and Arts Center. 

The trick-or-treating takes place in the 1500, 1600 and 1700 blocks of Stone Street beginning at 4:30.

There will be games provided, pumpkin decorating, hot dogs, water, hot chocolate, cider and candy served by 4-H.

The costume contest judging is a 5:30 followed by the Goulash Dance contest at 6. 

(KAIR)--Both Atchison and Holton were on the schedule when United States Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins visited the local area earlier this month.

Among her stops was the Boys and Girls Club of Atchison. "It's hard to beat spending a little time at the Boys and Girl's Club here in Atchison," Jenkins tells MSC News. "They are doing phenomenal work serving this community and Effingham, providing a safe place for these kids to play and grow and learn."

Jenkins first met with the leadership of the Boys and Girls Club, and then answered questions from the children. "They're so smart and so inquisitive, and that's what's cool about a program like this, they just encourage that."

Before her departure, Jenkins was presented with a Boys and Girls Club t-shirt.

Prior to coming to Atchison, Jenkins visited Holton, where she toured the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program Head Start Center. "Talk about an organization that's doing great work for northeast Kansas, they've got a big region, a lot of needs. We talked about how we can help at the federal level with some things. We've already partnered with them to get some mental health money and training."

Also during the tour, Jenkins spent time at Atchison's Benedictine College, where the Kansas Republican addressed an American Government class, explaining the actions of Congress while fielding student questions.

(KAIR)--Local and state candidates will answer questions Tuesday during a forum at Atchison's City Hall.

The evening forum, beginning at 7:00, is sponsored by the Leadership Development Council of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to a press release, candidates for the Atchison County 3rd District Commission seat, Kansas House of Representatives District 63, and 1st District Kansas Senate, will be included.

That includes Henry William Pohl, who is seeking re-election to the County Commission seat he currently holds as a Republican. According to Chamber of Commerce President Jacque Pregont, Pohl's Democratic challenger, Tom Mangimelli, does not plan to attend.

She says it's also unconfirmed on whether Republican Senator Dennis Pyle will attend, challenged is his bid for re-election to the 1st District seat by Democrat Jerry Henry, who has confirmed his planned attendance.

Both candidates for the 63rd District Kansas House seat, Democrat Brett Niebling and Republican Dr. John Eplee, are also planning to attend.

Tuesday evening's forum will be live streamed on the Atchison, Kansas Facebook page, and broadcast on local cable access channel 17. It will then be rebroadcast at noon Wednesday, at 6:00 on Thursday evening, Friday morning at 10:00, Saturday afternoon at 2:00, and Sunday evening at 7:00.

Voters November 8th will decide the outcome of numerous Federal, state and local races, including another for Atchison County.

That one includes a write-in campaign by Republican Sheila Bilderback who seeks to continue her role as Atchison County Treasured. She was defeated in the August Primary Election by Republican opponent Connie Ellerman.

(KAIR)--A man is dead, and one person is in custody, following a fatal Buchanan County shooting Sunday night.

KQ2 TV reports the body of the 75-year-old victim was discovered shortly before 11:00, at a home just south of Saint Joseph, located on Southeast McQueen Road near State Highway A.

A 23-year-old suspect was apprehended in DeKalb County, and is considered by authorities to be the only suspect in the case.

Names are not immediately made public.

(KNZA)--A Lincoln, Nebraska-based company is looking at purchasing and renovating a Hiawatha motel .

Hiawatha City Administrator Mike Nichols says BARK Hospitality, L.L.C. wants to utilize industrial revenue bonds for the purchase and renovation of the Hiawatha Lodge and Gateway Inn on South First Street.

The Hiawatha City Commission will hold a public hearing during their November 7th meeting to consider the issuance of up to $1.5 million in IRB's for the project.   Issuance of the bonds would not financially obligate the city.

Nichols says the company has been in contact with local banks and has expressed a strong desire for their involvement in the community.

He says both facilities would carry a nationally recognized hotel/motel name.

Nichols adds the city is excited about the possible rejuvenation of the property.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Kansas voters during the November 8th general election will decide the fate of a proposed amendment to the state constitution declaring that Kansas residents have the right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife.  

Constitutional Amendment 1 would add a section to the state’s Bill of Rights to preserve hunting and fishing as a preferred way to manage wildlife. The measure adds that future limits would need proof that an animal could become endangered.  

If approved, the amendment would make Kansas one of roughly 20 states where hunting and fishing is a constitutional right.

 Supporters call it a pre-emptive safeguard against possible restrictions.

Critics counter the amendment could make it more difficult to ban hunting practices deemed cruel. The Humane Society of the United States questions the need for such protection of a recreational pastime.

(KMZA)--A local community receives state recognition. 

That comes as Marysville Convention and Tourism is honored with the People's Choice award, given as part of a number of awards presented by Kansas tourism professionals during the 2016 Kansas Tourism Conference awards banquet held recently in Olathe.

According to a press release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, Marysville's recognition was based on its first annual Light Up Marysville Christmas lighting contest, which was held as part of an integrated marketing campaign.

More than 50 local residences and businesses took part in the lighting.  

The top award, presented by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, was presented to United States Senator Jerry Moran.  The Kansas Republican was honored with the Governor's Tourism award due to what the press release calls Moran's long time support of the Kansas tourism industry, noting that he served as the first chair of the Governor's Tourism Council, “leading the way for recognition of tourism's role in the economic vitality” of the state.

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle wreck on a Jefferson County road early Sunday morning claimed the life of Meriden teenager.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 1:00 on Detlor Road about one mile south of the junction of K-4 Highway and 54th Street.

The Patrol says 18-year-old Skylar Callahan was southbound when his pickup truck left the roadway and struck three wooden fence posts, causing the vehicle to overturn twice.

Callahan, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected.

He was transported by Jefferson County EMS to Stormont-Vail Healthcare in Topeka where he died.

Editor's note: the following is from Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore

( MSC News)---In the spirit of Halloween, the Hiawatha Police Department will be participating in a statewide push for seat belt law compliance around our local schools from October 31st through November 4th. Officers will be focusing on proactive enforcement of seat belt and car seat compliance to make everyone safer.

Not only will the officers be enforcing the laws by citing non-compliant occupants they will also have treats which they may share with compliant occupants they may come into contact with while doing this proactive enforcement. The treats are being provided from a generous sponsorship from Ryan Meininger’s State Farm Insurance office in Hiawatha.

According to the 2016 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seat belt. If the driver is buckled, about 96% of the children are restrained. If the driver is not buckled, only about 27% of the observed children were buckled. We want adults to model good driving behaviors for children. Chief Defore says, “Even one child’s death is unacceptable. Please slow down, especially in school zones, eliminate the distractions, and always buckle up.”

With this special enforcement we look forward to having many positive contacts with the public to encourage compliance with motor vehicle restraint laws. The Hiawatha Police Department wishes to thank Ryan Meininger’s State Farm for providing the treats to share with those who are buckled up.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners discussed  a number of issues concerning the Richardson County Courthouse and the Jail / Law Enforcement Center when they met Tuesday. 

Problems discovered on the roof of the Richardson County Courthouse were discussed with architect Dennis Lyon. 

A roof inspection is to be done by a representative of Weathercraft of Lincoln. He will provide an estimate of the costs to correct the problems. Board members are anticipating it to be around $6-thousand.

Commissioners reviewed with Sheriff Don Pounds the job description for the maintenance technician position at the Jail / Law Enforcement Center and the Courthouse building and grounds.  The salary was discussed as well.  Commissioners anticipate taking action next week to approve the job description and the salary for the job. 

The certificate of substantial completion of the law enforcement center,  presented by the contractor and the architect was reviewed by the Board. Sheriff Pounds and the Maintenance Technician will review the document and review further with the Board next week. 
 

( KNZA)--Saturday evening is Treat-or-Treat night in Hiawatha.

Residents who would like to take part are encouraged to turn their front porch light on.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office will be hold their 9th annual Trick-or-Treat night Saturday evening at the sheriff’s office located at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.

Sheriff John Merchant says the staff, who will be in kid friendly costumes,  will be on the lookout for ghosts and goblins starting at 6:00, and will go until they run out of treats.

Merchant says the staff will handing out bags that contain safety information, pencils, stickers, candy and orange glow sticks for safety.

Merchant encourages all kids to have a safe and happy Halloween and follow some of these basic safety rules:

1. STAY IN WELL LIGHTED AREAS
2. ALWAYS TRICK-OR-TREAT WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY
3. DO NOT ENTER A STRANGE HOME OR VEHICLE
4. WEAR LIGHT COLORED COSTUME OR ADD REFLECTIVE TAPE TO DARKER COSTUMES
5. MAKE SURE YOU CAN SEE AND HEAR WELL OUT OF YOUR MASK/COSTUME
6. TAKE A FLASHLIGHT WITH YOU
7. MAKE SURE AN ADULT CHECKS YOUR TREATS BEFORE EATING THEM
8. ONLY TRICK-OR-TREAT AT HOMES WITH A PORCH LIGHT ON
9. LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET
10. YOUNGER CHILDREN SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

(KAIR)--A mini dirt bike is missing, and Atchison Police are working to find it's whereabouts.

Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the crime was reported Wednesday.

"Sometime between late evening on Tuesday and mid-afternoon on Wednesday, a mini dirt bike was taken from outside a residence in the 700 block of North 7th," Wilson says. "We're not cetain of the brand, the victim did not know the brand, but the motorcycle is green with lettering on it."

Wilson says the mini dirt bike, commonly referred to as a pit bike, is valued at around $500.

Anyone with information related to its whereabouts is urged to contact police.

(KAIR)--Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse is responding to a lawsuit filed in connection with the investigation focused on sex crimes involving 21-year-old Holton resident Jacob Ewing.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in federal court by former Sheriff's Detective Al Dunn, who claims he was fired after refusing to end the investigation, which dates back to the beginning of 2014.

Morse calls the claim baseless. "The idea that somehow that I told somebody to stop investigating, or somehow that I was protecting Mr. Ewing, is completely ridiculous, extremly asinine, to think that this was the case," Morse tells MSC News. In fact, since the termination of this employee, you will see that our investigation has ramped up, that we have more people on the ground with this case. We've been clear to the east coast, on this case, interviewing people."

In the lawsuit, Dunn claims Morse, concerned about re-election to his office, answered to complaints from Ewing's family and friends who believed they could influence Morse's win. "It's very interesting that there was a posting [on Facebook] by the defendant's mother, in this rape case, who even said I [Morse] have no relationship with that family whatsover. These accusations are lies, and this is coming from the defendant's own family. Nobody's ever pressured me, nobody's ever told me not to do my job, or pressured me. The Ewing family has never pressured me whatsover, and nobody's going to bully me around."

Morse, who is seeking re-election in the November 8th general election as a Democrat, is challenged by Republican Robert McNicholas.

He says he believes the lawsuit is "an election year stunt by a terminated employee to simply cause me trouble during this upcoming election," adding that he will beat the lawsuit, "probably in summary judgement."

(KNZA)--A Holton man has pleaded not guilty to sex-related charges in six separate cases.

21-year-old Jacob Ewing entered the plea Thursday in a Jackson County courtroom to 19 charges.

Jury trials in the cases were set for next year, beginning in March.

That came following the conclusion of a preliminary hearing in the sixth case against him where a judge found probable cause to bind Ewing over for trial on one count each aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports a teenage girl testified that Ewing took her to a cemetery near Holton during an evening in March 2014. The girl said Ewing ordered her out of the car, and then allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The girl, who had made initial contact with Ewing through social media, was 13-years-old at the time.

(KAIR)--An 80-year-old Doniphan County man is dead, killed Thursday evening in a fatal farm accident.

Doniphan County Sheriff's Deputy Raymond Hall identifies the victim as Morris Miller.

“The Doniphan County Sheriff's Office received a call a little before 10:00, and advised that there was a tractor rollover, about 7 miles south of Wathena,” Hall tells MSC News. "[Miller] told family and friends that he was going to mow his pasture about 3:00 [Thursday] afternoon, is when he was last seen by anybody. They tried contacting him about 7:00 and couldn't, so the family started looking for him and he was discovered by family about 9:30 [Thursday night]."

Hall says Miller's small tractor, with a brush hog on the back of it, went up on an embankment and rolled over, pinning him underneath.

Hall says the location of the fatal accident sits near Monument and 130th Road.

Scene of the shooting of the quarterhorse Palamino named April. Her colt, Roxy, stands nearby. Photo credit: Atchison Co Sheriff's Office 

(KAIR)--Constant gunshots cause fear and leave property damage. Now, a horse is dead, killed by what Atchison County Sheriff's investigators believe are likely the same shooters.

Undersheriff Joe Butner tells MSC News the shooting has been occurring along River Road, near 230th Road, in the southeast corner of Atchison County. "We have been contacting all the neighbors around the area, questioning them, and hearing stories about random gunshots, bullets whizzing by their houses. Damage being done.[We] hope somebody will step up and let us know who did this, who killed this horse. It's not just a horse, it was the man's pet, it had a [7-month-old] colt [named Roxy] right there next to it. The colt stayed with her all night while she was dead. Pretty heart wrenching."

It's believe the 22-year-old quarter horse Palamino, named April, and owned by Lloyd Boldridge, suffered the fatal gunshot sometime between Sunday night and 5:00 Monday evening.

Days later, it was a nearby goose that suffered a gunshot.

Butner says that discovery was made after residents in the area heard gunshots around 12:30 Thursday afternoon. "We got a call from one of the neighbors about a shotgun blast, near her home. She goes and investigates and calls us. In the middle of the road was a goose that had been shot, obviously, with a shotgun, just left dead on the roadway. It's indiscriminate. They're shooting at anything that moves."

Butner says concerns of more property damage, or even the loss of human life, is possible, based on the discovery of bullet holes on property belonging to a neighbor of Boldridge. "We're concerned about where the bullet's going. These people aren't looking for backstops, they're trespassing. One of the neighbors, just a half-mile from where the horse was shot, showed me a building that had numerous bullet holes from people stopping, shooting, at traffic signs, and her building and house as a backstop. She told me it wasn't uncommon to hear bullets whizz by her house, at which time she said she would just go back in her house and hunker down."

So far, no definite suspects have been developed, but Butner says the Sheriff's Office is focused on the area of the shootings.

He urges anyone near that location to contact authorities if they hear gunshots, or if they have any information pertaining to the investigation.

(KMZA)--Two current Nemaha County Sheriff’s deputies will share the title of investigator.

Sheriff Rich Vernon informed the Nemaha County Commission this week that he plans to have Josh Winkler and Jerry Birdsley share the position.

Both will be given a 50 an hour raise for assuming the extra duties, which became effective October 21st.

Steve Linden, who had held the position of investigator, retired in September  of last year.

Vernon also informed the Commission of several other new hires.

He says he’s hired Alishia Hynek, of Seneca, to fill a vacant full-time corrections officer position.  Hynek will begin work October 30th at a salary of $13.01 an hour.

Vernon also said he has hired Whitney Weaver, of Seneca, to fill an open full-time dispatcher position, effective October 30th.  She had served as a relief dispatcher.

In addition, Vernon says he’s hired Chris Mooney as a relief corrections officer.   Mooney has already begun work.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Westar Energy has filed a request to raise its prices by about $17.4 million, which would raise the average residential bill in Kansas by about $1.54 per month.

Westar spokeswoman Gina Penzig says the company filed the request with the Kansas Corporation Commission to recover costs that weren't available when last year's full price was conducted.

The Topeka Capital-Journal  reports that the bulk of the $17.4 million request is related to environmental upgrades at power plants, primarily in the LaCygne Generation Station, to meet federal requirements.

Other costs include $6.5 million used to make investments in the grid design for improved reliability.
  

(KAIR)--This Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Plaza on the Riverfront in Atchison, KS a memorial service will be held to mark the fifth anniversary of the grain elevator explosion that occurred a half-mile south of the plaza along the river on the same date in 2011. The service will honor and remember the six men who died in the explosion.

Gary and Ramona Kiel of Salina, Kansas, parents of Travis Kiel who was among those killed, with the support of the city of Atchison, invite family members, friends, and community members to attend and participate in the service which will include remembrances and prayers as well as expressions of gratitude to first responders who served so courageously during this incident. Light refreshments will be served following the service. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Riverbend Bible Church building, 1145 Commercial St. in Atchison (across 12th Street from the Lions Pool). 

Pastor Bob Flack of Riverbend Bible Church will officiate at the service. Those interested in participating or seeking more information about the service should call him at 785-313-1390.

(KAIR)--Chemical spill, one week later, and the investigation into the details surrounding the incident is continuing.

It was last Friday morning that the accidental mixture of two chemicals at Atchison's MGP Ingredients sent a chemical cloud of chlorine gas soaring above the city.

The company, in a statement Thursday, outlines for the first time exactly what happened, and says they will “continue to closely cooperate to investigate and to fully understand the cause and ensure that all appropriate response actions were taken.”

The statement follows the confirmation this week that federal agencies, including the Chemical Safety Board, and OSHA, have been investigating.

MGP also clarifies that the FDA has been involved in the probe.

The company says the MGP plant operations are fully functional, but the plant is currently undergoing previously planned, regularly-scheduled annual maintenance.

Editor's note: Below is the full statement from MGP Ingredients, as released Thursday. 

MGP Issues Further Updates Regarding Chemical Incident

ATCHISON, Kan., October 27, 2016 -- As previously reported, a chemical release occurred at MGP Ingredients' (Nasdaq: MGPI) plant in Atchison, Kan., at approximately 8 a.m. CT last Friday, Oct. 21. The reaction resulted in emissions venting into the air. As of 11 a.m. that morning, based on observations by local officials, the emissions had dispersed. As is always the case, the health and safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate are our top priority.

MGP’s management issued the following updates today:

• During a routine chemical delivery by an MGP supplier to a secured portion of MGP’s property, two commonly used chemicals, sulfuric acid and sodium hypochlorite (bleach), were inadvertently mixed, causing a reaction. This reaction led to emissions of chlorine gas being released into the air.

• Local officials reported the plume that resulted from the chemical release blew over an area north and west of the plant.

• MGP employees took immediate action, as outlined in our safety protocols, by shutting down plant operations. Our employees also assisted first responders with evacuation procedures in the immediate vicinity of the plant.

• Per protocol, MGP reported the chemical release to the EPA and to Kansas and local authorities. The EPA, as well as the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, conducted monitoring at the plant and in the community following the incident. Local officials issued the “all clear” for residents and local employees within three hours of the incident occurring.

•  Based on information we have at this time, approximately 100 people, including three MGP employees, sought medical treatment related to respiratory concerns. We understand that all who required treatment at local hospitals have been released.

• MGP has and will continue to closely cooperate to investigate and to fully understand the cause and ensure that all appropriate response actions were taken. An investigation by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) is underway. Results of the CSB’s investigation are expected to be released at a later date per that agency’s schedule and procedural practices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have also investigated. At this time, we are unable to comment on investigations by various agencies, as investigations are ongoing.

-more-

ADD 1—MGP Issues

• Our plant operations are fully functional. However, this week our plant is undergoing previously planned, regularly-scheduled annual maintenance.

• Based on testing and analysis, we are confident our inventories of protein and starch ingredients, as well as distilled spirits, were unaffected and are safe for consumption.

• All MGP employees undergo extensive and recurring training in line with federal, state and local regulations to ensure their well-being and the well-being of the communities in which we operate. We are cooperating with the ongoing investigations, which will inform us of any procedural modifications we may implement in response to this incident.

• Since 2011, annual food and beverage safety audits have been conducted at our Atchison facility by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Each year, the facility has received the BRC’s highest rating. These audits are approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The GFSI benchmarks food safety standards for third-party audits that can be conducted and recognized worldwide. In addition, the facility has been ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified since 2009. ISO 14001 is an Environmental Management System which provides a standard for measuring and improving an organization’s environmental impact. OHSAS 18001 is the Health and Safety Management System, which provides a system for measuring and improving an organization’s Health and Safety Standards.

• We understand residents may have questions related to the chemical release. The City of Atchison has established a hotline in conjunction with the Federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry to field questions about the chemical release. Residents are advised to call 1-800-232-4636.

As the investigation of the incident is ongoing, MGP has no additional updates to share at this time beyond the information above. In the meantime, the company again extends appreciation to the community and local first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement and hospital staff, and city and county officials, for their support, cooperation and assistance both during and following the incident.

(KNZA)--A new General Public Transit program is launched by the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska.

A press release issued by the tribe describes the program as a “demand response, first come, first serve, shared ride, fee based service.”

It will be available, by appointment, Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance.

Brown County, Kansas, and Richardson County, Nebraska, are named as the primary target for the program, the release states that the program will serve all of northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska, and portions of Missouri.

The program is established through a partnership between the Tribal Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Two vans will be used for the service, with one equipped with a wheelchair ramp.

Details regarding the program, including the cost and preferred payment method, can be found on the tribe's website. Information can also be obtained by calling (785)742-7471 Extension 2503. 

(KAIR)--A St. Joseph woman lands behind bars after allegedly using counterfeit money at an Atchison store.

“On June 23 we investigated a case that was at the Walmart Store in the 1900 block of U.S. 73, said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “Not only was the counterfeit money passed, but the person involved in that purchased merchandise and then returned the merchandise for legitimate money.”

He says 30-year-old Tasha Williams was taken into custody by St. Joseph Police this week on charges of making false information, forgery and theft by deception.

Williams was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County man has been indicted on federal charges stemming from the production of child pornography.

That word from Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall, who says 25-year-old Bradley Hilt is charged with two counts of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography.

The Linwood resident is alleged to have committed the crimes in 2014 and 2016.

The indictment alleges that Hilt enticed a minor and took pictures with a cell phone, allegedly distributing the images online through the use of a file sharing program.

If convicted, Hilt faces decades in federal prison.

(KAIR)--A 16-year-old Atchison girl, missing since Saturday, has been located. 

According to her mother, Cheyanne Bailey has been found safe. 

Kansas Missing & Unsolved this week issued an alert regarding Bailey.

No additional details regarding her safe return are immediately made public.  

Editor's note: Below is the orginal story posted by MSC News following official confirmation regarding the search for Cheyanne Bailey.

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following a teen girl missing from Atchison.

According to Kansas Missing & Unsolved, 16-year-old Cheyanne Bailey was last seen Oct. 22.

A cash reward is now being offered by her family for the same return of Bailey, according to a Facebook post from family members.

If you have any information regarding Bailey, contact the Atchison Police Department. 

(KNZA)--Another area school district, in response to a board member offering a political endorsement, is working to clarify that the statement is not representative of the school board on a whole.

That comes as the voice of USD 415 board member John Wright is heard in a broadcast political advertisement on behalf of the Dennis Pyle for Kansas Senate Campaign.

Hiawatha School District Superintendent Penny Hargrove Thursday issued a statement on behalf of USD 415 School Board President Dr. Pete Rosa, regarding the matter. “As representatives of USD 415, our Board of Education President, Dr. Pete Rosa, would like the community to know that Mr. Wright's endorsement of Mr. Pyle is his, and his personally,” Hargrove tells MSC News. “The Board as a whole does not support, or endorse, candidates. They are a non-partisan board.”

The endorsements offered in the political advertisements by other area school board members have drawn scrutiny in recent weeks.

Last Friday, the Board of Education for USD 337 held a special meeting focused solely on the issue.

That followed endorsements for the Pyle campaign made by two members of the Royal Valley school board.

Superintendent Aaric Davis, following the meeting, said the school board passed a resolution stating that the two individual members, and not the board as a whole, were offering the endorsements.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale is pulling a set of public service announcements off the air amid criticism that they could mislead voters about a death penalty ballot measure.

Gale said Wednesday that the 30- and 60-second radio spots were intended to ensure voters understand the potentially confusing ballot language. Voting "repeal" in the election is a show of support for the punishment, while voting "retain" is a declaration that the death penalty should not be reinstated.
  

The death penalty opposition group Retain a Just Nebraska argued that radio ads failed to mention that the state will still have life imprisonment if the death penalty stays repealed.
  

Gale says he pulled the ad so the debate will remain focused on "substantive issues."
 

(KNZA)--A downed power line is blamed for a power outage Thursday morning in northern Brown County.

That word from Westar Energy spokeswoman Gina Penzig.

Penzig says the about 25-hundred customers were affected by the outage reported around 8:00--including those in Hiawatha.

Service was restored to most customers by 10:00.

(KLZA)--Two big surprises for Johnson County Central Schools were delivered Wednesday.

Representatives of the Dollar General Corporation presented a pair of $25,000 checks.  One for Johnson County Central Elementary School, and one for Johnson County Central High School.

Dollar General Regional Director Kris Wold said in a news release, “Dollar General is passionate about its mission of Serving Others, and was excited to surprise the schools with these donations to further their reading and literacy programs.”

The donations are part of the Dollar General “Reading Revolution Program.”

The money will be used to provide schools with additional resources, purchase books, computers and other educational supplies to enhance their reading and literacy programs. 

The Johnson County Central Schools in Tecumseh were chosen for donations because of their strong community contributions to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation through the Cash Cube program

(KLZA)--Two big surprises for Johnson County Central Schools were delivered Wednesday.

Representatives of the Dollar General Corporation presented a pair of $25,000 checks.  One for Johnson County Central Elementary School, and one for Johnson County Central High School.

Dollar General Regional Director Kris Wold said in a news release, “Dollar General is passionate about its mission of Serving Others, and was excited to surprise the schools with these donations to further their reading and literacy programs.”

The donations are part of the Dollar General “Reading Revolution Program.”

The money will be used to provide schools with additional resources, purchase books, computers and other educational supplies to enhance their reading and literacy programs. 

The Johnson County Central Schools in Tecumseh were chosen for donations because of their strong community contributions to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation through the Cash Cube program

(KNZA)--The 102nd Annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic begins Friday and will continue Monday, Halloween Day.

The theme this year is “ Nightmare on Oregon Street.”

Beginning at 3:30 Friday afternoon, will be the Business Trick-or-Treat and downtown Trunk-or-Treat

Trunk-or-Treat will then continue that evening between Noble Field and the Little Hands Daycare Center with fun, games and hot dogs.

Organizer Katie Miller, a member of the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Board, says new this year will be a haunted house trolley tour Friday evening sponsored by the Brown County Historical Society, which goes hand-in-hand with their housing decorating contest.

Miller says trolley rides, which will begin at the Ag Museum on East Iowa Street, will be offered in the two contest categories—family friendly and spooky—with riders then voting for their favorites.

She says also added this year is activities around the courthouse square between the two parades Monday—including a chili cook-off, pumpkin roll and vendors.

The afternoon parade will begin at 3:00 and the evening parade at 7:00.  

Prior to the evening parade, the 2016 Halloween Queen will be crowned on the north side of the courthouse square.  21 girls are vying this year for the title.  

(KAIR)--Advance voting is underway in Atchison County.

Atchison County Clerk Pauline Lee says that can be done during weekday hours, at her office in the Courthouse, from now until noon, November 7.

Lee says a first ever for Atchison County is also underway, as satellite voting locations are being offered.

On Friday, advance ballots can be cast at the Effingham Municipal Blue Building, from 9:00 that morning until 2:00 that afternoon.

Lee reminds those who are voting that valid identification is required.

Numerous races will be decided during the general election, which is held November 8.

(KLZA)-- An inmate at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution assaulted a staff member Wednesday. 

 According to a release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, the inmate struck the staff member in the head and face.  The assault occurred at about 12:45 Wednesday afternoon in a staff office on a housing unit.  The staff member was able to exit the office and call for assistance.

The staff member sought medical treatment and was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries.

The names of the staff member and inmate will not be released.  The incident will be investigated with the findings submitted to the Johnson County Attorney.

(KNZA)--The former Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce treasurer convicted of embezzling funds from the organization has been arrested for allegedly violating the terms of her probation.

43-year-old Beth Mikita was arrested Tuesday by the Brown County Sheriff's Department and booked into the Brown County Jail where she’s remains on a $27,500 bond.

Brown Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says Mikita is accused of violating the conditions of her probation by possessing methamphetamine, failing to report to her probation officer as directed and failing to report her recent arrest in Richardson County.

Mikita along with Kalen Pyle, of Hiawatha, were arrested September 12th in Richardson County on charges of felony possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop.

In June, Mikita was placed on 12-months supervised probation on charges of felony criminal use of a financial card and felony theft.     

Mikita was convicted of embezzling funds from the Hiawatha Chamber of Commercxe between August 2014 and April 2015 while serving as Chamber treasurer.

Following a hearing in July, she was ordered to pay more than $8,000 restitution.     

(KLZA)-- The boil water notice for Table Rock water customers has been lifted. 

On October 5, Table Rock Town Board Chairman Travis Findlay notified MSCNEWS of the order to boil water due to a higher than allowed reading for E-Coli.

Wednesday the latest test came back in the normal range and the boil order for water to be used for drinking and cooking was lifted.  
 

Aerial drone photo of the chemical cloud over Atchison, KS on October 21, courtesy of Corie Dunn. 

(KAIR)--The search for answers, following the release of a chemical cloud that forced Atchison evacuations Friday, is continuing.

Among the agencies represented in the investigation at Atchison's MGP Ingredients is the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.

The independent federal agency, in a news release Monday, states that a four person investigative team is being utilized in the probe. It's being led by Supervisory Investigator Johnnie Banks.

Chemical Safety Board Chairperson Vanessa Allen Sutherland, in the release, calls the incident one that “underscores the very serious consequences that can occur when a chemical release goes beyond a facility's fence line and impacts nearby residents.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating.

That's confirmed in an email response to questions posed by MSC Radio News.

According to Scott Allen, Regional Director for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Labor, which includes OSHA, the Wichita office is continuing to investigate.

The agency's probe includes both MGP and Kansas City, Kansas based Harcros Chemicals Inc.

Allen says OSHA has inspection history with both.

The chemical cloud occurred Friday morning when two chemicals were accidentally mixed at MGP, located on Atchison's Main Street.

According to Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking, 102 persons sought hospitalized care following the release of the chemical cloud, with the majority treated and released.

Allen says that among them was one employee of Harcros and three employees of MGP.

One of the MGP employees was hospitalized for observation, but released Monday.

MGP Ingredients, in a statement released Saturday, said the company will “work closely with the appropriate regulatory agencies to fully understand the cause and mitigate the chance of a similar incident occurring in the future.”

The company is shut down this week for a planned, week long, turnaround.

Gary Lee Strotkamp

Update: The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says Gary Lee Strotkamp has been located. The alert, issued Wednesday evening, says Strotkamp is fine. No additional details were immediately released.

Editor's note: Below is the original story posted by MSC News Wednesday morning after the alert to locate Strotkamp was issued.  

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing Centralia man.

According to an alert issued Wednesday, 63-year-old Gary Lee Strotkamp was last seen Tuesday, south of Topeka.

He left his home Monday, planning to to drive to Burns, Kansas in a 2001 black Ford Ranger with a dent in the driver's side door.

Strotkamp is described as white, standing 5' 10” and weighing 245 pounds. 

Anyone with information related to Strotkamp's whereabouts is urged to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office at 785-336-2311.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Historical Society is preparing for the sale of a county-owned building in downtown Hiawatha used the organization.

Historical Society Director Eric Thompson and Historical Society board member Larry Day met with the Brown County Commission Monday to discuss the sale of the building at 518 Oregon which currently houses Jack’s Trains.

The Commission has set a public auction for November 7 for the building.

Thompson says he has developed a six-week plan to get the train display and other items housed in the building moved to a temporary location until a permanent building can be constructed at their Ag Museum site on East Iowa Street.

At the request of Thompson, the Commission agreed to set the date of possession for the new owners of the building, if its sold, for January 1st, 2017.

Proceed from the sale of the building will go to the Historical Society.  

(KNZA)--Two teenagers charged in the stabbing death of another teen at a St. Joseph park  remain held without bond following court appearances Tuesday.

18-year-old Sebastian Dowell and a 17-year-old female, whose name isn’t being released because of her age, are both charged with second-degree murder in the  death of 17-year-old Kaytlin Root.  

Root’s body was found by a jogger at Krug Park on October 16th.  Authorities say the two suspects lured Root to take a ride that ended up at the park where she was stabbed multiple times.

The St. Joseph News Press reports a preliminary hearing for Dowell was set for November 21st.

The 17-year-old female defendant appeared in juvenile court, and a status hearing was set for November 14th.

(KAIR)--A lawsuit, stemming from a past Doniphan County wreck, ends with a $6.3 million settlement.

The Kansas Chief reports the decision was reached by a Jackson County, Missouri jury on behalf of Troy resident Roger Ross.

He filed the personal injury lawsuit in connection with the crash that happened on the morning of March 19, 2014 on K-7 Highway at 225th Road in Fanning.

His John Deere tractor was struck in the rear by a semi, sending Ross through the glass-enclosed cab.

The truck was attempting to pass Ross' northbound tractor, which was attempting a left-hand turn.

The truck driver was not hurt.

The lawsuit was filed against Jeschke Ag Service.

Closing arguments were presented October 13th.

(KLZA)--A Richardson County District Court jury returned “not guilty” verdicts on three felony counts against a Dawson man Friday evening.

28-year-old Joshua Nincehelser was charged with sexual assault of a child; incest and child abuse. He was arrested in June, 2015 following an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol. The alleged offenses were to have occurred between January 2015 and March of 2015.

The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning the verdicts, following two-and-a-half days of testimony.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office served as special prosecutor in the case.

Nincehelser.  a former Richardson County Deputy Sheriff, was facing life in prison.

He was on probation at the time of his arrest. That stemmed from a a June, 2014 case involving Nincehelser shooting himself in the arm, and firing shots into his patrol vehicle, but reporting that he had been shot while assisting a motorist.  

(KLZA)-- A tip from the public leads to the arrest of a Falls City woman on drug charges.

Falls City Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker said he and Sgt. Pat Stamper responded to the call about possible drug activity early Friday afternoon. Upon arrival contact was made with 30-year-old Jessica Hayes who was placed under arrest.

Hayes is charged with a felony count of possession of methamphetamine and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. She is awaiting an appearance in Richardson County Court.

The Falls City Police Department encourages citizens to contact the Police Department whenever you notice suspicious activity.
 

For Full Flyer and more details - click here

(KNZA)--America’s veterans will be honored in a special way at this year’s Halloween Parade in Hiawatha.

“Post 66 normally has the color guard leading the parade,” said Bob Sines with Hiawatha American Legion Post 66. “This year, following the color guard will be some vintage jeeps and some Humvees from the national guard—each one carrying a veteran from one of the six wars.”

He said the convoys will include veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan.

 “We need more patriotism in our country,” Sines added. “It was my goal to coordinate this for the Halloween parade because we want youth to understand what it took to get to this point in terms of our freedom and these are some of the gentlemen that did a lot to make sure these young people have a free country to live in.”

And Sines wants to make sure they’re given special recognition.

“We’d like to have 1,001 salutes this year so in addition to applause—we’ll have a salute,” he said. “The idea of 1,001 is, hopefully there’s a thousand people there that can salute in honor of these gentlemen and in addition to that, one salute for those who did not return.”

The Halloween Parade is the final event during Hiawatha’s Halloween frolic. It will kick off the evening of Halloween—Oct. 31—at 7:00. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison Halloween tradition won't happen this season, with a tight schedule forcing the cancellation.

Steve Johnson, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Benedictine College, says the annual trick-or-treating at the dorms will not be held.

Johnson tells MSC News planning for what he calls the “popular event” has been difficult due to the weekend's Homecoming schedule.

He says the extensive planning needed for that will not allow the necessary time to prepare for trick or treat night, which would have happened on Monday's Halloween holiday.

(KNZA)--A local casino achieves a statewide first.

That comes as the Golden Eagle Casino becomes the first in Kansas to permit those under the age of 21 onto the casino floor.

According to a news release issued by the casino, owned and operated by the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, the distinction comes as those 18-years and older are allowed to play select class 2 slot machines.

The change took effect October 17.

Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, in the news release, says the tribe is “excited to be the first casino in Kansas to make this change” and they are “extremely pleased to see this come to fruition” and “look forward to offering a lot more options to our younger gaming audience.”

The casino, which stands on the Brown County-based Kickapoo reservation, west of Horton, was the first Native American Indian Casino to open in Kansas, with operations beginning on May 18, 1996.

(KMZA)--Advance voting has begun for the November 8th general election in area northeast Kansas counties—including Nemaha.  

Nemaha County voters can vote an advance election ballot either by mail or in person at the Nemaha County Clerk’s Office.   

To vote by mail, a person must complete an application form and return it to the County Clerk’s Office before a ballot can be mailed to them. All application forms must be received by November 4th.

Voters may come to the County Clerk’s Office to vote in person up until 12:00 noon on Monday, November 7th. The County Clerk’s Office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday November 5th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.   

All Nemaha County registered voters who will not be able to get to their polling place on Election Day, November 8th, are encouraged to use the advance voting option in order to cast their vote in this election.   

Due to Kansas election law, every voter in Nemaha County is required to provide identification before voting. If a voter requests a ballot to be mailed to them, they must include their driver’s license number on the application or include a copy of their photo ID with the completed application.

Anyone with questions concerning the advance voting process should contact the Nemaha County Clerk’s Office at 336-2170.

(KAIR)--Called to duty in the Persian Gulf and Levant regions.

Those are the orders given to the Leavenworth-based 35th Infantry Division Headquarters, involving around 500 soldiers from both the Kansas and Missouri National Guard.

According to a news release issued by the Kansas Adjutant General's Office, they will be activated in support of Operation Spartan Shield beginning in mid-2017 to enhance ongoing theater security operations.

Elements of the 35th Infantry Division deployed in 2003, 2007, 2013 and 2014 to support higher commands in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.

It is one of 18 divisions in the Army and one of eight divisions in the Army National Guard.

Major General Victor J. Braden, Commander of the 35th Infantry Division, posted a video message on YouTube, outlining the deployment plan. 

(MSC News)--Formal charges have been filed against a second teenager in the stabbing death of another teen at a popular St. Joseph park earlier this month.

KQ2-TV reports the 17-year-old girl, whose name isn't been released because of her age, has been charged in Buchanan County Juvenile Court with second-degree murder.

18-year-old Sebastian Dowell, of St. Joseph, also is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Kaytlin Root, whose body was found by a jogger in Krug Park on October 16th.

Both teens were arrested over the weekend.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Dowell and a second individual lured Root to meet them at a location in St. Joseph and urged her not to tell anyone who she was meeting.

The court document says the three rode around for awhile and eventually went to Krug Park.  Once there, the document states the three walked to a secluded area where the victim was rendered unconscious.

Root was stabbed and died from her injuries.

No details have been released about the alleged motive for the crime.

Dowell is being held without bond, and is to appear in a Buchanan County courtroom Tuesday afternoon for arraignment.

(KAIR)--Guilty.

That’s the plea from one of the three teens charged in connection with a carjacking report that occurred earlier this summer in Atchison.

17-year-old Justin Arbee entered his plea in Atchison County District Court Monday after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

The teen pled guilty to one count of theft.

His sentencing is set for Dec. 5.

Arbee was released into his parents’ custody with instructions to only leave his home for school and medical emergencies and to never be on the street unaccompanied by one of his parents until after sentencing.

The theft charge follows a July 11 arrest for Arbee following an investigation by the Atchison Police Department.

Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the victim was approached in the area of 4th and Main by three subjects who requested to use her phone.

Then then asked for a ride and during that time, displayed a stun gun in the vehicle. They then forced the victim out of the car and left in the vehicle.

Police did locate the vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood in Kansas City.

(KNZA)--A town hall meeting will be held Tuesday evening on the sales tax proposal before Hiawatha voters during the November 8th general election.

Voters will decide if a half-cent sales tax should be imposed for street, alley and parking improvements.

If approved, the sales tax would begin April 1st, 2017 and be in effect for 30 years.

The sales tax is projected to generate more than $340,000 annually.

The city commission has developed a plan for street improvements that would be completed in several phases.

The town hall meeting will take place Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the Fisher Community Center.

Information will be presented about the sales tax proposal and questions answered.  The public is encouraged to attend.

NEHAWKA, Neb. (AP) - Investigators say embers or hot ashes from a living room fireplace touched off a fire that killed six members of a southeast Nebraska family.
 
Thirty-six-year-old Michael and Michelle Speer and their girls were killed early Thursday morning at their home near the village of Nehawka about 30 miles south of Omaha. 
 
The Cass County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Monday that flames erupted in combustible materials near the fireplace and soon spread to room furnishings and up walls. 
 
The sheriff's office says firefighters found all six bodies in beds. A preliminary autopsy report says they died from smoke inhalation.
 
The four girls have been identified as 11-year-old Elli Perez, 7-year-old Adilynn Speer, 5-year-old Emma Speer and 2-year-old Anniston Speer.
 

(KLZA)-- Six-time Olympic gold medalist and national sports announcer Amy Van Dyken has made a career out of beating the odds, both in and out of competition.

The record-breaking swimmer came back from a shoulder injury to win a pair of gold medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics,  adding to the four she had already won in 1996. Fourteen years later, Van Dyken was in an ATV accident that severed her spine. The 43-year-old wasn’t breathing when her husband found her and doctors only gave her a 20 percent chance of surviving the surgery.

 Van Dyken survived and she wants to tell her story of breaking records, beating the odds and loving life. Van Dyken will be on the Peru State College campus November 2 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

 She will share her message with classes and student organizations during the day. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Utility Department wants the public to be aware that a barn will be moved on the outer edges of Falls City this week.

Power lines will have to be disconnected over roadways to let the barn pass through. Power will be affected to many residences and some businesses as each line is disconnected and reconnected after the barn passes.

The barn is scheduled to be moved Tuesday, but is could be Wednesday. 

(KLZA)-- A new report indicates Nebraska’s unemployment rate remained stable in September at 3.2 percent.

In southeast Nebraska, the highest unemployment rate in the area was 3.5 percent in Nemaha and Otoe counties  Pawnee County had the lowest jobless rate at 2 percent

Richardson and Gage County unemployment rates were at 3 percent. The jobless rate in Johnson County was 2.8 percent. 

The national unemployment rate in September was up a tenth to 5 percent.  

The start of the school year in September is a big driver of the Nebraska labor market.  
 

(KLZA)--Alcohol and speed are suspected to be factors in the death of a 25-year-old Auburn, Nebraska man in a single-vehicle wreck Sunday evening.

According to a news release from the Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office, the wreck happened shortly before 8:30 near the intersection of Highway 67 and Washington Street in Nemaha, Nebraska.

The sheriff's office says a Dodge Durango driven by Matthew Sciarappa was southbound on Highway 67 when it left the road, striking an unoccupied building and parked pickup on the east side of Highway 67. 

Sciarappa, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nemaha Fire and Rescue and the Auburn Fire Department responded to the scene.

The crash is being investigated by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol.  
 

(MSC News)--Unemployment was down in area northeast Kansas counties in September from the month before.

According to a report released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor, Atchison County had the highest unemployment rate among area counties at 6.3 percent while Nemaha County had the lowest at 2.5 percent.

Elsewhere, Brown County's jobless rate in September was 3.7 percent; Doniphan, 4.1 percent; Jackson, 3.3 percent; Jefferson, 3.6 percent; Leavenworth, 4.1 percent; Marshall, 3.1 percent and Pottawatomie, 2.5 percent.

All the figures were down from August, but up from September 2015.

Statewide, the unemployment rate in September was 4.4 percent.  That's up from 4.3 percent in August and 4 percent in September 2015. 

Left to right: J & B Construction, Jade Millwrights Inc.and Hiawatha ACES

(KNZA)--A recognition of hard work.

That happened Thursday in Hiawatha, during a social mixer held by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development.

Among the guests at the evening event was Lyle Peterson, Regional Project Manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce.

He was there to help recognize three local entities, all named as winners of Merit Awards during Kansas Business Appreciation Month, held in June.

Peterson made presentations of recognition to all three, including the not-for-profit Hiawatha ACES, J & B Construction, and Jade Millwrights Inc., all of Hiawatha.

They were among 63 statewide Merit Award winners named during the Kansas Department of Commerce sponsored Business Appreciation Month, held each year to commend the best of the best from across the state.

(KNZA)--Individuals, and not the Board of Education for the Royal Valley school district, is endorsing a state candidate.

That's the key message delivered Friday evening during a special meeting of the Board of Education for USD 337.

Superintendent Aaric Davis tells MSC News the Board discussed the issue, arising from political endorsements voiced publicly by two board members. "It was just a conversation between board members regarding whether a board member should use their USD 337 title in the endorsement of a candidate or not, and there were several points given both directions by board members as to what is ok and what they feel is not ok."

The voices of the two board members, Jeff Stitham and Ann Kelly, are featured in recent broadcast political advertisements on behalf of the Dennis Pyle for State Senate campaign.

Both Stitham and Kelly identify themselves in the ads as USD 337 Board members as they offer their endorsements. "I don't know that the board has a right to limit somebody in what they're allowed to say and what they're not allowed to say. The board recognizes that it is not illegal to do such a thing, but it also causes some confusion on whether or not the whole board itself is supporting a candidate or just one or two individuals."

Davis says, in lite of the endorsements, the Board of Education Friday did pass a resolution to make clear that only individual board members, and not the board itself, were speaking on behalf of the political campaign.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man lands behind bars after allegedly threatening a family member.

“It was about 4:30 p.m. On Wednesday when our officers responded to a disturbance call in the 1300 block of North Eighth,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News. “It was determined that a subject had threatened another family member with a knife. He was taken into custody for aggravated assault.”

The suspect is identified as 67-year-old Dwight Downing. He was booked into the Atchison County Jail on the charge.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The defense attorney for one of three men accused of plotting to attack Somali immigrants in western Kansas says his client was only preparing to defend himself against massive social upheaval.

The comments came during a court hearing Friday for 47-year-old Patrick Stein from Wright, Kansas, whom prosecutors say was the leader of a militia group called "The Crusaders."

U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne Birzer ruled that Stein would remain in jail while he awaits trial. Birzer said Stein poses a "grave danger."

Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen are accused of plotting to bomb an apartment complex in the western Kansas meatpacking town of Garden City.

Stein pleaded not guilty to conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction. His defense attorney Ed Robinson says his client was led by the government's paid informant and an FBI undercover agent.

Earlier in the day, Wright waived his detention hearing and pleaded not guilty in what prosecutors say was a conspiracy by the militia group to detonate truck bombs at the complex where 120 Somali immigrants live.

The decision means the 51-year-old from Liberal, Kansas, remains in federal custody pending trial.

Defense attorney Kari Schmidt told the court she and Wright have concerns about his safety if he's released. Wright has no criminal history.

Allen has a detention hearing scheduled for Monday.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha Community Hospital interim chief exective officer has been named.

According to a press release, the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board of Trustees has appointed John Broberg to the position.

Broberg has been in health care for 42 years including 26 years as a senior leader.  He has been CEO for three different hospitals. Broberg retired from Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan earlier this year and started Broberg Consulting Group, LLC to provide executive coaching and interim CEO services.

The release says Broberg attended the hospital board meeting on October 18th to discuss his interim strategy.  

Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Nick Hrencher says Broberg has provided leadership to successfully implement culture changing initiatives in three different organizations that resulted in improvement in employee engagement, operational and financial performance. Hrencher shared that one of the primary goals the board has asked Broberg to focus on is to assist the board with the selection of a permanent CEO for the hospital.

Roger Barnhart resigned as hospital CEO effective August 16th after taking over as CEO July 1st following the retirement of longtime hospital administrator John Moore.

Since that time, an executive team consisting of selected hospital staff members has been serving in the interim.

(KAIR)--27 months behind bars.

That’s the sentence handed down to the second man involved in the rash of Atchison burglaries that occurred earlier this summer.

Lansing resident Antonio Clayter was sentenced Oct. 14 in Atchison County District Court for three counts of burglary and one count of criminal damage to property.

In the first burglary charge, he faces 27 months in prison, while in the second and third charge, he was sentenced to 12 months. In the criminal damage to property charge, he was given six months in jail.

However, the charges will run at the same time.

The charges stem from a June 17 arrest for Clayter following a report of a burglary at Iron Horse BBQ in Atchison.

Further investigation revealed he was involved in three other burglaries occurring from mid-May to mid-June at businesses including King’s Super Store, All American Pawn and Nell Hill’s, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Clayter was not alone in these crimes. His partner, 22-year-old Devan Newson was sentenced to 16 months behind bars for his part in the crimes.

(KAIR)--60 days behind bars.

That’s the sentence given to the Topeka man shot in the chest in June in Atchison County, but who also faced criminal charges in the incident.

30-year-old Bradley Schlicker was sentenced Oct. 14 in Atchison County District Court to 24 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine and six months for criminal use of weapon. Those charges are to run separate of one another.
However, the prison time was suspended to supervised probation.

But, Schlicker will still serve 60 days as part of his probation.

The charges stem from a June 4 shooting at a rural Atchison County home that left Schlicker severely wounded.

When deputies responded to the domestic disturbance, they discovered meth as well as Schlicker in possession of a firearm—which was illegal for him to possess based on his felony criminal history, according to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie.

(KNZA)--A ballfield renovation project at Hiawatha’s Bruning Park moves forward.

The Hiawatha City Commission this week accepted the lone bid received from Aller’s LLC, of rural Hiawatha, in the amount of nearly $8,500 for laser leveling of the fields, which involves reshaping the fields so they drain properly.  

The Hiawatha Softball and Baseball Associations will help pay for the  work.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says drainage is the biggest problem at the ballfields.  He says currently when it rains one inch or less it pools up, making the fields unplayable.
           
New clay surfacing was installation on the fields earlier this year as part of a more than $318,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded to the city for improvements at Bruning Park, but it didn’t include the actually dirt work.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council approved a building permit for the State Bank of Table Rock when they met Tuesday.

The bank located at 3rd and Longbranch in Humboldt plans to add a 60-foot by 28-foot addition to their existing facility.

Mary White met with the Council. White would like for a handicap parking space to be created in front of her business Creative Creations. There is a fire hydrant in the immediate area and the Council said they would consider options.

Ron Rist with the Humboldt Lions Club asked that lights at the City Square Park around the drinking fountain be repaired. The Lions Club donated the fountain.  He also was seeking information on a tunnel slide the Lions Club donated to the City for the park.  

City Clerk Connie Laflin said when a number of children tore clothes and were cut and scraped by the equipment, the City insurance carrier ordered the slide be removed.

Following an executive session, the Council approved hiring a part-time office employee to replace Tina Herr who resigned earlier this fall.  
 

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County Nebraska Commissioners sold three surplus sheriff vehicles following the opening of sealed bids on Wednesday. 

A pair of 2011 Dodge Chargers and a 2011 Chevy Caprice were sold to the high bidder. The Caprice was sold to Asia Motors for nearly $8,200.  A Charger with just over 110,000 miles sold to Gerry Pflepsen for $5,189 and the Charger with 93,000 miles was sold to Chicago Motors for just over $5,200.  

Commissioners also opened sealed bids for two projects on the One & Six Year road plan. Ace/Eaton submitted the lowest combined bid for the projects at a cost of approximately $37,300 and were awarded the bid. 

Representatives of the Nebraska Association of County Officials Benefit Services met with the Board to present information on health insurance coverage, premiums and other benefits and services they can offer Nemaha County for the county employees.  

(KLZA)--  Richardson County Commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday,   authorizing the issuance of limited Tax County Building bonds not to exceed $270,000. 

The funds will be used to fund the addition of the kitchen at the Jail / Law Enforcement Center.  

In other business, the Board reviewed correspondence from the Domina Law Group which represents Rodney Heinen regarding a Richardson County road. The correspondence will be reviewed with County Attorney Doug Merz. 

Commissioners also authorized use of the Courthouse yard for the Falls City Chamber of Commerce “Spooks On the Square” event on October 31st.

Following the quarterly jail inspection, Commissioners found the facility to be in good order.  
 

(KAIR)--Clean-up continued Friday afternoon, with hazmat crews called in to assist, following a morning chemical spill at Atchison's MGP Ingredients.

Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking tells MSC News it happened shortly after 8:00 when two chemicals were inadvertently mixed, as MGP Ingredients was taking delivery of one of the two chemicals. “When that chemical that is used in their processing was inadvertently introduced into another chemical, it produced an off-gassing effect that put a chlorine-like gas cloud throughout the city.”

As afternoon turned to early evening, the number of those who experienced affects from the chemical cloud grew clearer.

Cocking says 72 people were treated at the Atchison Hospital, while 30 sought treatment elsewhere in the region. The vast majority of those, Cocking says, were treated and released.

Among those who sought medical aid were 12 City of Atchison employees, 7 from the public works office, 3 from the police department, and 2 from the fire department.

Cocking says all of those affected employees were treated and released.

A key concern being voiced from residents are lingering affects of the chemical.

Cocking says a thorough review made through federal agencies and sources, including toxicology experts, indicates minimal, lingering hazards, due partly to the day's sunshine, which breaks down chlorine.

According to Cocking, EPA officials remain in Atchison, and testing conducted by the agency verifies that no dangerous levels of the chemical have been found.

At the direction of Atchison County Emergency Preparedness Director Wes Lanter, Atchison's USD 409 evacuated students, but returned to class by late morning.

The Elementary School was not included. Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers called the situation “unprecedented.”

As the chemical plume blanketed the city, Benedictine College also evacuated, along with Atchison Child Care, as local residents were told to stay inside homes and businesses, with windows and doors closed.

The official “all clear” was given shortly before the start of the afternoon.

The Atchison Hospital is asking anyone who feels they were exposed to the chemicals to shower at home, take a Benadryl and breathe cool air if experiencing nasal congestion, cough or a sore throat. Those experiencing a shortness of breath, or wheezing, should seek medical assistance. 

According to the City of Atchison, the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health has set up a hotline to receive phone calls from area residents regarding any health concerns you may have. To speak with a toxicologist, call (913) 286-5190.

MGP Ingredients has released the following statements: 

Update from MGP on Chemical Release

ATCHISON, Kan., October 22, 2016—As an update to the chemical release that occurred at MGP’s Atchison, Kansas facility, company management issued the following statement:

MGP cares deeply about the health and safety of our employees and our community. Following the incident Friday morning, Oct. 21, at our plant in Atchison, Kansas, we have worked hard to make sure the immediate situation has been resolved. Likewise, we continue to work closely with the appropriate regulatory agencies to fully understand the cause and mitigate the chance of a similar incident occurring in the future.

At this time, we understand residents and several employees were treated and released from the hospital. One employee is receiving further treatment.

We are extremely grateful for the support the community offers us, especially in terms of the local firefighters, law enforcement and hospital staff.

More information will become available as the company is able to provide additional details.

For Immediate Release

Chemical Release Occurs at MGP’s Kansas Facility

ATCHISON, Kan., October 21, 2016— At approximately 8 a.m. today, a chemical release occurred at MGP Ingredients’ plant in Atchison, Kansas. The reaction resulted in emissions venting into the air. As of 11 a.m., based on observations by local officials, the emissions had dispersed. Local officials reported some injuries, mostly respiratory issues, following the release.

MGP Ingredients has reported the event to the EPA and Kansas and local authorities, and is cooperating fully to investigate and ensure that all appropriate response actions are taken. MGP has also engaged outside experts to assist the investigation and response.

There was no significant damage to its Atchison plant as a result of this incident. No other MGP facilities, including its distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, are affected by this incident.

About MGP

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science and backed by a long history of experience. The company's proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

(KNZA)--A retirement reception for longtime Hiawatha police officer Evans Woehlecke will be held Monday afternoon.

Woehlecke retired August 16th after 25 years of service to the community.  

During his tenure with the police department, Woehlecke worn many hats---including that of police chief for 12 years. He served his final 3 years as the city’s code enforcement officer and building inspection.

The Hiawatha Police Department will host a reception to honor Woehlecke Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Fisher Community Center.

The public is invited to attend.    

(KLZA)--The Nebraska State Fire Marshal confirms there are multiple fire fatalities at a rural Nehawka, Nebraska home in Cass County.  At the time of the release Thursday afternoon, officials were unable to confirm a specific number of victims.

Just past 12 a.m. Thursday the Weeping Water Fire Department was dispatched to 10014 McKelvie Road in rural Nehawka for a structure fire with parties still inside the residence. A neighbor first reported the fire.

Fire departments from Weeping Water, Manley and Avoca responded along wth the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Cass County EMS to find a two -story residence fully engulfed in fire. Other fire departments responded to the call were from Nehawka, Murray, Union, Louisville and Plattsmouth. 

The onsite investigation is continuing.  Autopsies will be performed for proper identification as recoveries are made. 
 

(MSC News)--A St. Joseph man convicted on charges in a deadly double shooting in January 2015 at a rural Faucett residence has learned his fate.

KQ2-TV reports a Buchanan County judge Thursday sentenced Daron Simpson to 50 years in prison on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Simpson was found guilty of the charges last month.  As part of a plea agreement, two counts of armed criminal action and burglary were dismissed.

Authorities say Simpson smashed his vehicle into the garage of his ex-wife's home on January 24, 2015. Simpson then went into a bedroom of the home and shot his ex-wife, Amanda Simpson, and her boyfriend, 36-year-old rural Troy resident Andrew Clary.  Clary was killed.  Amanda Simpson survived the shooting.

She told the court her ex-husband committed the crimes while his two biological daughters were asleep in the same home.

(KNZA)-Several local law enforcement agencies will be collecting unused leftover medications for safe disposal Saturday as part of National Drug Take-Back Day. Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says his department will again join the effort, conducting collections from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the Sheriff’s office located at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.

“The purpose of it is to take any prescription medications off the streets,” Merchant said. “In other words, if you’ve got an expired, unwanted or unused medications—then you bring it down to us and we put it in a drop box. It’s completely anonymous. You’re able to just drop it in.”

He added they’ve taken several hundred pounds of medications out of Brown County so far since the program started.

Merchant says even though they accept these medications 24/7, participating in this event gives them the opportunity to have access to proper disposal through the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration at no cost to the county taxpayer. The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and Sabetha Police Department will also be participating in National Drug Take-Back Day Saturday. Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says his office will also be taking part, as will agencies in Leavenworth and Saint Joseph. The collection events are part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of leftover medications to prevent accidental or intentional misuse. Since the program began in 2010, more than 45 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed in Kansas alone.

(KNZA)--The Royal Valley school district is not endorsing any political candidates.

That's the planned focus of a special Friday evening meeting of the Board of Education for USD 337.

Although the meeting is open to the public, announcement of the session, posted on the district's website, states that no public comments will be allowed during the special session.

According to the announcement, the meeting has been called to publicly announce that the school district is not making endorsements.

Although it's not explicitly stated in the online statement, USD 337 Superintendent Aaric Davis confirms the meeting was scheduled in regards to political advertisements paid for by the Dennis Pyle for Kansas Senate campaign. The voices of two Royal Valley School Board members, Jeff Stitham and Ann Kelly, are heard in the broadcast political advertisements. They identify themselves as USD 337 School Board members.

The meeting is scheduled for Friday evening at 6:00 at the Royal Valley District Office in Mayetta.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A federal grand jury has indicted three Kansas men who are suspected of plotting to attack Somali immigrants in Garden City.

Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall says the grand jury indictment returned Wednesday is based on the same facts presented Friday in U.S. District Court in Wichita. Forty-nine-year-old Curtis Allen and 51-year-old Gavin Wright, both of Liberal, and 47-year-old Patrick Eugene Stein of Wright, are each charged with one count of conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction.

Prosecutors say the men were part of a small militia group called the Crusaders. They allege the three planned to detonate truck bombs around a small Garden City apartment complex where about 120 Somali immigrants live. They also allegedly had discussed attacking churches that helped the refugees.

(KNZA)-Several local law enforcement agencies will be collecting unused leftover medications for safe disposal Saturday as part of National Drug Take-Back Day. Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says his department will again join the effort, conducting collections from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the Sheriff’s office located at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.

“The purpose of it is to take any prescription medications off the streets,” Merchant said. “In other words, if you’ve got an expired, unwanted or unused medications—then you bring it down to us and we put it in a drop box. It’s completely anonymous. You’re able to just drop it in.”

He added they’ve taken several hundred pounds of medications out of Brown County so far since the program started.

Merchant says even though they accept these medications 24/7, participating in this event gives them the opportunity to have access to proper disposal through the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration at no cost to the county taxpayer. The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and Sabetha Police Department will also be participating in National Drug Take-Back Day Saturday. Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says his office will also be taking part, as will agencies in Leavenworth and Saint Joseph. The collection events are part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of leftover medications to prevent accidental or intentional misuse. Since the program began in 2010, more than 45 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed in Kansas alone.

(KLZA)--It takes lots of money to maintain a city’s infrastructure.

The Falls City Council Monday evening approved recommendations from the Board of Public Works, one to upgrade a water line and another to improve a portion of the city electrical service.

Council members approved the expenditure of $377,500 for upgrades to the electrical service. Utility Superintendent Alan Romine explained the project will help connect both sides of town so power can be fed both ways. Work will be done in the area of North Elementary School and on Stone Street from 17th to 19th Streets, including the service to the Courthouse. 

The City has purchased the materials for the job in a cost saving measure. The materials are going to be around $200,000. 

The other project is a waterline on Valley Street that has had a substantial number of breaks. The line is a 2-inch sandcast pipe and there are no fire hydrants in the three-block area where the work is to be done. A new 6-inch line will be installed along with some new valves and three fire hydrants will be added.

The expense for engineering, the bidding process and oversight work was quoted by Kirkham Michael Engineers at $31,500. Romine said they did not take bids for the engineering work. He noted the City has a good history with the company including the current water well project at Rulo. 

(KLZA)--Two long-awaited street improvement projects will begin Friday morning in Falls City. 

Herzog Construction will be milling the street surface on Lane Street from 20th to 26th Street Friday morning.  Herzog will then begin milling Chase Street from the intersection at 14th Street to 8th Street following the Lane Street milling project.

Saturday and Monday, Herzog will be overlaying asphalt in these same areas. 

The City is asking all residents affected by this construction project to please not park on the affected streets during the project.  
 

(KLZA)--Early voting in person for the November General Election is now available in Nebraska.

Anyone unable to go to their regular polling place for any reason can request an “Early Voting Ballot.” Ballots can be mailed to voters upon receipt of an application or a written request signed by the voter or their agent and delivered to the office of the County Clerk in the County where you live.

In Richardson County the application form for the “Early Voting Ballots” are available on the Richardson County website: www.co.richardson.ne.us.

The deadline for persons to register to vote in the November 8th General Election is Friday, October 28th. You can register at your County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.

In Richardson County the Clerk’s Office will be open until 6 p.m. on Friday, October 28th for late registrations. Registrations will be accepted at the Humboldt City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours through Friday, October 21.

For more information on voter registration and “Early Voting” contact your County Clerk’s office.  
 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas regulators are threatening to halt the $12.2 billion sale of Topeka-based Westar Energy to Great Plains Energy if they don't get details on cost savings and other information.

The Topeka Capital-Journal  reports that Kansas Corporation Commission took no action at a Tuesday meeting. But an order warned that if merger standards aren't met, possible action could include a request for dismissal of the merger application.

Regulatory staff said in multiple filings in September and October that the utilities failed to meet the agency's merger standards. A spokesman for the utilities says the order is being evaluated.

Staff raised concerns about what departments or functions would remain in the Topeka headquarters and how long the commitment to Topeka would last.
        

(KNZA)--A ribbon cutting ceremony and public open house for the new Holton Elementary School will take place Sunday afternoon.

The ceremony will begin at 3:00 at the school located at 812 West 5th Street in Holton.

Following the ceremony, which will feature several speakers and the Holton High School band, the public will have a chance to tour the new school until 5:30.

Holton USD 336 voters in May 2014 approved a $21.5 million bond issue to fund construction of the more than 78,000-square-foot school which replaces the Colorado and Central elementary schools.

Groundbreaking for the new school took place in April of last year, and students began attending classes in the new building this August even though some finishing work remained.

Pioneer Technology Center will have no classes today through Friday for Fall Break.

The Ponca City Public Schools are closed and will resume normal schedules on Monday, Oct. 24. Today is a professional development day and Thursday and Friday are fall break. 

Please drive safely and watch for children playing during the break.

(KNZA)--Two Brown County bridge replacement projects advance.  

Commissioner Keith Olsen presented bids from Husker Steel at Monday's County Commission meeting for the replacement of two bridges in his district.  

One was for the replacement of a truss bridge on Sunflower Road, north of the K-20 junction, with a 28 by 95 foot bridge for a cost of nearly $284,000.  

The other was for the replacement of reinforced concrete slab bridge on 160th Road, west of the junction with Plum Tree Road, with a 9-foot diameter tube with wing walls for a cost of just over $46,000. 

The Commission voted to approve both projects.  

Olsen says both projects are expected to begin early next summer and be finished by late August.

A Marland motorcyclist was injured Tuesday in a collision on Riverview Place, two tenths of a mile east of U.S. Highway 177, three miles south of Ponca City.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said  the accident occurred about 4:17 p.m. Tuesday.

A 2004 Nissan 350Z, driven by Brandon Lee Pewo, 21, of Ponca City, was westbound on Riverview Place with a 1980 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by Michael Joseph Brown, 37,  of Marland, following.

The Highway Patrol said Pewo slowed to make a left turn and Brown attempted to pass the car on the left, striking the vehicle on the driver's side.

Brown was transported by MediFlight to Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City in stable condition, with internal trunk and leg injuries, the patrol reported.

Pewo was not injured, according to the patrol.

(KNZA)--The Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education will hold a public forum Thursday evening on a proposal to add baseball and softball at the high school.

The forum will take place at 8:00 in the Jackson Heights High School band room.

According to the district’s web site, the purpose of the forum is to share information that the board and administration have reviewed on adding the two sports and give patrons an opportunity to share input with the board.

First-year costs  have been estimated at nearly $15,000 for adding baseball and $14,000 for adding softball, based on a 25-person roster for each team.  After that, the yearly cost has been estimated at nearly $10,000 for baseball and nearly $9,500 for softball.

Games would be played at the Netawaka Athletic Club starting in the spring of 2018 if the programs were added.

Currently, Jackson Heights is one of three schools in the Northeast Kansas League that does not offer baseball or softball programs.  Horton and Jeff Co North are the other two.

(KNZA)--Police have identified the victim of a weekend homicide at a popular St. Joseph park.

KQ2-TV reports the victim has been identified as 17-year-old Kaytlin Root.

Root’s body was discovered by a jogger Sunday morning in Krug Park off of the bike trails.

Her body was sent to Kansas City for an autopsy.

Police are continuing to investigate the case and no additional information is being released at this time.

(MSC News)--St. Joseph Police are investigating the death of a Doniphan County woman.

Captain Jeff Wilson with the St. Joseph Police Department says the 34-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, died Monday in the intensive care unit at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Wilson says police are looking into the circumstances surrounding her death. He told the St. Joseph News Press that police started looking into the death after hearing unspecified rumors. However, he said her death currently does not appear to be suspicious.

The woman's body has been sent to Kansas City for an autospy, and Wilson says they are waiting on those results.

(MSC News)--Candidates for state and national races gathered on the campus of Highland Community College Tuesday evening for a two hour question and answer forum. 

To hear the forum in its entirety, go here. 

(MSC News)--Listen to the below link to hear the live candidate's forum, beginning at 7:00, live from Highland Community College. 

http://awdio.com/broadcast/MSC-News-/WVMNYRZ2HZ-Live-Session-Oct-18--2016

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

10/17/16 07:28 07:35 07:47 09:28 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16015408 9551

E GRAND

RP ADV'D THERE IS A RUST RED P/U PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT ON THE NORTH SIDE WITH THE DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR THAT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT BELONGS THERE. #27 ASND. #27 OUT W/ PN 001-764. #27 ADV'D THERE IS A MALE SLEEPING IN THE VEH.

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 22 YO W/M FOR DUS, POSS MARIJ, POSS PARA.

NP WARNER TOWED PN 001-764.

10/17/16 07:32 07:32 07:32 08:09 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015410 9679

CHESTNUT & WAVERLY

#50 ON T/S AT CHESTNUT/WAVERLY W/ 135GGK.

#50 WENT 10-15 W/ 29 YO W/M FOR DUS.

A FAMILY MEMBER SHOWED UP AND THE VEH WAS REL TO HER.

10/17/16 07:36 07:46 07:53 08:05 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16015409 9899

N 14TH

CLERK REQ AN OFFICER PICK UP A BAGGIE, POSS SIG 12, FOUND IN THE PARKING LOT. #33 ASND, PICKED UP THE BAGGIE AND WILL TAKE IT TO THE PD TO BE DESTROYED.

10/17/16 07:59 08:05 08:05 08:05 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16015411 7842

N OSAGE

RP IN THE LOBBY WITH A WALLET SHE FOUND. #16 HANDLED.

10/17/16 08:15 08:21 08:21 08:21 VANDALISM PD 16015414 88PD

TURNER

RP REQ LOG FOR INFO THAT HER MAILBOX WAS DAMAGED DURING THE NIGHT.

10/17/16 08:54 09:34 09:34 09:34 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16015420 8814

E OKLAHOMA

RP IN THE PD LOBBY TO TURN IN TWO SUBJS FOR A BURGLARY.

#12 HANDLED THIS. BOOKED UNDER #16015223: ADDR ON E HARTFORD 08:05 AM 10-14-16.

10/17/16 09:03 09:06 09:11 09:28 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015421 9679

N WAVERLY

RP ADV'D SOMEONE STOLE TWO DOORS OFF HIS P/U. #50 ASND, ADV'D RPT TKN. SOMEONE TOOK THE DOORS OF IN THE PAST 3 YEARS.

10/17/16 09:12 09:15 09:28 14:42 ACCIDENT, UNK PD 16015422 9276

RIVERVIEW RD

RP ADV'D A SEMI TRAILER HAS FLIPPED. #29 TOOK A RPT.

10/17/16 11:38 11:40 11:40 11:40 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16015429 88PD

W SUMMIT

RP ADV'D OF AN ELECTRONIC ORDER MACHING 4X8 EITHER FELL OFF THE TRUCK OR WAS STOLEN. RP REQ THAT IF TURNED IN TO CONTACT BUSINESS.

10/17/16 12:22 12:23 12:29 13:07 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015431 9679

N 8TH

REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN ITEMS. #50 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/17/16 14:01 14:02 14:04 14:11 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015438 9679

N LAKE

REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN ITEMS. #50 ASND. DECLINED RPT.

10/17/16 14:51 14:58 15:04 16:01 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015439 9679

N 8TH

REQ OFFICER REF POSS THEFT. #27 ASND. NO RPT.

WENT 10-15 W/ 53 YO W/F FOR (KSO 44: POSS CDS METH.)

10/17/16 15:36 15:36 16:06 16:42 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015444 9899

W DRY RD

#33 WENT 10-15 W/ 22 YO I/M FOR (LOCAL 44'S: FTP TRAFFIC X2.)

10/17/16 17:18 17:21 17:21 18:08 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16015453 9863

E OKLAHOMA

FOUND CELL PHONE. #34 ASND.

10/17/16 17:48 17:48 17:48 18:48 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015454 9004

N UNION

#56 WENT 10-15 W/ 20 YO W/F FOR (LOCAL 44: INDIRECT CONTEMPT.)

10/17/16 17:55 18:00 18:04 18:54 NARCOTICS VIOLATION PD 16015455 9004

N 5TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF MARIJUANA. SUBJ WRG WHITE SHIRT, PUSHING A BUGGY. LEFT WB ON FOOT. SUBJS ARE 35 YO I/F AND 18 YO H/F. #56 & #52 RESPONDED. INFO TKN FOR WARRANT REQ.

10/17/16 18:46 18:47 18:51 19:29 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015456 9863

S 11TH

REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN ITEMS. #34 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/17/16 21:02 21:02 21:02 21:42 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015459 0023

W HIGHLAND

#44 & #34 AT THIS LOCATION. #44 WENT 10-15 W/ 23 YO W/M FOR (CITY 44: FTP-PI,) (KSO 44: RULE 8 POSS CDS AFC 2 OR MORE.)

10/17/16 22:24 22:25 22:25 23:09 VEHICLE TOW PD 16015461 9999

MCFADDEN & OSAGE

#40 ATTEMPTED T/S AT MCFADDEN/OSAGE, SUBJS RAN INTO A RESI AND THEN OUT THE BACK DOOR. #51, #11, & #57 ASST. NP PINKY TOW FOR OK 442ASA, 93 MERCURY 4DR. SUBJS LEFT RESI ON MCFADDEN FROM BACK WINDOW. #40 WILL BE DOING WARRANT REQ FOR OBSTRUCTION.

10/18/16 03:00 03:04 03:11 03:42 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16015465 8809

N ELM

911 ADV HER COUSIN, 26 YO B/M, TOOK HER BLUE 2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY OK TAG 080MXT. #14 RESPONDED, BLUE TINTED WINDOWS, DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, 1/2 TANK OF GAS WAS IN IT. ATL SENT TO SURROUNDING AGENCIES. ENTERED NCIC.

10/18/16 05:53 06:41 06:41 07:17 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16015469 9999

S BIRCH

KSO IS REQ A FEM OFFICER FOR A SEARCH. #40 HANDLED.

By Beverly Bryant/News Director

A monthlong investigation concluded Tuesday morning with the arrests of a dozen people at two locations on drug charges, Kay County Sheriff-elect Steve Kelley said.

Two search warrants were conducted at the same time about 6 a.m. Tuesday, he said. The operation was carried out with the combined efforts of the Ponca City Police Department Tactical Team, the District 8 District Attorney's Office task force, and deputies from the Kay County Sheriff's Department, Kelley said.

Ten people were arrested from an apartment building near Oak Street and Cleveland Avenue, Kelley said.

Seven different apartments were searched in the building. Officers confiscated several grams of methamphetamine; paraphernalia used for the packaging and selling of drugs; pills; and guns, including a shotgun and a pistol.

Kelley said two additional arrests will be made at a later date from that location.

At the same time, another search warrant was executed at 117 South Birch Street in Ponca City.

From that address, two people were arrested. During the search there, several juveniles were found at the house and were turned over to family members, Kelley said.

He said officers found another pistol, methamphetamine, marijuana and paraphernalia used to package and sell drugs.

"Various charges will range from possession with intent to sell dangerous drugs; possession of methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; possession of a firearm after a former conviction; and maintaining a dwelling where drugs are sold," Kelley said.

Those arrested at the Cleveland Avenue apartments include: 

• Rachelle Lee Martin,  29; 
• Nickola Jordan Rhodd Sr., 37; 
• Staci Dawn Vannatta, 24; 
• Monica Josefina Ochoa, 29; 
• Jeffery Arthur Lieb, 35; 
• Sonja Dwan Lieb, 39; 
• Chad Ryan Caughlin, 35; 
• Leonard Anthony Leclair, 25; 
• Stacy Kaylynn Muegge, 26;
• and Andrea Bolin, age not given.

Arrested at 117 South Birch Street were:

• Roxanne Nichole Hess,  31,
• and Valarie Anne Juarez, 25.

Kelley said two other arrest warrants will be filed at a later date.

Pioneer Technology Center is offering a special effects makeup class just in time for Halloween.

A parent can bring a child to do the makeup on. The class will focus on contouring, creating an "old age" look, scars and bruises. Supplies are included with enrollment.

One session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, and another session from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in room B131 at Pioneer Tech. Callie Vandelinde is the instructor and tuition is $25.

(KNZA)--An Atchison man convicted on charges in connection with a March 2015 three-county chase has been sentenced to more than 3 years in prison.

25-year-old Ryan Brownfield was sentenced Friday in Jackson County District Court to 39-months in prison on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.
 
Brownfield will be required to register as a violent offender after his prison sentence is completed.

He pleaded no contest to the charges last month.  Brownfield had originally been charged with four counts—including attempted second-degree murder.

Authorities say the chase began March 12th of last year in Atchison County after a deputy attempted to stop a SUV that was later found to have been stolen from an Atchison dealership.  The chase crossed into Jefferson County and then later into Jackson County.  Authorities say Brownfield attempted to strike a Jackson County deputy who was on foot with the stolen vehicle before heading back into Jefferson County, where the chase ended.    

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched, and a suspect developed, following the theft of items from property located in Atchison County.

Sheriff Jack Laurie says the theft involved a trailer, two stainless steel industrial refrigerator doors, and a diamond plate truck bed tool box.

The report of the theft was made to the Sheriff's Office by county resident Jerome Bratton on Monday, with the crime occurring on his property at 6455 Rawlins Road.

According to Laurie, the trailer was recovered by authorities in Buchanan County, Missouri. There's no word regarding the whereabouts of the other items.

Laurie says investigators have a suspect in the case, but the name is not immediately made public, as the investigation continues.

(KNZA)--A Holton man accused of the attempted strangulation and rape of a Holton woman has entered into a plea agreement.

The Holton Recorder reports 27-year-old Manual Juarez-Benito pleaded guilty Friday in Jackson County District Court to a charge of aggravated battery, canceling a jury trial that had been set in the case for later this month.  

In exchange for the plea, seven other charges—including attempted first-degree murder and rape—were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for November 23rd.

Juarez-Benito was arrested February 9th after officers responded to a domestic incident at a Holton residence involving an alleged attempted strangulation.  The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The victim also testified during a preliminary hearing in May that Juarez-Benito had allegedly raped her several times between April 1st and September 30th of last year.

He remains in the Jackson County Jail, held on a $200,000 bond.   

(MSC News)--Don't forget to register to vote.

That word comes as voter registration comes to a close, with the deadline set for today.

Atchison County Clerk Pauline Lee says those who need to register must produce legal proof of citizenship, which includes a birth certificate or passport.

Registration can be done in the County Clerk's office or online.

Advance voting is also set to begin, starting Monday.

Lee says a first ever for Atchison County will be included with that process, as satellite voting locations will be offered.

The first will be Wednesday, October 26, at Muscotah City Hall, where advance ballots can be cast from 9:00 until noon. That afternoon, from 1:30 until 4:30, voters can vote in advance at Lancaster City Hall from 1:30 until 4:30.

On Friday, October 28, advance ballots can be cast at the Effingham Municipal Blue Building, from 9:00 that morning until 2:00 that afternoon.

Numerous elections will be decided during the general election, which is held November 8.

Two separate forums are planned for this evening, to allow voters to see first hand a selection of candidates they will be choosing.

One will happen at the Onaga Community Center, from 6:00 until 9:00, held by the Pottawatomie County Republican Party.

The other will be held on the campus of Highland Community College, in the Culbertson Auditorium, starting at 6:00.

That forum, held in conjunction with MSC Radio News, will be live streamed at mscnews.net.

(KLZA)-- Voters living in the Arago / Barada precinct in Richardson County are reminded their November 8, General Election Ballot will be delivered to your address. That ballots go into the mail on Wednesday, October 19. 

The Nebraska Secretary of State approved the All-Mail Election Precinct for the 2016 Elections. 

Included with the mailing will be an envelope for the return of the ballots to the Richardson County Clerk’s Office. The ballots must be returned by the close of the polls on Tuesday, November 8.  The ballots will be counted by the County Counting, and Canvassing Board on Election Day.  

Other counties across Nebraska have determined that voter turnout is significantly higher and the cost of the election per voter is lowered in All-Mail Voting precincts.  
 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Death penalty opponents who have worked in Nebraska law enforcement are urging voters to retain the Legislature's repeal of capital punishment.

The group that spoke against the punishment on Monday includes a former Lincoln police chief, deputy county attorneys and retired judges. It also featured a former detective who was involved with a death penalty case.

An Omaha police officer and former Nebraska correctional officer says he'd rather see the money spent on the death penalty go to prison employees.

Several of the death penalty critics point to the case of the so-called Beatrice Six, who were convicted in the 1985 rape and murder of a Beatrice woman but later exonerated.

Nebraskans for the Death Penalty has won support from the Nebraska Sheriff's Association and the Nebraska County Attorneys Association.
 

The Fifth Annual Daddy Long Legs Fun Run/Walk  is set for Thursday, Nov. 24 -- Thanksgiving Day.

The event will begin at Wentz Pool and Camp at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 8:15 a.m.

Cost is $30 per person and  the event will be held rain or shine. This is a USTAF sanctioned 5K event, sponsored by the Ponca City Park and Recreation Department.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - A former prison guard at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth has been sentenced to two years of probation for accepting bribes in exchange for providing inmates with contraband tobacco.
 
The U.S. attorney's office says 53-year-old Michael Harston, of Kansas City, Missouri, also was ordered Monday to serve six months home confinement and pay $4,800 in fines.
 
The indictment said Harston took bribes from October 2013 to August 2014. Federal prosecutors said video surveillance at the prison captured Harston distributing tobacco to inmates. The indictment also says Harston received payments from inmates' relatives through wire transfers ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
 
  

(KNZA)--A public auction has been set for a county-owned building in downtown Hiawatha used by the Brown County Historical Society.

The Brown County Commission Monday approved a notice for publication setting the auction for the building located at 518 Oregon, which currently houses Jack’s Trains, for the morning of November 7th at 10:00 in the 1st floor lobby of the courthouse.

Commissioners set a minimum bid of $45,000 for the building, which has an appraised value of about $127,000.

Interested parties can take a tour of the building on the morning of November 4th from 9 to noon.

The building was deeded to the county by the Historical Society for insurance reasons.

Commissioner Steve Roberts says the Historical Society can no longer afford to maintain the building.

He says the organization plans to use proceeds from the auction to construct a building at their Ag Museum site on East Iowa Street to house Jack's Trains and artifacts from the Frances Sewell Plamann estate.

(KAIR)--The discovery of a body in a popular Saint Joseph park is being handled as a homicide.

KQ2-TV reports a jogger, using the trail in Krug Park, made the discovery Sunday morning.

The body is identified as that of a white female, believed to range in age from mid-teens to early 20's.

The TV station reports that it was revealed by police during a news conference Monday that the body has been sent to Kansas City, where an autopsy will be conducted. A preliminary identification of the victim has been made, but that, and other details, are not being made public as the investigation continues.

(KMZA)--A candidate for a position on the Marshall County Commission is no longer running for the seat.   

Alison Slifer has withdrawn from the race for 3rd District Commissioner.

She petitioned this summer to gain a place on the ballot as an independent candidate.

The Marysville Advocate reports Slifer, formerly of Vermillion, has withdrawn from the race because she recently moved to Manhattan.  

However, her name will still appear on the November 8th ballot because its too late to have her name removed.  

Marshall County Clerk Sonya Stohs told the newspaper that the ballots were printed in early September and the name would have had to be removed before September 1st.

Also vying for the position are Democrat Pat Caffrey and Republican Lynn Feldhausen, both of Frankfort.   
    
    

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

10/16/16 08:52 08:56 09:04 09:33 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015367 8783

N UNION

RP ADV'D THEIR BUSINESS HAS BEEN BROKEN INTO, THEY BROKE IN THE FRONT DOOR. RP IS FAIRD TO GO INSIDE UNTIL THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN CLEARED. #21 ASND. #50 ASST. RPT TKN FOR 2ND DEGREE BURG.

****************RP REQ XPTL FOR THIS BUSINESS**********************

10/16/16 09:09 09:34 09:34 09:34 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16015369 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

********REQ ATL FOR A STOLEN VEH OUT OF STILLWATER************

GOLD 2000 LEXUS RX300, 184JTI. HAS A DENT ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER AND A K STATE LIC PLT FRAME.

10/16/16 10:30 10:36 10:38 11:03 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015371 9899

E PROSPECT

RP REQ OFFICER TO RPT AN EMPLOYEE THEFT. GO TO ASSET PROTECTION OFFICER. #33 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/16/16 11:10 11:13 11:23 11:47 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015374 9666

W SOUTH

RP ADV'D HIS CREDIT CARD WAS STOLEN AND USED AT BUSINESS ON SOUTH AVE. #41 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/16/16 12:52 12:54 12:59 13:03 DISTURBANCE PD 16015377 8783

S SUNSET

RP REQ OFFICER REF HIS DAUGHTER. #21 ASND. #50 ASST. EVERYONE ON SCENE UNCOOPERATIVE.

#21 WENT 10-15 W/ 19 YO W/F FOR DOM A&B.

10/16/16 12:55 13:45 13:54 13:55 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015378 9666

N 14TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #41 ASND. DECLINED RPT. REQ XPTL REF STOLEN PLANTS.

**********XPTL************

10/16/16 13:11 13:25 13:32 13:40 FRAUD PD 16015379 9899

N 14TH

REQ OFFICER REF FRAUD. #33 ASND. RP COULDN'T OPERATE HIS PHONE, #33 GAVE HIM A TUTORIAL. NO RPT.

10/16/16 14:36 14:37 14:40 16:06 DOMESTIC PD 16015383 9899

N 3RD

RP REQ OFFICER REF DOMESTIC. #50 ASND. MADE CONTACT.

#50 WENT 10-15 W/ 33 YO C/F FOR DOM A&B.

10/16/16 14:43 14:50 14:53 16:06 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16015384 9666

E OKLAHOMA

REQ OFFICER IN LOBBY REF STOLEN VEH. #41 ASND. MADE CONTACT  RPT TKN FOR STOLEN VEH. AREA ATL FOR GRY 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 SPORT OK TAG 238ASD, TINTED WINDOWS, ONE WINDOW BROKEN. STOLEN BTWN FRIDAY EVENING AND SATURDAY AT NOON.

10/16/16 15:56 15:57 16:00 18:27 DEATH, REPORTED PD 16015386 9678

E CLEVELAND

CODE BLACK. #32 ASND. M/E ADV'D, KSO ADV'D. GRACE RESPONDED.

10/16/16 18:02 18:06 18:27 19:38 CRS RECOVERY PD 16015388 9863

CITY VIEW RD

OSCO OUT W/ CRS SILV DODGE 238ASD. #34 ASND. VEH RETURNED TO OWNER. ACTION TOWED.

10/16/16 18:18 18:20 18:24 18:35 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015389 9608

N 12TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #52 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/16/16 19:55 19:56 19:56 20:34 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015394 9608

N 14TH

#52 ON T/S W/ 771MXS. WENT 10-15 W/ 33 YO W/M FOR (CITY: FTP-FAIL COMP INS LAW-2ND,) DUS, & NO INS.

10/16/16 23:41 23:42 23:42 01:09 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015401 9863

PINE & OKLAHOMA

#34 ON T/S W/ 697HJO. #51 ASST.

#34 WENT 10-15 W/ 45 YO B/M FOR POSS METH, POSS MARIJ, POSS OFFENSIVE WEAPON, POSS PARA, (KSO: ATR-A&B OFFENSIVE WEAPON,) AND (HOLD FOR ROGERS COUNTY.)

10/17/16 06:09 06:11 06:13 06:53 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16015406 8216

DONALD AV

RP ADV'D W/M, TALL, SKINNY, SHAVED HEAD, WHI T, LONG JEAN SHORTS WAS BEHIND BUSINESS AND THERE IS NOW A TV IN THE ALLEY. #11 ASND. #57 & #40 ASST. #40 FI'D MALE SUBJ DOB 1990 BEHIND ANOTHER BUSINESS AS HE MATCHED THE DESC GIVEN BY THE RP. #11 ADV'D HE HAS RECOVERED THE TV AT THIS TIME, IT IS UNK AT THIS TIME WHO THE VIC IS.

10/17/16 06:50 06:56 07:01 07:25 DISTURBANCE PD 16015407 9551

CORONADO

RP ADV'D HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW IS OUTSIDE CAUSING A DISTURBANCE, WANTS HER REMOVED FROM THE PROPERTY. #27 ASND. #33 ASST. #27 ADV'D HE SPOKE TO BOTH 1/2'S. THE PROBLEM 1/2 WAS ISSUED A TRESPASS WARNING FOR THE RESI.

(MSC News)--A Holton woman is facing charges in connection with the death of her child.

WIBW-TV reports 32-year-old Alicia Whipple-Decker was arrested on a Jackson County District Court warrant for 1st degree murder.

County Sheriff Tim Morse tells the TV station Whipple-Decker's baby was 15-days old at the time of death in late November of last year.

Whipple-Decker remains jailed in Jackson County, where she was booked into custody October 7th. Her bond is set at $100,000. 

The investigation is continuing.

Morse has not yet disclosed details regarding how the child died. 

HARTSHORNE, Okla. (AP) - Authorities have issued subpoenas for records of the use of a city of Hartshorne credit card.    

The McAlester News-Capital reports  that GM Financial, Honda Financial, Bass Pro Shops, Billmatrix, Vivid Seats, AT&T, DirecTV, Wells Fargo, US Cellular and Progressive Insurance are listed as being issued subpoenas from Oct. 6 through Oct. 13.

District Attorney Chuck Sullivan said the subpoenas are a request for documents, but declined further comment.

The credit card was issued in the name of former City Clerk Dawn Dunkin. Dunkin and City Treasurer Shirley Day recently retired and Mayor Carolyn Trueblood resigned in September. None could be reached for comment.    

City Attorney Richard Lerblance said the state Auditor and Inspector is preparing to audit the city and he believes the FBI is investigating. The FBI declined comment.
 

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Commissioners approved an agreement to provide Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise with $15,000 in funding from August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017.

The agreement was approved following presentation of the quarterly EDGE report by Executive Director Beckie Cromer. 

Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert reported on an experimental project. Huppert informed Commissioners that blacktop millings are being mixed with road rock and being placed on the Kirkman’s Cove Road as an experiment to help with the control of dust.  

County Assessor Pam Vice informed the Board she will be advertising for a clerk position within the county Assessors Office.

The Board also approved the appointment of Bill Niedfeldt to the County Visitor's Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Williamson.  The appointment will run through December 31, 2019.  
 

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Tulsa police paid more than $216,000 in overtime in the 10 days after the fatal shooting of a man by a police officer.

The Tulsa World  obtained the costs in an open records request.

The expenses covered increased staffing of patrols for demonstrations, marches, the funeral and news conferences after Terence Crutcher was shot and killed by Officer Betty Shelby on Sept. 16.

Police paid $216,110 in overtime, including $78,350 on the day of Crutcher's funeral and at least two rallies. More than $27,000 was paid the day District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler announced first-degree manslaughter charges against Shelby.

Shelby has pleaded not guilty.

Deputy Police Chief Eric Dalgleish said the expenses were necessary to ensure proper staffing of events after the shooting and still provide "core police services."
 

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

10/15/16 08:42 08:51 08:53 09:04 VANDALISM PD 16015306 9906

E CENTRAL

MAINTENANCE ADV'D BIRDBATH WAS VANDALIZED. #31 TOOK RPT.

10/15/16 08:45 08:48 08:50 09:49 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015307 9899

E BROOKFIELD

RP ADV'D MALE ASSAULTED HIS DAUGHTER. SHE IS NOT THERE. #33 ASND. #30 ASST.

#33 WENT 10-15 W/ 36 YO W/M FOR DOM A&B AND KIDNAPPING.

10/15/16 10:06 10:18 10:18 12:48 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015315 9527

6TH & HARTFORD

330 WENT 10-15 W/ 20 YO C/M FOR KNOWINGLY CONCEALING STOLEN PROP, UTTERING FORGED INSTRUMENT, UU DEBIT CARD, AND FALSE IMPERSONATION.

CONNECT #16015246: BURGLARY RPT'D 10-14-16 13:31.

10/15/16 12:02 12:08 12:17 12:17 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015320 9527

CORONADO

RP IN THE LOBBY TO RPT A STOLEN FIREARM. #30 ASND. CIVIL MATTER, NO RPT.

10/15/16 13:15 13:17 13:19 14:53 DOMESTIC PD 16015323 9899

N 7TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF A FEM ATTEMPTING TO KILL HERSELF AND HER BOYFRIEND TRYING TO STOP HER. #33 ASND. #31 ASST. 1012'D SUBJ TO PD FOR EDWIN FAIR. DID NO MEET CRIT. NO RPT.

10/15/16 14:26 14:28 14:28 14:28 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16015326 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

OSAGE COUNTY REQ ATL ON A STOLEN 16 FT TANDEM AXLE UTILITY TRAILER WITH A WOODEN FLLOR. THE LETTER L IS ON ONE SIDE OF THE TONGUE AND THE LETTER M IS ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE TONGUE HAS BEEN SPRAY PAINTED BLACK. TAKEN FROM WEST OF BARTLESVILLE SOMETIME AFTER 5PM ON OCT 14TH.

10/15/16 16:21 16:22 16:28 17:48 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015329 9863

N BIRCH

#34 AND #52 WENT OUT AT ADDR ON N BIRCH TO LOCATE SUBJ WHO FAILED TO REGISTER AS VIOLENT OFFENDER.

#34 WENT 10-15 W/ 40 YO I/M FOR FAIL REG AS VIOLENT OFFENDER.

10/15/16 16:49 16:58 16:58 17:34 VANDALISM PD 16015330 9608

W GRAND

RP ADV'D 18 YO C/M BROKE OUT HER WINDOW AND THEN LEFT. SUBJ L/S WRG WHITE SHIRT AND RED GYM SHORTS. UNK DIR. ADV'D SUBJ DOES HAVE A TRESPASS WARNING AT RESI. TLAPSE 20 MIN. RPT TKN.

10/15/16 19:58 20:04 20:13 20:52 VANDALISM PD 16015338 9608

MOCKINGBIRD DR

CONTACT RP REF VANDALISM TO A VACANT HOUSE BEHIND HERS. #52 ASND. #52, WILL HAVE TO F/U NEXT WEEK WHEN PROP OWNER IS IN TOWN. NO RPT AT THIS TIME.

10/15/16 20:58 21:00 21:06 21:35 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015343 0023

S OSAGE

RP RPT'ING A SHOTGUN STOLEN FROM THE RESI TODAY. RP WILL BE WAITING OUTSIDE FOR OFFICER. #44 ASND. BURG RPT TKN.

10/15/16 21:05 21:06 21:14 21:45 THREATS/HARASS/OBSCENE PD 16015344 9677

E PROSPECT

RP FROM SHIDLER REC'D A CALL FROM A P/C "WALMART EMPLOYEE" MAKING THREATS & ACCUSATIONS AND USING FOUL LANGUAGE TO THE RP. #38 HANDLED BY P/S THEN F/U AT WALMART. NO CRIME, NO RPT. THERE WERE NO THREATS. APPEARS TO BE A PRANK CALL FROM SOMEONE USING A PHONE APP TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE WALMART WAS CALLING.

***COMM CENTER REC'D ANOTHER CALL FROM AN RP IN NEWKIRK RPT'ING A SIMILAR INCIDENT. THAT CALLER DOESN'T OWN A CAR AND DOESN'T SHOP AT THE P/C WALMART.

10/15/16 23:07 23:07 23:22 23:53 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015349 9608

W DRY RD

#52 WENT 10-15 FROM KSO W/ 25 YO C/F FOR (CITY 44'S: FTP-DUS, 2ND OFF, FTP-FAIL COMP INS LAW, FTP-OPER W/ EXP REG, FTA-POSS PARA, AND INDIRECT CONTEMPT OF COURT.)

10/16/16 00:22 00:25 00:27 01:05 DISTURBANCE PD 16015355 8216

S 7TH

RP ADV SOMEONE JUST TRIED TO GET IN THE FRONT DOOR, DIDN'T SEE ANYBODY. #51 ASND. #11 & #59 ASST. #59 OUT W/ A SUBJ IN FRONT OF THE RESI.

#51 WENT 10-15 W/ 44 YO B/M FOR PI. HE'S THE ONE TRYING TO GET IN THE HOUSE, VERY SIG 87 & DIDN'T KNOW WHERE HE WAS.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Forecasters say unseasonably warm weather and gusty winds will put parts of Oklahoma at a high risk for wildfires on Monday.
 
A red flag warning is in effect from noon until 7 p.m. on Monday. The National Weather Service says temperatures could top 100 degrees in some areas, and winds of 20 mph to 25 mph are expected.
 
Forecasters say some areas could see gusts of 40 mph. Northwest Oklahoma is at the greatest risk for wildfires, but the entire state could see record-breaking high temperatures Monday.
 
Forecasters say a cold front is expected to move through the state Tuesday. 
 

(KAIR)--An arrest for failure to appear lands one behind bars on drug charges.

Atchison Police Lieutenant Tim Stout says it was Saturday at around 4:00 in the afternoon when officers arrested 28-year-old Leavenworth resident Nicholas Harding for failure to appear in court.

“During the arrest, it was discovered Harding was in possession of syringe and methamphetamine,” Stout said.

Harding was booked into the Atchison County Jail where he remains without bond at this time.

PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Kansas man is accused of fatally shooting a motorist from Texas during what authorities described as a road rage confrontation in Missouri.
 
Prosecutors in Missouri's Platte County near Kansas City charged 22-year-old Bobby Crumpton of Wichita with second-degree murder in the Friday night death of Clinton Alsobrook.
 
Authorities say they found 35-year-old Alsobrook of Charlotte, Texas, dead and unarmed in his bullet-riddled sport utility vehicle Friday night. The vehicle was lodged on an embankment, its engine running.
 
Court records allege Crumpton told police Alsobrook hit his vehicle, forcing both vehicles off the road. Crumpton allegedly said he feared for his life when he fired after Alsobrook tried to drive toward him.
 
Online court records Monday didn't show whether Crumpton has an attorney. His bond was set at $100,000.

(MSC News)--The Liberty, Missouri Police Department has issued an Amber Alert for a child abduction that occurred at 5 3 0 Sarah Ln in Liberty, Missouri.

Abducted was Amiya Morris. Her picture can be seen here. 

The suspect vehicle is a blue 2012 Toyota Camry bearing Missouri D S 1 7 X, last seen leaving 5 3 0 Sarah Lane.

The suspect is believed to be Nicholas Bejarano. Suspect has tattoos on his neck and N A B on his fingers and was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, red shorts, and multi-colored women's slippers.

The victim, Amiya Morris, is a 13 year old black female, 5' 3", 105 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, light complexion, last seen wearing a tan tank top, dark blue leggings, and black and pink Nike flip-flops.

Authorities say the vehicle may be headed to Kansas. 

Anyone seeing the victim, suspect, or vehicle, or anyone having any information related to the abduction should immediately dial 9 1 1 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Liberty Police Department at 816-439-4701.

(KNZA)--A rural Hiawatha man is facing charges following the discovery of an alleged indoor marijuana growing operation.

Based on an investigation, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says  the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant last Thursday at 2368 Goldfinch Road.

Merchant says 26-year-old Jebediah Moore was arrested on charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana.

Seized were less than 50 marijuana plants.

Moore is currently free on bond.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute has scheduled the following blood drives in Kay County.

All donors at these drives will receive our OSU or OU donor T-shirt and be entered to win a pair of Bedlam Football tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 23,  Noon to 3 p.m. at Victory Worship Center.

Monday, Oct. 24, 1 to 6 p.m. Bloodmobile at Walmart Ponca City.

Thursday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to Noon Bloodmobile at Tonkawa Indian Casino West.

Friday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bloodmobile at the  Department of Human Services at Grand Avenue and Lake Street in Ponca City.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at AllianceHealth Ponca City.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene.

Monday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to Noon,  Bloodmobile at the Fire Department at Grand Avenue and Fifth Street, then at the Police Department at Third Street and Oklahoma Avenue from 2 to 5 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 28, 1 to 6 p.m. Bloodmobile at Walmart Ponca City.

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2 to 5 p.m. Bloodmobile at Lowe’s Ponca City.

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2 to 7 p.m. at First Council Casino in Newkirk.

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following the report of a missing trailer from an Atchison resident.

“On Oct. 15 at approximately 4:30, Joshua Ostertag reported the theft of a trailer,” said Atchison Police Lieutenant Tim Stout. “Ostertag reported that his trailer had been parked at business located at the 1400 block of Main Street when the theft had occurred.”

Stout says the theft occurred sometime on Oct. 13.th

The trailer is black with a steel-mesh loading gate.

Stout said the investigation is ongoing with no suspects at this time. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

(KNZA)--The 102nd annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic is coming up.

The theme this year is “ Nightmare on Oregon Street.”

Activities will begin on Friday, October 28th and continue on Monday, October 31st.

Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce Board member Katie Miller says several new events have been added this year—including a haunted house trolley tour the evening of October 28th sponsored by the Brown County Historical Society, which will goes hand-in-hand with their house decorating contest. Miller says there will trolley tours of the two categories—family friendly and spooky--with riders then voting for their favorites.

She says also being added this year is activities between the two parades on October 31 around the courthouse square---including a chili cook-off, pumpkin roll and various vendors.

The afternoon parade will take place at 3:00 and the grand evening parade at 7:00 following the crowning of the Halloween queen.

Miller says residents will also have an opportunity to help decide what next year’s Halloween theme should be.  She says golden jack-o-lanterns have been placed at several businesses where you can write down what you think the 2017 theme should be and place it in the bucket.

Near the end of the month, Miller says the businesses will pull their two favorites and then the Chamber will conduct an on-line voting campaign, with the winner to be announced at the end of this year’s evening parade.

For more information you can check out the Hiawatha Halloween Frolic Facebook page or contact the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau at ( 785) 542-7136.

Lost & Found Mercantile, located inside Cherokee Strip Company 409 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, is donating a refurbished patio set to benefit playground improvements at for McCord School.

Chances to win are a donation of $2 per ticket or six tickets for a donation of $10. Tickets will be available at the McCord Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Those unable to attend may contact Katy at (580) 401-5384. 

The playground is in need of improvements. Special thanks go to McCord Dad, Dan Dickinson, for his time and help refurbishing the patio set. 

Lost & Found Mercantile, located inside Cherokee Strip Company 409 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, is donating a refurbished patio set to benefit playground improvements at for McCord School.

Chances to win are a donation of $2 per ticket or six tickets for a donation of $10. Tickets will be available at the McCord Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Those unable to attend may contact Katy at (580) 401-5384. 

The playground is in need of improvements. Special thanks go to McCord Dad, Dan Dickinson, for his time and help refurbishing the patio set. 

Lost & Found Mercantile, located inside Cherokee Strip Company 409 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, is donating a refurbished patio set to benefit playground improvements at for McCord School.

Chances to win are a donation of $2 per ticket or six tickets for a donation of $10. Tickets will be available at the McCord Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Those unable to attend may contact Katy at (580) 401-5384. 

The playground is in need of improvements. Special thanks go to McCord Dad, Dan Dickinson, for his time and help refurbishing the patio set. 

Lost & Found Mercantile, located inside Cherokee Strip Company 409 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, is donating a refurbished patio set to benefit playground improvements at for McCord School.

Chances to win are a donation of $2 per ticket or six tickets for a donation of $10. Tickets will be available at the McCord Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Those unable to attend may contact Katy at (580) 401-5384. 

The playground is in need of improvements. Special thanks go to McCord Dad, Dan Dickinson, for his time and help refurbishing the patio set. 

Lost & Found Mercantile, located inside Cherokee Strip Company 409 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, is donating a refurbished patio set to benefit playground improvements at for McCord School.

Chances to win are a donation of $2 per ticket or six tickets for a donation of $10. Tickets will be available at the McCord Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Those unable to attend may contact Katy at (580) 401-5384. 

The playground is in need of improvements. Special thanks go to McCord Dad, Dan Dickinson, for his time and help refurbishing the patio set. 

Lost & Found Mercantile, located inside Cherokee Strip Company 409 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, is donating a refurbished patio set to benefit playground improvements at for McCord School.

Chances to win are a donation of $2 per ticket or six tickets for a donation of $10. Tickets will be available at the McCord Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Those unable to attend may contact Katy at (580) 401-5384. 

The playground is in need of improvements. Special thanks go to McCord Dad, Dan Dickinson, for his time and help refurbishing the patio set. 

A fatal collision occurred about 3:20 a.m. Saturday on Garvin Road, three quarters of a mile east of State Highway 74, which is one mile north and three quarters of a mile east of Lamont, Oklahoma, in Grant County.

Two Ponca City residents were among those injured in the collision, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

A 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Jessen Evann Hodges, 20, of Lamont, Oklahoma, was traveling eastbound on Garvin Road, marked as a dead end road. For unknown reasons, Hodges drove off the end of the road or embankment, falling into the creek below, where it came to rest.

Hodges was transported by Miller EMS of Medford, Oklahoma, to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, where he was admitted for head and trunk internal injuries. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said he was listed in critical but stable condition. He was pinned for one and a half hours and was freed by Lamont Fire Department.

Passenger Parker Dale Lanning, 22, of Lamont was pronounced dead at the scene by Miller EMS paramedic of Medford. His body was transported by Wilson Funeral Home to the funeral home in Pond Creek, where he will later be transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Oklahoma City.  Lanning was pinned for approximately three hours and forty minutes before he was freed by Lamont Fire Department using the jaws of life.

Passenger Nicholas Taylor Brazda, 18, of Lamont  was transported by Pond Creek EMS to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid, Oklahoma, where he was admitted with head, leg and arm injuries. The Highway Patrol said he was listed in stable condition. he was pinned for 45 minutes to an hour and was freed by Lamont Fire Department.

A 17-year-old boy from Ponca City was transported by Pond Creek EMS to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid, Oklahoma, where he was admitted with trunk internal and leg injuries. The patrol reported he is listed in stable condition. He also was pinned for 45 minutes to an hour.

Tyler Anthony Testa, 23, of Ponca City, was transported by private vehicle to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid, where he was treated for arm and leg injuries and released. The Highway Patrol said Testa was partly ejected, freed himself and walked away.

The patrol said the accident is still under investigation. None of those in the vehicle were wearing their seat belts, the patrol reported.

(KAIR)--Forward movement for implementation of hands on audio/visual based learning at the Atchison County Community Schools. “We're just getting a new audio/visual program going,” USD 377 Superintendent Steve Wiseman, tells MSC News. “They've got lots of ideas and lots of good projects in place for televising events and doing some broadcasting.”

Last week, the Board of Education approved the purchase of equipment needed for the program. “I think what really impressed me the most was the students studied this and researched and gathered all their data and put together a plan. This was the equipment they wanted to purchase,” Wiseman said.

Total cost of the Board approved purchase was just over $6,700, with the monies to be used to acquire a variety of needed items, ranging from microphones to hard drives.

High School Yearbook and Social Studies teacher Paul English, who also serves as the district's audio/visual advisor, will serve as the instructor for the program.

Tuesday we will have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Greek Grill at 11 a.m. They are located in the Hartford Square Shopping Center at 408 E. Hartford.

We are excited to have a ground breaking ceremony for Continental Carbon Company. They are breaking ground for a major expansion. This big event will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. Continental Carbon Company is located at 1006 E. Oakland. You are always invited to any of our Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and to our ground breaking event.

The Chamber will have a PRIDE Training on quality customer service Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for our chamber member businesses. This training is free and does include lunch. If you would like to send some of your employees just phone the Chamber Office 765-4400 to RSVP. We do have limited seating.

This week our Ambassador Committee, Leadership Chairs, Finance Committee, Executive Committee and Community Development Committee will all meet. We could not accomplish our goals without our amazing chamber volunteers. Thank you for all you do.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Clerk’s office has announced they will be coming to three locations this week to allow residents the opportunity to vote early in the upcoming election.

Early voting will take place at two locations on Thursday---including from 9 to 11 in the morning at the Maple Grove Complex in Hiawatha and at the Morrill Community Building from 1 to 3 in the afternoon.

Early voting will also be held Friday morning in Everest at the Northfield Community Room from 9 to 11.     

Voters can also cast an advance ballot for the November 8th general election in the Brown County Clerk’s office during regular business hours beginning Monday, October 24th through noon, November 7th.

Your reminded that a photo ID is required to vote.

(KAIR)--More than two years in prison.

That’s the sentence handed down to the man who spurred a police chase in late August of this year in Atchison.

39-year-old Morrill resident William Gehring was sentenced Oct. 7 in Atchison County District Court on a charge of felony fleeing and eluding a police officer. He’ll serve 16 months for that charge.

However, he's also charged in a previous case for possession of methamphetamine. Gehring was sentenced to one year in prison in that case—to be served after the previous sentence.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, originally arrested for parole violation that resulted in more charges, will soon learn his fate.

50-year-old Gary Longbreak pled guilty in Atchison County District Court on Oct. 5 for possession of meth and no contest to felony possession of a firearm. Sentencing for Longbreak is set for Nov. 14.

Longbreak was arrested Aug. 18 when Atchison Police officers and the Kansas Department of Corrections investigators took Longbreak into custody at his residence in the 1900 block of Harper for parole violation.

Police say that during the arrest, a firearm, which was illegal for Longbreak to posses, was found along with a quantity of methamphetamine.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle collision on U.S.36 Highway in Wathena Saturday evening claimed the life of a Kansas City, Kansas man and left four Severance residents injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck about a half-mile east of South 1st Street was 38-year-old Antonio Santiago-Hernandez.

The Patrol says Santiago-Hernandez was westbound when for some unknown his pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an eastbound pickup truck driven by 43-year-old Richard Smith head-on shortly after 6:40.

Santiago-Hernandez, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Richard Smith was taken to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, with what the Patrol described as disabling injuries.

Three passengers in his vehicle, 33-year-old Katie Smith, 9-year-old Tristian Smith and 10-year-old Paige Smith, were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.     

OHP Report On Fatal Saturday Evening Accident on I-35:

Fatality collision occurred 10-15-16 at approximately 1934 hours on I35 near mile marker 200 northbound, approximately 14 miles north Perry, OK in Noble County.

Vehicle-1: 2006 Cadillac, driven by Cheryl H. Isbill (sic), white female, age 63, of Fort Worth, TX. Pronounced dead at the scene with head and trunk external injuries, by Tonkawa EMS.

Passenger-1: Name Withheld, juvenile male age 3, of Wichita, KS. Not injured.

What Happened:  Vehicle one was travelling northbound on the inside lane and crossed the center line and went into a broadside. Vehicle one rolled 1 time ejecting the driver approximately 40’.

Condition of Driver – Under Investigation

Cause of Collision – Under Investigation

Airbags – Equipped/ Side Curtain Deployed

Seatbelts – Equipped/ Not in Use by Driver/ Passenger 1 in forward facing car seat

Weather – Cloudy

Roadway – 2 Lane/ Concrete/ Divided

Pinned – None

Ejected – See Narrative

Helmet – N/A

DOT Number – N/A

Investigated by Trooper Derek Fry #298 of the Kay/Noble Detachment of Troop K. Assisted by Trooper Hatchett # 735, Noble County Sheriff Office, and Tonkawa Fire/EMS.

 

“This report is based upon the trooper’s investigation of this collision. It may contain the opinion of the trooper.”

 

Authority: Trooper Derek Fry #298

OHP Troop K – Perry            CO Frazier     

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City police say a 10-year veteran officer has been arrested on felony charges. Police say information leading to the arrest was developed as part of an unrelated investigation. The officer was arrested Friday night on a warrant alleging conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal use of a computer, obstruction of justice and aiding prostitution. Court records do not show that formal charges have been filed.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Police in Tulsa say a shooting on the city's east side has left one man dead. Police say officers investigating reports of gunfire found the man dead inside a condominium about 2 a.m. Saturday. The man's name has not been released and no arrests have been announced.

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) - An arson charge has been dismissed against a Bristow man who allegedly tossed a lit cigarette to the ground during a burn ban and started an August 2012 fire that burned 91-square-miles in Creek County and destroyed nearly 400 homes. The charge against 40-year-old Billy Cloud was dismissed Friday after a prosecutor said two witnesses who were subpoenaed to testify at a preliminary hearing failed to appear.

(AP) - Dennis Byrd, the former NFL defensive lineman whose career was ended by neck injury, was killed Saturday in a car accident. He was 50. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Byrd, a former college player at Tulsa, was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Oklahoma 88 north of Claremore.

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

10/14/16 08:05 08:08 08:13 09:02 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015223 9527

E HARTFORD

STAFF ADV'D WINDOW BROKEN OUT, ITEMS MISSING. #30 TOOK 2ND DEG BURG RPT. #08 ON SCENE.

10/14/16 09:55 09:58 10:05 11:25 FRAUD PD 16015228 9899

BRADBARY

WALLET STOLEN, DEBIT CARD FRAUDULENTLY USED. #33 TOOK RPT.

10/14/16 09:58 10:01 10:05 10:27 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16015230 9751

W HIGHLAND

RP IN WHI BOX TRUCK WAS DAMAGED BY WHY CHEV P/U PN 005-547. #58 TOOK HIT N RUN ACCIDENT RPT. #43 & #24 ATL FOR SUSPT VEH. RP ADV'D DRIVER OF WHI P/U WAS ARGUIN W/ SUBJ IN BUICK PN 005-747 ABOUT A STOLEN VEH.

CONNECT #16015216

10/14/16 10:12 10:19 10:23 10:32 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16015232 9527

N SUNSET

RP IN PD LOBBY ADV'D OF POSSIBLE P/O VIOLATION. #30 TOOK P/O VIOLATION X2 RPT.

10/14/16 11:30 11:30 11:31 12:30 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015241 9899

N OAK

#33 WENT 10-15 W/ ONE SUBJ FOR (KSO 44: RULE 8 POSS CDS.) #30 ASST.

10/14/16 12:27 12:30 12:31 12:49 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015242 9527

S 10TH

W/L REQ OFFICER REF UTILITY THEFT. #30 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/14/16 13:31 13:34 13:39 15:26 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015246 9899

WREN DR

RP REQ OFFICER REF HER HOUSE BROKEN INTO. GUN AND CREDIT CARD STOLEN. #33 ASND, NOT BURG, FAMILY USED CC. RPT TKN.

PC FOR ARREST ON MALE SUBJ DOB 10-26-95, DRIVES SILV 4DR CAR, BLK RIMS & BLK GAS CAP COVER. WILL GIVE NAME OF TWIN BROTHER.

10/14/16 14:24 14:25 14:25 14:55 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015249 9527

E MAPLE

#30 WENT 10-15 W/ 50 YO W/M FOR PI & P/O VIOLATION.

10/14/16 15:10 15:12 15:14 15:31 FRAUD PD 16015253 9731

E OKLAHOMA

RP IN LOBBY REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN CHECK. #49 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/14/16 16:15 17:12 17:29 17:45 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16015258 9608

N 14TH

RP IN RED FORD P/U REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN. ADV'D HE IS SITTING IN FRONT OF BUSINESS DOORS. #52 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/14/16 16:54 17:29 18:13 18:26 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16015262 8961

W GRAND

REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN. #28 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/14/16 17:55 17:59 18:02 20:36 WELFARE CHECK PD 16015267 9608

ROSEDALE

GRY 2013 FORD TAURUS, SUBJ THREATENED SUICDE & LEFT, UNK DIR ON LAKE. ADV'D HE HAD SOME FORM OF FIREARM.

2ND CALLER ADV'D SINGLE VEH INJURY ACCIDENT INV VEH MALE LEFT IN.

#52 ASND. #33 ASST. RPT TKN ON ACCIDENT, 10-12 FROM ER TO 10-19. EDWIN FAIR CALLED. SUBJ DIDN'T MEET CRITERIA, WAS TAKEN HOME.

10/14/16 18:36 18:38 18:50 19:33 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015268 9908

NE WOODLAND

REQ OFFICER REF BURG TO RESI. #28 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/14/16 20:03 20:09 20:12 00:00 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16015273 8961

HIGHLAND & OSAGE

SUICIDAL SUBJ, 56 YO W/M, SITTING IN A CHAIR BEHIND BUSINESS. HAS A BUTCHER KNIFE, WILL PUT IT DOWN WHEN OFFICER ARRIVES. WRG A JEAN JKT AND JEANS. #19 RESPONDED, WENT 10-12 W/ SUBJ 10-19 AND EDWIN FAIR WAS CONTACTED.

10/14/16 20:55 20:56 20:59 21:29 DISTURBANCE PD 16015280 8774

HAZEL & OAK

RP ADV A W/M IN DARK CLOTHES IS BEATING ON THE DOOR OF A RESI. #52 & #07 RESPONDED.

#52 WENT 10-15 W/ 62 YO W/M FOR PI.

10/14/16 21:38 21:38 21:53 02:03 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015283 9547

S 5TH

NEIGHBOR ADV'D MALE SUBJ IS AT THE RESI, HAS $9000 IN KSO FEL 44'S. #51, #19, #38, #37, & #14 RESPONDED.

#19 WENT 10-15 W/ 39 YO W/M FOR HARBORING FUGITIVE, FALSE INFO, AND FTA-AGG A&B AFC.

#52 WENT 10-15 W/ 37 YO W/F FOR HARBORING FUGITIVE.

#19 WENT 10-15 W/ 66 YO B/M FOR HARBORING FUGITIVE & FTP-DUS 2ND MORE.

#19 WENT 10-15 W/ 57 YO W/F FOR HARBORING FUGITIVE & OBSTRUCTION.

#19 WENT 10-15 W/ 52 YO W/M FOR FTA-A&B ON OFFICER X2.

10/15/16 02:31 02:32 02:36 03:07 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015295 9999

GLENDALE

PHYSICAL DOMESTIC, BOTH 1/2'S ARE THERE AND SIG 87. #40 & #51 RESPONDED.

#40 WENT 10-15 W/ 40 YO W/M FOR PI & DEST CITY PROP.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Authorities say two teenagers were killed and three others injured after their car flipped during a police pursuit in Tulsa. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the chase began on U.S. 169 after a trooper tried to pull over a driver for an expired tag. The highway patrol says the driver lost control of the car shortly after midnight Friday and the vehicle rolled over several times, killing two teens and injuring three others.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's medical examiner says the Oklahoma State University basketball player who died in July following an outdoor team workout suffered from an enlarged heart and died of natural causes. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released Friday the findings of the autopsy on 22-year-old Tyrek Coger. The forward collapsed July 21 following a 40-minute team workout on the football stadium stairs when the temperature was 99 degrees. The autopsy report says Coger died due to an enlarged heart.

ST. LOUIS, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says an Asher man was killed when the pickup truck he was driving crashed into a creek in Pottawatomie County. An OHP report released Friday night 34-year-old Wiley Hargus was dead at the scene of the crash near St. Louis. The report says Hargus was westbound on Highway 59 between 11:30 p.m. and midnight Thursday when he ran a stop sign, when off the road and struck a sign, a guardrail and a bridge abutment before the truck overturned onto its top in the creek.

(KLZA)--Peru State College Professor of mathematics, Paul Hinrichs,  has received the Milton M. Beckmann Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The award was presented by the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics in special recognition for a career of outstanding contributions of mathematics education in the State of Nebraska.

Hinrichs is cited for demonstrating outstanding teaching and leadership in the development of teacher strategies and technology for the teacher of mathematics.

Milton Beckmann was a longtime professor of mathematics at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, most famous for his research into teacher students struggling with mathematics.  

Information that is on the Facebook page of the Tonkawa PD this morning

Just before 1:50 a.m., on 10/15/2016, Tonkawa Police Officers responded to assist other law enforcement agencies with a pursuit that headed for Tonkawa City limits. 
The police pursuit was initiated, near Marland, by a Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Officer and continued on U.S. Highway-156. The pursuit traversed through various county roads and garnered the assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies such as: Kay County Sheriff Office, Otoe-Missouri Tribal Police Department, 8th District Attorney Task Force, Fort Oakland Police Department, and the Tonkawa Police Department. The suspect, later identified as 24-Year Old Christian Crazybear, eluded police in a stolen vehicle and ran a road block set by Kay County Sheriff Deputies. Crazybear travelled into Noble County. Speeds, during the pursuit, reached 120+ M.P.H. Crazybear continued to elude police and travelled back into Kay County towards Tonkawa. Kay County Sheriff Deputies took over the pursuit at that time. Tonkawa Police, Otoe-Missouri Tribal Police, and Fort Oakland Tribal Police Department set up a roadblock just south of the Tonkawa Animal Control Shelter on U.S. Highway-77. Crazybear failed to stop at the roadblock, continued northbound on S. Main Street, and continued into Tonkawa City Limits. Tonkawa Police, Otoe-Missouri Tribal Police, and Fort Oakland Police Department Units joined in the pursuit as it raced north on Main Street, in Tonkawa, at speeds of 70+ M.P.H. Units pursued Crazybear onto South Avenue from Main Street. Tonkawa Police Units attempted to set up another roadblock on the U.S. Highway-177/U.S. Highway-60 Overpass. Crazybear travelled south onto U.S. Highway-177 from South Avenue towards the roadblock set up by Tonkawa Police. Crazybear attempted to swerve onto the U.S. Highway-60 On-Ramp, from U.S. Highway-177, to travel west, but lost control of the vehicle. Crazybear’s vehicle careened off the On-Ramp, down the hill, where it came to a rest. Law Enforcement quickly converged on the vehicle and took Crazybear into custody without further incident. 
Crazybear possessed a sawed-off shotgun in the front seat of the vehicle. Methamphetamine was also found in Crazybear’s possession, at the time of his arrest. Crazybear is a convicted felon and had outstanding Kay County Warrants that totaled $150,989.00. 
Kay County Sheriff Deputies transported Crazybear, from the scene, to the Kay County Detention Center, based on numerous pending felony and misdemeanor charges. No officers were injured during the pursuit.

Editor's note: The following is a press release issued Friday by the office of Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall. 

WICHITA, KAN. - Three men from southwest Kansas were charged in federal court here today with conspiring to detonate a bomb at an apartment complex in Garden City where Muslim immigrants from Somalia live and worship, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

A criminal complaint unsealed today alleged the men conducted surveillance to size up potential targets, stockpiled firearms, ammunition and explosive components, and prepared a manifesto to be published after the bombing. The attack, the defendants said, would “wake people up.”

“These charges are based on eight months of investigation by the FBI that is alleged to have taken the investigators deep into a hidden culture of hatred and violence,” Beall said. “Many Kansans may find it as startling as I do that such things could happen here.”

Charged with one count of conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction were:

Curtis Allen, 49, Liberal, Kan

Gavin Wright, 49, Liberal, Kan., owner of G & H Mobile Home Center at 1250 E. Tucker Road in Liberal.

Patrick Eugene Stein, 47, Wright, Kan.

The complaint alleges that since February 2016 the FBI has been investigating the defendants’ activities planning a violent attack against Muslims in southwestern Kansas. A confidential source attended meetings of a militia group called the Kansas Security Force, providing the FBI with information about the groups’ activities

The defendants were members of a small group they called the Crusaders. After considering possible targets including pro-Somali churches and public officials, the defendants decided to target an apartment complex in Garden City, Kan., where Somalis lived and maintain an apartment that served as a mosque. They discussed obtaining four vehicles, filling them with explosives and parking them at the four corners of the apartment complex to create a big explosion.

On Oct. 12, defendant Stein met with the confidential FBI source in rural Finney County to examine automatic weapons the source had brought from an FBI lab in Quantico, Va. After trying out two of the weapons, Stein took the source to see the apartment building the defendants were targeting in Garden City. Stein said he would provide ammonium nitrate for the bomb and contribute $200 to $300 for other materials.

Stein also talked with the source about defendant Allen’s arrest in a domestic violence case in Liberal the previous day, Oct. 11. Stein said he was concerned that Allen’s girlfriend would give Liberal police information about the defendants’ plans.

If convicted, the defendants face up to life in federal prison. Investigating agencies included the FBI, the Liberal Police Department, the Seward County Sheriff’s Office, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, the Garden City Police Department, the Dodge City Police Department, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is prosecuting

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The charges merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

From the PCPD

Between 10am and 11am on Friday October 14 three vehicles had their side window broken and items taken while parked at the YMCA in Ponca City.  The suspect vehicle appears to be a two tone Chevrolet Trailblazer small sport utility type vehicle.  It appears to be dark green with a gold or tan color metallic trim and has a sticker or decal in the lower right back windshield.

Surveillance video captured the suspect vehicle in the southwest parking area of the YMCA pulling beside the victim’s vehicles.  A wallet was taken from one of the vehicles and a purse from another.  The suspect attempted to use a credit card that was stolen from one of the vehicles just after 11am at the Conoco Food Store located at Hartford Avenue and Fourteenth Street.  The card had already been reported stolen, so the purchased was declined.

The Police Department needs assistance in identifying the suspect that may be driving the vehicle in the surveillance picture.

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online regarding the location of the suspect’s vehicle, the name of the suspect, or any other crime, can access the link at www.poncacityok.gov. Click on the Crime stoppers link on the home page, fill out the tip sheet, and send the information or you can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. 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.

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

10/13/16 07:27 07:28 07:37 07:46 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015168 9551

LAKE RD

RP ADV'D HER VEH WAS BURGLARIZED LAST NIGHT. #27 ADV'D RP DECLINED A RPT, NOTHING OF ANY VALUE WAS STOLEN.

*** XPTL LAKE RD ******* EVES & HOOTS ***

10/13/16 08:10 08:12 08:15 08:24 FIRE RUN PD 16015170 9731

S ASH

RP ADV'D SOMEONE HIT A GAS METER, ONG NOTIFIED. #49 ASND. #31 ASST. #49, PRIV PROP ACCIDENT TAKEN.

10/13/16 08:47 08:52 08:57 09:07 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015171 9527

MEADOWBROOK

RP WAITING IN DRIVEWAY, REQ ESCORT INTO RESI AFTER KEYS & GARAGE DOOR OPENER WERE STOLE OUT OF HER VEH LAST NIGHT. #30 ASND. #20 ASST. #30 TOOK 2ND DEG BURG RPT.

10/13/16 09:27 09:36 09:36 09:38 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015175 88PD

E CHESTNUT

EMPLOYEE ADV'D BRIGHT YELLOW W/ RED HANDLE WHEEL BARREL WAS STOLEN OFF THE BACK PATIO LAST NIGHT. RPT DECLINED. REQ INFO BE LOGGED AND OFFICERS PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR IT.

10/13/16 10:40 10:40 11:40 12:14 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015177 9551

N 6TH

#27 OUT AT ADDR ON N 6TH TO SERVE A 1017. #27 WENT 10-15 X2:

A) 10-15 W/ 34 YO W/M FOR (KSO: FTP-DOM A&B.) TRANSPORTED TO PD BY #30.

B) 10-15 W/ 33 YO W/F FOR (CITY 44: INDIRECT CONTEMPT OF COURT.)

10/13/16 12:07 12:08 12:08 12:23 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015180 9551

N PINE

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 21 YO C/F FOR (LOCAL 44'S X5: TRAFFIC.)

10/13/16 14:46 14:46 14:54 18:00 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015189 9906

HIGHLAND & OAK

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 31 YO C/F FOR POSS CDS RX, NO SEATBELT.

10/13/16 16:37 16:47 16:47 17:13 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015191 8961

14TH & PONCA

#19 OUT W/ MALE. WENT 10-15 W/ 60 C/M FOR (KSO FEL 44'S AND LOCAL 44'S.) #19 TOOK SUBJ STRAIGHT TO KSO.

10/13/16 17:43 17:43 17:46 18:09 DOMESTIC PD 16015195 9908

W BROADWAY

RP REQ OFFICER REF DOMESITC, FEM HAS A BAT. #38 ASND. #19 ASST. WAS NOT DOMESTIC. MALE SHOWED UP AT RESI DRUNK.

#19 WENT 10-15 W/ 49 YO I/M FOR PI.

10/13/16 18:53 18:56 18:59 23:18 WELFARE CHECK PD 16015197 9908

S 14TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF A FEM IN A WHITE FORD EXPLORER, IS PASSED OUT IN HER VEH. PAPER TAG 107017. #28 ASND. #38 ASST.

#28 WENT 10-15 W/ 29 YO W/F FOR APC AND CHILD NEGLECT X2.

#28 TRANSPORTED THE FEM 10-15 TO ER FOR BLOOD DRAW.

10/13/16 22:29 22:35 22:35 23:45 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015207 9999

4TH & SOUTH

#40 T/S W/ 784MXS. NP BUDGET TOWED THE VEH.

#40 WENT 10-15 W/ 49 YO W/M FOR (KSO 44: OBT CASH/MERCH FALSE PRETENSE.)

10/14/16 00:25 00:48 00:51 01:01 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16015209 9368

N UNION

KOS REQ CHECK RESI FOR MALE SUBJ DOB 1984. THEY HAVE INFO THAT HE IS THERE AND HAS CONFIRMED FELONY AND MISD 44'S FOR DOM A&B FOR $21,000 TOTAL.

*** OFFICER SAFETY ***

#37 & #45 ASND. #59 RESPONDED. KSO K-19 WENT 10-15 W/ THIS SUBJ.

10/14/16 00:53 00:54 01:27 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015210 8811

14TH & DONALD

#06 T/S W/ 072HYX. #59 & #37 ASST. VEH REL TO LIC DRIVER.

#06 WENT 10-15 W/ 18 YO B/F FOR NO DL.

10/14/16 02:03 02:04 02:05 00:00 MENTALLY DIST PERSON PD 16015213 9999

GRAND & UNION

#40 OUT W/ VEH, FEM SCREAMING AND A MALE PASSENGER. #45 RESPONDED. #40 REQ NON EMER AMB. A115 RESPONDED, NO TRANSPORT. #40 10-12 PROTECTIVE CUSTODY W/ FEM TO PD. #45 10-12 W/ MALE TO SOUTH & WAVERLY. VEH WAS LEGALLY PARKED. EDWIN FAIR CONTACTED.

10/14/16 02:17 02:17 02:44 03:35 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015214 9742

GLENSIDE

#37 T/S W/ 286GGP. #59 & #06 ASST. #59 STOOD BY FOR NP PINKY TOW.

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 23 YO I/F FOR DUI, NO INS, NO DL IN POSS, FAIL TO RPT NAME/ADDR CHANGE, OPER M/V UNREAS/PROP, & LOC.

10/14/16 02:56 02:57 02:58 03:38 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16015216 9368

E OKLAHOMA

CONTACT RP IN THE LOBBY REF A STOLEN VEH. #45 ASND. VEH WAS STOLEN FROM BUSINESS. WAS REFERRED TO NOBLE CO S/O.

PER #45, BOLO ON 2008 MAROON CHE3V CHRYSLER 300 4DR, CHROME FACTORY WHEELS, TINTED WINDOWS, DAMAGE TO PASSENGER SIDE, PN TAGS. RP RPTS IT IS SUPPOSEDLY BEING DRIVING BY TWO MALES. VEH SHOULD BE ENTERED NCIC BY NOBLE COUNTY. ALL UNITS ADV'D.

*** OFFICER SAFETY, ONE OF THE MALES IS BELIEVED TO BE ARMED W/ A SHOTGUN AND HAS $150,000 IN WARRANTS FROM KSO. ***

(KMZA)--Funeral services have been set for Beattie man killed late last week in a single-vehicle Marshall County wreck.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department says 65-year-old Vance Hadorn was eastbound on Limestone Road, about ¾ of a mile west of K-99, early last Friday evening when his sport utility vehicle went into north ditch.  Hadorn swerved back onto the road and then went back into the north ditch, where his vehicle landed on its top.

His vehicle was found last Saturday morning and Hadorn was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff’s office says he had been on his way home from his brother’s house when the wreck occurred.

Services for Hadorn will be will be held Saturday, October 22nd at 11:15 in the morning at the Salem Lutheran Church, south of Axtell.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Sheriff Jayme Reed met with the City Council in Pawnee City Monday night.

Sheriff Reed informed the Council that she has been interviewing candidates for an open Deputy Sheriff position.  Reed said she has offered the job to one of the candidates and is waiting to hear back if the offer is accepted.

In other business this week the Council approved renewing the pasture lease at the city well site with Todd Albers.  Albers rents the 177 acres for $93.25 per acre, which brings in more than $16,500 annually to the city. 

Council members were also reminded to the October 18th Town Hall meeting scheduled for a 7 p.m. start time. The meeting is to discuss the re-evaluated street study by JEO.  The company is proposing adding additional streets to the street improvement project. It would include 44 blocks under the proposal.  

Pawnee City voters will decide during the November 8th General Election whether or not to approve an additional ½ cent sales tax to pay for the needed street repairs.  
 

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle Jackson County crash Friday morning sent a Holton man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 about one mile north of Mayetta around 7:40.

The Patrol says 59-year-old Charles Enault was northbound when he fell asleep at the wheel.  His car entered the center grass median and struck a stop sign.

Enault, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to the Holton Community Hospital for the treatment of possible injuries.     

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is behind bars following financial-related crimes.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 36-year-old Patricia Williams was arrested on Wednesday for computer crime, criminal use of a financial card and theft.

Wilson said it was Sept. 14 when Williams allegedly used a financial card illegally at Atchison’s Cash Saver and Dollar General.

It was later on Sept. 29 where Williams allegedly stole a cell phone at 1000 block of South 15.th

She was booked into the Atchison County Jail where she remains. 

(MSC News)--A candidates forum, for those seeking election in the November 8 general election, is planned for next week, held by the Pottawatomie County Republican Party.

Scheduled to take place at the Onaga Community Center, announcement of the forum was delivered through a press release dated October 10. The forum is set for Tuesday evening, from 6:00 until 9:00.

Randy Garber, the unopposed Republican State Representative for the 62nd district, is coordinating arrangements with co-sponsors and participants.

He tells MSC News, in an email, that two Republicans, incumbent Senator Dennis Pyle and 61st district House of Representatives candidate Francis Awerkamp, have committed to attend. Both candidates have confirmed their attendance. 

In the press release, Pottawatomie County Republican Chairman Norman Stutzman says it was decided to host the forum “to allow candidates to present their messages in front of the largest possible audience versus numerous special interest forums that take candidates off the campaign trail away from the broad spectrum of voters."

The forum is scheduled for the same evening as another similar event planned in Highland.

information provided here from kfor.com

PONCA CITY, Okla. – A former Oklahoma police officer has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 12-year-old girl.

On Thursday evening, investigators took 45-year-old Matthew Vassar into custody.

On Oct. 11, investigators with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations began looking into the allegations against Vassar.

The allegations came to light after the alleged victim told a friend that Vassar had been inappropriately touching her for the past several years.

At that point, family members of the friend called the victim’s mother to tell her about the alleged abuse. The victim’s mother then immediately called police.

The arrest warrant claims that during an interview with officials, the victim said that she “didn’t know what Vassar was doing to her was wrong. As [the victim] got older and had watched a video about puberty and sex at school, she learned what Vassar was doing to her was wrong.”

The victim told investigators that she was afraid to tell anyone because she didn’t think anyone would believe her, adding that she was scared of Vassar.

The probable cause affidavit claims that Vassar resigned on Thursday from the Perry Police Department after the OSBI made multiple attempts to contact him for an interview.

Vassar was arrested in Ponca City on Thursday evening for lewd acts with a child.

( KNZA)--Another suspect charged in the May shooting death of a St. Joseph teen has admitted their role in his death.

KQ2-TV reports 17-year-old Jay’Den Maynard, of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty Thursday in a Buchanan County courtroom to a charge of first-degree attempted robbery.
 
Sentencing was set for December 12th.  The charge carries a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years.

Maynard was among six charged in the May 17th shooting death of 18-year-old Skylar Powell in what prosecutors say was a drug deal gone bad.

Guilty pleas were accepted last week from four others charged in the case, with their sentencing also set for December 12th.

The judge declined to accept a guilty plea from the sixth co-defendant, Jason Smith.   Smith faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

He was to have appeared in court Thursday, but his hearing was pushed back to October 26th.

(KMZA)--Nemaha Central students scored well on the state assessment tests last year.

Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School testing coordinator, Carol Sack, presented the results to the USD 115 Board of Education this week.

Results were shown for math, English and language arts.  The tests were taken by 3rd-8th grade students along with 10th graders.

The results showed the students scored at or above average in all areas.

Stack says the tests have been changed since a few years ago and last year was the first year of testing under the new system.  She said scoring categories have changed and a teacher can identify areas that his or her class tested either strongly or poorly.  Individual student results can also be viewed for problems in specific areas.

Stack says the testing times have been greatly reduced, allowing teachers more time to teach in their classrooms.

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's top election official says there's just one more day to register for the state's general election on Nov. 8.
    Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax says Friday is the deadline for people to register to vote, update their registration or change their address or party affiliation prior to the election.
    Voter registration forms are available at county election boards, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and some other public locations. They can also be downloaded from the Election Board's website.
    Voters can register in person or mail their registration forms postmarked before the deadline. Sample ballots can be viewed on the Election Board's website, where voters can also check their party affiliation, polling place and other registration information.
    ---
    Online:
    Oklahoma State Election Board: http://elections.ok.gov.
 

   
     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma medical examiner's office will move into a new building in northeast Oklahoma City.
    The board of directors for the chief medical examiner's office has approved a sublease to move into the building that formerly housed the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.
    The move is to take place next year and Gov. Mary Fallin said Thursday the move will help regain accreditation the office lost in 2009, in part because of poor facilities.
    Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Eric Pfeifer said the current building is derelict and unsafe. The space the medical examiner's office will occupy will include state-of-the-art equipment, and new lab spaces, plumbing, electrical wiring, walls and ceilings.
    The building is owned by the Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office and leased to a company created by a real estate developer.
 

   
     TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Federal investigators say the woman accused of driving her car into spectators at Oklahoma State University's homecoming parade and killing four people sped up as she approached the parade route.
    The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that co-workers who saw 26-year-old Adacia Chambers before the crash said she seemed distracted. The NTSB said her "emotional distress" was the probable cause of the crash on Oct. 24, 2015.
    The report says Chambers' car accelerated from 54 mph to 59 mph in the five seconds before she struck a police motorcycle blocking the roadway. The NTSB says she applied the brakes after hitting the motorcycle, though the report doesn't say how fast she was driving when she hit the crowd.
    Chambers has pleaded not guilty to four counts of second-degree murder.
 

(KAIR)--20 area programs and agencies benefit through a donation made by a local tribe.

On Thursday, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation made the presentation of $83,000 during a ceremony held on the Tribe's reservation, near Mayetta.

The Tribe, each quarter, distributes funding awards earmarked for selected recipients that a press release calls those who promote "community stewardship and long term sustainability of resources for Kansas."

Among those selected to receive a portion of the funds are USD 336 North Jackson, Big Brothers Big Sisters, We-Ta-Se American Legion Post 410, the American Cancer Society, and the USD 337 Royal Valley Schools.

In 2015, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation donated more than $300,000 to the northeast Kansas area.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from the public to help identify a vehicle which left the scene of a Shawnee County crash, which resulted in severe injuries to a pedestrian, earlier this week.

The crash occurred on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at approximately 8:00 p.m. The vehicle was northbound on K-4 Highway at Seward Avenue, when it hit a pedestrian, who was walking on K-4.

The suspect vehicle the Patrol is looking for is an older, possibly 1990’s to early 2000’s model Chevrolet truck, dark blue or black in color. It will be missing its right side mirror, and it is likely the passenger side headlight is inoperable.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is grateful to the public for their assistance in our cases. There have been numerous instances and vehicles which have been successfully located, thanks to help from our citizens. Please call Master Trooper Adam Simone at 785-296-3102, with any information. 

(KLZA)-- Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15, have been declared Community Cleanup Days in Falls City.

Falls City residents will be able to dispose of unwanted items at Falls City Sanitation at 3417 Barada Street or at Hamilton’s Recycling and Disposal Center at 6th and Stone Street on Friday from 1 until 6 p.m. or Saturday morning from 8 until 11:30.

Most items will be accepted, however tires, household waste, hazardous chemicals and paint will not be accepted.  
 

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

10/12/16 07:45 07:45 07:45 09:07 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015107 9906

W CLEVELAND

#31 ADV'D HISP MALE RUNNING EB. #49 OUT W/ 36 YO C/F BEHIND ADDR ON W CLEVELAND. ALSO FI'D 39 YO I/F AND 24 YO C/F.

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 25 YO W/M FOR (RULE 8 POSS CDS.)

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 18 YO I/M FOR POSS CDS METH, POSS CDS PARA.

10/12/16 08:19 08:25 08:30 09:14 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015108 9731

E SOUTH

RP @ BUSINESS ADV'D THEIR BLDG AT THIS LOCATION WAS BROKEN INTO LAST NIGHT. #49 TOOK RPT.

10/12/16 09:25 09:26 09:31 09:34 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015110 9906

W GARY

FEM C911 ADV'D 47 YO W/M MAY BE TRYING TO STEAL HER SSI INFO. RP IS ON FOOT NEAR BUSINESS. #31 GAVE OPTIONS. 10-12 W/ RP TO W GARY. THEN 10-12 TO ER FOR UNRELATED ISSUE.

*

@ ADDR ON W GARY #31 WENT 10-15 W/ 64 YO W/M FOR (KSO 44: RULE 8 TRAFFIC.)

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 51 YO W/M FOR OFFENSIVE WEAPON.

10/12/16 11:32 11:34 11:38 12:56 DOMESTIC PD 16015119 9551

N UNION

RP ADV'D 31 YO B/M ASSAULTED A 33 YO B/F WHO IS NOW IN THE OFFICE. MEDICAL REFUSED. #27 & #49 RESPONDED. CONTACT MADE W/ BOTH PARTIES. RPT TKN. WARRANT REQ. DV ADVOCATE CONTACTED.

10/12/16 12:18 12:22 12:25 12:36 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015124 9906

COOLEY

RP IN LOBBY REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #31 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/12/16 15:31 15:34 15:35 15:54 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015127 9678

N OAK

RP REQ OFFICER REF VEH BURG. #32 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/12/16 16:04 16:04 16:04 18:23 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015130 9276

E PROSPECT

#29 WENT ON T/S W/ 294KTQ AND WENT 10-15 W/ 37 YO C/F FOR DUS, NO INS, EXP REG, AND (CITY 44: FTP-EXP REG.)

WARNER TOWED VEH.

10/12/16 16:12 16:18 16:30 16:56 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16015131 8961

KINGSTON

RP REQ OFFICER REF VEH THAT STRUCK HIS A/C UNIT AND THEN LEFT. TLAPSE ABOUT AN HOUR. #19 ASND. #56 ASST. RPT TKN.

10/12/16 16:53 16:55 16:57 17:18 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015135 9678

CLEVELAND & PINE

RP ADV'D I/M IN HIS UNDERWEAR IS BEATING ON CARS AND CAUSING DISTURBANCE IN AREA. #32 ASND. #44 ASST.

#32 WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO I/M FOR PI.

10/12/16 18:08 18:09 18:11 18:56 INTOX SUBJECT PD 16015139 9678

BROOKFIELD & UNION

RP ADV'D OF INTOX FEM, JEAN JACKET, JEANS, ON FOOT IN AREA. #32 ASND, #07 ASST.

#32 WENT 10-15 W/ 61 YO W/F FOR PI.

10/12/16 19:02 19:04 19:08 20:51 FIRE RUN PD 16015142 9908

POPLAR

RP ADV'D OF HOUSE ON FIRE. #28 ASND. #56, #07, & #19 ASST. ACCIDENTAL FIRE RELATED TO A CANDLE.

10/12/16 19:21 19:23 19:27 20:18 INTOX SUBJECT PD 16015143 9677

E LAKE RD

RP ADV'D OF POSSIBLE INTOX NATIVE MALE WRG BLACK IN ESTABLISHMENT. #38 ASND. #38 & #07 RESPONDED. 37 YO I/M WAS TRANSPORTED TO ER CODE YELLOW, NOT INTOX. #38 TOOK INFO AND WILL BE DOING A RPT.

10/12/16 21:06 21:20 21:28 21:38 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015147 9999

S 13TH

RP RETURNED TO HOME TO FIND A FEM WALKING OUT OF THE RESI CARRYING RP'S PERSONAL BELONGINGS. SHE LEFT ITEMS THERE WHEN CONFRONTED. LEFT IN UNK DIR OF TRAVEL IN A BLU SINGLE CAB DODGE P/U. W/F, ABOUT 35 YOA, WRG A WHI SHIRT W/ SOME KIND OF GRAPHICS ON THE FRONT AND BLK JEANS. TLAPSE ABOUT 1.5 HRS. #40 ASND, NO RPT AT THIS TIME, WILL ATTEMPT TO CONTACT THE FEM SUBJ.

10/12/16 22:31 22:32 22:32 22:43 DISTURBANCE PD 16015152 9785

CLEVELAND & OAK

GUNSHOT HEARD, OFFICER IN AREA HEARD ALSO, CALLER ADV'D RED FOR EXPEDITION WAS BEING FOLLOWED BY WHITE 2DR HONDA SB ON OSAGE FROM CENTRAL, LOST THEM THERE. #37, #59, #40, & #56 CK'D AREA, UTL. ER NOTIFIED REF ANYONE RPT'ING ANY INJURY.

10/12/16 22:33 22:45 22:48 22:48 EXTRA PATROL PD 16015153 9785

S PEACHTREE

SOMEONE JUST TRIED TO GET INTO THE BLK 2013 CAMARO IN THE DRIVEWAY. LEFT UNK DIR WHEN THE ALARM WENT OFF. 2ND TIME THIS WEEK. ** REQ XPTL ** #59 CK'D THE AREA.

10/12/16 23:54 23:54 23:54 01:26 FIRE RUN PD 16015159 8654

POPLAR

RP REPORTED STRUCTURE FROM EARLIER ON FIRE. #57 RESPONDED, ADV'D FULLY ENGULFED. PCFD ALL STATION RESPONSE. #37 & #56 ASST. KSO OFFICER ALSO ASST'D FOR TRAFFIC.

10/13/16 03:37 03:39 03:39 04:53 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015164 9742

W SOUTH

#37 W/ OK 474GHW IN AREA. FI'D FEM DOB 1993. #59 ASST. FEM LIC DRIVER WAS RELEASED.

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 31 YO W/M FOR (CREEK COUNTY WARRANT.)

(KNZA)--Several people came together to help a young Hiawatha girl with cerebral palsy.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says it was brought to his attention that 13-year-old Katie Moorhous was in need of a specialized, and costly, car seat.

The unique seats are built specifically for the specialized needs of each individual.

Merchant says Phyllis Larrimore, program coordinator for Children’s Mercy Hospital, provided all the information needed so the proper car seat could be ordered, and drove from Kansas City to Hiawatha Monday in order to properly install the car seat for Katie.    

Several people were on hand at the Sheriff's Office during the installation to show support for the cause.

Merchant says a joint effort with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl, of the Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha, and other benevolent entities, allowed for the purchase of the car seat at no cost to Katie's family.

He voices his gratitude to those who assisted with the effort.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday afternoon Atchison County welfare check leads to a helicopter search, and reportedly two arrests.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, concerns were raised after clothing, and other belongings, were discovered on a roadway near the Atchison County Lake.

Investigators, making an identification of the possible owner, contacted family members who said the suspected owner had been missing, and had not been to work for a short period of time.

The Kansas Highway Patrol was contacted, with the agency's helicopter used for an overhead search of the area.

Although no one was located, a vehicle, apparently belonging to the missing person, was discovered in Doniphan County.

Laurie says preliminary reports indicate two individuals were located by authorities in the neighboring county, with both arrested on possible drug charges.

Names are not immediately released as the investigation continues.

(KAIR)--A make-over for Doniphan County in the form of a brand-new website.

“Looking at the old website—it was very hard for anyone coming to it to find any information on there in an easy way,” said Doniphan County Economic Development Director Adrienne Korson.  “Really, the whole focus was to improve the appearance, make it easier for any user and also make it easier for employees to update their own content.”

She says the new website launched last week.

She hopes the new user-friendly site will enhance the county’s communication with citizens as well as overall development for the county.

“This is filling a need to post the positive stories,” Korson said. “This is trying to show off what this beautiful, rural community does have to offer and the businesses that are here. We wanted to show that off to the world.”

Korson added there will be a business directory added to the website later, and says surveys will be coming out in the future asking residents what they think about the website in order to continually improve the site.

MARIETTA, Okla. (AP) - The sheriff of Love County has submitted his resignation to avoid going through a trial seeking his ouster. 
 
Sheriff Joe Russell submitted his resignation, effective Oct. 31, last week. He had faced a trial seeking his removal after the state's multicounty grand jury recommended he be removed from office for corruption and other alleged violations. He's pleaded not guilty to charges of maintaining a drug house and harboring a fugitive.
 
He had been suspended with pay since Aug. 1.
 
According to The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2dOXzS5) Russell was not seeking re-election and only had a few months left of his term.
 

More than 100 Ponca City Cub Scouts attended a western-themed campout this past weekend at Camp McFadden.

On Friday evening, they ate beans and Dutch-oven corn bread and were serenaded by a real-life cowboy around a campfire with songs and stories from the Old West.

Local Newkirk cowboy and former educator Bob Rogers brought his working chuck wagon to prepare the beans and his guitar to provide entertainment. Cornbread and cobbler were prepared in Dutch ovens, large cast iron pots that have tight-fitting lids, and are heated by placing hot coals on top of and beneath them.

The Dutch oven cooks for the evening were Curtis and Gaye Ann Grace and Jeff Koenke, master Dutch oven chefs who have competed and placed in International competitions. In addition to cooking, Curtis Grace shared the history of Dutch ovens and how they are used.

There were approximately 175 children and parents in attendance, with most pitching tents and staying overnight. The camp out was organized by Jay Wagner, Webelos Den Leader of Pack 3524, who aimed to introduce the kids to food and games of the bygone Old West era.

Saturday morning the Scouts played a variety of Old Western-styled games including a bucking bronco ride, horseshoes, potato sack racing, soap carving and cow chip tossing. 

All three Ponca City Cub Scout Packs were in attendance including Pack 3517 (Woodlands School), Pack 3524 (Lutheran School) and Pack 3553 (Trout School). Cubmasters are Lisa Eisele, Lee Stout and Zac Ladner, respectively. 

The Boy Scouts of America’s Cub Scouting program is for boys who are in the first through fifth grade. They participate in family-centered activities, group activities, and learn valuable life skills. In 2015 there were 1,261,340 boys enrolled in Cub Scouts nationwide. 

For more information on how to join or volunteer, visit www.beascout.scouting.org.

(KAIR)--An expired license tag leads to a drug arrest for an Atchison man.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 51-year-old Gregory Winfield was stopped by an officer around 10:00 Wednesday evening in the 200 block of North Fifth Street for the expired tag.

He was then arrested for a suspended license as well.

“During that arrest, Gregory Winfield was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia,” Wilson said.

He was booked into the Atchison County Jail where he remains.

Three Ponca City companies were recognized last week with four awards at this year's Manufacturing Week Awards.

The awards presentation was sponsored by a coalition of workforce, education and industry in Oklahoma which include Dream It, Do It, OK2Grow, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and many others.  

Precision Tool and Die won the Sustainability Award. Erik Peitz, General Manager at Custom Mechanical Equipment (CME) and Gary Harvey, owner and CEO of MJ&H Fabrication, received recognition as Emerging Manufacturing Leaders. MJ&H also received an award for Innovation in the Workplace.  

These awards were presented at the Manufacturing Awards Reception in Oklahoma City on Oct. 3 at the Francis Tuttle Portland Campus. 

Francis Tuttle students presented robotics projects and explained the specialty Siemen System program that is part of the career specific training available to high school juniors and seniors to maintain a quality workforce.

Precision Tool and Die has been part of the Ponca City manufacturing community for 48 years and has expanded their manufacturing facility foot print from 4,500 square feet to more than 50,000 square feet.

Participation in the Lighten the Load program, a Ponca City Development Authority award winning lighting cost saving program, and partnering with local manufacturing companies to keep manufacturing dollars local were reasons why Precision Tool & Die won the Sustainable Manufacturing Award.

Erik Peitz, General Manager, was recognized as an Emerging Manufacturing Leader as CME continues to diversify its high efficiency heating and air conditioning units manufacturing capabilities.  Other lines of business at CME now include portable sand blasting and powder coating equipment as well as building and distribution of all companion pieces for the units. 

CME and MJ&H owner Gary Harvey were also recognized in this category for their companies' participation in teacher and student industry tours at their locations.   Harvey, due to his company's heavy and specialized welding positions, is very involved with the welding program at Pioneer Technology Center.

"This type of participation and manufacturing excellence, as well as the diversity of processes, is why manufacturing is so important to the Ponca City economy," said David Myers, Ponca City Development Authority Executive Director. 

"Oklahoma's manufacturing output is over $18 billion dollars and the average age of high skilled workers is 56," Myers said. "This is an opportunity to introduce a new generation to manufacturing -- high tech, diversified and growing manufacturing.  Congratulations to Precision Tool & Die, MJ&H Fabrication, Gary Harvey and Erik Peitz." 

To find out more information on Manufacturing Day and all the activities in October, go to www.DreamItDoItOK.org .  To find out more about the Ponca City Manufacturing Day or to sign up your company representatives to attend on Friday, Oct. 28, visit www.GoPonca.com or call (580) 765-7070.

Pictured are Erik Peitz, General Manager of CME and Greg Neisen, owner Precision Tool and Die, and Gary Harvey, owner  of MJ&H Fabrication.

 (KNZA)---Holton USD 336 Superintendent Dennis Stones will retire at the end of the current school year.

 The USD 336 Board of Education accepted his resignation during their meeting this week.

 Stones as served as superintendent at Holton since July 1st, 2014.

 Stones, who will be 64 in the spring, will be wrapping up 40 years in public education—the majority of that spent at Sabetha.

A local resident called the Police Department Thursday morning advising of a scam telephone call she had just received.

Luckily, she recognized this grant opportunity as too good to be true and did not reveal her credit card numbers or personal information. She lost nothing, but wanted to warn other residents.

The caller identified themselves as being a representative with Premier Grants working with Biz World Services. The caller asked the resident for current outstanding credit card balances and the credit card limits on her credit cards.

After the caller received that information, the resident was told that she qualified for a grant and then asks for credit card number(s). The caller tells the resident that she’d be charged a monthly fee until the grant is funded. The caller explained it takes two or three months for the process.

Since the scam offers a “grant,” it leads the recipient of the call to believe that the funds don’t have to be repaid.

With the scammer having the credit card information, it opens up the possibility of all kinds of charges to be added to the account.

DECA is currently finishing up preparation for the 4th annual Spread the Word to End the Word Walk and Block Party.

It will be Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn of Ponca City High School.  There will be fun and activities for the entire family, including a free tailgate lunch, face painting, a petting zoo, fire truck, live DJ and dancing. 

At 12:30 p.m. there will be a pledge walk around the Hutchins Walking Trail to pledge not to use the degrading “R” word - retarded - as a slang word.  The entire event is free for the community. 

There will be Spread the Word T-shirts available for purchase to help offset the cost of the event.   

The Spread the Word campaign is a national youth campaign and was started in Ponca City in 2012 by Cash Vanbuskirk. It was started as a tribute to DECA Advisor Heather Monks' daughter, who has Down syndrome.

Shown are campaign chairman Kaleb Cervantes, Michaela Swinehart and Emily Ponce. 

DECA is currently finishing up preparation for the 4th annual Spread the Word to End the Word Walk and Block Party.

It will be Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn of Ponca City High School.  There will be fun and activities for the entire family, including a free tailgate lunch, face painting, a petting zoo, fire truck, live DJ and dancing. 

At 12:30 p.m. there will be a pledge walk around the Hutchins Walking Trail to pledge not to use the degrading “R” word - retarded - as a slang word.  The entire event is free for the community. 

There will be Spread the Word T-shirts available for purchase to help offset the cost of the event.   

The Spread the Word campaign is a national youth campaign and was started in Ponca City in 2012 by Cash Vanbuskirk. It was started as a tribute to DECA Advisor Heather Monks' daughter, who has Down syndrome.

Shown are campaign chairman Kaleb Cervantes, Michaela Swinehart and Emily Ponce. 

(KNZA)--About 2,600 Westar Energy customers in Brown County lost power early Thursday morning for about 3 hours.

Westar Energy Spokeswoman Yvonne Etzel says the outage was reported around 6:00 and service was restored around 9.

There was no immediate word on what caused the outage.

The Ponca City Police Communications Center received a 911 call from Uncle Mike’s, located at 110 North First Street at approximately 3:08 p.m. Wednesday. The manager reported that two young people ran into the store, went directly to the cash register, opened it and grabbed cash.

The male left the store immediately. The manager, 68, blocked the door and didn’t allow the female suspect to leave.

Police arrived and took the 16-year-old girl into custody. She was charged with first-degree burglary, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. She was later released to her guardian.

A clerk of a business in the 200 block of South Pine Street requested a welfare check on the male suspect, calling him by name, approximately 45 minutes after the incident at Uncle Mike’s.

The suspect, according to the clerk, left and went north from the business. The clerk said he was talking to himself and not making sense. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate him.

About an hour and a half later, at approximately 5:29 p.m., a female called police, reporting the named suspect was walking west near the intersection of Pine Street and Grand Avenue, and was carrying a knife. Officers responded and the 17-year-old boy was taken into custody.

He was arrested for first degree burglary and was released to a Kay County Deputy to be transported to a Juvenile Detention Facility.

Both suspects will be referred to the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the District Attorney’s Office. Jail records indicate both have dropped out of school.

(KAIR)--More than $600,000 over the next five years, for the purpose of preventing child abuse.

That's the result of a grant awarded to the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, allocated through the Administration for Children and Families.

The funds will support the Kickapoo Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Program.

According to a press release issued by the Kickapoo Tribe, the focus will be placed on fatherhood, and the important role father figures play in the lives of children.

Tribal Chairman Lester Randall calls the funding from the Tribal and Migrant Discretionary Grant Program "an exciting opportunity,” saying that "fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other male role models are important to the well being" of the entire tribe.

The program will work with existing projects to create a Family Resource Center, which will serve as a central location for resources, information, and referrals for all family-related services.

Goals established for the program include the development of a support network for father figures in the Kickapoo community, integrating strategies that reinforce parenting skills and enhance family relationships, fostering the economic stability of father figures through coordination with tribal employment programs, and improving relationship-related skills among father figures to enable them to sustain healthy relationships with their co-parents and children.

Receipt of the funds comes through a competitive application and review process.

The BisonBison Film Festival hosted the 2016 Manhattan Short on  Sept. 25 in the historic Poncan Theatre.

This annual event is an international competition for short films ( a film is considered “short” when it is 40 minutes or less). Audience members from more than 250 venues, across six continents, including the Ponca City audience, voted for the best of 10 films.

The films were from Germany, Norway, France, Australia, Russia, Netherlands, the United States and other countries, and were of equally diverse genres such as horror, science fiction, romantic comedy, animated documentary or social commentary. Audiences were also able to vote for the best actor from all 10 films.

The winning short film, with 19,210 votes from around the world, was the Netherlands’ “Hold On,” a film about how stage fright almost cripples a young musician, from the simple happenstance of a broken string on her cello.

Actress Charlie Chan Dagelet from this film won as Best Actor.

Second place, with 16,264 votes in the competition, was from Norway, “The Tunnel” in which a family experiences a tense journey home from an outing at the beach, where their lives are almost ended randomly by a death tunnel in a dark futuristic city.

Third place was the Australian animated film “I Am a Pencil” about how a simple pencil is the most important tool in keeping freedom of speech alive. It had 10,505 votes.

These three films are now headed for the Academy Awards competition.

Here in Ponca City, the top three winners were:

• Third place “Hold On”;
• Second place from the United States, “Ella Gets a Promotion,” depicting the hypocrisy in corporate America, when Ella finally gets her long awaited promotion, but in a very comical manner rejects the promotion because of the strings attached;
• First place “The Tunnel.”

Dagelet was also the favored actor in Ponca City.

The mission of the BisonBison Film Festival is to recognize and showcase the work of student filmmakers enrolled in academic programs in the mid-America region.

The 2017 BisonBison Film Festival is scheduled to take place April 7 and 8. For more information visit www.bisonbisonfilmfestival.org or BisonBison Film Festival on Facebook.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education is expected to discuss using the gymnasium at the former Southeast Consolidated School in Stella to help alleviate issues at the schools in Auburn when they meet in November.  

In September the Building and Grounds Committee suggested the idea. The Auburn School District would like to get away from having to have early morning practices for either the girls or boys basketball teams. With just the one gym, currently the girls or boys have to practice at 6:30 in the morning while the other team practices after school. 

Steve Bantz owns the former Southeast Consolidated School. Superintendent Kevin Reiman tells MSCNEWS he was surprised at how good a condition the gymnasium floor is still in, despite having been closed down since 2009.  

It would be a 15 minute bus ride to Stella if an agreement can be worked out.
 

(KLZA)-- Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15, have been declared Community Cleanup Days in Falls City.

Falls City residents will be able to dispose of unwanted items at Falls City Sanitation at 3417 Barada Street or at Hamilton’s Recycling and Disposal Center at 6th and Stone Street on Friday from 1 until 6 p.m. or Saturday morning from 8 until 11:30.

Most items will be accepted, however tires, household waste, hazardous chemicals and paint will not be accepted.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council members heard reports concerning the swimming pool renovation project when they met this week. 

The flooring project is nearing completion and other renovation projects are underway. Council member Mark Sunneberg Jr. reported that Southeast Nebraska Development District is working to complete a grant application for funds from the Peter Kiewit Foundation. If awarded, the money would be used as part of the City funds required for the 50-50 match for the Nebraska Game and Parks Land and Water Grant. 

Fundraising efforts are continuing. The matching grant can be worth up to $87,500 but requires an equal match. 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to award a bid for equipment for a kitchen in the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center and Jail to Hockenberg’s of Omaha.  The company submitted the low bid for the equipment of nearly $52,000.

Following a review of the proposal form Porchaska & Associates architectural firm for design work for the kitchen area, the Board tabled action.

The Prochaska firm is seeking an amount, not to exceed $7,200 for the work
 

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has adopted a document establishing standards of financial solvency and viability for the district as a whole as well as individual campuses.

Superintendent Todd Evans that came during the Board’s meeting Monday evening and was the work of the Board’s finance committee.

Evans says although the goal is for each campus to achieve a break-even level of financial performance, the Board indicated as long as the district is operating with receipts equaling expenditures, small campus deficits are acceptable.

He says two formula’s were listed that will be used to examine campus deficits compared to district expenditures and campus deficits compared to the respective campus total expenditures.  Evans says if the campus deficit exceeds the threshold, the Board would examine the situation and develop an action plan at that time.

In other business, Evans says the Board approved the mid-day transportation of preschool students at all district buildings, effective October 31st.  He says that includes pre-school students within the city limits of Axtell and Sabetha that haven’t previously been transported.    

(KNZA)--Although they will be rivals on the football field Friday night, students from Hiawatha are showing strong support to a Riverside school district student battling leukemia.

It will happen during the game, as the Hiawatha Redhawks meet the Riverside Cyclones, in Wathena. Orange shirts will be a visible sight, as the students wear them in united support of Riverside sophomore Ta’Lian Wilkinson. Orange is the color used to raise leukemia awareness.

Wilkinson, a member of the football team, was diagnosed with leukemia May 6th. He recently began aggressive treatment at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, which will continue for three years.

Hiawatha High School Principal Andrew Gaddis told the Hiawatha Board of Education Monday evening that the high school student council had 100 orange Fight Leukemia shirts made, which are being sold for $7, with the proceeds earmarked for Wilkinson.

Those wishing to help with the effort of support are told to contact the Hiawatha High School.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council spent a portion of their meeting time discussing a nuisance property when they met Monday evening. 

Bruce Hansher and Yvette Ward who live next to a house at 439 F Street,  presented pictures of the property, pictures of rats and cockroaches that have allegedly come to their home from the house at 439 F Street. They also presented a petition signed by neighbors asking the something be done about the property. They also complained of a foul odor from the property.

Since the home is currently occupied, there is little the city can do. It was noted that efforts have been made recently to clean up trash and debris outside the home. 

(KLZA)-- A ceremony for disposal of unserviceable flags took place at the Falls City Middle School last week. 

The retirement, of the collected flags, was conducted by the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion with help from a number of students. VFW Auxiliary members, Members of the American Legion burned each flag, one by one, with ceremonial respect. 

Falls City Middle School Principal Rick Johnson said “the ceremony  is a great lesson for our students on how a Flag is to be retired along with the messages presented by both the VFW and VFW Auxilary.” 

The Falls City Public School system extended their thanks the American Legion  and the VFW Auxiliary for allowing the school to participate in this ceremony.  They also thanked the Falls City Fire Department who was present.

Several events are on the calendar of The Poncan Theatre in October and early November.

Jason Petty as "Hank Williams"

Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under.
 

"Kyle Dillingham & The Horseshoe Road"

Thursday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
This is their new CD Concert Release

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under

Live from Las Vegas = Beatles Concert "Britain's Finest"

Friday, Oct.  28 at 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under.

The original "Psycho"
The date for this film has been changed to Sunday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. to avoid conflicts with Halloween night.
Tickets are $5 per person
Happy Halloween!

November

KISS Tribute  "Almost KISS"

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

There is a contest for the child who comes with best KISS make-up on. The winner will receive a free T-shirt.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

A 19-year-old Ponca City woman  has been charged on a felony count of lewd molestation involving a 14-year-old boy.

Katie Lynn Linck was arrested Sept. 23 after an interview with Ponca City Police about a complaint made by the boy's mother, who found photos of the two in sexual situations on the boy's phone.

The boy's mother said her son had known Linck for more than five years. She said she did not know that two were in a relationship until they broke up in September.

Linck was released on a $10,000 bond on Sept. 26. Her initial hearing was on Sept. 16.

Her next court date is for a status docket on Dec. 2. 

(KAIR)--Plans for a Jefferson County bridge replacement project are finalized.

That comes following a review of the issue during this week's meeting of the County Commission.

During the session, Public Works Director Bill Noll brought the updated information regarding the project to the board, with the cost, including funding assistance through a grant, outlined during the discussion.

The bridge is located northwest of Oskaloosa, over Slough Creek.

Kansas Department of Transportation grant funds will cover all but 20-percent of the construction cost, with the County to be responsible for paying the remainder of the price tag.

The total project cost, including construction engineering and inspection, along with actual construction, is nearly $722,000.

All cost estimates were provided by the engineering firm of Finny and Turpinseed, based in Topeka.

The Commission, during the meeting, signed the necessary KDOT document to proceed with the bridge replacement, voting unanimously to approve the work.

The project is set to happen in 2018.

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

10/11/16 08:04 08:06 08:06 08:06 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015038 88PD

CEDAR

RP CALLING FROM WORK, REQ INFO LOGGED. WILL RECALL LATER FOR RPT. CIGARETTES, COINS, AND FLASHLIGHT TAKEN FROM UNLOCKED VEH.

CONNECT #16015064: 15:41. #56 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 09:01 09:13 09:17 10:13 VEHICLE TOW PD 16015043 9751

E GRAND

RP'S CELL PHONE WAS LOST/STOLEN AND IS GETTING PINGS IN PARKING LOT OF BUSINESS. PHONE IS IN A VEH, 299KTV, #36 ADV'D VEH DOES NOT BELONG TO EMPLOYEES. #58 ADV'D LIC PLT IS ON A HONDA AND SHOULD BE ON A CHEV. NP TRM TOWED THE VEH.

10/11/16 11:57 11:59 12:06 12:40 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015054 9271

GREENBRIAR

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #20 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 12:44 12:51 12:51 13:09 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015057 9551

N 14TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT / LOSS OF A TAG. #27 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 14:16 14:18 14:28 15:36 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16015060 9271

N 12TH

RP ADV'D HER HOME WAS BROKEN INTO LAST NIGHT. #20 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 14:24 14:29 14:37 16:26 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015061 9276

E PROSPECT

ASSET PROTECTION REQ OFFICER REF EMBEZZLEMENT. #29 ASND. RPT TKN.

#29 WENT 10-15 W/ 22 YO W/F FOR EMBEZZLEMENT, KCSP.

10/11/16 14:25 14:27 14:34 14:50 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015062 9679

W FRESNO

RP W/ UTIL REQ OFFICER REF THEFT OF SERVICES. #50 ASND. HOUSE IS VACANT. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 14:46 15:09 15:45 15:50 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015063 9678

VIRGINIA

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT AND VANDALISM. #32 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 16:14 16:22 16:25 16:47 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015069 9004

E PROSPECT

SUBJ FLAGGED DOWN #56 REF STOLEN PURSE. RPT TKN.

10/11/16 16:23 16:24 16:24 17:27 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015071 9679

W DRY RD

#50 WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO W/F FOR (LOCAL 44'S: FTA-TRAFFIC X3.)

10/11/16 20:44 20:49 20:52 21:20 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015086 9678

N 7TH

RP RPT'D HER YAMAHA ZUMA HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM RESI AT ADDR ON N 7TH. #32 ASND. RPT TKN. RP IS GETTING INFO SO IT CAN BE ENTERED NCIC.

10/11/16 21:00 21:00 21:00 01:04 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16015087 0023

S 5TH

RP ADV 52 YO C/M IS BACK AT THE RESI. #44 ASND. MALE HAS CONFIRMED KSO FELONY 44'S. #19, #34, #56, & #07 RESPONDED.

#34 WENT 10-15 FOR #19 W/ 39 YO C/M FOR (KSO FEL 44'S: FTP-POSS CDS AFC.)

#07 WENT 10-15 FOR #56 W/ 57 YO W/F FOR (CITY 44'S: FTP-SPEEDING, FTP-NO DL.)

NO CONTACT W/ THE 52 YO C/M.

10/11/16 23:02 23:04 23:04 23:59 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015094 9742

OSAGE & SOUTH

#37 T/S 645LVB. WENT 10-15 W/ 34 YO W/F FOR (CITY 44: FTA-NO DL.)

10/12/16 00:27 00:33 00:33 01:17 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015100 0742

1ST & CLEVELAND

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 36 YO W/M FOR (FELONY IN STATE HOLD LINCOLN CO.)

FI'D AND RELEASED TWO SUBJS.

10/12/16 05:02 05:03 05:08 00:00 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015104 9150

DEAN

RESIDENT ADV'D UNK MALE, 20'S, WHI TSHRIT W/ BLOOD ON HIM KNOCKED ON HER DOOR, LEFT WB ON FOOT WHEN SHE DIDN'T ANSWER. #13 & #11 LOCATED THE MALE IN THE AREA.

#13 WENT 10-15 W/ 21 YO H/M FOR PI.

*

A115 TRANSPORTED MALE CODE GREEN FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR [REDACTED] WHICH OCCURRED PRIOR TO ARREST. CONNECT PCFD #16003912.

#13 @ ER WENT 10-15, #58 10-12 W/ 10-15 BACK TO BOOKING.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Attorneys for the family of an unarmed man killed by a Tulsa police officer last month say a toxicology report showing he had the hallucinogenic drug PCP in his system doesn't justify the shooting.    

The attorneys released a statement Tuesday night after the Oklahoma medical examiner released autopsy results for Terence Crutcher.    

Crutcher was shot Sept. 16 after his car broke down on a Tulsa street. Officer Betty Jo Shelby is charged with first-degree manslaughter in his death, with a prosecutor saying she reacted unreasonably after Crutcher disobeyed her commands.

The autopsy report says Crutcher's blood tested positive for phencyclidine, also known as PCP or Angel Dust.

Medical literature says it can induce euphoria and feelings of omnipotence. The statement from the family's attorneys says that "does not change the most pertinent facts of this tragedy" and that Shelby "should be held accountable for her unlawful actions.

Since 1980, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has been working with partner agencies and the community to fight hunger.  Last fiscal year alone, the nonprofit distributed more than 486,031 pounds of food to help hungry Kay county residents.

“Thanks to generous support from the community, volunteers, donors and board members, we are able to provide food to children, seniors and families struggling with hunger year-round,” said Dawn Burroughs, vice president of marketing at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.  “As long as there is a need, the Regional Food Bank will be here to feed our hungry Oklahoma neighbors.”

Last fiscal year, the Regional Food Bank distributed 52 million pounds of food and products throughout 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. 

In Kay County, the Regional Food Bank works with 13 partner agencies to fight hunger.  Partner agencies include: Agape Church of Christ, Associated Charities, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Friendship Feast, House of Prayer of Blackwell, Marland Children's Home, McCord Senior Citizens Center, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and the Opportunity Center.

The nonprofit also runs hunger-fighting programs in Kay County, including Food for Kids.  Last school year, the Regional Food Bank provided the equivalent of nearly 3 million meals to chronically hungry children through Food for Kids childhood hunger programs, which includes the Backpack Program and School Pantries.

Through the Backpack Program, children receive a backpack full of kid-friendly, non-perishable and nutritious food on Friday to sustain them over weekends and school holidays. 

Last school year, more than 18,800 students in 512 schools participated in the Backpack Program.  In Kay County alone, 406 students in eight schools participated in this program.  Schools included: Blackwell Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School, Kildare Elementary School, Liberty Elementary School, McCord Public Schools, Ponca Tribal Head Start, Tonkawa Elementary School and Trout Elementary School.

“I am a single mother, a teacher’s assistant and my child is 7,” shared Tiffany, whose son is on the Backpack Program. “He has a medical condition as well that costs us a lot of money every month, so this really helps offset that cost and stress. I don’t have to worry about snacks and food.”

The School Pantry Program provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over weekends. The School Pantry Program ended last school year serving more than 5,100 students in 152 middle and high schools.

In Kay County alone, 160 students in five schools participated in this program.  Schools included: Ponca City West Middle School, Ponca City East Middle School, Teen Pep and Wildcat Academy.

Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation, where one in four children struggles with hunger every day. Most of the clients served by the Regional Food Bank are children, seniors living on fixed incomes and working families who cannot make ends meet. 

To make a donation, or for more information, visit regionalfoodbank.org or call 405-600-3136.

The Ponca City Assembly will host a salad luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.

The  location is 2313 East Prospect in Ponca City. Cost is $7 for adults and $2 for children.

There will be a bake sale of homemade goodies to take for the road!

All proceeds go to support PCA's Women’s Ministry

For information, call (580) 762-2401.

(KLZA)-- Falls City School Board members received a number of updates during their Tuesday evening meeting. 

Merle Veigel and Board member June Bowers were recently re-appointed to the Falls City Education Foundation. Melvin Harmon will serve as the Foundation President with Merle Veigel as Treasurer and School Board Member Ed Harris serving as Vice President.

Falls City High School teacher Kris Simon and students Savannah Davis and Faith Zimmerman shared information with the Board about the new School Closet program. This program is having a positive impact on students by providing access to donated clothing items and is gaining support and popularity.

It was also reported that a donation of more than $800 from the Class of 1956 was used to purchase items for North and South Elementary Schools.  New classroom flags, document cameras, CD players, electric pencil sharpeners and Magic Moves Electronic Wands for interactive brain breaks were purchased. 

The Board also did first readings on policy revision recommendations on negotiations, Sex Offenders and Family Medical Leave.  
 

With the demolition of Hutchins Memorial Auditorium nearly completed, we would love to read your memories and see photos of your special times in the building.

We'll compile an album from the entries we receive. Please e-mail them to beverly@eteamradio.com and put "Hutchins" in the subject line.

Please keep written entries  to 75 words or less, and write a caption for all photos submitted. 

We'll use as many as possible, depending on the number received.

(KNZA)--Enrollment is up in the Hiawatha school district this school year.

Superintendent Penny Hargrove told the USD 415 Board of Education Monday evening that the final enrollment count shows 40 more students than last school year.  

However, due to the block grant funding system currently in place, the district will not receive any additional state aid because of the enrollment increase.

In other business, the Board accepted a bid from Midwest Coating, of Topeka, to replace the roof on the remaining 7 sections of the Hiawatha Elementary School for a cost of nearly $134,000.

The project is part of the $9.2 million bond issue approved by voters in the spring of 2015.   

 The district bid out the project instead of going through the PI Group, which is serving as construction manager risk on the bond projects.  The bid came in around $66,000 less than what the PI Group had estimated.

The contractor will complete the project in stages, with final completion by August 1st of next year.

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

10/10/16 09:52 09:58 10:11 10:18 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16014990 9551

N 1ST

RP HAS LIC PLT 267MXX IN THEIR LOT AND IT DOES NOT BELONG TO ANY VEH ON THE LOT. IT IS 2017 PLATE AND APPEARS SOMEONE TRIED TO PEEL THE DECAL OFF. #27 WILL ATL OWNER.

10/10/16 11:03 11:04 11:21 11:40 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014994 9551

W DRY RD

#27 WENT 10-15 FROM KSO W/ 43 YO C/M FOR (LOCAL 44'S: FTP-POSS MARIJ, FTP-POSS PARA, FTP-FALSE INFO, FTP-POSS OFFENSIVE WEAPON.)

10/10/16 14:05 14:06 14:09 15:59 FRAUD PD 16015003 9899

N 14TH

W/M IN BLUE SHIRT PASSED FAKE $100, STILL IN STORE.

#33 ASND. WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO W/M FOR 2 COUNTS UTTERING FORGED INSTRUMENT.

10/10/16 14:39 14:40 14:40 15:58 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015004 9660

E OKLAHOMA

#54 FROM PD W/ 27 YO W/M FOR FAIL TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER.

10/10/16 16:48 16:52 16:54 17:40 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015010 9678

N 4TH

CONTACT OWNER IN REF TO CREDIT CARD THEFT. #32 ASND. OPTIONS GIVEN, NO RPT FOR NOW. WILL F/U.

10/10/16 17:35 17:35 17:35 18:00 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015012 9004

W DRY RD

#56 WENT 10-15 FROM KSO W/ 35 YO C/M FOR (CITY 44: FTP-UU UTILITIES.)

10/10/16 17:55 17:57 18:01 18:32 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16015013 9678

N OSAGE

RP ADV'D JEWLERY AND COINS STOLEN FROM HER HOME. #32 TOOK RPT.

10/10/16 20:08 20:10 20:12 20:34 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16015018 9608

ASH & OKLAHOMA

911 ADV A WHITE HONDA CIVIC HIT HIM, RAN OVER HIS BIKE, AND LEFT THE AREA. RP DECLINED AN AMB. #52 RESPONDED, MADE CONTACT, UTL THE WHITE HONDA THAT WAS L/S NB ON ASH. CHECKED ARE OF OKLAHOMA/OSAGE. INFO AND RPT WERE TKN.

10/10/16 22:19 22:19 22:19 23:30 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015024 9742

W GRAND

#37 W/ SUBJ ON FOOT AT OAK/GRAND IN FRONT OF BUSINESS. #51 ASST.

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 35 YO B/M FOR (KSO: FTP-POSS CDS) AND (FLORIDA WARRANT.)

10/10/16 22:38 22:47 22:47 00:04 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16015025 9742

6TH & BROADWAY

#37 ON T/S W/ OK 858DMW AT 6TH/BROADWAY. #14 & #40 ASST. NP PINKY TOW FOR 2005 DODGE 4DR, #14 STOOD BY.

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 27 YO W/F FOR STOP SIGN, NO DL.

10/11/16 02:18 02:19 02:22 02:35 DOMESTIC PD 16015031 8216

S 13TH

RP REQ OFFICER TO HER DAUGHTER'S RESI, MALE 1/2 IS "TRIPPING ON SOMETHING" WILL NOT LET HER LEAVE. #11 RESPONDED. #14 & #40 ASST. FEM LEFT WITH HER FAMILY, SETTLED AND NO RPT.

10/11/16 03:21 03:22 03:24 03:37 DOMESTIC PD 16015033 8654

N 4TH

RP RPT'ING A DOMESTIC ON THE PORCH, MALE AND A FEM ARGUING. #57 & #11 RESPONDED, MALE 1/2 RAN OFF PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, NO DOMESTIC, 22 YO I/M BROKE WINDOW AND VANALIZED, #57 TOOK INFO FOR WARRANT REQ.

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

10/09/16 08:17 08:20 08:24 08:33 VANDALISM PD 16014933 9899

N 7TH

RP ADV'D SOMEONE SHOT OUT A COUPLE OF HIS CAR WINDOWS. #33 ASND. ADV'D RPT TKN.

10/09/16 08:54 08:56 09:01 09:57 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16014935 9551

W GRAND

RP ADV'D B/M IS IN THE AREA, AND SEEMS LIKE HE IS TWEAKING. #27 ASND, #21 ASST.

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO B/M FOR POSS METH, POSS MARIJ, POSS PARA, PI.

10/09/16 10:11 10:12 10:15 10:31 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014939 9527

E PROSPECT

RP ADV'D FEM IN THE BUSINESS THAT OFFICERS WERE LOOKING FOR YESTERDAY. SHE IS USING A STOLEN CREDIT CARD. SHE'S THERE TRYING TO PICK UP A LAPTOP THAT SHE ORDERED ONLINE. #30 ASND. #30 ADV'D SHE IS INV'D IN AN INTERNET SCAM. CONNECT #16014882: RPT'D 10-8-16 10:54. #30 TOOK INFO FOR RPT.

10/09/16 14:06 14:11 14:16 15:30 TRESPASSING PD 16014946 8783

N PEACHTREE

RP ADV'D FEM IS AT HER HOUSE AND HAS A TRESPASS WARNING. HER FRIEND IS ALSO THERE AND CAN BE, BUT NO ONE ELSE.

#21 ASND. #27 ASST. WENT 10-15 W/ 70 YO W/F FOR TRESPASSING.

10/09/16 14:20 14:41 14:51 15:07 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014948 9899

1ST & GRAND

REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN. #33 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/09/16 14:23 14:30 14:34 15:24 CRS RECOVERY PD 16014949 9527

S OSAGE

239MXR, RPT'D STOLEN, HAS BEEN FOUND. #30 ASND, RPT TKN. REMOVED NCIC.

10/09/16 14:36 14:42 14:51 15:11 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014951 9551

E PROSPECT

REQ OFFCIER REF HIT & RUN, MAROON EXPLORER. #27 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/09/16 18:25 18:27 18:27 18:35 19:09 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014962 9863

S ELM

RP REQ OFFICER REF BURG THAT OCCURED EARLIER. #34 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/09/16 19:25 19:27 19:31 19:46 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014970 9678

ROSEDALE

RP REQ OFFICER REF A CLOWN IN THE FIELD BEHIND HIS HOUSE WITH A CLEAVER. RAN NORTH IN THE FIELD. YELLOW CLOWN SUIT, WHITE MASK. #32 ASND. UTL.

10/09/16 20:16 20:17 20:23 22:48 SUICIDE, ATTEMPTED PD 16014972 0023

BRADBARY

AMB REQ [REDACTED.] #44 RESPONDED, RPT TKN.

10/09/16 20:33 20:40 20:47 21:03 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014974 9863

E PROSPECT

RP ADV'D OF HIT N RUN WHILE THEY WERE INSIDE RESI EATING DINNER. 2016 GMC ARCADIA DENALI. BLACK IN COLOR. #34 RESPONDED, RPT TKN.

10/09/16 21:28 21:29 21:30 21:44 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014978 9498

W BROADWAY

RP ADV'D SOMEONE BROKE INTO HISS HOME WHILE HE WAS OUT OF TOWN. #39 RESPONDED, NOTHING MISSING. NO RPT.

10/09/16 22:37 22:39 22:40 23:40 INTOX SUBJECT PD 16014982 8216

SOUTH & WAVERLY

RP ADV'D HE WAS KICKING AN INTOX FEM OUT OF HIS VEH. ADV'D OF NAME. HUNG UP BEFORE ANY OTHER INFO. #51, #11, & #57 RESPODNED.

#57 WENT 10-15 W/ 55 YO W/F FOR PI.

10/09/16 23:54 23:55 00:01 00:19 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014985 8654

N 2ND

CONTACT RP REF THEFT OF ITEMS FROM THE RESI. #57 RESPONDED, NO RPT AT THIS TIME.

(KMZA)--A Lawrence man charged in connection with a physical altercation in Sabetha last December involving a baseball bat has been sentenced to more than 4 years in prison.

32-year-old Randy Berglund was recently sentenced in Nemaha County District Court to 52 months in prison on a charge of aggravated battery.

He was also ordered to pay more than $330 in court costs and fees.

Berglund pleaded no contest to the charge in April.

He was arrested in January by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department on a warrant charging him with the felony offense following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.   

(KNZA)--A Mayetta altercation sends two women to jail.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says it happened Friday night at 306 James Street.

He says his office was called to that location; and, following their response, an application for a search warrant was approved, and then executed.

Arrested at the scene was 24-year-old Paige Smith-Novak, of Mayetta. She was taken into custody on charges including distribution and possession of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and aggravated endangerment of a child.

Also arrested was 29-year-old Topeka resident Megan Pangle. She is accused of having been involved in the altercation with Smith-Novak, and was taken into custody on charges of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and battery.

Smith-Novak remains in the Jackson County Jail where she's held on a $10,000 bond.

Pangle was also booked into the jail, but was released early Saturday morning after posting a bond of $2,000.

The Hoyt Police Department and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Police assisted with the investigation.

(KMZA)--An Axtell student is a statewide winner in the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest.  Heidi Wolfgang reports..

The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced that Sierra de Koning is among two winners in the contest.

Each student was first selected as a regional winner and will receive a bicycle and a helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas at presentations at their schools.

A total of 824 Kansas kids ages 5 to 13 participated.

De Koning was then chosen as the statewide winner in her age category.

She will also receive a $50 gift card from the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas, movie passes from AAA Kansas and family packages two Topeka attractions—the Capitol Plaza Hotel/Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and Topeka Zoo
.
Several state and national organizations work together on the safety campaign.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce all traffic fatalities.

Crew members from Oklahoma Select Roofing and Construction are at work repairing the clay tile roof at Marland's Grand Home. 

City Commissioners approved setting aside $40,000 for the roofing project in the 2016-17 city budget. The work includes repair of several leaks in the upper second floor east and west slopes close to and around chimney areas and restoration of rafters.

Crew members from Oklahoma Select Roofing and Construction are at work repairing the clay tile roof at Marland's Grand Home. 

City Commissioners approved setting aside $40,000 for the roofing project in the 2016-17 city budget. The work includes repair of several leaks in the upper second floor east and west slopes close to and around chimney areas and restoration of rafters.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Authorities say 100 gallons of diesel fuel has spilled into the Missouri River near Kansas City.
 
The Coast Guard said in a news release that the spill happened Monday night when a towing vessel's fuel tank ruptured. A boom has been placed around the vessel to contain the discharged fuel.
 
The release says the Coast Guard will continue to monitor the situation until the fuel is removed from the water.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education has approved calling and re-issuing bonds issued in 2009 for work on the Calvert Elementary School and the Middle School, which could results in nearly a half-million dollars in savings.

Superintendent Kevin Reiman noted this is the second time the bonds have been reissued for a substantial savings. The bonds can be recalled every five years.  Previously the bonds were recalled and re-issued with a savings of $300,000. This time the school district expects the savings to be $480,000.

In addition the bonds will now be paid off approximately a year-and-a-half earlier with the last payment due in 2032. 

(KLZA)-- There will be no school for Auburn School District students on Wednesday or Thursday this week.  

The Girls Softball Team qualified for the Class C State Tournament at Hastings. The first game will be Wednesday morning at 11 against top-seed Cozad.

There team will be in action again on Thursday. If the team advances to Friday, school will be dismissed Friday as well. 

Supporters are encouraged to line the streets of Auburn at the intersection of Highway 136 and 75 at 6:30 this evening in support of the team.  
 

Goblins on Grand will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, from Fourth Street to Sixth Street on Grand Avenue. The location was shifted west this year to provide better lighting and to be closer to merchants who will be handing out candy to visiting children. The Halloween carnival is a project of Ponca City Main Street.

The Kay County Court Clerk's Office invites the public to plan now to attend the Second Annual Trunk or Treat, set for 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 29 at the public dock area at Lake Ponca.

The Court Clerk encourages everyone to invite their family, friends and neighbors to join the fun and to allow the little ones to Trick or Treat in safety. All activities will be in one spot.

This is a family-friendly event.

Ponca City's official Trick-or-Treat night is, as always, Oct. 31.

Ponca City's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with the Ponca City School Board Monday night for the construction of a concert hall on the site of the former Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.

The School Board previously approved the agreement. City Manager Craig Stephenson said the demolition of the former auditorium is well on its way to completion and the contractor expects to be finished with the project by Friday, Oct. 28, barring any delays.

This date would be two weeks ahead of schedule.

Employees of Smith Bits attended an early-morning Mobility Strategy Session this morning to learn more about their transfers to Houston.

Representatives of the relocation team explained what benefits would be available for house-hunting trips to the Houston area, the company relocation allowance, lease cancellation assistance, an allowance for a return trip home to Ponca City and the enroute trip from Ponca City to Houston.

The parent company, Schlumberger, will provide van line services and affiliated dual career assistance to help spouses find new jobs in Houston.

The relocation team also provided community information for the employees making the transition.

Individual meetings also will be held with employees.

BRENHAM, Texas (AP) - Blue Bell Creameries is recalling all of its ice cream products that contain cookie dough from an Iowa-based supplier.

The move announced Monday night comes after Aspen Hills recalled cookie dough supplied to ice cream makers after finding potential listeria bacteria contamination.

The Blue Bell recall involves half-gallons and pints of Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Blue Bell Cookie Two Step sold to retailers and three-gallon packages of Blue Bell Blue Monster, Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Cookie and Blue Bell Krazy Kookie Dough sold to food-service clients. They were produced between Feb. 2 and Sept. 7 and distributed in 16 states—including Kansas and Missouri.

Listeria can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.

(KNZA)--Brown County will seek federal funding assistance for a stream bank stabilization project southeast of Robinson.

The Brown County Commission voted Monday to seek funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program for the project on the Wolf River.

District Conservationist Matt Sprick told Commissioners that an engineer with the NRCS has evaluated the site along 205th Road and determine its eligible for funding through the program.

The stream bank suffered heavy erosion during a storm on September 13th that brought heavy rainfall and flooding, and Sprick says it poses a public safety hazard because of its close proximity to the road.

He said the program would provide 75 federal funding for the project.  The county would be responsible for the remaining 25 percent, which is estimated not to exceed $30,000.

In other business, the Commission voted to renew the county employee health insurance plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, effective January 1st, 2017.  The county will see an 8 percent rate increase.

And the Commission gave representatives of the Brown County Relay for Life approval to use the courthouse square and courthouse for their 2017 Relay for Life event, which is tentatively scheduled for the evening of June 9th.

Organizers hope moving from event from the Hiawatha High School track to  downtown Hiawatha will boost participation.  

(KNZA)--A Highland teen face charges following a short pursuit.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says the pursuit began Sunday in Brown County after a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding in the eastern portion of the county and ended in Doniphan County.

Merchant says 17-year-old Lane Olson faces charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, child endangerment, reckless driving, expired tags and speeding.

No injuries were reported.

Assisting were the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Department, Highland Police Department and Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department.

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

10/08/16 08:26 08:27 08:32 08:47 DISTURBANCE PD 16014876 8783

W OTOE

RP ADV'D UNK AGE MALE BROKE INTO HER RESI AND IS CAUSING A DISTURBANCE. #21 ASND. #49 ASST. MALE WAS GOA. THE RP REQ TRESPASS WARNING ISSUED IF LOCATED.

10/08/16 10:24 10:26 10:30 11:02 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014878 9527

WELLINGTON

REQ OFFICER REF VEHS BROKEN INTO. #30 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/08/16 10:32 10:33 10:37 13:00 DOMESTIC PD 16014880 9731

N 7TH

RP ADV'D SHE REC'D A TXT FROM HER DAUGHTER ADV THAT HER 1/2 ASSAULTED HER. #21 & #49 RESPONDED.

#31 WENT 10-15 FOR #49 W/ 42 YO W/M FOR DOM A&B. RPT TKN.

10/08/16 11:33 11:43 11:49 12:32 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014884 9527

N PECAN

REQ OFFICER REF VEH BROKEN INTO. #30 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/08/16 12:41 12:43 12:45 14:08 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014885 8783

S 4TH

RP ADV'D OF W/M WRG GRY HAT AND BLU JKT OUT FRONT, ASKING FOR MONEY. ADV'D HE IS POSSIBLY SIG 87. #21 ASND. #49 ASST.

#21 WENT 10-15 W/ 60 YO W/M FOR DRUNKENESS.

10/08/16 13:39 13:43 13:49 14:15 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014886 9906

N 7TH

RP ADV'D OF VEH BURG. #31 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/08/16 18:59 19:01 19:15 20:01 ACCIDENT, MINOR PD 16014902 9908

N UNION

VEH HIT GAS METER. #28 ASND. RPT TKN, ONG GOT THE LINE SECURED.

10/08/16 21:53 21:55 22:09 22:15 VANDALISM PD 16014912 9498

S FRANKLIN

CONTACT RP IN THE LOBBY REF VANDALISM. #39 ASND. #39, NO RPT, RP REQ XPTL REF SOMEONE CUTTING HIS FENCE YESTERDAY. #37 ADV'D.

10/08/16 22:47 22:49 22:49 23:21 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 1604917 9742

S PALM

#37  OUT W/ SUBJ ON A BIKE. 10-15 W/ 55 YO I/F FOR PI & (CITY 44: FTP-PI.) #11 TRANSPORTED THE BIKE.

10/09/16 02:06 02:09 02:13 02:27 EXTRA PATROL PD 16014925 8216

GIBSON

RP ADV A CLOWN WAS BANGING ON THE FRONT WINDOWS. HER TEENAGE KIDS CHASED IT OVER TO A NEARBY LOCATION AND LOST SIGHT THERE. #11 ASND. #51 ASST. #11 CK'D THE AREA, UTL. SPOKE TO PAPER CARRIER ON FOOT IN THE AREA. WILL KEEP AN EYE OUT.

10/09/16 03:18 03:25 03:26 05:13 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014928 8216

N 3RD

RP REQ OFFICER REF HE BROUGHT A WOMAN HOME FROM THE BAR AND SHE TOOK $300 FROM HIS WALLET AND LEFT IN A BMW SUV TAG 253MJY, OKC ADDR. #11 ASND. #51 & #37 ASST. UTL THE VEH.

(KNZA)--A Gladstone, Missouri woman is facing charges after the alleged discovery of drugs by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s new drug-sniffing dog.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department requested the use of the county’s K-9 on Friday, which called attention to a vehicle on the Kickapoo Reservation, belonging to 25-year-old Ashle Walker.

Merchant says Walker was arrested by the Kickapoo Police Department on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute, disorderly conduct, bribery and interference with law enforcement. She was booked into the Brown County Jail, where she remained in custody Monday.

(KAIR)--Alcohol is the alleged cause of an early morning vehicle crash over the weekend.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 15-year-old Austin Coder, of Atchison, was traveling west on 286th Road Sunday morning at approximately 1:45 when his vehicle drifted left of center and drove off the left side of the roadway. He hit a ditch and rolled the vehicle several times.

Laurie said Coder would go on to leave the vehicle and enter a nearby residence—uninvited.  

Residents of the home found him asleep on their couch with facial injuries. Laurie said it was determined—after communicating with him and discovering open containers of alcohol—he was under the influence at the time of the wreck.

He was issued a notice to appear in Atchison County District Court following his arrest on charges of driving under the influence and driving while restricted.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Three years after passage of sweeping legislation that revamped Oklahoma's workers' compensation system, courts are scrapping significant parts of the law in decisions that say the regulations violate the state constitution and do not provide adequate protection to workers.

The regulations were touted by the Republican-controlled Oklahoma Legislature as a way to reduce the cost of workers' compensation insurance for employers and improve health outcomes for injured workers by moving the workers' compensation system from an adversarial court-based system to an administrative one.

But since the new law went into effect, 38 provisions have been found unconstitutional, invalid or inoperable. And a new research report says that while the cost of workers' compensation insurance in Oklahoma has declined, the cost is still high and benefits to injured workers have plummeted.
 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin says she's "disappointed and offended" by the comments Donald Trump made about women in 2005, but she didn't pull her endorsement of the Republican presidential candidate.    

In a statement posted on Twitter during Sunday night's presidential debate, the Republican governor said that both Trump and Hillary Clinton "are very flawed and have made mistakes."

Fallin, who served as an honorary chairwoman of a Trump fundraiser in Norman last month, said she hoped that Trump would use the debate "to demonstrate he has the character and leadership skills to be president."    

Also Sunday, Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said on Facebook that Trump's comments were "disgusting" but said it was hypocritical for Clinton to criticize Trump because of her own "personal failings."

WETUMKA, Okla. (AP) - Authorities are investigating after an east-central Oklahoma police officer fatally shot a man who reportedly tried to run him over in a police cruiser.
 
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says the fatal shooting happened Saturday afternoon near Wetumka, about 75 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The agency says authorities had arrested and handcuffed 39-year-old Dylan Rogers following a police pursuit that began in Wetumka and ended at Hughes County roads 127 and 381.
 
The OSBI says Rogers slipped out of one handcuff and climbed into a Hughes County sheriff's deputy's car. Authorities say Rogers then reportedly drove toward a Wetumka police officer, who then fatally shot Rogers.
 
The OSBI says it will forward its findings to prosecutors to determine whether the shooting was justified.

(KAIR)--Two land behind bars in Atchison County following multiple child sex crimes allegations.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 18-year-old Levi Stirton and 20-year-old Tiana Burke, both of Huron, were taken into custody around 7:00 Saturday morning. Their arrests stemmed from reports made by two 13-year-old girls who allege the crimes occurred while they were living in Huron. 

Stirton was arrested on Atchison County District Court warrants for two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child as well as one count of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child.

Burke was arrested on Atchison County District warrants for one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child as well as one count of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child.

Both were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

LAWTON, Okla. (AP) - Authorities say a 71-year-old man died after falling from his boat while fishing on Lake Elmer Thomas in southwest Oklahoma.
 
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Jay Woodward of Indiahoma was fishing with another person Sunday afternoon in Comanche County when he fell out of the boat "because of an unknown medical condition."
 
The highway patrol says a passenger in the boat brought Woodward to the shore and attempted CPR, but Woodward did not survive.
 
Authorities do not yet know what caused Woodward to fall into the water, and his body has been sent to the medical examiner's office in Oklahoma City for an autopsy.
 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hiring new auditors and hiking their pay in an effort to improve compliance with tax codes and increase state revenue.
 
The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2ejiDPg ) reports that the commission hopes to bring in more than $50 million in new revenue by tightening enforcement. The plan comes as state government continues to suffer from budget challenges.
 
The commission has hired 20 new auditors so far and is seeking 33 more. Commission spokeswoman Paula Ross says starting salaries have risen from about $2,200 a month to about $2,700.
 
A bill approved this year ordered the commission to find and decrease fraud, increase its audit staff to catch people failing to file their taxes or underreporting what they owe, and ensure proper reporting and collection of gross production taxes.
 

Kay County ranked No. 10 in Oklahoma in 2014 for the number of cases investigated for child abuse and/or neglect by DHS Child Welfare Services.

There were 1,529 children in Kay and Noble Counties combined.

Volunteers are needed to act as advocates for these abused and neglected children. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Kay and Noble Counties is offering a free online “Flex-Training” Curriculum for individuals who are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer.

The online training curriculum begins Oct. 10 and is done at your own pace over a five-week period. The weekly assignment takes around one hour, on average, to complete.

In addition to the online training done at your convenience, volunteer applicants will meet in person with CASA staff once a week over those five weeks for additional training. 

The curriculum includes courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system, the special needs of abused and neglected children and more.

Observation of actual courtroom cases in progress is included in the training.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age, complete a volunteer application, and successfully complete a background check and a personal interview with CASA staff before beginning training. CASA welcomes volunteers from all cultures, professions, ethnic and educational backgrounds.

A CASA volunteer is a trained community member who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child or family of children in the court system. They get to know the child while also gathering information from the child's family, teachers, caregivers and anyone else involved in the child's life.

CASA advocates make informed recommendations based on their independent investigation as to the child’s best interest. The advocate is charged with identifying the child’s needs and strengths and ensuring services, family visits and other court orders are completed.

Advocates act as a communications link in the maze of the child welfare system, ensuring the child’s voice is heard. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and do not require any specialized degrees or legal experience. They are simply people who care about children and their commitment to advocate for their best interests.

“What keeps me coming back are the cases that end well, and the knowledge that I helped that process. I love seeing a child who may have come from a dysfunctional home, or a sad life, blossom into a child who feels safe and loved. It is always a happy day when I see that I have made a difference in a child’s life.” said Nancy Murphy, CASA volunteer and Advisory Council Member of the CASA Program in Kay and Noble Counties.

Studies have shown that children who have been appointed a CASA volunteer receive more assistance and support than children without, and are more likely to be adopted or returned to their families and less likely to re-enter the child welfare system.

To learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate or to complete on online volunteer application, visit www.KayNobleCASA.org or call Northern Oklahoma Youth Services CASA Program at (580) 762-8341.

CASA of Kay and Noble Counties Advisory Council members met with CASA staff recently to discuss the upcoming online training opportunity and other business. They also heard a strategic growth plan by CASA Program Director Sharon Mocabee-Sisco and a marketing, social media and online presence update, including the organization’s new website, by CASA Advocate Coordinator Jennifer Vaughan. Pictured from left, back row, are Vaughan, Advisory Council Members Larry Bittman, Yinka Ogundipe, Ann Bandy and Sue Boettcher. Front row:  Advisory Council President Lynda Clark and Mocabee-Sisco. Not Pictured: CASA Advocate Coordinator McKenzie Ussery and Advisory Council Members Nancy Tyndall, Nancy Murphy and Suzie Greenwood.

Wow, what an amazing week we are going to have. This week we have not one, but three, ribbon cutting ceremonies.

The first one is Thursday at 9 a.m. for Kristan’s Kids, located at 1105 N. First Street. Then on Friday we will have two ribbon cutting ceremonies. The first one at 10 a.m. for the new Ponca City Nutrition located at 215 E. Grand Avenue and then at 2 p.m. for Henson Jiu Jitsu located at 103 E. Grand Avenue.

This year the Chamber has had 37 ribbon cutting ceremonies. This is the most in one year since I have been here. This is very exciting for Ponca City. This shows a lot of investment in our community and the creation of more jobs for our citizens.

Our Leadership Class will have a session on Civic and Human Resources on Wednesday. Our day chair is the United Way of Ponca City Director Melissa Young. She does an amazing job with this very important session.

Have you ever considered joining the Chamber as an individual member and helping us make Ponca City the choice for people to work and live? Please consider joining. Phone 765-4400 for all the details. We are able to accomplish our goals with a strong membership. Thank you for your consideration.

(KNZA)--A town hall meeting has been set on the sales tax proposal that will face Hiawatha voters during the November 8th general election.

Voters will decide if a half-cent sales tax should be imposed for street, alley and parking improvements.

If approved, the sales tax would begin April 1st, 2017 and be in effect for 30 years.

The sales tax is projected to generate more than $340,000 annually.

The town hall meeting will take place Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00 in the evening at the Fisher Community Center.

Information will be presented about the proposal and questions answered.

The public is invited to attend.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a bid for a highway resurfacing project in Marshall County.

KDOT says Hall Brothers Incorporated, of Marysville, was awarded the contract for the project on U.S. 36 Highway, with a bid of more than one-million dollars.

Nearly 7 miles of U.S. 36 will be resurfaced from the Washington/Marshall County line to the west city limits of Marysville.

The bid letting took place September 21st in Topeka.

A date hasn’t been announced yet for the project.   
      

(KAIR)--The new enhanced neighborhood revitalization project has officially been singed into law.

That follows a Wednesday ceremony to mark the occasion, with Atchison Mayor Jack Bower, Atchison County Commission Chairman Bill Pohl and USD 409 School Board Chair Herb Gwaltney signing the document.

The extended project proposal stems from discussions out of Atchison’s Economic Development Advisory Group who wanted to expand the existing neighborhood revitalization program in early 2016 with the intent to help and growth and development in Atchison.

The new plan takes effect Oct. 15 and will expire Oct. 31, 2021.

(KAIR)--A new tractor and mower is being purchased for the Atchison County Road and Bridge Department.

That comes following the receipt of two bids for the purchase, with one received from Kansas Equipment, of Wamego and the other provided by Heritage Tractor, of Atchison.

The bids were presented to the Atchison County Commission by Road and Bridge Superintendent Seth Howard, on Tuesday.

Following discussion regarding the options outlined in the bids, with input provided by Howard, the Commission moved forward with the purchase, approving a near $95,000 expenditure.

That will allow the County to acquire a 2015 New Holland TS6 leased returned tractor, 130 horsepower, with tiger boom mower, from Kansas Equipment. The purchase price includes the trade in of a county owned Ford Tractor.

The purchase was approved on a unanimous vote.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Native American mascots are popular among Kansas high schools even as a national debate brews over whether they should be eliminated.

The Manhattan Mercury analyzed a list of all the high school mascots in Kansas.

Fourteen use Indians, making it the fourth most popular mascot in the state.

The list obtained from the Kansas State High School Activities Association shows that three schools use Redskins, two, including Atchison, use Redmen, two use Chieftains, two use Braves, and Wamego uses Red Raiders.

The newspaper's analysis stems from the use of the name “Indians” in the Manhattan schools. The school board is considering a name change, as advocates say the mascot is offensive or insensitive to American Indians.

Manhattan has used an Indian mascot since 1940. A push to change the mascot in 2001 was unsuccessful.

It was nearly 16-years ago that one local area district eliminated all Native American mascots from its schools.

Prior to a strong push, Hiawatha was long known as the Redskins, but that changed in December, 2000. A 4-3 vote of the USD 415 Board of Education changed the controversial mascot, with Hiawatha now known as the Redhawks.

 PAWNEE, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a Pawhuska man was killed when the pickup truck he was riding in collided with a tractor-trailer rig near Pawnee.

The OHP says 24-year-old Andrew Thomas died in the crash Thursday on State Highway 18.

The driver of the pickup and another passenger were both hospitalized in critical condition while the driver of the semi was not injured.
 

 TULSA, Okla. (AP) - An attorney for an Oklahoma teenager charged along with his brother in the stabbing deaths of their parents and three siblings may seek an insanity defense.

Seventeen-year-old Michael Bever has pleaded not guilty in the July 2015 killings of their family members in suburban Tulsa.

The Tulsa World reports that Bever's attorney filed a notice of intent to raise the question of Bever's mental status at the time of the killings.
 

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

10/07/16 09:01 09:03 09:07 10:02 DISTURBANCE PD 16014802 8305

DEER PL

RP ADV'D OF DISTURBANCE W/ NEIGHBOR AND HIS WIFE. SHE WAS UNLOADING VEH AND NEIGHBOR'S WIFE STARTED VERABL DIST. #24 ASND. #31 ASST. TRESPASS WARNINGS ISSUED TO BOTH SPOUSES, OPTIONS WERE ALSO GIVEN REF A PO.

10/07/16 09:33 09:35 09:38 10:03 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16014804 8305

PRINCETON

RP CALLING REQ AN OFFICER TO THE OFFICE REF AN ASSAULT THAT TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY. #24 ASND. #21 ADV'D HE WILL BE DOING A WARRANT REQ FOR A&B.

10/07/16 13:24 13:39 13:41 13:59 DISTURBANCE PD 16014817 9271

E SOUTH

RP ADV'D THAT SHE WAS HIT IN THE FACE. PROBLEM 1/2 IS ALREADY GONE. #31 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/07/16 13:45 13:49 13:53 14:31 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014819 9271

N 4TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. RPT TKN.

CONNECT #16014827: #20 REQ 2ND CASE NUMBER FOR STOLEN FIREARM.

10/07/16 15:05 15:09 15:09 16:07 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014829 9906

N UNION

#31 W/ 10-26, 363ARZ, WENT 10-15 W/ 53 YO W/M FOR DUI, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, & KSO 44.

10/07/16 16:03 16:11 16:17 16:35 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014836 9608

S 8TH

REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN TRAILER. #52 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/07/16 16:49 16:49 16:49 18:16 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014838 9731

W DRY RD

#49 WENT 10-15 FROM KSO W/ 34 YO FEM FOR CITY 44'S.

10-15 W/ 28 YO MALE FOR CITY 44'S.

10/07/16 17:07 17:46 17:46 17:46 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014839 88PD

S 14TH

#54 WENT 10-15 W/ 35 YO W/M FOR FAIL TO REGISTER & LOCAL 44'S.

10/07/16 18:48 18:50 18:57 19:54 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014844 9677

E PROSPECT

REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN, IN WHITE KIA. #38 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/07/16 19:17 19:18 19:22 21:12 AMBULANCE RUN PD 16014845 0023

CENTRAL & PALM

4 WHEELER ACCIDENT. #44 ASND, RPT TKN. OP BUDGET TOWED.

10/07/16 20:00 20:04 20:26 21:28 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16014848 9245

LORA

RP'S ROOMMATE WAS ASSAULTED BY 5 UNK W/M'S IN THEIR 20'S. NO WEAPONS INV'D. SUBJS HEADED TWD UNION ON FOOT. NO FURTHER DESC. DECLINED MEDICAL. #26 & #19 RESPONDED. RPT TKN, WARRANT REQ.

***CONNECT #16014849***

10/07/16 20:14 20:14 20:14 21:57 FIGHT IN PROGRESS PD 16014849 9245

EAGLE

V144 RPT'ING A FIGHT AT THIS RESI. #19 & #38 RESPONDED, WARRANT REQ FOR A&B.

***CONNECT #16014848***

10/07/16 21:43 21:44 21:46 21:48 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014854 9498

E GRAND

RP ADV AN I/M WRG A HOODIE & BLU JEANS IS GETTING CHANGE OUT OF THE FOUNTAIN. #51 & #39 RESPONDED, FI'D SUBJ, ADV HIM TO MOVE ON AND CHANGE INTO SOME DRY CLOTHES.

10/07/16 22:32 22:36 22:36 22:36 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16014858 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

OTOE MISSOURI PD ADV A 2013 BLU FORD EDGE WAS STOLEN FROM BUSINESS AND IS POSS HEADED TO THE AREA OF PINE & GRAND. VEH IS OCC X4. ALL UNITS ADV.

10/07/16 23:01 23:02 23:05 23:28 DISTURBANCE PD 16014863 0023

S PINE

SUBJS WHO STOLE RP'S VEH ARE AT THE RESI CAUSING TROUBLE. #44 & #38 ASND, VEH IS NOT THERE, OPTIONS GIVEN.

10/07/16 23:35 23:36 23:43 23:49 DISTURBANCE PD 16014864 9498

N 7TH

CONTACT RP REF SOMEBODY THREW A CLOWN COSTUME OVER HER FENCE AND THERE HAVE BEEN SUBJS IN THE AREA CAUSING PROBLEMS. #39 RESPONDED, TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CLOWN COSTUME, RP REQ XTRA PATROL.

10/08/16 00:03 00:03 00:03 00:54 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014867 9498

N 7TH

#39 WENT 10-15 W/ 18 YO W/M FOR KSO TRAFFIC 44'S.

10/08/16 00:47 00:48 00:51 01:28 DISTURBANCE PD 16014868 0023

PEACHTREE & OKLAHOMA

911 ADV HER DAUGHTER CALLED HER AND STARTED SCREAMING. DOESN'T KNOW THE ADDR BUT POSSIBLE ADDR AND LOCATION. #44 RESPONDED, THIS WAS A DOMESTIC, RPT TKN.

10/08/16 01:21 01:28 01:37 01:50 WELFARE CHECK PD 16014870 9150

D ST

RP CALLING FROM TX ADV HER SISTER TOLD HER SHE HAD BEEN HELD AGAINST HER WILL AT AN ADDR SHE REFUSED TO GIVE TO RP. A MALE SLAMMED HER AGAINST THE WALL INJURING HER RIBS. THE SISTER WAS ALLOWED TO LEAVE BUT REFUSES TO TELL RP WHERE SHE IS. OUR RECORDS SHOW THIS ADDR. #13 RESPONDED, SUBJ IS NOT HERE, WAS KICKED OUT OF THIS RESI YESTERDAY.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Officials say a Tulsa County Jail inmate has been found dead in a segregation cell.
 
The Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/2dzNdla ) reports that a detention officer and nurse found 30-year-old Caitlin Lynn Lewis around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday when they went to give her medication and found her in need of assistance. Jail staff performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
 
Lewis was pronounced dead approximately 15 minutes after she was found. An investigation into Lewis' death is ongoing.
 
Lewis was arrested and charged in September with child neglect by Munchausen by proxy. She was accused of inducing or exaggerating her 3-year-old child's illnesses. According to authorities, an investigation began after staff at a local hospital told police they suspected that Lewis' child was being abused.
 
Lewis is the fourth inmate to die in the Tulsa Jail this year.
 

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — A 17-year-old Arkansas City resident was detained and processed Friday by the Arkansas City Police Department in connection with a possible criminal threat.

Police received information at 8 a.m. about a possible threat directed toward Arkansas City High School, 1200 W. Radio Lane. The information came from a social media post associated with clowns.

An investigation into the post began immediately, culminating at 2 p.m. when officers located a possible suspect in the case at a home in Arkansas City.

The 17-year-old juvenile was processed by officers and released to the custody of a parent, pending case review by the Cowley County Attorney’s Office.

“The investigation revealed that there was no danger of physical harm associated with the media post,” said Police Chief Dan Ward. “However, the officers involved worked very quickly to identify the suspect and ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

(KAIR)--Nearly three years in prison.

That's the sentence handed down to a Saint Joseph, Missouri man charged for the criminal use of explosives and possession of methamphetamine.

KQ2-TV reports that 32-year-old Simon Pohl learned his fate in Leavenworth County District Court.

Authorities allege he was found to be in possession of explosives, and meth, in April, but disappeared until a Brown County traffic stop in May landed him back in custody.

Pohl had been accused of placing pipe bombs on vehicles in Leavenworth.

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

10/06/16 07:26 07:41 07:41 07:41 MISCELLANEOUS PD 16014745 88PD

S 7TH

RP RPTS MANHOLE COVER OFF IN AREA. STREET DEPT ADV'D.

10/06/16 09:44 09:54 10:01 10:24 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16014751 9527

E PROPSECT

BUSINESS REQ AN OFFICER RF RP BELIEVES A POLE IN THEIR PARKING LOT WAS HIT DURING THE ACCIDENT YESTERDAY. RP ADV'D THE POLE IS BROKEN OFF NOW. CONNECT #16014695: 10-5-16 14:24. #29 ASND. POLE WAS MOVED.

10/06/16 10:27 10:29 10:32 10:48 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014754 9271

BROADWAY & 2ND

RP ADV'D A W/M, BLK T-SHIRT W/ ORANGE LOGO, EB, WALKING TO TRAFFIC AND YELLING AT HOUSES. #20 ASND. LOCATED 24 YO C/M, FI'D AND RELEASED HIM. BROUGHT IN A CELL PHONE SUBJ SAID HE FOUND.

10/06/16 13:00 13:04 13:07 13:41 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014767 9751

N 1ST

RP REC'D 2ND HAND INFO ABOUT MALE IN BLDG THAT SHE OWNS AND IS REFUSING TO LEAVE. NO FURTHER INFO ON SUBJ.

#58 ASND. #20/#31 ASST. WENT 10-15 W/ 24 YO W/M FOR PI.

10/06/16 14:03 14:03 14:06 14:33 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014768 9551

S 4TH

2 SHOPLIFTERS LEAVING STORE. W/M IN RED PLAID & W/F IN GRY SHIRT. #27 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/06/16 14:49 14:51 14:53 16:26 THREATS/HARASS/OBSCENE PD 16014772 9906

S PINE

RP REQ OFFICER REF SUBJ AT HIS RESI MAKING THREATS.

#31 ASND, WENT 10-15 W/ 36 YO W/M FOR (KSO 44'S: DOM A&B APP TO ACC AND RULE 8 DOM A&B.)

10/06/16 15:11 15:12 15:22 16:16 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014773 9551

CLEVELAND & UNION

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 55 YO W/M FOR PI.

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 55 YO I/M FOR PI AND(KSO 44: AGG DUI.)

10/06/16 17:27 17:27 17:27 17:49 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014780 9677

N 14TH

#38 WENT 10-15 W/ ONE SUBJ AND TRANSPORTED TO KSO. - NOT BOOKED IN PCPD.

10/06/16 17:40 17:42 17:47 17:58 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014783 9908

S FRANKLIN

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

10/06/16 18:14 18:15 18:17 18:48 DOMESTIC PD 16014785 9908

W GRAND

DISTURBANCE ON SOUTH SIDE OF ROADWAY. #28 ASND, #38 ASST. WARRANT REQ TKN FOR DOMESTIC.

10/06/16 22:04 22:07 22:09 22:33 STALLED VEHICLE PD 16014792 9742

HIGHLAND & WAVERLY

OHP REQ PD RESPOND TO VEH IN HIGH WATER WEST OF WAVERLY ON HIGHLAND, UNK IF ANYONE IS INSIDE. #37 ASND. #45 & #40 RESPONDED. #40 OUT W/ KS 672FYM, W OF FLORMABLE ON HIGHLAND. NP WARNERS TOWED THE VEH. 2005 PONT GP.

10/06/16 23:11 23:13 23:21 23:36 WELFARE CHECK PD 16014794 9999

W CHERRY

RPT'D 18 YO C/F JUST LEFT RESI ON CHERRY IN DK GREEN 97 HONDA CRV SAYING SHE WAS GOING TO KILL HERSELF, DRIVING OFF A BRIDGE. RP HAS LARGE AMOUNT OF SIG 12 WITH HER AND CASH, UNK WHERE SHE LIVES OR WHAT BRIDGE. #40 ASND. #40, POSS DESTINATION [REDACTED.] #13 CHECKED, UTL. RPT OF INVES TKN. WILL F/U W/ SOME PHONE #'S OBTAINED. MADE CONTACT W/ A FRIEND WHO IS IN TOUCH W/ SUBJ. SAID SHE IS OK BUT WOULDN'T GIVE HER LOCATION. REQ THE FRIEND HAVE HER CALL #40. ATL TO ALL UNIT & TTY TO AREA. DOB 1998, 5'2", HAZ & BRN. NO FURTHER INFO, IF LOCATED CHECK 1090.

The Ponca City Board of Commissioners will consider and vote on a lease agreement Monday evening between the City of Ponca City and the Ponca City Public School District (Independent Public School District No. 71) for the construction of a concert hall and associated classrooms, and reasonably related lawful purposes.

The issue will be addressed during the City Commissioners' meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday in City Hall, 516 East Grand Ave.

The City owns the property where the James S. Hutchins Memorial Auditorium was located. Ponca City Public Schools plan to build a new concert hall at this location, and this 99-year lease agreement provides for that to occur. Terms of the lease require that the new facility shall memorialize and honor James S. Hutchins in the proposed concert hall. The City and School will share the parking that is currently located at the park.

THE LEASE AGREEMENT

The lease becomes effective Nov. 1, 2016, between the City of Ponca City as landlord and the Ponca City Public School District as lessee for the property, until June 30, 2115.

The base rent for the property is $1 per year, according to the contract.

This land surrounds the grounds and access drive formerly devoted to the James S. Hutchens Memorial Auditorium. This structure was so deteriorated as to be unsuitable for its intended use; the City of Ponca City approved its demolition. However, the City wants to preserve a memorial for James S. Hutchins.

The school district shall, accordiing to the lease, memorialize and honor James S. Hutchins in the proposed Concert Hall. This may be done by naming the facility in a manner to honor James S. Hutchins and/or with appropriate recognition inside the facility in a prominent location. The city will make available the plaque which was used on the Hutchins Memorial auditorium for use in honoring James S. Hutchins. The memorial plaque shall be used at a minimum. However, the Concert Hall as a complete structure shall not be named for any person, living or dead, unless named for James S. Hutchins.

The Pioneer Woman Farmers' Market is continuing to sell locally grown produce and other items until colder weather.

Saturday's market is open from 8 to 10 a.m., and Tuesday hours are 4 to 6 p.m.

Among the products available are tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and other items.

Editor's Note: This is one in a series of articles celebrating the history and Centennial Year of Marland's Grand Home

To Keep or Not to Keep . . .

By the 1990s, the Cultural Center was 75 years old, and the home was showing its age.  The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee was commissioned by Mayor Marilyn Andrews in 1996, with the specific task of formulating proposals regarding various capital improvements for the City of Ponca City. 

A group of 36 citizens, with various backgrounds and experience, met to attempt to formulate such a proposal.   Their recommendation for the Cultural Center was as follows:

The committee acknowledges the historical value of the Cultural Center and the role that it plays in our community.  However, the structure is subject to ongoing escalating maintenance and faces renovation, including compliance with ADA requirements.  Due to economic constraints, duplication of services and limited usage, the committee recommended that the most economically feasible option was to sell the property at fair market value.  However, the committee added that it would be desirable to incorporate covenants to maintain the historic value of the property.

The question was then put up for a vote of the people.  The proposition asked “Shall the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City be authorized to sell by competitive public offering the City’s ownership of the real estate and grounds commonly known as the Cultural Center, located at 1000 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City, Oklahoma.”  A majority of the citizens voted against the proposition, and it did not pass.

Study Done

Following the vote, a study of how to best utilize and maintain the 1916 home was conducted.  MATRIX Architects, Engineers, Planners Inc. completed a Ponca City Cultural Center - Use Priority Study in 1997 and a Master Plan for the Ponca City Cultural Center in 1998.  The Master Plan defined the mission of the Ponca City Cultural Center: 

To preserve the historically significant first home of E.W. Marland in Ponca City, interpret the history of E.W. Marland, founder of Marland Oil Company, millionaire philanthropist and tenth governor of the State of Oklahoma, and preserve the artifacts contained in the museums housed in the building for our multi-cultural community and its future generations.

Guidelines for usage of the building and site were also developed and adopted in the Master Plan:

1. The facility should be public in nature – publicly owned and publicly used.
2. The facility should be an active multi-use facility as well as a museum.
3. The facility should be adaptable to multi-use functions and be able to support multiple activities occurring simultaneously.
4. The use of the facility should be self-supporting if at all possible.
5. Alternative means of acquiring financing for operations and maintenance must be examined.
6. A public information and education program about the facility must be developed to ensure long term financial and community support.

The Master Plan also included projected building repair, restoration, and renovation needs, including interior renovations and repairs, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, special construction, life safety upgrades, structural repairs, exterior stabilization and repairs, and interior stabilization and repairs.

Era of Exterior Repairs

Exterior repairs began in earnest. Work on the foundation, corrections to the drainage and water infiltration around the perimeter and concrete decking over the swimming pool took precedent. New guttering and downspouts were installed. Deteriorated wood was replaced on columns and eves. Windows were re-glazed with new putty. All trim, doors, windows, and other details were repainted. Stone corners, urns, and balusters were completely removed, repaired, and reset. Garage doors were updated. Stucco was restored. All in all, the home experienced an exterior restoration which helped prepare it for a new century. Some, but not all, of the issues were resolved.  And still to tackle were interior renovations and other building repairs as funding allowed.

Friends

Finances were identified as the most important concern in the MATRIX plan.  The Master Plan stated:

The Facility is owned by the City of Ponca City, which provides financial support for operating and personnel costs.  However, the need for significant capital investments to maintain and improve the Cultural Center at a time of limited City funds requires all City institutions to look for other funding sources.  “Friends” [known today as “Friends of the Marland’s Grand Home”] was formed to cooperate with City Officials in order to preserve and improve the Cultural Center.  The traditional sources of revenue in the past have included ticket sales, special events, Cultural Center activities, and direct funding from the City of Ponca City.  New revenue producing uses must be identified for the Cultural Center.

Fundraising activities for the “Friends” included an Ice Cream Social to begin the membership drive, a fundraising event at the Mertz barn with square dancing and entertainment from Silver Dollar City, a Heritage Day on the grounds of the home celebrating local history, a birthday party for Oklahoma’s 90th year, a 14 Flags educational program, and a member appreciation reception.

30th Anniversary Celebrated

In 1998, the 30th anniversary of the site was celebrated by the unveiling of a bronze plaque signifying the dedication of the home on May 26, 1968.  Leon Nelson, who was the City Manager when the City of Ponca City acquired the property in 1967, spoke at the unveiling.  He stated, “The purpose of the Indian Museum and Cultural Center is to preserve for future generations the vast and unique culture - the heritage of Ponca City and its environs. That purpose is as true today as it was 30 years ago.”

The addition the office of Ponca City Tourism being housed at the location during this era made the site of great service to the surrounding region. With tourism specialists available to the public, well-established museum exhibits in place, beautiful spaces to rent for special events, and a renovated exterior, the Cultural Center had become a showpiece destination for northern Oklahoma.

The Salvation Army will take applications for the Angel Tree 2016 Christmas Assistance program in early October.

This program provides assistance for families with children up to 12 years of age in Kay County only.

Parents can apply for the program from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 10-14 (Monday through Friday) at the new Salvation Army office at 1804 North Fifth Street in Ponca City. The phone number is (580) 762-7501.

When coming on the application dates, parents are asked to bring:

• A current photo ID (a driver's license or State ID);
• A proof of residence (utility bill, phone bill or rental agreement);
• Mail that matches your ID with ZIP codes;
• Proof of household income (a paycheck stub, DHS paperwork, unemployment documentation, food stamps documentation or any other documenation that shows how you maintain your household.)
• Proof of Children: (TANF papers; birth certificate; shot records that show date of birth; any legal form that has your name and the child’s name and date of birth). Social Security cards will NOT be accepted as proof that this is your child.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Families seeking help from The Salvation Army are not eligible for Christmas assistance from any other assistance agency.

Please know the clothing and shoe sizes, three toys, three needs, and reading level of your children before arrival.

DO NOT BRING ANY CHILDREN WITH YOU OR WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN; NO EXCEPTIONS.

Look for us on Facebook “The Salvation Army Service Unit Ponca City”

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The City of Arkansas City will conduct its annual Fall Cleanup Week refuse collection event next week throughout the city, in conjunction with normal pickup.

City crews will pick up non-household trash and debris from Monday through Friday. The cleanup service will coincide with the regularly scheduled refuse collection days for each part of Arkansas City.

Items suitable for pickup must be bundled, boxed, bagged or tied, and must not exceed 50 pounds in weight. If an item does exceed 50 pounds, special arrangements can be made with sanitation crews by calling the Public Works Department at (620) 441-4420 prior to the scheduled pickup day.

Old appliances — without Freon or with Freon removed by a mechanical contractor ONLY — and furniture will be picked up in reasonable quantities.

Place household garbage and trash in the normal container pickup location by 6 a.m.

Please do not place cleanup debris or trash in the gutter or in the ditch.

Old trash containers need to be tagged or smashed before disposal.

Items that cannot be accepted for pickup by City crews are:

• Loose leaves, brush or tree trimmings;
• Construction, remodeling or roofing materials;
• Concrete blocks, rocks or dirt;
• Quantities of iron, sheet metal and/or wire;
• Vehicles or car bodies and mechanical parts;
• Tires in any quantity. (Check with a tire dealer regarding disposal.)

Leaves, brush and tree trimmings will be accepted at the F Street burn pit from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The site is located on the east side of F Street, north of Chestnut Avenue and south of Linden Avenue.

During Fall Cleanup Week, only one trip will be made in each area, on the regular refuse collection day. No return trips will be made due to the City’s tight refuse collection schedule.

For more information, call (620) 441-4420.

(KMZA)--An Oneida man was arrested on a Nemaha County bench warrant for a probation violation after he was found hiding in the attic of a home.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says deputies made contact with 28-year-old Dustin Barrett Monday in Oneida where he attempted to elude law enforcement by hiding in the attic.

The department’s K-9 was deployed and Barrett was taken into custody.

He now faces additional charges of felony interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended, no liability insurance and no registration.

Barrett remains in the Nemaha County Jail on a total bond of $75,000--$25,000 on the bench warrant and $50,000 on the new charges.   

(KAIR)--Loud, inappropriate language, allegedly used by a parent, sends the Atchison County Elementary School into lockdown mode.

That happened Thursday morning, according to the USD 377 Twitter account.

The tweet states that students overheard the use of profanity by the parent, but only adults were involved.

Students were locked in their classrooms, with their teachers and aides, until the situation was resolved.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department responded, along with Superintendent Steve Wiseman.

An additional tweet, answering the question of a concerned patron, clarifies that no weapons were involved, and no threats were made, with the only apparent concern revolving around the use of what the tweet calls “very loud inappropriate language.”

The situation happened around 10:15, but was resolved, allowing the Elementary School to return to its normal operation.

(KAIR)--A single vehicle, Thursday afternoon Atchison County crash sends an Effingham woman to the hospital.

According to a report from the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, 59-year-old Iris Johnson was westbound on 274th Road, near Greeley Road, when she swerved to miss an animal. She overcorrected, which sent her vehicle off the road, where it struck a fence post, a tree, and a carport, at 9524 274th Road.

Johnson was transported by Atchison County EMS to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, for the treatment of her injuries.

The wreck happened shortly before 4:00.

(KMZA)--The final plat for a new housing addition in Seneca has been approved.  

The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening gave their approval to the plat for Stallbaumer Addition #3, located in the southern portion of the community.

The addition consists of five lots.

Also on the recommendation of the city Planning Commission, the Council approved an ordinance rezoning the property from an agricultural to a single-family residential district.

In other business, representatives of Nemaha County United 4 Youth met with the Council to present their annual report and to request funding from the city.

They said they had sponsored several events in Nemaha County schools for junior and high school students aimed at preventing substance abuse and to encourage students not to text while driving and to wear their seat belts.
    
The Council voted to provide the non-profit organization with $2,500, the same amount the city provided for the past fiscal year.

Shawn D Hankla, 41, of Ponca City was taken into custody Thursday morning. He was arrested and held on the charge Lewd Acts with a child under age 15.

The crime was reported to the Ponca City Police Department Wednesday night when the child was taken to Ponca City Alliance Health for treatment of injuries.

An officer responded and took an initial report and then a Detective Sergeant was assigned the case.

New charges of forcibly sodomy and attempted rape have been added as the investigation has developed.

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following the discovery of a suspicious vehicle fire that occurred Thursday.

“It was shortly after 10:00 p.m. when police and fire personnel were sent to a vehicle fire that was occurring in the 1000 block of South Sixth,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “Upon arrival, a 1988 Dodge Caravan was found fully engulfed in fire. After extinguishing the fire, both departments began an investigation and it is likely an arson case that is under investigation.”

Wilson added the 31-year-old victim, who owned the vehicle, was not at home at the time of the fire.

“There’s a number of things we’re following up to investigate the case,” Wilson said. “There’s several leads we’re following as we did a neighborhood check, witnesses who may have been in the area, neighbors have been contacted and we’re continuing to follow up on additional information with that.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department. 

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man convicted on charges in connection with a five-hour armed standoff in March has been placed on probation.

50-year-old James McKenney was sentenced Thursday in Nemaha County District Court on charges of criminal threat, interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was given a suspended 13-month prison sentence on the charges, and then placed on 12-months supervised probation.  In addition, McKenney was ordered to pay nearly $1,900 in court costs and fees.

He pleaded no contest to the charges last month.  In exchange for the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

(KLZA)--Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Beckie Cromer expects to be in front of the Council again in November with requests concerning the next step in the renovation of the Grand Weaver Hotel in downtown Falls City. 

Cromer expects to present a request for GAP financing in November. Initial plans call for an $850,000 investment for renovation of the third floor of the hotel. Included would be five hotel rooms and five new apartments, one of which has already been leased. 

Two businesses are also planning to locate on the first floor of the hotel.

Cromer also informed the Council the Orscheln’s has notified EDGE there is a sale pending on their building on the east edge of Falls City. The name of the buyer has not been revealed.  
 

(KLZA)-- A Johnson man is dead, killed Wednesday evening after a vehicle rolled on top of him. 

The victim is identified as 63-year-old Wayne Gerdes. 

According to the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Gerdes was working on the vehicle at a home in Beaver Lake when the accident happened. 

A sheriff’s deputy arrived shortly before 9:30 and administered CPR until an emergency medical service crew arrived.

Gerdes was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he was pronounced dead.  
 

(KLZA)--A Johnson man is dead, killed Wednesday evening after a vehicle rolled on top of him.

The victim is identified as 63-year-old Wayne Gerdes.

According to the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Johnson was working on the vehicle at a home in Beaver Lake when the accident happened.

A sheriff’s deputy arrived shortly before 9:30 and administered CPR until an emergency medical service crew arrived.

Gerdes was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he was pronounced dead.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met with D.A. Davidson representative Andy Forney this week to receive information in regards to additional funding for the change orders involved with the Richardson County Jail / Law Enforcement Center.  

During the October 18th Board meeting, Commissioners will consider a resolution to provide for an additional $273,000 funding through a limited obligation jail bond.

This amount would also cover the anticipated costs for kitchen equipment in the building. 

During their Tuesday meeting the Board opened five bids for equipment ranging from a low bid of just under $52,000 up to nearly $62,000.

Commissioners also reviewed a proposal from Prochaska & Associates, the architectural firm on the Jail / Law Enforcement Center regarding the design of the kitchen area.  The proposal will be given further consideration during the meeting on the 18th.  
 

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The National Register of Historic Places is adding eight locations in Oklahoma to its list of historically significant properties.
    The Oklahoma Historical Society announced the additions Thursday.
    The new listings are: the Central Fire Station in Lawton, Klingensmith Park Amphitheater in Bristow, the Lincoln Park Bathhouse at the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Mutual Savings and Loan Association Building in Oklahoma City, Pruett House in Stillwater, the Downtown Claremore Historic District, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Building in Tulsa and the Downtown Tulsa YMCA.
    Listing in the National Register is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives. The state Historical Society identifies evaluates and nominates properties for the designation.
 

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The National Register of Historic Places is adding eight locations in Oklahoma to its list of historically significant properties.
    The Oklahoma Historical Society announced the additions Thursday.
    The new listings are: the Central Fire Station in Lawton, Klingensmith Park Amphitheater in Bristow, the Lincoln Park Bathhouse at the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Mutual Savings and Loan Association Building in Oklahoma City, Pruett House in Stillwater, the Downtown Claremore Historic District, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Building in Tulsa and the Downtown Tulsa YMCA.
    Listing in the National Register is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives. The state Historical Society identifies evaluates and nominates properties for the designation.
 

     CLAREMORE, Okla. (AP) - Police say a 14-month-old boy has drowned in a swimming pool at his home in Claremore.
    Police say the boy apparently sneaked outside the home Wednesday and either fell or jumped into the family pool.
    Police Chief Stan Brown told reporters that the boy's mother was preparing to go to a bus stop and pick up another child when she realized the child was missing and found him in the pool.
    Brown says the child was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
    No names have been released.
 

     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's treasurer says state revenue fell again last month, continuing a 19-month decline in the broad measure of the state's economic activity.
    Treasurer Ken Miller said Thursday receipts to the state treasury in September dropped almost 10 percent compared to the same month last year.
    September collections were $939 million. The last time September collections were lower was in 2010, when Oklahoma was only a few months past the revenue decline caused by the Great Recession. Miller says collections during the past 12 months total $10.9 billion and are the lowest monthly total since March 2012.
    Miller says Oklahoma is still feeling the impact of low energy prices. Oklahoma's unemployment rate in August was 5.1 percent, higher than the U.S. rate of 4.9 percent.
 

(KNZA)--Two firms will provide on-call engineering services for the city of Hiawatha.

Following a lengthy discussion Monday evening,  the Hiawatha City Commission voted 4-1 to direct that the city administrator and city attorney to draft three-year contracts with B-G Consultants and Olsson Associates to provide the services.

The city has been soliciting bids for engineering services for each project.

In casting the lone no vote, Commissioner Bill Collins said he didn’t feel there was a need to make a change.

However, Mayor Steffen Shamburg and the other Commissioners said they believe having an engineering firm the city can call for small projects would be more efficient.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said he sees benefits to having an on-call firm.

The Commission interviewed three engineering firms at their September 19th meeting.  

(KAIR)--Nearly $44,000 is received by the Horton Police Department, courtesy of a federal grant award. “It allows us to have state of the art equipment that we would not otherwise have due to having the minimal amount of funds that we have to work with and a small budget,” Horton Police Chief John Calhoon tell MSC News. “I take a little time to apply for these, and it's been worthy thus far. I feel very fortunate that Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council felt that we were in need of it.”

Calhoon says the grant, which comes through the 2017 Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program, will allow his department to enhance emergency communication through an equipment upgrade. “Three years ago, upon me assuming this position [as Police Chief], we had one 800 mobile radio and four 800 portables. Now, we're gonna have all of our radios equipped with 800 mobile radios, as well as every officer will have their own radio...they'll have the radio with them at home at all time.”

Calhoon says the portable radio equipment purchase will work in conjunction with the purchase of new in-car video cameras, wifi body cameras, and microphones, made through last year's grant award of more than $24,000. Also purchased through those funds was a new radar unit and video library system.

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

10/05/16 07:40 07:40 07:40 08:52 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014677 9551

CORONADO

#27 T/S W/ 202MXX. NP WARNER TOWED THE VEH.

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 43 YO W/M FOR DUS, EXP REG.

10/05/16 09:18 09:20 09:28 10:15 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014680 8783

W GRAND

JEWELRY & OTHER ITEMS STOLEN WHILE RP OUT OF TOWN. POSS SUSPT INFO. #21 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/05/16 12:17 12:23 12:35 15:57 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16014690 8783

W PONCA

RP REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN VEH. VEH IS A 2003 BLUE NISSAN MORANO, LOANED IT TO NEIGHBOR ABOUT 08:30 AND NEIGHBOR WON'T BRING IT BACK NOW. #21 ASND. LOCATED VEH AND RETURNED TO OWNER. WARRANT REQ TKN FOR UUMV.

10/05/16 14:24 14:26 14:33 15:23 ACCIDENT/DEPT VEHICLE PD 16014695 9551

E PROSPECT

E4 ADV'D IN ON INJURY ACCIDENT IN ROADWAY. #27 ASND. RPT TKN.

NP BUDGET TOWED 977MXR.

10/05/16 14:53 15:36 15:45 16:40 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014696 9906

CLEVELAND & ELM

#31 WENT 10-15 W/ 35 YO W/F FOR POSS CDS, FALSE IMPERSONATION, AND (KSO 44: FTP-POSS CDS.)

10/05/16 17:18 17:19 17:20 18:23 ACCIDENT W/ INJURY PD 16014699 9677

N 5TH

MALE RAN INTO BLDG W/ VEH. #38 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/05/16 17:35 17:36 17:37 19:07 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014700 0023

N OAK

#44 OUT W/ SUBJ. 10-15 W/ 41 YO I/F FOR (OSAGE 44'S) AND DOM A&B.

10/05/16 17:41 17:42 17:44 17:57 VANDALISM PD 16014701 9908

N PALM

RP REQ OFFICER REF VANDALISM. LOOKS LIKE HIS WINDOW HAS BEEN SHOT OUT. #28 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/05/16 18:40 18:42 18:46 19:21 DOMESTIC PD 16014705 9677

N 4TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF FEM AT HIS HOUSE, LOOKS LIKE VIC OF DOMESTIC. #38 ASND. LOOKS LIKE SIMPLE ASSAULT BUT VIC DOESN'T WANT TO TALK OR FILE RPT. NO RPT.

10/05/16 18:51 18:55 18:56 19:39 DISTURBANCE PD 16014706 9908

W FRESNO

RP REQ OFFICER REF SUBJ TRYING TO GET INTO HIS GARAGE. #28 ASND. #19 ASST.

#28 WENT 10-15 W/ 26 YO I/M FOR PI.

10/05/16 18:57 19:00 19:04 19:31 VANDALISM PD 16014707 0023

S LINCOLN

REQ OFFICER REF VANDALISM. #44 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/05/16 20:46 20:55 21:00 21:04 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 1604712 9678

N OAK

BIKE THEFT. #32 RESPONDED, RPT TKN.

10/06/16 00:03 00:03 00:03 00:36 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014720 0023

W DRY RD

#44 WENT 10-15 FROM KSO W/ 32 YO W/M FOR (FALSE INFO.)

10/06/16 00:37 00:39 00:44 00:49 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014721 9368

W EMPORIA

RP THINKS HER VAN WAS JUST BURGLARIZED. DOOR IS OPEN AND LIGHTS ON. DID NOT SEE ANYONE. #45 ASND, NOTHING IS MISSING, NO RPT.

10/06/16 02:14 02:20 02:22 02:59 STALLED VEHICLE PD 16014732 9742

W SOUTH

1026, VEHS STALLED IN THE SO AVE UNDERPASS, BOTH LANES BLOCKED. #37, #40, & #45 ASND. NP ACTION TOWED 775MXX, TRM TOWED 929BVB.

10/06/16 04:20 04:35 05:25 07:55 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014739 9368

E PROSPECT

RP ADV'D SHE WITNESSED A DARK COLORED 4DR PU, 021471, HIT A WHITE KIA 799LUY. VEH LEFT EB ON PROSPECT. PRIOR TO DISPATCHING #57 WENT ON T/S W/ THE VEH. NP WARNERES TOWED THE VEH. #40 & #37 ASST. RPT TKN.

#57 WENT 10-15 W/ ONE SUBJ FOR PI.

10/06/16 06:52 06:57 07:03 08:28 DEATH, REPORTED PD 16014743 9906

N PINE

RP RPTS POSS CODE BLACK. TROUT RESPONDED. #31 ADV'D RPT TKN.

10/06/16 06:56 07:28 07:28 07:28 STALLED VEHICLE PD 16014744 6775

W SOUTH

CAR IN THE FLOODED UNDERPASS AT SOUTH/1ST. #03 RESPONDED. NP INKY TOWED KS 220KDE.

TORNADO WATCH 493 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

 LOCAL KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ATCHISON             BROWN              DONIPHAN            
JACKSON              JEFFERSON           MARSHALL           
NEMAHA               POTTAWATOMIE         

MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ANDREW               ATCHISON            BUCHANAN
DEKALB               GENTRY              HARRISON
HOLT                 NODAWAY             WORTH

 NEBRASKA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

CASS                 DOUGLAS             GAGE
JEFFERSON            JOHNSON             LANCASTER
NEMAHA               OTOE                PAWNEE
RICHARDSON           SALINE              SARPY

(KNZA)--Guilty.

That was the verdict returned Wednesday by a Buchanan County jury against a 56-year-old St. Joseph man charged in the death of his wife last year.

The St. Joseph News Press reports the jury convicted Martin Davis on a felony charge of 1st-degree domestic assault after two hours of deliberation. The trial began Monday.

Prosecutors said Davis caused the death of his wife, Sandra, as a result of a beating on April 30th of last year.

Sentencing was set for November 10th.

Davis remains in the Buchanan County Jail, held without bond.

(MSC News)--The effort to recall a Leavenworth County Commissioner moves forward.

The Leavenworth Times reports the group seeking the recall of 1st District Commissioner Bob Holland can now begin the process of obtaining the needed number of signatures required for a recall election. That's due to the County Attorney's determination that the group's reason for the move is lawfully valid.

Holland, a Republican, represents most of northern Leavenworth County, including a portion of the City of Leavenworth.

He was re-elected to a second term in 2014.

The newspaper reports that the opposition group believes “Holland has failed to perform his duties as a commissioner because of violations of the Kansas Open Meetings Law.

(KNZA)--The Horton EMS will getting a new ambulance.

The Brown County Commission Monday approved the purchase of the new Ford F-350, 4 x 4, diesel ambulance from Osage Ambulances for nearly $82,000.

In other business, the Commission discussed with County Attorney Kevin Hill the sale of a building in downtown Hiawatha that was deeded to the county by the Brown County Historical Society for insurance reasons.

The Historical Society would like to sale the building at 518 Oregon Street, which currently houses Jack’s Trains.

According to state statute, Hill says any building valued at more than $50,000 must be sold at public auction. The building is currently appraised at more than $127,000.

Commissioner Steve Roberts will visit with the Historical Society and report back to the Commission at their next meeting.

County Clerk Melissa Gormley discussed with Commissioners the current county policy on jury duty.  Gormley said the policy is vague and asked Commissioners for clarification.

Hill suggested county employees receive regular pay for time missed while on jury duty.

MUSKOGEE -- Police are investigating the death of a young child found inside a vehicle Wednesday, according to a news release.

About 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to a parking lot where a child described as "an unresponsive infant" was at 421 S 34 Street. The child was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact age of the child was not released by police.

No arrests have been reported.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - A woman charged in an Oklahoma State University homecoming parade crash that killed four people will undergo a mental exam by an expert chosen by the state. Her own expert also must provide his report to prosecutors.    

A Payne County judge on Wednesday approved the requests after prosecutors asked that 26-year-old Adacia Chambers undergo a state mental exam because her defense has indicated it plans to raise the question of mental illness or insanity. Prosecutors want their own expert to examine the defense report.    

Chambers has pleaded not guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and 42 counts of assault and battery for the Oct. 24, 2015, crash.   

The judge did not address a defense motion to move the trial out of Payne County.
 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma City-based oil and natural gas producer has emerged from bankruptcy protection.

The Oklahoman  reports that SandRidge Energy Inc. was released from the protection Tuesday, shedding $3.7 billion of debt in its reorganization.

SandRidge filed for bankruptcy protection in May, citing high debt and low commodity prices. A judge approved the negotiated reorganization plan last month.

The company now has zero net debt. The elimination of the company's debt saves it about $300 million a year in interest payments.

The newly reorganized company's common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

SandRidge has about 630 employees, including 350 at its Oklahoma City headquarters.
 

EDMOND — Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found Wednesday near the University of Central Oklahoma.

Jennifer Kyli Molloy, 19, of Edmond, was found dead about 1 p.m. Wednesday inside an apartment at 900 E Wayne. An employee of the complex called police after finding her, said Edmond police spokeswoman Jennifer Wagnon.

Molloy isn't known to have been a student at UCO. Her cause of death was unknown as of Wednesday evening but is being considered suspicious, Wagnon said.

(KLZA)-- EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer provided a quarterly update to the Falls City Council Monday night.  

Cromer says EDGE has been discussing the possibility of a housing sub-division on the northwest corner of Falls City, near the hospital. A potential partnership has been discussed with City representatives. There are a number of infrastructure hurdles that need to be cleared.

Cromer also noted that the finishing touches are being put on the EXCEL Development Corporations second set of units, which are ready to be leased. The Wilderness Falls II addition consists of 7 duplexes, creating 14 new living units in Falls City. 

Excel is currently leasing the units with some tenants already approved.  
 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports State Highway 74 is closed in Garfield and Grant Counties from 1 mile south of State Highway 15 to U.S. Highway 60 due to water across the roadway.  We will advise you when the roadway is back open.

SH-74 is closed 1.5 miles north of Lamont and from the US-60 Junction south to SH-1.

US-60 is closed just east of Lamont to the Kay County line.

SH-15 is closed 1 mile west of I-35 near Billings.

(KAIR)--An ongoing improvement project to Atchison’s flood gates will keep a crucial Atchison roadway closed for about another 10 days.

Atchison Public Works and Utilities Director Justin Pregont said the eastbound lane of Main Street between 7th and 8th Street will remain closed and though it’s inconvenient, it’s necessary.

“The floodgate automation project drastically reduces dry weather combined-sewer overflow events,” Pregont said. “When the river comes up too high, we have to shut down our sewer plant and everything that we flush goes right into the river because it gets too high and our pumps are at a lower elevation. But, this project will auto-level our floodgates so that even if the river comes up—as long as it’s not raining—the floodgates will then close and we can continue treating sewer water.”

Pregont added residents should plan for the 6th Street viaduct to U.S. Highway 59 to close sometime in the next 10 days for the same floodgate project.

Drivers can expect that area to be closed for two and half to three weeks.

(KNZA)--A Dawson, Nebraska man has been sentenced to more than 4 ½ years  in prison on charges in connection with a Memorial Day weekend shooting at the Old Sabetha Lake.  Heidi Wolfgang reports..

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says 59-year-old Anthony Leftwich was sentenced last week in Nemaha County District Court to a total of 55 months in prison on charges of aggravated battery and criminal threat.

Lippert says Leftwich was also ordered to pay nearly $334,000 restitution and will be required to register as a violent offender for 15 years.

He pleaded “ no contest” last month to the charges.

Authorities say Leftwich shot rural Bern resident Thad Lambrecht
multiple times early May 29th following an argument at the lake.  A handgun was recovered at the scene.

Lambrecht was taken to the Sabetha Community Hospital with serious injuries and then transported to a Kansas City hospital.

(KAIR)--16 months behind bars.

That’s the sentence handed down to one of the men charged in connection with a rash of Atchison burglaries that occurred in May.

22-year-old Devan Newson plead guilty in Atchison County District court to three counts of burglary of a non-dwelling and an unrelated felony possession of marijuana charge.

The burglaries occurred at four different Atchison businesses including: King’s Super Store, All American Pawn, Iron Horse BBQ and Nell Hill’s.

The unrelated drug charge stems from a May 6 arrest when an Atchison County Sheriff Deputy stopped to assist Newson with his broken down vehicle on U.S. Highway 73. The deputy discovered Newson’s license to be suspended and arrested him. That led to the search of Newson’s vehicle where Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says 15 individual packages of marijuana was discovered.

In the drug case, Newson was sentenced to 18 months supervised probation to be served after his prison sentence in the burglary charges.

The second man charged in connection with the same burglary cases, Lansing resident Antonio Clayter, will hear his sentence in Atchison County District Court Oct. 14.

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

10/04/16 11:32 11:34 11:36 11:47 VANDALISM PD 16014634 9679

S WAVERLY

FENCE WAS DAMAGED SOMETIME FRIDAY. #50 FIXED THE FENCE, NO RPT.

10/04/16 12:11 12:12 12:14 12:29 DOMESTIC PD 16014638 9679

ASH & SUMMIT

PHYSICAL DOMESTIC, PARTIES SEPARATED. MALE LEFT SB ON ASH. #50 ASND, UTL.

10/04/16 12:55 12:57 12:59 13:06 DISTURBANCE PD 16014640 9551

E OKLAHOMA

RP ADV'D OF TWO W/M'S AT FRONT GATE CAUSING DISTURBANCE. #21 ASND, #27 ASST. MALES GOA & UTL. ATTEMPTED TO CLIMB FENCE. REQ XPTL, REQ 21 YO C/M TRESPASSED. SECOND 21 YO C/M TRESPASSED.

10/04/16 14:34 15:39 15:39 15:39 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014648 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 21 YO I/F FOR (LOCAL 44'S X2: CC-NO INS, CC NO DL.)

10/04/16 15:07 15:07 15:13 15:30 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014647 9679

FOSTER

RP REQ OFFICER REF VEH BURG. #50 ASND, CIVIL, OPTIONS GIVEN. #32 TOOK RPT OF AUTO BURG.

10/04/16 15:44 15:46 15:47 16:15 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014649 0023

S 7TH

RP IN LOBBY REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #44 ASND, NO DISPO GIVEN.

10/04/16 16:33 16:35 16:40 17:19 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014653 9004

N 14TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF HER PURSE BEING STOLEN AT BUSINESS. #56 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/04/16 16:46 16:56 16:58 17:05 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16014655 9678

N OAK

RP REQ OFFICER TO COLLECT BULLETS HER SON FOUND IN FRONT OF HOUSE. #32 HANDLED.

10/04/16 18:29 18:31 18:33 19:42 BURGLARY, IN PROGRESS PD 16014659 9908

E BROADWAY

W/F W/ BLONDE HAIR WALKING TOWARDS HARTFORD ON 3RD WRG LONG GRY SHIRT AND GRY SHORTS WAS JUST IN RP'S RESI AND STOLE HER MONEY. #28 ASND, #56 ASST. UTL, RPT TKN.

10/04/16 19:34 20:10 20:12 20:32 VANDALISM PD 16014661 9678

S 5TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF VANDALISM. #32 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/04/16 19:37 19:41 19:44 19:58 DOMESTIC PD 16014662 0023

W HIGHLAND

RP REQ OFFICER REF SUBJ WHO WAS BEAT UP IN THE BUSINESS. ADV'D SHE DOES NOT NEED AN AMB. #44 RESPONDED, RPT TKN FOR DOMESTIC. UTL SUSPT, W/F 02-25-75, AT ADDR ON N OAK. HAS CONFIRMED FELONY 44'S OUT OF OSCO S/O FOR PROBATION VIOLATIONS ON POSS OF CDS, $4,000 CASH ONLY.

10/04/16 20:21 20:30 20:36 21:19 DISTURBANCE PD 16014663 9908

E FRESNO

CONTACT RP REF NEIGHBORS CAUSING A DISTURBANCE, NEEDING OPTIONS A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST THEM. #28 ASND. #44 HANDLED. ISSUED 3 TRESPASS WARNINGS BETWEEN THE NEIGHBORS.

10/04/16 22:33 22:36 22:39 23:22 MISSING PERSON PD 16014667 8654

QUEENS

RP RPT'ING HIS WIFE MISSING. ADV SHE WENT TO CUSHING AND NOW HE CAN'T REACH HER BY PHONE. [REDACTED.] #57 ASND, REQ STATEWIDE BOLO FOR FEM DRIVING A BLK LINCOLN MKX SUV, UNK TAG. SUBJ WENT TO CUSHING EARLIER TODAY AND WOULD HAVE EITHER DRIVEN THROUGH FAIRFAX OR TOOK THE TURNPIKE. W/F, 06-21-56, 5'4", 174, BLN, BLU. NO RPT AT THIS TIME, ATL ONLY, GAVE RP SOME OPTIONS.

AFTER JUMPING THROUGH MANY HOOPS, COMM CENTER GOT AT&T TO PING THE PHONE, AND LOCATED HER AT CASINO. RP WAS ADV'D.

10/05/16 04:42 04:43 04:45 05:34 ROBBERY, OCCURRED PD 16014672 9999

W HIGHLAND

CLERK AT BUSINESS AD'VD W/M, CHECKERED SHIRT JACKET ARMED W/ HANDGUN, ATTEMPTED TO ROB HIM. #40 ASND. #11, #37, #57, & #14 RESPONDED. RPT TKN.

(KLZA)-- A boil water notice has been issued for Table Rock, Nebraska water customers.

Town Board Chairman Travis Findlay said a recent water test came back with a higher than allowed reading for E-Coli.

All water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled prior to use.

Findlay says the boil notice is in effect until further notice.
 

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph man is accused of setting several vehicles on fire.

The St. Joseph News Press reports 49-year-old Michael Simpson has been charged in Buchanan County with two felony counts of knowingly burning or exploding.

Police say Simpson allegedly broke into two vehicles parked at the St. Joseph Frontier Casino last weekend, stole some items and then set a nearby car on fire.

He’s also accused of setting two vehicles on fire on Waterworks Road.

Simpson is scheduled to appear in a Buchanan County courtroom Friday for arraignment.

He remains in the Buchanan County Jail, held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.     

The Ponca City Public Schools administration staff has been receiving calls from people who say they are hearing that East Middle School is on lockdown.

This is NOT true, according to Mary Ladd, Public Information Coordinator for Ponca City Public Schools. No schools are on lockdown in the district.

This rumor may have started after a story out of Mississippi reported that East Central Middle School in Jackson  County, Mississippi, was evacuated after a reported bomb threat  on Wednesday morning. Students have since returned to class.

(KNZA)--The 15th annual Missy Newell Memorial 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk will take place Saturday morning in Hiawatha.

Registration begins at 7:00 at the corner of 6th and Oregon in downtown Hiawatha, with the race starting at 8:00.

The Hiawatha woman died in October 2001 at the age of 32 after a five-year battle with cancer.

Before she died, Newell set up a fund to help others fighting cancer.

A committee was formed to oversee the distribution of the funds and an annual fun run/walk was organized to help replenish the funds dispersed each year.   

Nearly $8,700 was raised from last year’s event, with an additional nearly $2,800 in memorials and another $700 from various fundraisers that was all donated to the fund.

During the past year, the fund has helped more than twenty-five individuals by alleviating costs associated with fighting all types of cancer.   Money from the fund is also used to fund a $500 scholarship to a Hiawatha High School graduate.

To date, more than $110,000 has been raised since the fund was established.

Last year about one hundred and ten people participated in the memorial event, with forty-three of those being runners and the rest walkers.

More information can be found at missynewellmemorial.com

An armed robbery was reported early Wednesday morning at the Stop-N-G0 located at 501 West Highland.

Police responded at approximately 4:45 a.m. and spoke with the clerk. He told the officer that a male approximately 5’6” with a thin build entered the store and demanded money.

The suspect was wearing something red which covered his face, a dark colored hood covering his head and was holding a handgun, the clerk reported.

Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online regarding the suspect’s identity, or any other crime, can access the link at www.poncacityok.gov. Click on the Crime stoppers link on the home page, fill out the tip sheet, and send the information or you can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to phone in a tip, the number is  (580) 762-5100. You will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000.

(KNZA)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas held elections for four Tribal Council positions Monday.

Four of Seven Council positions were open for election and the four incumbent Tribal Council Members standing for re-election were all retained in office.

Elected were Fred Thomas, Vice Chair; Russell Bradley, Treasurer; Bernadette Thomas, Member; and, Jason Thomas, Member. They rejoin Lester Randall, Chairman; Carla Ramirez Cavin, Secretary; and Christina Wahwassuck, Member on the Tribal Council, which is the governing body of the Tribe.

All adult tribal members are allowed to vote in tribal elections, which is held in person at the Reservation during a special election. The term of office for council members is two years.

Following the elections, Tribal Council Chairman Lester Randall observed, “The reelection of the current leadership of the Kickapoo Tribe reinforces the fact the Tribe is moving in the right direction and its leaders have the confidence of our Members. We still have lingering issues relating to past Tribal Council members and the flawed decisions they made, but those matters are being addressed in Tribal Court and we will soon put that era in the past. The Tribal Council and our Members are continuing to move forward and the changes we have made have stabilized tribal finances and led to increased development and opportunities for the Tribe and
Tribal Members as evidenced by the recent dedication and opening of the Kickapoo Tribal Government Center and execution of a monumental water rights agreement with the State of Kansas.”

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a nearly $73,000 federal grant.

Sheriff Tim Morse says the Sheriff’s Office was notified Wednesday by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt that it has received the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.   

Morse says the grant will be used for the purchase of mobile data units for patrol vehicles.  

He says mobile data units or terminals assist law enforcement in being able to have immediate access to the criminal justice system while remaining in the field.  Morse says deputies will not only be able to access criminal justice information, but will be able to complete reports eliminating the need for them to leave their assigned patrol zones.  

(KNZA)--Six individuals were recognized during the Hiawatha City Commission meeting Monday evening for their heroic actions in saving the life of Municipal Court Clerk Barbara Mauslein in June.

Police Chief John Defore says officers Dennis Entrikin and Evans Woehlecke were at the June 22nd municipal court session when Mauslein suddenly slumped over and became unresponsive as court was winding down. 

He says Entrikin immediately radioed dispatch to send EMS.  Hearing the call, Defore says Officer Kraig Pyle immediately responded to help.  The two officers began CPR while Woehlecke ran down to help the responding EMS personnel get their equipment to the second floor of city hall where municipal court is held.  

Responding to the call were Town and Country EMS personnel Duke Koerperich, Dustin Williams and Malachi Oswald.  Mauslein was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital were she was stabilized and then flown to an area hospital.

Defore presented Lifesaving Awards and Medals of Honor—the department's highest award given to an officer-- to Entriken, Woehlecke and  Pyle.  Woehlecke’s wife, Ginger, accepted the award on her behalf of her husband who was unable to attend.

Defore presented Certificates of Commendation--the department's highest civilian award--to Koerperich, Williams and Oswald.

In other action, new officers Brandon Lowe and Dustin Winters were sworn in by City Clerk Vivian Constable. Both began work last month. 

Lowe comes to the police department after working 5 years as a deputy with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Winters as a jailer with the Sheriff’s Department.  
 
Defore says Winters will be attending  the Kansas Law Enforcement Academy in Hutchinson at the end of the month.
 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A former administrator at the McClain County Jail has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly violating the civil rights of an inmate who died after being confined at the facility in Purcell.    

The indictment handed down Tuesday alleges that former Lt. Wayne Barnes exhibited deliberate indifference toward the inmate, who is identified in a federal lawsuit as 27-year-old Kory Wilson.  

The indictment says Wilson suffered from diabetes and needed insulin but received no medical attention after arriving at the jail on June 16, 2013. The indictment says he was taken to a hospital after he was found lying on the floor of his cell unresponsive three days later, but died on June 21.    

Barnes' attorney in the lawsuit, Carson Smith, says he can't comment on the indictment.

(KLZA)-- Extremely high. 

That was the estimate of damage caused by a Tuesday fire at the Herbster Angus property on the northwest edge of Falls City.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Falls City Rural Fire Department Chief Mike Ramsey called damage to the three-sided shed extensive. He estimated 2,200 large square bales of hay, a Case front-end loader andother equipment were destroyed by the fire
which was reported around 8 Tuesday morning. 

Firefighters from the Falls City Rural Fire Department, Falls City Volunteer Fire
Department, and the Verdon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the mutual-aid call.   The Verdon Department brought a tanker truck and Brewer Farms also provided a tanker. 

Ramsey thanked all those responding to the call to battle the blaze and providing
equipment. Member of the Falls City Rural Fire Department remained on the scene until 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. It is likely the hay in the building will continue to smolder for several days. 

Fire fighters were able to help remove trailer and a skid loader from the shed.

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the fire call and directed
traffic in the area.  

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma City Community Foundation plans to distribute more than $8 million in endowments to nearly 360 nonprofit organizations.

Beneficiaries of the endowment include a wide range of charitable organizations that serve the Oklahoma City area. Nancy Anthony, president of the foundation, says the program is instrumental to the stability of many nonprofits, especially in an uncertain economy.

Areas covered by the endowments include education, health, community development, senior adult services, the environment, animal welfare, history and preservation, neighborhood associations, religious organizations, social services, arts and culture and youth-serving organizations.

The foundation says that as of June 30, the total market value of funds administered by the foundation was $167 million.
 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Devon Energy Corp. has resigned from the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association.

The Oklahoman reports  that a resignation letter from Chief Operating Officer Tony Vaughn, chief operating officer of the Oklahoma City-based energy company, says OIPA's board structure does not lend itself to the needs of active drillers.

OIPA President Mike Terry says the association regrets Devon's decision to leave.

Policy issues that have split the Oklahoma energy industry in the past several years include whether a gross production tax rebate for at-risk wells should be capped or eliminated.

The state's $1.3 billion budget shortfall made the at-risk well rebate program a tempting target for Oklahoma lawmakers, who approved a $12.5 million cap during the legislative session. The rebate program was projected to cost the state $133 million in 2015.
 

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Attorneys for a white Oklahoma police officer who killed an unarmed black man are asking in court records for investigators to keep as evidence a handgun that an anonymous tipster claims the man fired a day before the fatal shooting.    

Tulsa police officer Betty Jo Shelby is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the Sept. 16 shooting of Terence Crutcher. Shelby shot Crutcher after arriving on a street to find Crutcher's SUV stopped in the middle of the road.    

Defense lawyer Shannon McMurray says a man called claiming Crutcher was seen Sept. 15 walking down a different street and firing a gun, and that police recovered a gun left in the road.  

Police declined comment Tuesday. They have said Crutcher had no gun on him or in his SUV when he was shot.

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Beckie Cromer presented the organizations third quarter report to the City Council Monday night. 

Cromer said that after a yearlong site selection process, it appears Southeast Community College will build a new facility to house their learning center in Falls City.  An architectural firm has been hired by the college to look at building a 10-thousand square foot building in Falls City. 

Cromer said SCC has said the Falls City Learning Center is not contingent on passage of a proposed $369-million bond issue the college has on the ballot in November.  

Southeast Community College recently announced the hiring of Holly Carr as the Falls City Learning Center Coordinator. Carr lives in Johnson.

Her office is currently in the Blue Valley/ Home Health Building at 19th and Chase Streets in Fall City. 
 

(KLZA)--Dismissed with prejudice.

That's the ruling of a Nebraska court regarding a lawsuit filed by Salem Grain Company against the individuals the company says conspired in an attempt to expand Consolidated Grain and Barge in Falls City.

The lawsuit, filed in July in Richardson County District Court, sought financial damages caused by the alleged wrongful acts of the individual defendants.

However, the District Court has dismissed the lawsuit, saying that the plan for expansion did not violate Nebraska's Consumer Protection Act.

The Court's ruling means that Salem Grain Company can not amend it's complaint and refile the lawsuit. However, the company does have 30 days to appeal the Court's order.

The individuals named in the lawsuit have ties to either Falls City government, the Economic Development and Growth Enterprise organization, or both.

The lawsuit was the latest to be filed in connection with an ongoing legal battle attempting to halt the expansion project.

(KNZA)--Wenger Manufacturing in Sabetha will serve as one of three statewide sites Friday providing kick-off parties for manufacturing day in Kansas.

The kick-off at Wenger, located at 714 Main Street, will begin with a light breakfast at 8:00 in the morning.

That will be followed by welcomes from the sponsors—the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Sabetha Chamber of Commerce and Wenger Manufacturing.

Following the presentations, Wenger will be opening its doors for tours of the facility beginning at 9:00.

To register for the event or for more information, you can go to the Kansas Chamber of Commerce web site at kansaschamber.org/mfg-day-wenger-manufacturing

Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation last month, declaring October 7th as Manufacturing day in Kansas.

Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

The day addresses common misconceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t.

(KAIR)--Concrete improvements along Atchison's North 2nd Street will bring numerous enhancements, along with some temporary street closures.

The project, given final approval Monday by the Atchison City Commission, is outlined in a news release issued by Justin Pregont, the Director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of Atchison.

Bottorff Construction is planning to begin work this week, which will include the replacement of the brick street intersections at 2nd and Laramie, 2nd and Kearney, and 2nd and Parallel. Additionally, wheelchair ramps will be installed at 2nd and Kansas.

The project also means the construction of new sidewalks, which will allow a full connection to the Atchison Community Health Clinic.

Additionally, the replacement of curbs will happen as part of the effort, and will include the south side of Division Street, between 7th Street and 9th Street.

Some temporary street closures are expected during the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by early to mid-November.

The Atchison City Commission approved the contract with Bottorff on September 19.

(KAIR)--Heavy storms rolled across the local region Tuesday night, bringing with them heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.

Damage from those storms is felt in Atchison, where several trailer houses incurred heavy damage.

Kim Bottorff is the American Red Cross Community Coordinator for Northeast Kansas.

She tells MSC News the late night storms downed trees on Atchison's County Club Road, which fell on the homes.

No injuries are reported, but the residents have been displaced, with the Red Cross working to provide those who were affected with temporary housing and other assistance.

Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts present:
Peter Pan Jr.
Under the Direction of Eddie Dixon

Friday Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under

Jason Petty as "Hank Williams"

Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under.
 

"Kyle Dillingham & The Horseshoe Road"

Thursday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
This is their new CD Concert Release

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under

Live from Las Vegas = Beatles Concert "Britain's Finest"

Friday, Oct.  28 at 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under.

The original "Psycho"
Monday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5 per person
Happy Halloween!

November

KISS Tribute  "Almost KISS"

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

There is a contest for the child who comes with best KISS make-up on. The winner will receive a free T-shirt.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

Let's live this one up.  Hoping this is a sell out!!

(KLZA)--A Humboldt man goes to jail, arrested Sunday on charges related to growing marijuana.

According to a press release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, a deputy detected the smell of marijuana in a Humboldt neighborhood.

The investigation led to 536 6th Street, where the residence was searched and more than fifty pot plants were seized from what authorities allege was an indoor grow operation.

Arrested was 51-year-old Clint Schriner, who faces felony charges of manufacturing marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He was additionally cited for having no drug tax stamp.

Following his arrest, Schriner was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

The Billings Wheat Country Festival  is Saturday, Oct. 8.

The televised OU/Texas game will be available to watch for those that don’t want to miss it!

The quilt display  will feature more than 50 quilts – some from as far back as 1929. 

There are six entries in the round hay bale decorating contest, along with more than 35 vendor booths.

The Ponca City Public School Cross Country team partnered with Phillips 66 Mid-Stream to get a new event tent in honor of the late Coach Kelly Chaney.

“Back in August, I informed the Cross Country parents that I would like to order a tent that would fill a big need for our program, but would also serve as a memorial for Coach Chaney," Cross Country Coach Larry Degan said. "After the meeting, Marty Dempsey, who works in Mid-Stream at Phillips 66, talked to me about them helping to make that happen."

Over the next several weeks, Degan said, Dempsey was able to secure the donation, and the tent was ordered.

"It was really special to surprise our team with a tent they never dreamed they could have and to be able to honor Coach Chaney’s memory," Degan said. "This was all made possible by Phillips 66 Mid-Stream and Marty Dempsey. We can’t thank them enough!”

Pictured from left are Noah Henley, Tyler Thompson, Yolonda Caniz-Lopez, Matthew Uribe and Garrison Blanton.

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

10/03/16 09:20 09:23 09:23 09:23 PICK UP/LOST/FOUND PD 16014574 88PD

HARTFORD & WOODLANDS

BOOKING REQ CFS# FOR FOUND WALLET THAT WAS TURNED IN FROM PD LOBBY.

10/03/16 10:20 10:20 10:20 10:54 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014577 9551

E ALBANY

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 40 YO W/M FOR (CITY: FTA-RECKLESS DRIVING AND FTA-NO DRIVER'S LICENSE.)

10/03/16 10:36 10:39 10:44 11:06 VANDALISM PD 16014578 9679

N PALM

MALE ADV'D HIS VEH WAS "KEYED" NO SUSPT INFO. #50 TOOK RPT.

10/03/16 12:26 12:26 12:26 13:17 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014584 9551

4TH & HARTFORD

#27 WENT ON T/S W/ PN 001 764. NP WARNER TOOK VEH.

#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 22 YO W/M FOR (CITY: FTP-PI.)

10/03/16 12:27 12:34 12:47 12:47 ACCIDENT/DEPT VEHICLE PD 16014582 9276

MONUMENT AV

SOLID WASTE REQ OFFICER REF TRASH TRUCK THAT HIT LIGHT POLE. #50 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/03/16 12:31 12:35 12:40 13:24 FRAUD PD 16014583 9276

E PROSPECT

RP REQ OFFICER REF COUNTERFEIT $100 BILL. #29 TOOK RPT.

10/03/16 13:23 13:27 13:32 13:47 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014585 9666

S 10TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF BURG TO RESI. #41 ASND. MADE CONTACT. WILL CONTACT OTHER HALF PRIOR TO TAKING A RPT.

10/03/16 17:12 17:12 17:12 21:55 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014594 9678

N 14TH

#32 WENT ON T/S W/ 336KRD. TAG RETURNED STOLEN OUT OF TULSA. CORRECT TAG SHOULD HAVE BEEN 188JRT ON THIS VIN. NP PINKY TOWED VEH.

#32 WENT 10-15 W/ 30 YO I/F FOR TEXTING WHILE DRIVING, NO SEATBELT/DRIVER, DUS, NO INS, EXP TAG, TOC, FALSE INFO, POSS COUNTERFEIT INSTRUMENT, REC STOLEN PROP, (OSCO: FTA-POSS CONT SUBSTANCE/FELONY, POSS CONT SUBSTANCE/MISD, POSS CDS IN DIST/FELONY.)

10/03/16 21:31 21:31 21:31 22:15 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014603 9863

GRAND & OSAGE

#34 AT GRAND/OSAGE W/ SUBJ. WENT 10-15 W/ 36 YO I/M FOR PI, POSS CDS METH, POSS CDS PARA.

10/03/16 21:48 22:00 22:00 22:00 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE PD 16014607 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

TONK PD REQ ATL FOR 64 YO W/M, WHT HAIR, LSW RED SHIRT & BLU JEANS. MISSING FROM SCL IN TONKAWA WHERE IS UNDER COURT ORDER TO RESIDE. TLAPSE OVER AN HOUR. [REDACTED] LITTLE BOYS. UNK DIR OF TRAVEL, IF LOCATED CONTACT TONKAWA PD. ALL OFFICERS WERE ADV'D.

10/03/16 22:07 22:09 22:16 22:30 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014609 9547

S 5TH

RP RPT'D HIS TEMPORARY TAG HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM VEH. #51 ASND, 2013 DODGE AVENGER REG TO DAVIS MOORE. RPT TKN.

10/03/16 22:29 22:29 22:44 23:52 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014610 0023

W DRY RD

#44 TO KSO FOR TRANSPORT OF 2 10-15'S:

A) 34 YO W/M FOR FTP-A&B, FTP-TELEPHONE HARASSMENT, FTP-DUS/2ND, FTP-NO INS/2ND.

B) 28 YO I/M FOR FTP-PI.

10/04/16 00:40 00:41 00:42 01:50 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014614 9742

W CLEVELAND

#37 BEHIND RESI ON W CLEVELAND W/ VEH, 058LPM. #40 & #32 ASST. FI'D AND RELEASED ONE SUBJ DOB 1991.

#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 25 YO W/F FOR DRUG EQUIPMENT.

10/04/16 02:06 02:08 02:09 02:35 VANDALISM PD 16014615 9999

W HIGHLAND

RP RPT'D SUBJ THREW BEER BOTTLE THROUGH ANOTHER VEH WINDOW IN PARKING LOT THEN LEFT WB IN SILVER DIESEL P/U. #40 RESPONDED. #51 ASST. 4DR LIFTED SILVER DODGE P/U, I/M. RPT WAS TKN.

10/04/16 03:07 03:11 03:14 06:38 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014618 9742

E GRAND

SUBJ PASSED OUT IN AREA, SITTING AT THE STOP LIGHT IN A SILV DODGE P/U. RP WILL STAND BY. #37 RESPONDED. #40 ASST. LOCATED AT 7TH/CENTRAL, REQ BACKUP. #14, #11, #51 RESPONDED. OK 551MPC, 2004 DODGE P/U NP TOW BY ACTION. #37 WENT 10-15 X2:

A) 10-15 W/ 21 YO W/M FOR DRUNKENESS.

B) 10-15 W/ 21 YO I/M FOR POSS PARA, PI.

During a meeting at the Marland Mansion Tuesday afternoon, employees of Smith Bits of Ponca City were told the company would be relocating its Ponca City facility to Houston by the end of 2017.

The information comes from a source who was present at the meeting.

The move will begin at the first of 2017, and is expected to last through most of the year. No word is available yet on how many employees are affected by the move.

City Manager Craig Stephenson said Tuesday afternoon he was sympathetic to the employees.

"I feel bad for those employees and  their families, and for the community at this announcement," Stephenson said. "These things are never pleasant or good to go through. I'm sure it is an oil economy decision."

Stephenson said city officials have not received any notification about the move, but under the Warn Act (The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act), a federal labor law, employers with 100 or more employees are required to provide a 60 calendar-day advance notification of plant closings or mass layoffs of employees. The notice must be given to the local chief elected official -- in Ponca City's case, Mayor Homer Nicholson. Nicholson was out of town Tuesday afternoon.

Smith Bits is a Schlumberger Company.

This is the most recent graphical depiction of today’s severe weather threat from Ponca City Emergency Management Director Paula Cain.

"This is a very spring-like set up, with a lot riding on the dry line which is currently located in the Panhandle.  We have a dewpoint of 65, but temperatures are a little lower than expected at 77°.  If we see any clearing, this temperature will rise. 

Some forecast models have indicated storm development might occur in central Oklahoma, and the dewpoint is higher there.  Regardless of the location, storms that do develop today will be strong to severe, Cain said. 

"Risks with these storms include large hail, damaging strong winds and tornadoes in the late afternoon/evening hours.  Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning will also be a threat," Cain said. "Please watch for updates for the next few hours.  I’m not expecting storms here until around 7 p.m., but that, too, could change."

(KAIR)--One arrest is made in connection with a social media threat aimed at a local area school.

KQ2-TV reports one person is in custody following the recent Facebook posting that included a picture of the city's Lafayette High School.

The Facebook page used to make the threat was named “Ain't Clownin' Around,” an apparent reference to the ongoing fear of clowns making it's way across the nation.

The TV station reports that police have not yet released any details due to what's being called “an extensive investigation.”

The threat, deemed to be uncredible, was an apparent copycat of a similar threat made earlier in September.

That happened in LaGrange, Georgia, where The New York Times reports warrants were issued for four people blamed for a similar threat. Similar threats have also been reported in other states, including Philadelphia. 

Clown sightings have become prevalent in recent months across the nation, but no actual threatening clowns have been located despite law enforcement investigations.

Sociologists quoted in national news reports blame the bulk of the sightings as mass hysteria that has grown substantially through the use of social media. 

(KMZA)--Plans for the construction of a new fire station in the Nemaha County Community of Bern suffer a setback.

The Nemaha County Commission Monday reviewed a letter received from the Kansas Department of Commerce informing them that the KAN-STEP grant application on behalf of Fire District #4 has been denied.

In denying the grant, the Department of Commerce said their evaluation has deemed the proposed six-bay fire station is in excess of the size needed to adequately serve the community.

The letter said the county can re-submit a Kan-Step grant application for consideration  or submit a Community Facilities application in next year’s round of funding.  

The current building is an old military Quonset that was torn down and re-assembled by volunteers in the 1960’s, which fire district officials says has several issues.          

Discussion continues regarding an online push to change the name of controversial Division Street in Atchison.

Supporters for the initiative say the street name is rooted in racism and shows an ugly side of Atchison’s past.

But, Executive Director for Atchison County Historical Society Chris Taylor says history doesn’t support that claim.

“It goes back to 1857, that the original plat for the city of Atchison was done and then the north Atchison addition was done in 1857—the dividing line between that original plat of Atchison and the north addition was called Division Street,” Taylor said.

“The reality, in the time it was established—it was just a dividing line between two plats, two layouts so they could sell town lots.”

Taylor explains it wasn’t uncommon in the 1800’s for cities to name the streets dividing plots of land as the town expanded ‘Division.’ He said sometimes cities would rename those streets later on—but for whatever reason—Atchison never did.

As Atchison expanded, Taylor said it faced a shortage of workers. African-Americans were encouraged to moved into the city as they were previously living outside of city limits. But they didn’t’ move north.

“Before 1920, most of the African-Americans lived to the south of Atchison,” Taylor said.

So where does the widely-accepted perception that Division Street once represented racial divides come from?

“The Lincoln School was built in 1921 and then the gymnasium was added in 1937, it began to attract more African-Americans to move in that direction when they were looking for a new home,” Taylor said. “It wasn’t until the 1930’s that African-Americans began to move into that area in any significant numbers.”

He added the area north of Division began to become the hub of community for African-Americans and they began to move toward that school.

Not everyone moved, some did stay to the south of Atchison.

“But, overtime, if you were relocating—you knew your kids were going to that school—it’s easier to be close to the school rather than walk all the way across town.”

Taylor says past attempts to change the street name fell short for lack of support by residents. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison man requires helicopter transport following a Monday evening rollover crash on K-7 Highway.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says 37-year-old Jeffrey Navinskey was behind the wheel of a northbound minivan, a half-mile north of 318th Road, when the passenger side tires of the van went off the right shoulder of the highway.

Laurie says it appears Navinskey over-corrected, sending the van into a westbound skid across both lanes of the highway. The van went into the ditch, struck some large rocks, and hit an embankment, which caused the vehicle to roll over at least twice, stopping on its top in a creek.

Navinskey was treated at the scene by Atchison County Rescue and EMS, and was then flown from the scene to the University of Kansas Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kansas, for the treatment of his injuries, which included a large, deep cut on his face.

The wreck happened around 6:15.

The investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)-- Falls City will be that starting point for the 2017 Bike Ride Across Nebraska. 

BRAN representatives were in Falls City Monday to meet with Falls City Chamber of Commerce members. 450 – 650 riders are expected to be in Falls City to begin the ride on June 3.

People will stay around Prichard Auditorium and Pioneer Park. Participants are expected to arrive on Saturday and leave on the ride on Sunday.

Falls City Chamber Executive Director David Branch is suggesting merchants have a sidewalk sale that Saturday and stay open until 6 o’clock Saturday evening.

Anyone with suggestions is encouraged to contact the Falls City Chamber of Commerce.  
 

(KAIR)--The push to expand KanCare is continuing, with the latest forum focused on the issue set to happen Wednesday evening in Atchison.

Held by the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, the session is being held to discuss how the Governor, and the Kansas Legislature's rejection of expansion is affecting both the state and local communities.

According to a press release issued about the forum, the lack of expansion is having a negative impact on state jobs, economic stimulus and access to affordable health coverage.

The release says the forum will provide an opportunity for local business owners, faith leaders, doctors, uninsured workers, and other concerned community members, to discuss and learn more about the need for expansion.

The release says the decision by the Legislature has cost Kansas $1.2 billion and thousands of jobs.

Among those who will serve on the discussion panel are the CEO of Atchison Hospital, John Jacobsen, Atchison Community Health Clinic advanced practice registered nurse, Jackie Harris, Alliance Executive Director David Jordan, and Health Reform Resource Project Representative, Sheldon Weisgrau.

A similar forum was held in Atchison in May.

Wednesday evening's session will begin at 6:30 at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

(KLZA)-- Rick Yoder, candidate for the Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors made a campaign stop in Falls City last week. 

Yoder is attempting to unseat longtime incumbent Fred Ulrich.

During the primary in May, Yoder touted the closing of the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant. That decision has now been made to close the plant, but Yoder says it took too long to make the decision.  Yoder says it did not make sense to keep the nuclear plant open that long. 

Yoder, who lives in Murray, Nebraska says he feels Ulrich’s loyalties lie in the wrong area, noting OPPD had never had a layoff until the Fort Calhoun shutdown. Yoder feels his opponents loyalties lie with the people who worked there and the management, rather than to the ratepayers. 

Yoder also noted he feels administrative pay raises approve by the OPPD Board in August were excessive. Yoder noted his presence at the August Board meeting and saying the 4.5 percent pay raise for the CEO was too much. He notes low corn prices, the flat consumer price index which means no increase in social security benefits and low interest rates as reasons not to increase administrative costs for OPPD. 

District IV includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage, Cass and a large part of Sarpy counties in Southeast Nebraska.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court has thrown out another state law that would put new restrictions on abortion providers.
 
In a unanimous opinion handed down Tuesday, all nine justices agreed that the statute adopted by the Legislature last year "contains different and unrelated purposes" in violation of the Oklahoma constitution's requirement that legislation cover a single subject.
 
The law encompasses four abortion-related topics: minors and parental consent; tissue preservation; inspection of clinics; and legal liability for abortion providers.
 
The New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights challenged the law and the state's highest court subsequently blocked it from going into effect. The center sued on behalf of Dr. Larry Burns of Norman, who performs nearly half of Oklahoma's abortions.
 
Oklahoma's attorney general didn't immediately respond to a request for comment early Tuesday.
 

Our October Cash Mob will be Tuesday at Food Pyramid in Ponca Plaza at 11:30 a.m. Please join us in this fun Shop Ponca First retail event.

Have you ever wondered why a retail business should invest in our Chamber? Here are a few of the reasons to consider:

• We promote “Shop Ponca First” which includes campaigns like our Santa Buck Giveaway, Crazy Days and Cash Mob.

• We market Shop Ponca First and why it is important. This campaign educates people that shopping Ponca First provides jobs for our family and friends. Plus we educate that when you Shop Ponca First you provide needed sales tax dollars to our City and also help our local business community support all of the charitable needs in Ponca City.

• The Chamber offers free customer service training called PRIDE Training.

• Our Chamber Buck program – In 2015 over $300,000 were spent through this program keeping money in Ponca City with our Chamber members.

• Our Member-to-Member Discount Card is supplied to our members at no cost and encourages Chamber members to shop with each other.

• Our Chamber Directory is our version of the Yellow Pages! Chamber members look there first when looking for a new service provider or retail business. Every new resident in Ponca City gets a copy of this directory, as well, through the utility department of the city.

• We host Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for all new businesses, major remodels and business relocations.

• The Chamber provides at least four educational workshops on how to operate a business each year.

• The Chamber’s Tourism Bureau promotes Ponca City through advertising and attending tourism trade shows. This brings people to our community and has a direct impact on our retail industry.

The Ponca City Public School district was notified by the Kay County Health Department Monday that a student has a confirmed case of mumps. 

The Kay County Health Department has sent a letter home with students who shared a classroom with the infected student. 

“Fortunately, the Health Department believes that based upon what we know about mumps and the infected child, it is unlikely the child was infectious while attending school," Superintendent Dr. David Pennington said. "The Health Department will share information with parents on how to recognize the symptoms of mumps and what steps to take if a parent or guardian suspects that their child might have mumps.  A copy of the letter and information shared with parents will be posted on the school district website, www.pcps.us.”

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus.  The best way to protect anyone from the mumps and the complications caused by the disease is to make sure they have received the MMR vaccination.  The MMR vaccination prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, two doses of the MMR vaccine is 88 percent effective in protecting against mumps; one dose is 78 percent effective.  This means it is possible for a student to have received the vaccination and still contract the disease. 

Like any virus, the best way to prevent the spread of mumps is to practice healthy habits: wash your hands, use gloves when dealing with bodily fluids, cover your mouth when sneezing, etc.

“I am sure like many of you, until today I thought mumps was a disease from the past," Pennington said.  “What I have learned is since the mumps vaccination program started in 1967, there has been a 99% decrease in mumps cases.  However, even with the vaccination program, mumps outbreaks still occur.  As of Sept. 16, the Centers for Disease Control has reported 1,897 cases of mumps in 44 states.  To learn more about mumps, I encourage you to visit the CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov/mumps, or the Oklahoma State Department of Health, https://www.ok.gov/health2/documents/Mumps.pdf.”

“The safety and health of students and staff is the highest priority of the school district," Pennington said.  "We will always do everything we can to ensure the health of our students and staff.  We will always follow the directives of the State and Kay County Health Departments, and we will respect the privacy rights of students and staff.”

For more information, contact the Kay County Health Department in Ponca City at 580-762-1641 or Blackwell at 580-363-5520.

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

10/02/16 07:16 07:17 07:26 07:43 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014522 9527

N 14TH

ITEMS MISSING AFTER A GATHERING LAST NIGHT. #30 TOOK RPT.

10/02/16 11:19 11:22 11:28 12:13 DOMESTIC PD 16014526 9679

W GARY

FEM WAS ASSAULTED EARLIER BY 24 YO C/M. #50 MADE CONTACT W/ RP. #50 & #30. #50 TOOK RPT FOR DOMESTIC WARRANT REQ.

10/02/16 12:00 12:04 12:13 12:59 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014529 9666

S 9TH

FEM RESIDENT ADV'D CONTINUAL PROBLEM W/ 27 YO W/M STALKING HER. HE ATTEMPTED TO COME INSIDE HER HOUSE. HE IS NOW NEXT DOOR.

#41 WENT 10-15 W/ 27 YO W/M FOR (KSO 44: ATR-POSS CDS (MISD) & RULE 8 POSS CDS (MISD.))

10/02/16 13:12 13:13 13:16 13:30 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014530 9899

E BROOKFIELD

RP IN LOBBY REQ OFFICER REF THEFT OF PURSE. #33 MADE CONTACT. NO THEFT. RP LOST HER PURSE. NO RPT.

10/02/16 14:27 14:29 14:40 14:58 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014534 9527

N 7TH

RP REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN FROM THURSDAY. #30 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/02/16 16:02 16:04 16:08 16:31 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014538 9863

S BIRCH

RP REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN. #34 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/02/16 18:57 19:00 19:02 19:21 WELFARE CHECK PD 16014544 9863

S 10TH

OSAGE COUNTY ADV'D OF A FEM CALLING 911 REQUESTING AMB, CALLER UNABLE TO GIVE ADDR. PHONE NUMBER COMES BACK TO POSSIBLY BEING AT THIS ADDR, 36 YO I/F, OSCO UNABLE TO GET ANY FURTHER INFO. BUT ADV'D IT SOUNDED LIKE A DOMESTIC. #34 ASND. #44 ASST. UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. NO RPT.

10/02/16 20:50 20:51 20:54 21:15 ALARM - BURGLARY PD 16014552 9678

N 14TH

PHONE IN ALARM FOR BUSINESS SHOWING FRONT ENTRANCE MOTION & FRONT EXIT MOTION. #32 & #34 ASND. #32, EMPLOYEE STILL INSIDE, GOT LOCKED IN WHEN THE STORE CLOSED. CALLOUT RESPONDED. EMPLOYEE WAS RESCUED AND BLDG IS SECURE. NO WARNING.

(KAIR)--A Japanese company is named as the new owner of Bradken Ltd.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Australian manufacturer accepted an offer from Hitachi Construction Machinery.

The offer from the construction and mining-machinery supplier is valued at $527.4 million in United States dollars.

The amount was disclosed in a statement issued by Hitachi Construction to the Australian stock exchange Monday.

Bradken's Board of Directors unanimously recommended that shareholders vote to accept the deal.

According to the newspaper, the offer is conditional on Hitachi Construction securing more than 50% of Bradken’s shares and relevant regulatory approvals.

The Board's decision came in what the paper calls “the absence of a superior bid,” and follows an independent expert finding that the offer was fair.

Among Bradken's U.S. operations is the foundry located in Atchison.

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

10/01/16 07:34 07:36 07:40 07:59 DOMESTIC PD 16014491 9679

W GARY

C911 WITH CRYING WOMAN TELLING SOMEONE TO GET OUT OF HERE. NO ANSWER ON CALL BACK. #31 ASND. #30 ASST. RP CALLED BACK, ADV'D SHE IS AT ADDR ON W GARY. THE MALE 1/2 LEFT AFTER THE DOMESTIC. THE MALE IS UNK AGE, MULTIPLES IN DATABASE, LEFT ON FOOT WRG A BLK AND GRY HOODIE. #59 REASSIGNED. #30 & #31 ASST. #50 ADV'D RPT TKN. THE MALE WAS FI'D AND RELEASED. #50 WILL BE DOING A WARRANT REQ ON MALE.

10/01/16 11:14 11:17 11:17 12:58 ACCIDENT W/ INJURY PD 16014498 8783

14TH & PIONEER

RP RPTS MOTORCYCLE VS CAR ACCIDENT AT 14TH/PIONEER RD. #21 ON SCENE. A114 AND A115 RESPONDED. OP WARNER FOR THE HONDA ACCORD. NP ACTION FOR THE MOTORCYCLE IN ABOUT 3 PIECES. #30 & #31 RESPONDED. #21 ADV'D RPT TKN.

10/01/16 11:44 12:01 12:03 12:13 VANDALISM PD 16014500 9527

N 6TH

TIRES SLASHED. 330 ASND. RPT TKN.

10/01/16 12:09 12:14 12:21 12:45 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014502 9906

N 6TH

REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN BIKE. #31 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/01/16 15:54 15:54 15:54 16:36 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014506 9863

BROADWAY & UNION

#34 WENT ON T/S W/ 058MXV. WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO W/M FOR NO DL.

10/01/16 16:31 16:33 16:44 16:46 DISTURBANCE PD 16014508 9608

E PROSPECT

REQ OFFICER REF AN ARUGMENT HE STARTED AND IS NOW OFFENDED BECAUSE THE PERSON HE CONFRONTED STOOD THEIR GROUND. #52 ASND, NOTHING PHYSICAL, NO RPT FOR NAME CALLING.

10/01/16 18:35 19:02 19:05 19:33 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16014511 9677

PRINCETON

RP WANTS REPORT FOR STOLEN VEH. #38 ASND, DECLINED RPT AGAIN.

VEH WAS LATER LOCATED BY KSO AT HUBBARD/WAVERLY, DAMAGE DUE TO SOME TYPE OF ACCIDENT NOTED, OWNER CONTACTED AND WILL PICK UP TOMORROW, DECLINED TO FILE CHARGES.

10/01/16 21:06 21:08 21:08 21:08 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014515 9863

GREENBRIAR

#34 REQ CFS# FOR BURG.

10/01/16 21:35 21:37 21:38 21:41 DISTURBANCE PD 16014516 8216

N 14TH

STAFF ADV'D THAT MALE SUBJ IS IN THE STORE CAUSING PROBLEMS W/ EX 1/2. PROBLEM SUBJ NOW IN PARKING LOT. W/M, TALL, SHAVED HEAD. NO CLOTHING DESC. #59 & #11 RESPONDED. SUBJ WAS GOA, LEFT SB ON 14TH. NO CRIME WAS COMMITTED. STORE REQ TRESPASS WARNING BE ISSUED.

***MANAGER REQ XPTL. ADV'D HE SHOWS UP AT CLOSING.***

(KMZA)--A motorcycle-deer collision in Nemaha County sends a Whiting man to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says it happened early Friday morning on K-9 highway, about a ½ mile west of Q Road.

The Sheriff’s Office says 54-year-old Richard Traxler was eastbound on his Honda motorcycle when he struck the deer around 12:15.

Traxler was transported to the Holton Community Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

(KNZA)--Guilty.

That was the plea entered Friday in a Buchanan County courtroom by a 28-year-old St. Joseph man charged in connection with the death of an elderly St. Joseph man during a carjacking in June.

Paul Belding entered the guilty plea to a charge of 2nd-degree murder.

Sentencing was set for November 18th.

Police say 77-year-old Richard Gray suffered a traumatic brain injury while trying to prevent Belding from taking his van June 13th from the parking lot of St. Joseph convenience store.  Gray died five days later at a local hospital.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated due to developing information.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man goes to the hospital after an alleged assault by multiple people.

“It was about 6:00 Sunday evening when officers responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of S Street,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “It had been determined that the 35-year-old victim reporting this case was acquainted with the three people now charged and it was determined the three had struck this man about the face and head. He did suffer some abrasions and bruises—and the three were charged with battery.”

Those cited for the alleged crime included husband and wife 42-year-old Jeanette and 44-year-old Brian Krier and their son, 22-year-old Dalton Krier. All three were issued notices to appear in court.

Wilson said the victim was examined and released after a visit to the Atchison Hospital.

The investigation into the cause of the alleged altercation is ongoing, but a phone call, and email, received by MSC News claim it followed what is said to have been an earlier altercation between the victim and a teenaged relative of the Krier's. 

The Atchison County Sheriff's Office does confirm that an investigation pertaining to the alleged assault of a 13-year-old has been launched.

Although no names are yet released, Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News a parent of the boy made the report to his office.

It's alleged that it happened Saturday, during a camping trip, at the Atchison State Fishing Lake.

The teen alleges that while inside a motor home, the suspect retrieved a sex toy and struck the boy in the face and mouth.

Laurie says the allegations remain under investigation, and is being handled as a battery case.

a
    (Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com)
     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A University of Oklahoma student wants her negligence lawsuit against the school's running back over a 2014 incident in which the player was charged with punching her in the face to remain in California federal court.
    The Oklahoman  reports that Amelia Molitor filed the lawsuit in July against Joe Mixon in court in California, where Mixon is from. The incident with Mixon happened at a Norman restaurant.
    Mixon is seeking to have the lawsuit moved to an Oklahoma City court and dismissed.
    Mixon accepted one year of probation in October 2014 after being charged. In his Alford plea, he acknowledged there was likely enough evidence to convict him of misdemeanor assault while still asserting his innocence. He performed community service and underwent counseling.
    A hearing on the transfer request is scheduled for Oct. 13.
 

 Stormy weather is in the forecast for parts of Oklahoma this week.
 
     The Storm Prediction Center in Norman says much of the state could see strong winds and hail on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The area at greatest risk for bad weather is in northern Oklahoma and includes the cities of Alva, Clinton, Enid and Ponca City.
 
     Forecasters say the areas could see straight-line winds of up to 70 mph and hail as large as golf balls or tennis balls. The National Weather Service says isolated tornadoes are also a possibility, most likely in western Oklahoma.
 
     Rainy weather will remain in the forecast through Saturday.
 

The Ponca City Police Department will be hosting a local event recognizing Friday October 7th as National Coffee with a Cop.  
Area law enforcement representatives including the PCPDP, the Kay County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Game Warden’s office will be on hand to answer questions, hear concerns and visit at the Perk, located at 415 North Fourteenth Street beginning at 7am.
Coffee with a Cop brings police officers and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other.  
 

(KMZA)--The Marshall County Commission has given the green light to the construction of a new road that will provide easier truck access from K-9 Highway to a new grain shuttle-loading facility near Frankfort.

The Marysville Advocate reports the Commission gave Farmers Cooperative approval last week to build a new gravel road from Tumbleweed Road to Utah Road.  The new road is to be called 20th Terrace.

Once built, the Commission has agreed if it meets county specifications it will be dedicated as a public road and maintained by the county.

Construction of the new road is expected to start as soon as possible.

In other business, the Commission granted permission for the Nemaha County Co-op to construct an anhydrous/fertilizer facility along U.S. 36 Highway near Axtell.

The Co-op has purchased 10 acres in Murray Township to locate the facility.  It will include a new 45,000-gallon storage tank, a truck scale and small office.

According to state law, the project needed the Commissioner’s approval.

The Nemaha County Co-op has purchased the Axtell Co-op.

(MSC News)--The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied an appeal made by Governor Sam Brownback for a federal disaster declaration for thirty-one Kansas counties affected by severe storms occurring May 22-31---including Jefferson and Leavenworth. 

Brownback’s original request for a federal declaration for the public assistance grants was denied. 

Brownback filed the appeal with FEMA on Aug. 31. In a letter dated Sept. 29, FEMA denied the appeal, stating the agency reaffirmed its original findings that the damages caused by the storms did not warrant a major disaster declaration.

    (Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)
     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A petition to legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma will be headed to voters after a 10-day period to challenge tens of thousands of signatures expired this week.
    The Oklahoman reports  State Question 788 could be voted on in the next statewide ballot in 2018.
    Supporters gathered more than 67,000 voter signatures, but didn't submit them in enough time to qualify for the November ballot.
    The measure would permit doctors to recommend a patient of at least 25 years old for a state-issued medical marijuana license. Patients would be allowed to legally possess up to 3 ounces of the drug.
    The state question could be put to voters earlier than 2018 through a special election, but that option appears unlikely given the $1.2 million cost to the budget-crunched state.
 

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

09/30/16 08:35 08:36 08:36 08:55 FRAUD PD 16014423 9547

N PINE

#51 REC'D P/S RPT'ING IDENTITY THEFT. #51 ADV'D RPT TKN.

09/30/16 10:04 11:17 11:17 11:17 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014426 9595

11TH & EDWARDS

#43 T/S W/ SILVER TOYT CARILLA, NO TAG. BUDGET TOWED THE VEH.

#43 WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO FEM FOR UBSTRUCTION, ALTERING DECAL, NO INS.

09/30/16 10:23 10:24 10:39 14:46 DOMESTIC PD 16014427 9547

E EMPORIA

RP IN THE PD LOBBY TO RPT A DOMESTIC THAT OCCURRED LAST NIGHT. #51 ASND, RPT TKN.

#51 WENT 10-15 W/ 25 YO W/M FOR DOM A&B STRANG AND DOM A&B.

09/30/16 14:40 14:42 14:45 15:05 STOLEN VEHICLE PD 16014447 8654

PRINCETON

REQ OFFICER REF STOLEN VEH. BLK 2011 TOYT, UNK KAW TAGS. TAKEN BY MALE SUBJ. #57 ASND, NO RPT, ATL ONLY, BOTH PARTIES SIG 87.

09/30/16 14:44 14:45 14:52 15:06 BURGLARY, INVESTIGATION PD 16014448 9999

S PINE

REQ OFFICER REF BURG TO RESI. #51 ASND, RPT TKN.

09/30/16 15:09 15:25 15:34 15:43 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014450 9899

HILLCREST

RP REQ OFFICER REF THEFT. #33 ASND, RPT TKN.

09/30/16 15:13 15:24 15:25 15:36 THEFT/SHOPLIFTING PD 16014451 9731

W BROADWAY

REQ OFFICER IN LOBBY REF STOLEN MOPED, #49 ASND, RPT TKN.

09/30/16 16:41 16:42 16:51 17:27 RAPE PD 16014462 9899

N 2ND

SANE NURSE REQ OFFICER REF POSS RAPE. #33 ASND, INITIAL TAKEN. #12 CALLED OUT.

09/30/16 17:21 17:22 17:27 23:07 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE PD 16014464 9527

E HIGHLAND

DARK COLORED SEDAN OCCUPIED X1 SITTING IN PARKING LOT FOR PAST HOUR. #33 ASND, #08 ASST. WENT 10-15 X3:

A) 10-15 W/ 29 YO W/F FOR (KSO: POSS MARIJ AND FALSE INFO.)

B) 10-15 W/ 48 YO W/M FOR POSS METH W/ INTENT, POSS DRUG EQUIPMENT.

C) 10-15 W/ 37 YO W/M FOR FALSE INFO, WA/OBT CASH/MERCH FALSE PRETENSE X2.

WARNERS SEIZED IL Y909705

09/30/16 17:48 17:50 18:06 18:47 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16014465 9731

SUMMERS

REQ OFFICER REF HIT N RUN. #21 ASND, RPT TKN.

10/01/16 00:57 00:58 00:58 00:58 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014482 88PD

E OKLAHOMA

KSO 10-15 ON CITY 44, 59 YO W/M FOR FTA-NO INS AND FTA-DUS.

10/01/16 02:12 02:16 02:16 03:02 PRISONER IN CUSTODY PD 16014486 9677

PROSPECT & KINGSTON

#38 ON TS AT PROSPECT/KINGSTON W/ ON17508. BUDGET TOWED VEH.

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

     TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A not guilty plea has been entered on behalf of an Oklahoma police officer charged with first-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man.
    Tulsa officer Betty Shelby did not say anything at her first court appearance Friday, other than acknowledging her name. Her attorney, Shannon McMurray, entered the not guilty plea on her behalf.
    Shelby is charged in the Sept. 16 death of Terence Crutcher, whose family sat in the first two rows of the courtroom Friday in Tulsa. Prosecutors allege Shelby acted unreasonably when she shot the 40-year-old Crutcher after she encountered his vehicle abandoned on the street.
    Shelby, who is white, told investigators she feared for her life.
    Shelby's next court appearance is set for Nov. 29.
 

    
     OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into possible antitrust violations by Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    The Journal Record reports  the agency has subpoenaed documents related to how the driller pays royalty owners and accounts for oil and gas reserves.
    Chesapeake disclosed the subpoena Thursday in a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. University of Central Oklahoma economics professor Jeremy Oller, an expert witness on antitrust legal matters, says the Justice Department is likely examining other oil and gas companies as part of the investigation.
    The filing says the Justice Department and other agencies have asked Chesapeake for documents, testimony and information related to the company's oil and gas leases and purchases. The company also received subpoenas from the U.S. Postal Service and state agencies.