(KLZA)-- Life in prison. 

That's was the sentence handed down Tuesday for convicted murderer Desiderio Hernandez. 

The 32-year-old learned his fate from Richardson County District Court Judge Daniel Bryan Jr. who levied the maximum sentence allowed. He was also sentenced to another eight to 17 years for weapons counts.

In December, a Richardson County Jury found Hernandez guilty of murdering his cousin, Joseph Debella Jr. 

Debella was found in the basement of a Falls City home on August 5th, 2015 with a gunshot wound to the head and died eight days later at a Lincoln hospital.

Hernandez was arrested in the early morning hours of August 6, 2015, after a nearly seven-hour standoff with authorities at a home in Horton, Kansas 
 

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison business and civic leader has died.

According to Facebook posts shared by family and friends, Ladd Seaberg died Sunday.

His obituary, from the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, in Atchison, says Seaberg died following a lengthy battle with the rare neurological disease, PSP.

Seaberg was 70. 

He was well known for his many years of leadership at Atchison-based MGP Ingredients, serving 37-years in active management for the company.

According to a past profile of his achievements posted by PR Newswire, Seaberg served as President of MGP from 1980 until October 2006, when he was named chairman of the Board of Directors.

In 1988, he became the company's Chief Executive Officer, a role he held until 2008.

In 2009, he announced his retirement from the board.

Seaberg was also well known for his civic leadership in Atchison, serving as Chairman for the Atchison Area Economic Development Council, a member of the Board of Directors for the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the Board of Directors for the Atchison County Historical Society, along with numerous other roles of leadership.

Among his numerous survivors are his wife, Karen.

Funeral services for Seaberg will be Monday morning. 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha community leader is being remembered.

Steve Smith died Saturday at the age of 71 shortly after arrival at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Smith made his home in the Doniphan and Brown County area all of his life.

Following a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to Hiawatha in 1970 to establish Steve's Corner Drug store which he operated for a number of years.

Smith placed a high priority on being an integral part of the community, volunteering and serving on many community boards.

Hiawatha Mayor Steffen Shamburg noted Smith's contributions to the community during Monday evening's City Commission meeting.

He is survived by his wife, Suzan, along with four children.

A celebration of life service for Smith will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, with burial following in the Highland Cemetery.

His family will meet with friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.   

(KAIR)--After months of discussion and planning, Atchison County will officially take over EMS service today.

“The transition should be very seamless,” said Atchison County EMS Director Corey Scott.

From 10:00 until noon, they'll be switching all disposable supplies from the former owners, Techs Inc., to the county's supplies. Other than that, Scott said the county already owns all the ambulances and medical equipment inside the trucks.

He stressed that during this change-over, if you do need to call 911, there will be service available to you throughout the entire process.

(KAIR)--A suspect truck, believed to have caused damage to a Saint Joseph, Missouri police vehicle, has been recovered in Atchison.

KQ2-TV reports the white Ford F-150 pickup was located over the weekend.

The truck is believe to have been the same one that pulled in front of a police patrol vehicle during the early morning of January 12.

When that happened on Mitchell Avenue, leaving the patrol vehicle damaged, the driver of the truck fled the scene.

No arrests have yet been made.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - A 50-year-old woman is charged with killing a Leavenworth man in a case involving domestic violence.
 
Barbara Marie Frantz, of Kansas City, Kansas, was charged Monday in Leavenworth County with first-degree murder in the killing of 54-year-old Gary Frantz.
 
Leavenworth police say Gary Frantz was shot several times Friday night in Leavenworth. Police said the case involved domestic violence but did not offer further details.
 
Barbara Frantz was arrested several hours later in Burlingame, Kansas.
 
Authorities on Monday said they weren't sure of the Frantzes' marital status.
 
The Kansas City Star reports Barbara Frantz referred to Gary Frantz as her ex-husband in a Facebook post in December. He listed his marital status on Facebook as separated.

(KLZA)-- Humboldt is to be the site of the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden.

The Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden is to serve all those touched by cancer, stroke, illness or other tragedy and will serve all residents and communities in southeast Nebraska.

The City Council approved the project during their January 17th meeting. It's being coordinated by Jan Wilhelm and Sally Stalder. 

Bill Lawman, a greenhouse owner from Kentucky with property south of Humboldt, is credited for the idea. .  He both lost his wife to cancer and is a cancer survivor. 

Plans call for a wide variety of features at the garden, including plants, flowers, resting benches, and walking paths. 
It will be located at the north entrance of the Humboldt Lake Park.

The project is to be funded through donations, fund-raisers and private grants.  Volunteers are being sought to complete and maintain the area.

The fund-raising efforts will begin with the sale of personalized pavers and donations.

Construction is to begin this spring with the project to grow as funding allows. 

For more information,  contact Sally Stalder or Jan Wilhelm.

(KLZA)-- During a visit to Falls City last Friday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts held a town hall meeting at the Falter Museum. 

The Governor discussed a wide-range of topics and took questions from the audience. One of the questions was about President Trump signing an executive order to abandon the Trans-Pacific Partnership that appeared to be a good plan for Nebraska exports.

Ricketts says while he is concerned, he is willing to give the President’s programs a chance, noting that with the changes, we can gauge if these programs are a help to the state, or if they are bad for Nebraska. 

The Governor has reached the halfway point of his 4-year term in office. In his first two years in office he has spent a good portion of time traveling around the state conducting town hall meetings like the one in Falls City. He says it is important to hear what the people have to say, and give people a chance to show up and talk to their elected officials. 

Falls City School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively raised a number of concerns during the meeting. He pointed out District 56 receives a majority of its funding through property taxes.

Ricketts said plans are being put in place ensuring schools receive necessary funding, even with changes proposed to ag-land valuations. The new plan is proposed to be in effect for the 2020-21 school year.  

(KNZA)--Life in prison.

That was the sentenced handed down Monday in a Shawnee County courtroom to a Jefferson County man convicted on charges in connection with a deadly crash during a police pursuit nearly one year ago.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports 63-year-old Sherman Jenkins will not be eligible to be considered for parole until he has served at least 25 years in prison.

A jury last month convicted Jones on a charge of felony first-degree murder along with seven other counts stemming from the death of 34-year-old Topeka resident Mia Holden.

Authorities say Holden, the mother of six children, was killed when the stolen pickup truck Jenkins was driving hit a vehicle she was riding in as Jenkins was fleeing from police early February 4th in north Topeka.

The police chase began when officers tried to stop the truck because its tail lights weren't working.

(KAIR)--After months of discussion and planning, Atchison County will officially take over EMS service tomorrow at noon.

“The transition should be fairly seamless,” said Atchison County EMS Director Corey Scott.

“The public will probably not notice anything at all and there will be no gap in coverage.”

From 10:00 tomorrow morning until noon, they'll be switching all disposable supplies from the former owners, Techs Inc., to the county's supplies. Other than that, Scott said the county already owns all the ambulances and medical equipment inside the trucks.

“The service level will still be advanced life support,” Corey said.

He stressed that during this change-over, if you do need to call 911, there will be service available to you throughout the entire process.

(MSC News)--United States Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts both agree that changes to immigration policy are needed; and, while both Kansas Republicans say that must be done in the name of safety, they don't agree with the way the issue has been handled by President Donald Trump.

The Senators have issued statements following a strong public outcry over the weekend, including massive protests at airports across the nation, after Trump, through an executive order, imposed a 90-day suspension of immigrant and non-immigrant admission from seven mostly Muslim countries.

Senator Roberts says that while he agrees that the nation needs a “major overhaul of our immigration system and a better vetting process, the President needs to work with Congress to ensure every aspect of a major policy change...is taken into consideration.”

Moran expressed a similar view, saying that while he supports thorough vetting, he does “not support restricting the rights of U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents,” adding that “far reaching national security policy should always be devised in consultation with Congress and relevant government agencies.”

The ban was implemented Friday.

Planned to last 90 days, it also suspended new refugee admissions for 120 days.

Following strong pushback, The New York Times reports the Trump White House will not apply the ban to those with green cards granting them permanent residence in the United States. A formal statement from the Department of Homeland Security says all legal residents are now exempt from the order.

(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts met with constituents in Falls City Friday afternoon discussing his ideas on dealing with an estimated $900-million deficit in the next two-year budget cycle.

The Governor says he believes the state can cut its way out of the deficit and balance the budget without raising taxes. 

The Governors budget proposal limits government growth to 1.7 percent each of the next two years, an amount significantly less than in recent years. 

Ricketts said farm income has decreased 39% in Nebraska from 2012 and 13 to 2015.  Farm income is likely to have declined in 2016, and could continue to slide in 2017.

Calling agriculture the heart and soul of the state, the Governor has submitted a proposal to change the way ag-land is assessed, intending to tie it more closely to income potential. 

The plan is to implement this new valuation program in January 2019, giving entities time to adjust their budgets to the coming changes.

Governor Ricketts also discussed a plan to gradually cut state income tax from the current 6.84 percent. The proposal is to begin in January of 2020 to decrease the rate a tenth of a percent per year, if revenues grow by 3.5 percent or more. The goal is to get the income tax rate to 5.99 percent.  

(MSC News)--United States Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts both agree that changes to immigration policy are needed; and, while both Kansas Republican say that must be done in the name of safety, they don't agree with the way the issue has been handled by President Donald Trump.

The Senators have issued statements following a strong public outcry over the weekend, including massive protests at airports across the nation, after Trump, through an executive order, imposed a 90-day suspension of immigrant and non-immigrant admission from seven mostly Muslim countries.

Senator Roberts says that while he agrees that the nation needs a “major overhaul of our immigration system and a better vetting process, the President needs to work with Congress to ensure every aspect of a major policy change...is taken into consideration.”

Moran expressed a similar view, saying that while he supports thorough vetting, he does “not support restricting the rights of U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents,” adding that “far reaching national security policy should always be devised in consultation with Congress and relevant government agencies.”

The ban was implemented Friday.

Planned to last 90 days, it also suspended new refugee admissions for 120 days.

Following strong pushback, The New York Times reports the Trump White House will not apply the ban to those with green cards granting them permanent residence in the United States. A formal statement from the Department of Homeland Security says all legal residents are now exempt from the order.

Hiawatha firefighters responded to two separate fires Saturday at the Pemberton Village Apartments

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Fire Department responded to two separate fires Saturday at the Pemberton Village Apartments on North 1st Street.

Fire Chief Gary Shear says the first fire was reported shortly before 5:40 in the morning in building D.
    
Shear says the fire started from a hallway heater and spread through the roof.     

He said when firefighters arrived, flames were visble coming out of the roof on the west side of the building.

Shear says the fire was confined to the roof area where the heater was located, above the ceiling.  However, he says a couple of the apartments received smoke and water damage.

Shear says the second fire was reported in the same building around 8:30 in the evening and is being blamed on wiring.   That fire was confined to one apartment.

He said no injuries were reported.

The Robinson Fire Department and Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

Meanwhile, Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore says officers were contacted by a concerned resident and asked to investigate the validity of needed assistance for the fire victims.  It was reported that a  “Go Fund Me” page had been started for a resident of the apartment unit.  Defore says an investigation into the matter did not uncover any criminal actions at this time.

As with any charitable giving, Defore urges residents to always confirm where your money is being spent and to above all ask questions.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man is facing charges of identity fraud and criminal use of a financial card.

35-year-old Charles Smith II was arrested on a Nemaha County warrant January 25th following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

Police Chief Robert Wahwasuck says Smith is accused of opening a line of credit in the victim’s name and using it to make purchases.

He says the alleged offense begin in September of last year and was reported to his department December 14th.

Smith is currently free on a $6,000 bond and is scheduled to make his first appearance in a Nemaha County courtroom February 21st.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - Leavenworth police are investigating the shooting death of a 54-year-old man.
 
Police Chief Pat Kitchens says Gary Frantz died after being shot several times on Friday night.
 
Investigators determined a 50-year-old woman was a potential suspect. Kitchens says the woman was later arrested in Burlingame.
 
The Leavenworth Times reports the shooting might have involved domestic violence but no other details were released.

Top left: Seneca 1st grader Noah Hilbert took first place for his photo in the " Happy Birthday, Kansas! Student Photo Contest." Top right: Hilbert's winning photo " Uncle Darin and Lorelei" Bottom: Sadie Grimm, of Morrill, took 2nd place in the 8th grade category with her photo " From the Hand of a Child" 

(MSC News)--A Seneca first grade student receives top honors for commemorating Kansas' birthday.

Noah Hilbert was among 24 students, from across the state, receiving recognition for photographs submitted as part of the “Happy Birthday, Kansas! Student Photo Contest.” Hilbert's winning selection is named “Uncle Darin and Lorelei.”

The entries were divided by grade level.

Sadie Grimm, of Morrill, took second place honors in the eighth grade category.
Grimm's photograph was submitted under the title “From the Hand of a Child.”

According to a press release from the Kansas Historical Society, first place winners were awarded with an iPad, while those coming in second received Kindles.

Students from first through 12th grade submitted entries in recognition of Kansas Day, which is commemorated Sunday, recognizing the state's entry into the union on January 29, 1861.

A program of recognition for the winners was held Friday at the Kansas State Capitol.

(KAIR)--A celebration of success, and the volunteers, businesses, and organizations, that make it possible.

That was the focus Saturday night as the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce presented the 98th Annual Chamber Banquet, held at the Atchison Event Center.

An aviation theme was in store for the guests, with many arriving dressed in attire to match.

As part of the evening, the annual awards ceremony was held, with Atchison's Nancy Madden named as the Chamber Ambassador of the year, for 2016. Andrea Clements was honored for Excellence in Leadership, while Scott Weinmann and Eric Royer were named Entrepreneurs of the Year.

The Junior Guild, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, was named the Organization of the Year.

It was a standing ovation for the honoree of the Tourism award, with Lou Foudray earning that honor. She was recognized for her years of oversight as caretaker of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.

Also earning a standing ovation was Jerry Henry, as the longtime, former State Representative was presented with the Quality of Life Award.

The large crowd again arose in applause once the Business of the Year was announced, with that honor going to Bottorff Construction.

Once the awards were presented, outgoing 2016 Chamber Boar Chair Anne Pruett passed the gavel to incoming 2017 President Steve Glaser.

Recognition was also given to members of the Board, along with the presentation of the new members for the new year.

Entertainment for the evening included a virtual flight across Atchison, focused on Amelia Earhart themed attractions, while the 306th Road Trio closed out the night with a mix of country and rock music.

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning on U.S. 75 Highway, north of Topeka, claimed the life of a Hoyt woman.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department says killed in the wreck was 23-year-old Katie Perkins, formerly of Valley Falls.

The Sheriff's Office said in a press release that Perkins was northbound when her Ford Expedition left the highway and overturned, coming to rest in a wooded area east of the highway.    

Perkins, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and was the lone occupant in the vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office says the wreck, which was reported shortly after 2:30 Saturday morning south of Northwest 35th Street, remains under investigation.

According to her obituary, Perkins was a 2012 graduate of Valley Falls High School.

Survivors include four children.

Services for Perkins will be held Friday morning at 10:30 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls, with burial to follow in the Valley Falls Cemetery.

( AP)  Authorities are awaiting autopsy results from the body of an inmate who died at the state prison in Tecumseh.

The Nebraska Correctional Services Department says 78-year-old Floyd Derry died January 21st.  He had been under medical care.

Derry was serving 48 years to life for second-degree murder and a weapons conviction in Deuel County.

He began serving his sentence in November 1994.   

(KNZA)--A semi driver from Emmett was injured Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle wreck at the junction of U.S. 24 and U.S. 75 Highways in Shawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 24-year-old Keith Cain was exiting eastbound U.S. 24 onto southbound U.S. 75 when his semi left the roadway and overturned.

Cain was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail hospital with unspecified injuries.

The Patrol says Cain was buckled up when the wreck occurred around 2:45. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison man goes to jail after allegedly illegally using a financial card totaling $3,400.

“It was determined that a debit card card was taken from an acquaintance, and subsequently used at a number of ATM machines,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News, explaining this week's arrest of 35-year-old Nicholas Goodpasture, who now faces charges for theft, criminal use of a financial card and and computer crime.

“Late September through mid-November are when these transactions occurred,” Wilson says.

Goodpasture was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Holton Country Mart has begun the process of closing its doors.

The plan to close was announced to employees earlier this week.

According to store co-owner Kent Conwell, at their high point, the store employed a total of 80 workers, counting both full and part-time.

An exact date for the closure is not mapped out, with Conwell saying a percent-off sale will begin Monday, and the reduction of inventory will ultimately determine the date of closure.

Conwell says an official statement, including a thank you to the store's customers, will be released Monday.

Holton Country Mart has operated in the Jackson County community for 28-years.

(MSC News)--Kansas is now experiencing widespread influenza activity, with increased influenza cases seen in most regions of the state.

Reports of outbreaks in long-term care facilities, schools and day cares have been made to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Five outbreaks have been identified during the 2016-2017 season.

"It is not too late to get your seasonal influenza vaccine," said Susan Mosier, MD, MBA, FACS, KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer. "I urge Kansans who have not yet taken this precaution to do so as soon as possible."

Nationally, this season’s influenza vaccine appears to be a very good match to the circulating influenza viruses.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age and older. Infants less than six months of age are too young to be vaccinated and are more vulnerable to the complications from influenza. Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications and for anyone who is caring for children younger than five years of age. It is also important for persons caring for those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications.

Symptoms of influenza include fever, dry cough, extreme tiredness and muscle aches. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections and dehydration. Influenza may also worsen other chronic conditions.

Depending on the severity of the influenza season, five percent to 20 percent of the population may get influenza each year. During the peak of the 2015-2016 influenza season in Kansas, approximately three percent of all health care visits in clinics were due to influenza-like illness. Influenza or pneumonia contributed to or was the direct cause of 903 deaths among Kansas residents during the 2015-2016 influenza season. Influenza and pneumonia were eighth among leading causes of death in 2015 in Kansas.

Additional ways to avoid spreading influenza include covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.

For information on receiving the influenza vaccine, please contact your health care provider or your local health department. Please visit www.kdheks.gov/flu for influenza facts.

(KMZA)--With the first phase of a $26.4 million bond improvement project complete in Marysville USD 364, open houses are set Sunday afternoon to show off the finished construction projects.

The first open house will be held at the Marysville Elementary School, beginning with a brief ceremony at 2:00 in the commons area.

The second open house will be held at the Marysville Junior-Senior High School, beginning with a brief ceremony at 3:30 in the auditorium.

The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.

Then at 5:00, a groundbreaking ceremony for phase two of the project will take place.  

Bids for the second phase were opened Thursday and the USD 364 Board of Education is to hold a special meeting February 1st to select a contractor.  

(KNZA)--The name of the second of three finalists seeking to fill the position of superintendent for the South Brown County Schools has been made public.  

According to a press release, Jason Cline will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the USD 430  Board of Education during a closed door session this ( Friday ) evening.  Prior to the interview, a public reception for Cline will be held from 4:30 to 5:15 in the Horton High School Library.

Cline is currently serving as the Superintendent/Pre K-12 Principal of Hay Springs Public Schools in Hay Springs, Nebraska.  He is in his second year in that position.  Previously, Cline served as an elementary school principal for three years in Wellington, Kansas for USD 353.

Current Hiawatha High School Principal Andrew Gaddis was the first candidate interviewed by the USD 430 Board.  That took place Wednesday.  The final candidate will be interviewed next Wednesday.  The name of that candidate will be made public that morning.   

The three finalists were selected for interviews during a special USD 430 Board meeting Monday evening.   The three were selected based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with the input from focus groups that were utilized during the search process.

The search was launched after 16-year Superintendent Dr. Steve Davies announced his intention to retire at the end of the current school year.

(KAIR)--Scammers are again falsely using the name of Westar Energy in an attempt to gain financial information.

That word comes from Atchison City leaders following the report of such phone calls being received this week.

In a Facebook post Thursday, the City of Atchison says several Atchison business owners and citizens have reported receiving the scam calls.

It's reported that the caller claims to work for Westar, and threatens the would be victim to disconnect service if a payment is not made with a prepaid credit card.

The Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce also issued an alert regarding the reports of the calls, saying that anyone who receives one should provide no information and simply hang up.

The scam is not new, reemerging from time to time, both locally and elsewhere in the state.

In February of last year, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News the scam calls were being made to residents of the county.

Westar has, over the past several years, notified customers to be on the alert for such calls.

They encourage anyone with questions regarding service status to call directly at 800-383-1183.

(KAIR)--The public is invited to meet the finalists seeking to fill the position of Superintendent for the South Brown County Schools.

That will happen from 4:30 to 5:15 Friday afternoon and again on Wednesday.

The public receptions for the candidates will be held at the Horton High School Library.

The first reception happened Wednesday of this week, held for Andrew Gaddis, the current Principal for Hiawatha High School.

The names of the final two candidates are not yet made public, but will be released on the days of the public receptions, which are being held prior to the USD 430 Board of Education interviewing the candidates.

Those closed door sessions are being held as part of special meetings, scheduled for the evenings of Friday and Wednesday.

The search for a new Superintendent has been assisted by the Kansas Association of School Boards, utilizing focus groups.

The three finalists were selected during a special USD 430 Board meeting Monday evening.

The search was launched after 16-year Superintendent Dr. Steve Davies announced his intention to retire at the end of the current school year.

(KLZA)-- That word from the Southeast District Health Department.  The annual influenza season is underway and those age 6-months and older who haven not yet had their flu vaccination are encouraged to do so. 

Southeast District Health Department says the flu vaccine is the single best protection against the flu and is helpful in reducing the length and severity of illness if someone does get the flu.

If you get flu symptoms, seek medical attention. There are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Practicing good health habits is also suggested. This includes covering your cough and washing your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs.

Other tips include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and if you are sick, stay home. 

For more information on influenza and where to get the vaccine, contact the Southeast District Health Department toll free, 1-877-777-0424 or go online to www.sedhd.org. 
 

(KLZA)-- Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will visit Falls City Friday afternoon.

The Governor will be at the Falter Museum, 1622 Stone Street from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

The Governor will be discussing his legislative priorities and listening to constituents. He will provide an overview on how Nebraska is growing, and how he is working with the Legislature on key priorities, including balancing the budget. 

 The public is invited to attend.
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert presented information to County Commissioners this week on brush complaints along county roads. Huppert has reviewed the sites and submitted the list for Board for action. 

Brush along county roads, especially near intersections and railroad crossings can create dangerous situations.  The County sends out notices to landowners to clear roadside brush. If the landowner does not clear the brush, Commissioners can rule the brush a nuisance, then have the County Road Department clear the brush and assess the cost to the landowner.

Huppert told Commissioners later in the meeting that he is researching the idea of purchasing an excavator and plans to have a demonstration with and excavator as well as a brush cutter in the near future.

(KLZA)-- Awards were presented and new officers sworn in during the Falls City Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Inc. annual banquet Wednesday evening at the Falls City Elk’s Lodge.  

2016 Executive Committee Chairman Sarah Ahern started the evening thanking those in attendance for their support and all the volunteer hours worked on behalf of the organization.

Elizabeth Chase with Main Street Nebraska presented a number of awards during the event and recognized Chamber and Main Street Board members for attaining Main Street America Accreditation.  

Wolfe’s Printing was named the Main Street Business of the Year.
The award for Outstanding Commercial Interior Award was presented to the Falter Museum.
The Main Street Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Penny Caudle. 

Chuck Whitney will serve as Chairman of the Executive Board in 2017 with Paulo Bruxellas serving as First Vice Chairman.  New Board members will be Penny Caudle, Trevor Godemann, Angie Phroper, Matt Kirkendall, R.J. Hamilton, Martha Chapple and John Hogue.

Outgoing Board members honored were Dr. Steve Severin, Gary Jorn, Kaytlyn Kennedy and Rachel Witt.  

Chuck Whitney said there will be about 10 event sponsored by the Chamber this year including a new one. Dine in the Dark will be held at noon on August 21st during the solar eclipse.

At the beginning of the meeting, Sarah Ahern announced that David Branch is no longer serving as Administrator of the organization.  Whitney said the Board is looking to fill the position. Anyone interested may stop by the Chamber office or contact Chuck Whitney.   

The dates for the Cobblestone Festival have been set. It will be held August 25th – 27th.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is behind bars facing multiple charges after fleeing from Atchison police.

“Shortly before 11 am on Wednesday morning, officers responded to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of North 4th to locate a person who was unlawfully in an apartment there,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “Officers arrived and did locate a suspect at the scene and a foot pursuit followed. 48-year-old Dale Birch was apprehended in a nearby wooded area.”

Wilson says Birch was wanted on a number of outstanding Buchanan County warrants for failure to appear in court.

However, officers also located methamphetamine in the apartment where he was first located before running from police. He faces charges of possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass and obstructing legal process.

Birch booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--A new superintendent has been hired for the Holton school district.

Superintendent Dennis Stones says the USD 336 Board of Education during a special meeting Wednesday evening voted to offer a two-year contract to Robert Davies for the position.  

Davies currently serves as superintendent of Kinsley-Offerle USD 347, which is located in Edwards County in southwest Kansas.  He has held that role for 10 years.

Previously, he served as a high school principal for five years at Valley Falls USD 338 and as a high school principal for four years at Kinsley.

Davies was among four candidates interviewed for the superintendent position.  The other three candidates included current Holton USD 336 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joe Kelly, current Ellis USD 388 Superintendent Robert Young and Juanita Erickson, general director of elementary education for Topeka Public Schools.  

Stones is retiring at the end of the current school year after working for the Holton school district for three years and 40 years in public education. 

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle wreck on K-4 Highway in Jefferson County Wednesday evening left an Oskaloosa woman injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 8:40 on the east edge of Meriden.

The Patrol says 65-year-old Meriden resident Richard Allerheiligen was driving a northbound pickup truck when a car driven by 64-year-old Cheryl Mickey turned northbound onto the highway from a private drive and was struck from behind by Allerheiligen.

Mickey, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Heathcare with unspecified injuries.

Allerheiligen was not hurt.

(MSC News)--United States Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins has begun the long goodbye. 

The Kansas Republican Wednesday posted a message to her Facebook page, saying "...you should know that I will not be running for any office in 2018. In two years, at the conclusion of this Congress, I plan to retire and explore opportunities to return to the private sector, allowing a new citizen legislator to step up and serve Kansans." 

See the complete announcement from Jenkins below. 

(KNZA)--The criminal case against an area police chief has been dismissed.

The case against current Valley Falls Police Chief Bronson Campbell was dismissed Monday by the Dickinson County Attorney’s Office without prejudice, which means it could be re-filed.  

Prosecutor Andrea Purvis told the Topeka Capital Journal that she decided not to proceed after receiving new evidence over the weekend.

Campbell pleaded not guilty last August to a misdemeanor charge of disseminating criminal history information, and a two-day jury trial in the case had been set for this week.

The alleged crime took place while Campbell was serving as police chief of the Dickinson County community of Enterprise.   He held that position from April 2013 until May 2014 when his reappointment was denied.

(KLZA)-- Two vacancies exist on the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors.  Applications are being accepted to fill the two positions. 

Subdistrict 8 includes most of Pawnee County, the western side of Richardson County and Southwest Johnson County.  Most recently the position was held by Charles Duryea of Humboldt who did not seek another term. 

Communities within the subdistrict are Pawnee City, DuBois, Steinauer, Table Rock, Lewiston, Humboldt and Crab Orchard. 

The other opening is in subdistrict 1, which includes portions of Gage and Lancaster Counties.  

Written applications will be accepted for both positions until Friday, February 3. The Board will select new board members during the February 9 meeting. 

Each position is a two-year term.  For more information contact the Nemaha NRD Office in Tecumseh at 402-335-3325.  
 

(KNZA)-- Hiawatha High School Principal Andrew Gaddis is among three finalists to be the next superintendent for the South Brown County Schools.

That announcement was made Wednesday in a press release issued by USD 430.

Gaddis is to be interviewed by the USD 430 Board of Education during special meeting Wednesday evening.   Prior to the interview, he will spend the day meeting with district personnel and administrators, tour the district’s schools and attend a public reception.

Gaddis is the first of the three finalists to be interviewed.  The other two candidates, whose names have not be made public yet, will be interviewed Friday and next Wednesday.   They were selected during a special USD 430 Board meeting Monday evening.

Gaddis is in his third year as  principal at Hiawatha High School.  Previously, he served as assistant principal and activities director at the school for three years and one year as PreK-12 principal in Jamesport, Missouri.

Current USD 430 Superintendent Dr. Steve Davies is retiring at the end of the current school year after serving in the position for 16 years.  

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education conducted a public hearing on the 2017-18 School Calendar when they met Monday evening.

Following the public hearing the Board approved the calendar with 170 student days beginning August 16th.

In other action the Board approved extending the contract of Superintendent Ken Eaton by one year making it a three-year contract. Eaton’s recommendation to hire Lisa Loucks as the Superintendent / Bookkeeper position was approved.  Loucks is currently the High School Secretary and that position will need to be filled.

The Mound City School Board also voted to accept the resignation of Karlene Harrison as Family and Consumer Science instructor. She is retiring.  

The next Board meeting will be February 15 at 12:30 in the afternoon.  Board members will do their annual classroom observations that morning.  

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School Board has approved the purchase of three new scoreboards.

The cost for the new scoreboard at Power Field and two new scoreboards in the gymnasium is $27,000. 

The current football scoreboard was moved to Power Field from the previous field at the City Park. It has been in service for well over 30 years.  

Superintendent Sherri Edumundson says the current scoreboards will be offered for sale at some point in the future.  
 

(KLZA)-- Falls City financial institutions are urging customers to be aware of a scam.

Area residents have received phone calls from someone posing as a Social Security Administration official.  The caller says they need to update the local persons account number and routing number at their bank.

If you receive such a call DO NOT give out such information.
Social Security does not call people for this type of information.

You should also contact your bank if you receive such a call.
If you received a call and did provide information, contact your bank immediately.  
 

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man is in the Richardson County Jail facing multiple charges.

Falls City Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker says 31-year-old Jeremy Vice was arrested on warrants stemming from several incidents. 

Vice is facing a felony charge of strangulation for an incident that occurred in the 1700 block of Crook Street on or about January 16th.

Vice is also in jail charged with theft and criminal mischief for an incident, occurring in the 700 block of Fulton Street.

Following an investigation of a burglary reported either late January 19th or early January 20th, Vice was re-arrested Monday, January 23rd, while in custody. In this case, Vice is charged with the alleged theft of books and antiques from a home in the 1200 block of Lane Street.  
 

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Sheriff's Department will be getting a new drug dog.

Sheriff Chad Clary informed the Doniphan County Commission Monday that the department's current K-9, Cosmo, will be retired due to health concerns.

Clary says the Sheriff's Department plans to purchase another K-9 at a cost of $7,500.  A non-profit agency will provide $4,000 of the cost and the remaining $3,500 will come from the forfeiture fund.

Clary says the one-year-old K-9 will have a one-year medical guarantee and go through annual training for re-certification purposes.

Deputy Neil Hontz will continue to be the K-9 unit handler.

PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) - A medical examiner has ruled that the death of a Missouri woman inside a law enforcement transport van was a suicide.

The Kansas City Star  reports that an autopsy found that Emma Linda Lewis intentionally overdosed in June from an antidepressant and cocaine. The 50-year-old Platte City woman wasn't breathing when the Platte County sheriff's office van arrived at the jail after a five-minute trip.

Deputies had taken Lewis into custody in June when she refused to comply with a protection order filed by her daughter. Authorities say she threatened to kill herself several times after being handcuffed.

A special prosecutor previously determined that no criminal charges would be filed. Details of the autopsy report and other findings were sealed for 30 days after the decision was made public.

(KAIR)--A third teenager is arrested on charges in connection with a missing AK-47 from an Atchison residence.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said officers took 18-year-old Elijah Rowley into custody Saturday for burglary and theft.

Officers expect this to be the last arrest for the incident that occurred Jan. 8 at a home in the 1000 block of Atchison Street where the teens allegedly took an AK-47 rifle along with $50 in change.

18-year-old Deanna Owens and a 16-year-old male were arrested last week on the same charges.

Rowley was booked into the Atchison County Jail held on a $2,500 bond.

(KAIR)--Three candidates are now in the running for the position of Superintendent for the South Brown County Schools.

That follows a series of executive sessions held as part of a special Monday evening meeting of the Board of Education for USD 430.

Each of the six closed door sessions were held to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel to protect the privacy interest of the individual, or individuals, to be discussed.

The apparent focus of each session was placed on applicants for the Superintendent position.

The two and-a-half hour meeting was held mostly behind closed doors for that purpose.

Following the conclusion of the final executive session, the School Board voted to interview the three finalists.

Their names will not be made public until the day of their respective interviews, which are scheduled to happen Wednesday, Friday, and February 1st.

The Kansas Association of School Boards has been assisting the district with the search process, utilizing focus groups to determine what is desired in a new Superintendent.

The need to fill the position comes as Dr. Steve Davies plans to retire at the end of the current school year.

He announced his decision in July.

He has served as Superintendent for the South Brown County Schools for 16-years.

(KLZA)-- Holt County, Missouri Clerk Kathy J. Holstine has notified the Board of Commissioners that she is resigning to accept another job.

An interim County Clerk will be appointed by Commissioners and the Governor will appoint a replacement to serve the rest of the term, which runs through 2018.

According to the Mound City News, Holstine has accepted a position with Elkins-Swyers Printing Company of Springfield, MO, and will move to a centrally located area in Missouri. 

Holstine will serve as a local government specialist, working in election management and support for class three and rural communities in Missouri. She will also be assigned counties in Arkansas.  

Holstine has served 10 years as the Holt County Clerk.  
 

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures were up in southeast Nebraska in December.

According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the highest unemployment rate in the area was in Nemaha County at 4 percent, while the lowest was in Pawnee County at 2.7 percent.

Richardson County's unemployment rate in December was 3.6 percent; Johnson County, 3. 6 percent; Gage County, 3.5 percent and Otoe County, 3.6 percent.

All the figures were up from November.

Statewide, Nebraska unemployement rate in December was 3.4 percent.  That's the same as November but up four-tenths from December 2016.

The National unemployment rate in December was 4.7 percent, up a tenth.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison County vehicle fire leads to the arrest of a Cummings woman.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it was about 1:50 Saturday morning when a resident notified Atchison County EMS that a vehicle was on fire at the KDOT Roadside storage lot, located at the intersection of Graham Road and 9 hwy.

When deputies arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

Effingham Fire arrived and controlled the fire, determining that nobody was inside, Laurie said.

It was determined the Chevrolet pickup had come to rest in an area that KDOT had burned a pile of limbs. The report said that most likely caused the vehicle fire.

After using the plate number to determine the owner, deputies went to their residence.

The report say 36-year-old Ashly Hundley was driving the pickup around 1:30 a.m. Eastbound on 9 Hwy at Graham Road when the vehicle left the roadway, striking road signs, then crossing Graham Road and going into the ditch by the KDOT roadside storage area.

40-year-old Shane Hundley, of Cummings, was a passenger in the vehicle who suffered minor cuts and scrapes. Ashly was not hurt.

Ashly was later taken into custody for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an injury accident.

The report said the owners had no knowledge the vehicle caught on fire and thought it was damaged but never saw signs of the fire.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a fee increase for the county’s two Meals on Wheels providers.

The Commission Monday approved increasing the fee the county pays to the Hiawatha Community Hospital and Mission Village in Horton to $1.80 per meal.  That represents a 75 cent increase for the Hiawatha Community Hospital and 50 cent increase for Mission Village.

Lori Gray with the county’s Services for the Elderly program said she had not budgeted for the increase.  The Commission agreed to pay for the difference out of their budget.

In other business, County Appraiser Jeff Ball met with the Commission to request a modification in his work hours.

Ball told the Commission he would like to work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a half-hour lunch break.

But concerns were voiced about the precedent it could set if the Commission made an exception.

Following discussion, the Commission voted to make Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ball’s set schedule with an hour lunch break.

And county Health Department Director Connie Zeit met with the Commission about the need for janitorial services and a generator at the Health Clinic.

Commissioner Steve Roberts said he will speak with Dustin Madere to get an idea on specs for a generator and an estimate, noting the commission will help pay for it out of their budget. Commissioners also recommended Zeit visit with the courthouse janitors about utilizing their services at the Health Clinic.

(KLZA)-- The City of Falls City is seeking assistance from the public in finding the person or persons responsible for damage to the gym floor at Prichard Auditorium.

In a Facebook post, the city asks anyone with information to call the Falls City Police Department at 402-245-4422 or City Hall at 402-245-2581.

Long, curved and feathered marks were cut into the floor on Tuesday, January 17th between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  It is believed the damage was caused by wheels, such as a skateboard.  
 

(KLZA)-- The slate of officers for the Humboldt-Table Rock –Steinauer Board of Education will remain the same for 2017 as last year. 

Rock Herr was re-elected Board President and Scott Ogle will continue to serve as Vice President.

In other action during the January 16th meeting the Board voted to extend the contract for Superintendent Sheri Edmundson by a year which gives her a two-year contract. 

(KAIR)--An arrest is made in connection with an investigation focused on a burglary at a Huron home that happened last summer.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says 27-year-old Joseph Clem, of Huron, was taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant for burglary of a dwelling, theft of a firearm, criminal damage to property, burglary of a motor vehicle, and theft.

The arrest was made Saturday in the 400 block of Utah Street, in Atchison.

Laurie says Clem's arrest stems from an investigation launched August 30 following a residential burglary in the 300 block of Huron's Vine Street.

(KAIR)--The alleged abuse of a child lands one Atchison woman behind bars.

“The police department conducted an investigation on Sunday evening involving an injury to a child under the age of 10,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “That led to the arrest of a 34-year-old female.

He says Katie McElfresh was arrested on the charge of abuse of a child.

Officers began the investigation Sunday after they were alerted of the case by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

She was booked into the Atchison County Jail where she remains without bond.

Donald Harvey II and Morton Alfrey

(KAIR)--Two Missouri men find themselves in legal trouble following their arrests early Friday morning on drug charges.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News officers encountered 55-year-old Morton Alfrey and 53-year-old Donald Harvey II at a local hotel, following the report of vehicle damage. “Shortly after 3 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of South 10th, in reference to a vehicle being damaged outside a hotel. After arriving at the scene, officers located two subjects wanted on outstanding warrants, and both subjects were found to be in possession of methamphetamine.”

It's not immediately clear how Harvey, of Rushville, or Alfrey, of Saint Joseph, were connected to the vehicle damage investigation. “While [officers] were looking into the case of the damage being done to a vehicle, both subjects were located in the area,” Wilson says. It was because they were taken in custody on outstanding warrants that methamphetamine was located in their possession.”

Both men were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and District Court warrants for failure to appear.

The two men were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KMZA)--The annual Nemaha County Spelling Bee was held Saturday at the Nemaha County Courthouse in Seneca.

Sabetha Middle School 8th grader Kari Edelman took 1st place by correctly spelling the word graffiti.

Spencer Strahm, also an 8th grader at the Sabetha Middle School, took 2nd place.

Both Edelman and Strahm will represent Nemaha County at the Topeka Capital Regional Spelling Bee on March 4th at Shawnee Heights High School in Topeka.  The winner there will then advance to the National Level in Washington D.C.

Five schools participated in the Nemaha County Spelling Bee sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a society of key women educators.

(KMZA)--A sport utility vehicle stolen January 16th from the Sabetha area has been recovered.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says the 2011 Ford Expedition was recovered Friday by the Topeka Police Department.

The case remains under investigation.    

(KLZA)-- The City of Humboldt has been awarded $25,000 in Community Development Assistance Act tax credits to support the renovation of the Humboldt City Auditorium. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded the grant.

The Auditorium was built in 1941 as a WPA project. While the shell of the building is in good shape, restoration work is being done to make the building ADA compliant and to install new heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. The kitchen is also to be updated.

The first phase of the restoration project is estimated to cost three-quarters of a million dollars.  The second phase would be for the purchase of fixtures, equipment and furnishings.

Previously pledges totaling $75,000 have been made by local groups and a $375,000 Civic and Community Center Financing Fund program grant has been secured.  
 
 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners turned down an offer of a property donation during their Janaury 17th meeting. 

Attorney Alan Fankhauser, representing the Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School District, offered to donate the Table Rock School Football Field to Pawnee County. 

The property was unable to be sold in September of last year along with the school building and grounds because Wildlife and Parks Conservation funds were used to purchase the property. 

If sold, the money from the sale will need to be used to purchase something else for outdoor recreation. 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved pay raises for clerical positions in the various courthouse offices. The 2% increase is effective as of January 1.  

The salary of the custodial position of Courthouse Maintenance was increased to $13.10 per hour.

R.J. Hamilton with Hamilton Recycling requested an opportunity to provide sanitation services to Richardson County. The Board agreed to receive sealed informal quotes from both local services on February 7. 

Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall met with the Board to discuss the possibility of leasing space currently used by the Humboldt Rural Fire Department to house Emergency Management trailers and equipment. 

Commissioners also met in executive session for nearly an hour with Merle Bachman, Lyle Bachman and Mark Jones regarding pending litigation. 

(KMZA)--Community informational meetings will be held this week on bond proposals being considered by the USD 380 Board of Education for improvement’s to the district’s schools.   

The school district plans to hold an election in May on one of four options that vary between $4.3 million and $8.7 million for improvements at the Frankfort and Centralia schools.  

The school board hasn’t determined yet what will happen to the Vermillion building, which houses the district office and the pre-kindergarten class.

The community meetings will be held Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the south gym at Frankfort, Wednesday evening at 6:30 in the Centralia gym and Thursday evening at 7:00 in the Vermillion gym.

The Board is to decide on a bond proposal to present to voters during a special meeting February 1st.

(KAIR)--From the City of Atchison Facebook page:

(KLZA)--The staff and administration of Falls City High School have announced the selections for December High School Students of the Month. The honors go to the following students:

Upperclassmen- Noah Milam, a junior, is the son of Max and Michelle Milam. Morgan Bletscher, a senior, is the daughter of Matt Bletscher.

Underclassmen- Zach Beaver, a freshman, is the son of Mike and Kristine Brewer . Hailey Buchner, a sophomore, is the daughter of Paul and Jennifer Buchner.

The students were nominated by high school staff and are being recognized for being innovative, responsible, resilient, and resourceful. Each of the students was praised in nomination comments for “academic excellence, going above and beyond what was asked of them, their helpfulness, and their leadership, and serving as excellent role models for their peers,” according to high school principal Gale Dunkhas.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County road, planned to close due to a bridge replacement project, will remain open, pending further examination.

The matter was recently addressed by the Atchison County Commission, which has received a number of citizen concerns regarding the closure of Sherman Road.

The initial plan was to close Sherman Road, from Riverfront Road to Sheridan Road, to allow for the work on the bridge structure, located at the intersection of Sherman Road and 266th Road.

The closure could last between 4 and 6 months.

County Road and Bridge Superintendent, Seth Howard, tells MSC News, the project is now on hold in order to allow a reevaluation of the road closure.

He says anyone with questions should call his department at (913) 804-6120.

(KMZA)--Representatives of four Nemaha County townships met with the Seneca City Council Wednesday evening to voice their concerns about an increase in fees charged by the city to provide fire protection.  

Meeting with the Council were representatives of Center, Clear Creek, Richmond and Gilman townships.

The township officials told the Council they had not been informed of the fee increase before their budgets were set and didn’t have the funding to pay for the increase.

The Council approved the fee increase last November on the recommendation of its Service Committee,   Beginning this year, total fees will increase by $10,000 each year for four years.  The fee increase is to help the Seneca Fire Department with the replacement of tanker truck in the coming years.

Mayor Joe Mitchell apologized for leaving the townships out of the Service Committee meeting and said the city could work out a payment plan.

City Administrator Matt Rehder said he would go to the Nemaha County Commission to discuss the issue with them.  

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man has entered a no contest plea to a felony drug charge in Richardson County District Court. 

52-year-old David McPherson entered the plea this week to a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities say McPherson was in possession of Xanax when he was arrested in August of last year.

Sentencing has been scheduled for February 21.  
 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A southeast Nebraska keno operator is accused of concealing $1.28 million in illegal bets and committing more than 260 violations of state regulations.
 
The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the state Department of Revenue's Division of Charitable Gaming wants to fine Zeilinger Keno $263,000 and revoke its lottery operator and worker licenses. Zeilinger Keno provides 30 southeast Nebraska communities with keno.
 
Todd Zeilinger denies any wrongdoing and says he leaves day-to-day operations to bar operators where the games are played. He told the newspaper he's going to work with regulators and "make sure it doesn't happen again."
 
Regulators say Zeilinger covered for people who placed illegal bets and say he made more than $179,000 in commissions off the wagers.

According to the Journal Star report, among the places Zeilinger Keno is licensed to operate keno include: Auburn, Rulo, Sterling, Tecumseh, Fairbury, Filley, Wymore and Johnson County.  Zeilinger is a licensed Keno operator in 12 towns including Tecumseh and Sterling.  
 

(KAIR)--Authorities have revealed the identify of the Atchison man killed Wednesday morning in a Platte County, Missouri crash.

According to a news release from the Platte County Sheriff's Office, 51-year-old Donald Warf was behind the wheel of the El Camino that was struck by a second vehicle on Missouri Highway 92.

That driver, who suffered non life-threatening injuries, is identified as 33-year-old Platte City resident Joshua Ross.

The Sheriff's Office says Warf died after he lost control of his eastbound El Camino that slid across the westbound lane of the highway and was struck by Ross's car.

Slick roads were occurring at the time of the crash, and the preliminary investigation indicates weather may have been a factor. However, a final report is not yet complete as the investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members present for the January 16th meeting unanimously approved razing two properties included on the Nuisance Properties list.

City Administrator Gary Jorn noted the City is responsible for making sure these unsafe structures are repaired or demolished.

Jorn provided a list of five properties to the Council, notified by letter to repair the structures or demolish them.  None of them have responded.

$19,500 was included in the current fiscal year budget to use to raze structures. Jorn asked the Council to approve using these funds to tear down homes at at 2023 McLean Street and at 923 Fulton Street. Both homes were previously damaged by fire.

In addition, Jorn suggested the Budget Committee take a hard look at how much money can be placed into a fund for more such projects. 

It is estimated it will cost 10-15 thousand dollars to demo a property. 

The other properties on the list are 1102 Barada Street, 820 McLean and 1701 Schoenheit.
 

(KAIR)--A 21-year-old man is behind bars in Jefferson County, arrested this week on child sex crimes charges stemming from an investigation launched early last year. “He was arrested on warrants on a case that we worked on March 30, 2016,” Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig tells MSC News.

Brenden Gumm was booked into jail Wednesday, the same day he made his first appearance in Jefferson County District Court. A preliminary hearing is now set for Tuesday afternoon.

Gumm is formally charged with a felony count of electronic solicitation of a child under the age of 14, along with misdemeanor counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He remains jailed, held on a bond of $10,000.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County community of Highland has a new mayor.

That follows the resignation of  Mayor Scott Sisk during last week’s city council meeting.

Sisk verbally submitted his resignation at the beginning of the meeting, which was effective immediately.  He cited personal reasons and said he’s  moving out of town.  Sisk was elected as mayor in April 2015.

The Council voted to accept his resignation with regrets.

Jerry Twombly, who had served as council president, was then sworn in as mayor.

That leaves a vacancy on the Council.  Twombly said anyone interested in being considered for the vacant council position should contact him or City Hall.  He said he intends to appoint the new council member at the next regular meeting on February 8th.

(KNZA)--A portion of a Brown County road southeast of Robinson will be closed beginning Monday due to a streambank stabilization project.

County officials say 205th Road will be closed between Sumac and Timber Roads until further notice for the repair of about 340 to 400 feet of stream bank along the Wolf River.

The stream bank suffered heavy erosion during a storm last September that brought heavy rainfall and flooding.

Aller’s LLC of Hiawatha was awarded the contract for the more than $200,000 project.

Funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Services Emergency Watershed Protection Program will pay for 75 percent of the project cost, with the county responsible for the remaining 25 percent.

(KNZA)--A pick-up truck is missing, with a report made to Hiawatha Police in an effort to recover the stolen vehicle.

The victim identifies the vehicle as a maroon-colored 1988 Ford Ranger.

It was taken Thursday, sometime between 11:30 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon.

The truck had been parked in the parking lot of the BCDS Thriftshop, located on 12th Street, in Hiawatha.

Anyone with information about the vehicle is urged to contact police.

(MSC News)--Controversy erupted Thursday during the United States Senate's confirmation hearing for incoming President Donald Trump's pick for treasury secretary.

The Associated Press reports that followed the joking suggestion by Republican Kansas Senator Pat Roberts that fellow Senator Ron Wyden should take the prescription sedative Valium prior to the continuation of the hearing. “Senator Wyden, I’ve got a Valium pill here that you might want to take,” Roberts said.

The comment came when Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, made a tough statement about Steven Mnuchin, the possible treasury secretary.

Brief, quiet laughter followed, and Mnuchin smiled, as Wyden directed Roberts to keep his comments brief. “We've got a lot of colleagues waiting, if you could be brief, it would be helpful,” Wyden said. “I'm going to be very brief,” Robert responded.

As Roberts began to pose a question of the possible treasury secretary, Ohio Democrat, Senator Sherrod Brown, criticized Roberts' valium comment, and a back and forth of dialogue ensued. “I hope that that comment about Valium doesn’t set the tone for 2017 in this committee,” Brown said. “I like Senator Roberts but I just can’t quite believe that he would say that to a distinguished senator from Oregon.” Roberts countered, telling Brown, “I said that to the President of the United States at one time.”

The Topeka Capital-Journal confirms that Roberts did make a similar Valium comment to President Obama in 2011 during debt ceiling debates.

Watch the entire exchange below, courtesy of C-Span's YouTube channel. 

(KAIR)--The potential redevelopment housing project at 121 North Fourth Street in Atchison was shot down by commissioners on a close 3-2 vote.

Commissioners put an end to the project presented by Tim Quigley of Cohen-Esrey Development Group after concerns about available parking in the area and the low-income tax credits the project would utilize.

“Those tax credits specify low-income,” said Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking. “So I think there was a little bit of concern about how that would be used and whether or not it could be filled. Commissioners had questions with it.”

Cohen-Esrey had been working on a redevelopment plan to build a 30-unti, three-story affordable housing apartment building at the location.

Without the support of city commission, the development group cannot apply for the tax credits.

(KNZA)--A local area judge has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court next week.

According to a press release from the Office of Judicial Administration, 22nd Judicial District Judge John Weingart will join the Supreme Court Justices to review one case on the court's summary calendar during the final day of the court's January docket.

Weingart, a district court judge since 2001, calls the chance to serve “an honor,” adding that the chance is an opportunity to return, in a small way, the courtesies the Supreme Court has extended to the 22nd judicial district during his time of serving as a judge.

Weingart, prior to taking his place on the local district bench, operated a private law practice in Hiawatha for 24-years.

Chief Justice Lawton Nuss says he is “pleased that Judge Weingart is taking time from his duties in the 22nd judicial district to sit with the Supreme Court,” saying “it's a great help to the court,” and that the justices “look forward to his contributions deliberating this case.”

The case he will help deliberate is a Johnson County Petition to Review in the matter of the State versus Dustin Alex Evans.

Evans was charged with aggravated battery in connection with a stabbing. His motion to dismiss based on self-defense was upheld by a district court decision. The Supreme Court will now decide whether that court erred in applying the state statute pertaining to self-defense in granting Evans immunity from prosecution.

The deliberations are set to take place on Wednesday, January 25.

(KNZA)--A local area judge has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court nextweek.

According to a press release from the Office of Judicial Administration, 22nd Judicial District Judge John Weingart will join the Supreme Court Justices to review one case on the court's summary calendar during the final day of the court's January docket.

Weingart, a district court judge since 2001, calls the chance to serve “an honor,” adding that the chance is an opportunity to return, in a small way, the courtesies the Supreme Court has extended to the 22nd judicial district during his time of serving as a judge.

Weingart, prior to taking his place on the local district bench, operated a private law practice in Hiawatha for 24-years.

Chief Justice Lawton Nuss says he is “pleased that Judge Weingart is taking time from his duties in the 22nd judicial district to sit with the Supreme Court,” saying “it's a great help to the court,” and that the justices “look forward to his contributions deliberating this case.”

The case he will help deliberate is a Johnson County Petition to Review in the matter of the State versus Dustin Alex Evans.

Evans was charged with aggravated battery in connection with a stabbing. His motion to dismiss based on self-defense was upheld by a district court decision. The Supreme Court will now decide whether that court erred in applying the state statute pertaining to self-defense in granting Evans immunity from prosecution.

The deliberations are set to take place on Wednesday, January 25.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Jeremey Kearney, owner of Kearney Welding, which will help clear the way for the business to expand.

Falls City EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer explained to the Council that Kearney is plans to construct at 6,000 square foot building on 2.24 acres of land. He will invest $300,000 over the next six months and hopes to be operational by June.

Kearney plans to have three employees by June, and have two more full-time employees by the end of 2017.

Cromer asked that based on Kearney’s investment and job creation projections, the city forgive land costs of $22,400. 

Kearney Welding is currently located on Old Highway 73 Drive. The new facility will be built on property in the industrial tract, west of Business Parkway and just north of VANTEC, Inc.
 

(KLZA)-- A Pawnee City man has entered a plea of not guilty to a pair of felony charges in Richardson County District Court.

21-year-old Melvin J.D. Campbell was one of two men arrested by Richardson County deputies in Humboldt November 17th, following an attempted break-in at R & D Grocery in Humboldt that night. 

Campbell is charged with attempted burglary and is also faces a felony charge of possession of Xanax, a controlled substance. 

A jury trial is scheduled for April 12.  

Also arrested in connection with the attempted break-in of the grocery store was 25-year-old Brandon Miller of Home City, Kansas.

Miller is serving two years in the Nebraska Department of corrections after entering a guilty plea to a felony charge of attempted burglary.   
 

(KNZA)--The jury trial for a Holton man accused of killing his wife has been pushed back.

During a pre-trial hearing this week, a judge agreed to continue the trial for 66-year-old George Fleshman, Jr. to allow for an independent examination of the forensic evidence in the case.

The trial, originally scheduled to begin January 30th,  was rescheduled for September 18th.  Its scheduled for 5 days.

Fleshman is charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 62-year-old wife, Elizabeth, at the couple’s residence in October 2015.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says an autopsy showed she died due to trauma to the spleen.

Fleshman was arrested in March following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

He remains free on a $75,000 bond.

Left to Right - USD#113 Education Foundation President, Lynn Hennigan, Sabetha High Student Howard Hinton, Donna Saylor, Kent Saylor, SHS students Anna Cochenour and Michaela Krebs, USD #113 Superintedent Todd Evans

(KNZA)--A Sabetha couple has donated $700,000 to the USD 113 Foundation to start four endowment funds to benefit students in the school district.

The donation from Kent and Donna Saylor was announced Wednesday.

According to a press release, $150,000 will be used to start a fund that will provide grants for new and innovative projects available to all teachers within USD 113.

Another $150,000 will be used to start a fund to provide support for fine arts programs in Sabetha schools.

An additional $150,000 will be used to start a fund to support Sabetha High School extracurricular student activities, with a preference toward female student activities.

Lastly, the news release says $250,000 will be used to start a fund to provide scholarships for one or more graduates of Sabetha High School.

Superintendent Todd Evans says each fund has the potential to generate between $3,000 to $17,000 annually.

In making the donation, the Saylor’s said members of the Morrill and Sabetha communities have been very supportive of their various family businesses over the years and they decided it was time to return support back to the community.  

Community members are welcome to contribute to each of these endowment funds. 

The USD 113 Foundation currently has 23 active funds, totaling more than $1 million, and serves as a pass through for many privately funded projects for the schools within the district.
    

(KNZA)--Motorists trying to get down Sabetha’s Main Street will have to find a alternate route.

According to Assistant City Administrator Bill Shroyer,  Main Street will be closed beginning Thursday, January 19th between 3rd and 4th Streets for a sewer line replacement project.

Shroyer says the project should be completed in 7 to 10 days  

He says the project — along with several others throughout the city — is part of a larger project to correct problems with the inflow and infiltration of groundwater and rainwater into the city’s sanitary sewer system.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening discussed the pros and cons of having an engineering firm assist the city with a nearly $6 million  street improvements project to be funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in November.  

The Commission last month approved an agreement with Lawrence-based BG Consultants to provide engineering services for the project.  However, Commissioner Toni Hull asked that the subject be put back on the agenda again for reconsideration.

Plans are to replace more than 4 miles of city streets.  City Administrator Mike Nichols estimated engineering costs would run around $450,000.    

Hull outlined for the two new commissioners, Becky Shamburg and Dustin Williams, want she sees as the pro’s and con’s of using an engineer on the project.  She said by eliminating engineering fees, the city could add extra streets to the project.  But not having an engineer would drag out the project.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg said by utilizing an engineer, the city would be able to complete the project in about 1 to 4 years.  He said if an engineer is not used, the project could take 15 to 20 years to complete as city workers would have to oversee the contracting work.

Shamburg added that if the city is going to do a project this big, it would be foolish not to involve an engineer.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg said she agreed.  

Commissioner Bill Collins, who voted against approval of the engineering agreement last month, again voiced his opposition to using an engineer on the project and said he believes the city should pay for the project as it goes.

Following the discussion, no motion was made to make any changes.     

(KLZA)-- Additional funding for wages is hopefully going to mean the Falls City Library and Arts Center will be open on Friday’s.  

Librarian Hope Schawang addressed the City Council Monday night. She had requested funding for two part-time positions but was only allowed enough in her budget for one additional position.

Currently, in addition to the Director, there are two full-time employees and two people that are sharing a part-time position of 25-30 hours per week. The plan is for the new part-time person to work 25 hours per week.

Schawang said they have considered a number of ways to have the library open more hours, including shortening the Monday – Thursday hours, but did not want to shorten the hours on those days. 

The Falls City Library and Arts Center is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday mornings from 9 until noon.

The new Friday hours will begin when the new position is filled.

Prior to 2011 the library was open on Friday’s but did not have morning hours.  In order to be open during the morning hours, the library has been closed on Friday’s. 

(MSC News)--Construction is scheduled to begin soon on a new Behavioral Health Center on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Reservation near Mayetta.

According to the Prairie Band Potawatomi News, tribal officials recently broke ground for the about 5,800-square-foot $2 million facility to be construct west of the Prairie Band Health Center Facility.

The bulk of the funding for the project will come through a USDA loan and funding from Indian Health Services.

The new facility will house the behavioral health programs currently provided by the Potawatomi Health Center.  Two special features of the property will include a room designed specially for group therapy and a crisis room.  The center will house about six full-time staff.

Tribal officials say the idea for a new space for the behavioral health program began about three years ago due a critical lack of space in the current location in the east wing of the health center and the need to provide people who utilize behavioral health services with a sense of confidentiality.  

Construction of the new center is expected to be completed by mid-summer.  

(KAIR)--The identity of an Atchison man who died Wednesday in a double vehicle Platte County, Missouri crash may not be known until Friday.

Sgt. Jeffrey Shanks, of the Platte County Sheriff's Department, tells MSC News the family of the man has been notified, but the department's policy is to wait up to two days to make the information public.

Shanks says the identity should be made available no later than Friday morning.

The 51-year-old Atchison resident died after he lost control of his El Camino while traveling Wednesday morning on Missouri Highway 92.

The Sheriff's Office says his eastbound vehicle slid across the westbound lane of the highway and was struck by a westbound car.

The driver of that vehicle, a 33-year-old Platte City man, required hospital treatment.

Slick roads were occurring at the time of the crash, and the preliminary investigation indicates weather may have been a factor.

However, the official investigation findings have not yet been released.

Editor's note: the original published version of this story is below. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison resident is dead, killed Wednesday morning in a two vehicle Platte County crash.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office,in a press release, identifies the victim only as a 51-year-old man.

According to the release, he was driving his Chevy El Camino eastbound on Missouri Highway 92, east of Bethel Road, in central Platte County.

He lost control of the vehicle, which sent it into a sideways slide across the westbound lane of the highway, where it was struck by a westbound Buick Century.

The driver of that car, identified as a 33-year-old Platte City man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and was transported for hospital treatment.

The names of those involved are not yet made public. According to Sgt. Jeffrey Shanks, the names will be released no later than Friday morning.

The wreck happened shortly after 7:30, a time when dense fog, combined with morning temperatures, caused slick roads across the region.

The Sheriff's Office says that while the preliminary investigation indicates weather conditions may have been a contributing factor, the crash investigation is ongoing, conducted by the Sheriff's Office Crash Team.

Assisting the Sheriff's Office in handling the fatal wreck were Platte City Police, Fire, and EMS.

(KMZA)--A state grant will be sought again for the construction of a new fire station in the Nemaha County community of Bern.

The Nemaha County Commission Tuesday held a public hearing on plans by Rural Fire District #4 to seek a KAN-STEP grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce for the second time.

The first application was denied last September, with the Department of Commerce saying they deemed the proposed six-bay fire station to be in excess of the size needed to adequately serve the community.    

Fire district officials say they have downsized their plans to a 3-bay fire station.  The building is to include a meeting/training room, storage room, bathroom and kitchen.

The maximum grant the fire district could be awarded is $300,000.  The grant must be matched with volunteer labor.  

If awarded, plans are to demolish the old quonset currently being used as a fire station and construct the new building on the existing lots owned by the fire district.

Commissioners told fire district officials they would send a letter of recommendation with their application when its ready to be submitted.

(MSC News)--Kansas will be represented during the swearing in of the 45th President of the United States.

According to a news release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department, around 74 soldiers from the Kansas Army National Guard, and 70 Airmen from the Kansas Air National Guard, will be in the nation's capital for the inauguration of Donald Trump.

They are assigned to provide support during inaugural events, such as lending assistance with parade queuing, medical standby, mobile kitchen, and other tasks during Friday's ceremonies.

The Kansas soldiers will be part of the more than 7,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from 44 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia, who will provide support services as part of the inauguration.

(KNZA)--The search for a new Superintendent to oversee the schools of south Brown County is continuing.

That follows the formation of 6 focus groups, made up of 62 participants, assisting with the search. They are comprised of members of the community, students, certified staff, classified staff, Board of Education staff, and Administration staff.

Last Thursday, those groups met with Dr. Brian Johnson, Director of Leadership Services for the Kansas Association of School Boards, who is assisting USD 430 with the search. He posed questions to the groups, and did the same to the members of the Board of Education during a special meeting held that same evening.

The questions are apparently intended to help focus in on what the district desires in a new Superintendent.

Another special meeting of the USD 430 Board of Education, focused on the search effort, will be held Monday evening, January 23, at 6:00, at the Board office in Horton.

The need to fill the role of Superintendent comes as Dr. Steve Davies plans to retire at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. He has served as the Superintendent for the South Brown County Schools for 16-years. He announced his decision in July.

(KMZA)--A Holton man is facing charges in connection with a Wetmore burglary.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says 20-year-old Roan Bruggeman was arrested Friday on a Nemaha County warrant for burglary and theft following an investigation.

Bruggeman is accused of breaking into a residence at 211 4th Street in Wetmore sometime between November 12 and 13th.

Stolen were a 48 inch tv, Roku and tablet.  The loss was estimated at $550.

Bruggeman posted a $6,000 surety bond following his arrest Friday.   He’s scheduled to make his first appearance in a Nemaha County courtroom January 27th.

(KAIR)--One Atchison teen is behind bars after a week-long investigation of a residential burglary.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News officers began the investigation Jan. 8 after a burglary in the 1000 block of Atchison Street where an AK-47 rifle was reportedly stolen along with a bayonet and $50 in change.

Wilson said they arrested 18-year-old Deanna Owens Monday on charges of burglary and theft in connection with the missing weapons and currency.

He said more arrests are expected to be made in the theft.

Owens was booked into the Atchison County Jail where she remains held on a $20,000 bond.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The family of a Topeka man who died while under supervision of the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth contends in a federal lawsuit that he died because of improper medical care.
 
The lawsuit says Otis Bradley collapsed in his cell in December 2014 and died in February 2015. Bradley was serving a nearly five-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
 
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the family alleges that after Bradley collapsed, doctors at a Leavenworth hospital said he needed further evaluation. It alleges a physician working for the prison said no further intervention was needed but Bradley's condition continued to deteriorate before he was hospitalized again and eventually died.
 
Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesman Justin Long said the agency doesn't comment on ongoing litigation.
 
     

(KMZA)--An investigation is launched following the theft of a sport utility vehicle from a rural Sabetha residence.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says a 2011 Ford Expedition was taken Monday from 1976 168th Road  sometime between 10:30 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon.

The vehicle is white in color with gold/tan fender flares and a Peterbilt front license plate.

The tag number that was on the vehicle is 463DYS.

The vehicle is valued at about $20,000.

Anyone having information is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff’s office in Seneca at 785-336-2311.

(KLZA)-- Major improvements will be made to the Brownville Concert Hall thanks to a $350,000 Community Development Block Grant Award from the Department of Economic Development.  

The funds are designed to help Nebraska communities improve tourist attractions, to enable severely disabled persons and the elderly accessibility to the attraction’s buildings and grounds.

The sponsor beneficiary is the Brownville Concert Series. The concert series is a program of the Brownville Fine Arts Association. $109,000 in matching funds are required. 

The renovation of the Brownville Concert Hall is to bring the facility into compliance with the Americans with Disability Act regulations and structural improvements.  

Major improvements are to include roof replacement and foundation stabilization along with accessible restrooms, lobby, concessions, entrances and an elevator.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Area Jaycees presented their annual Distinguished Service Awards Monday evening at the Falls City Elk’s Lodge.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Angie Taft.

The Community Leader Award was presented to Charlie Radatz.

The Robert J. Chab Community Leader Award was presented to David Aitken. Eleanor Last was presented the Good Neighbor Award.  

Jason Vitosh was presented with the Outstanding Educator Award. He teaches Math and Physics at Falls City High School.

The Boss of the Year Award was presented to Cody Janssen, Director at Jonesbrook Estates.

The new officers for the Falls City Area Jaycee’s chapter were also sworn in during the event.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners last week approved a request from Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert, to proceed with preparing to advertise for sealed bids for the construction of a 40’ x 60’ building at the Humboldt County Shop.

Board members met with Sheriff Don Pounds at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center to conduct the quarterly jail inspection. The facility was found to be in excellent order.

Sheriff Pounds also discussed preparations to purchase two patrol units at the Nebraska State Bid price and repairs to current patrol units.  

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members voted to approve the annual City Audit Monday evening.

Julie Bauman, CPA, issued unmodified opinions on all of the various categories included in the audit. That is the best opinion that can be given.

Bauman said her firm looks at controls, weakness in those controls and any type of significant deficiencies during the audit. She says there were no issues and no compliance findings.

Bauman noted it was a big year for the City of Falls City with total assets increasing by more than $8-million to over $54.4-million. A large number of financial transactions increased the bottom line and the balance sheet. A new bond, refinance of an old sewer bond and the water well project all helped increase capital assets.

Bauman said the City of Falls City has liquid assets of around $4.2-million. 

The City Utility Departments charged nearly $8.6-million for services last year and improved the balance sheet by over $360,000.  

Top, left to right: Outgoing chamber president Mike Twombly ( right) passed the gavel to incoming chamber president Eric Thompson ( at podium). Jere Bruning received a special award of appreciation.

Bottom: Accepting the "Business of the Year" award were several members of the Downtown Business Association including Andrea Winter and Ashley Tuttle with Giggle Girls Cakery; Becky Buser with Sarah Kathrens; and Dee Winter and DeeAnn Hinkle with Physical Respiratory and Therapy Services.  Kim Kleopfer with Mainstreet Flower Shoppe, also a member of the group, presented the award.  

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor's Bureau held their annual meeting Monday evening at the Fisher Center.

The meeting included the presentation of several awards.  

Honored as “ Business of the Year” was the Downtown Business Association.  The group consisting of several downtown business owners/operators was formed last year to sponsor events every few months in the downtown.     

Hiawatha Fire Chief Gary Shear received the “ Civil Servant of the Year” award and Ciera Nioce the “ Volunteer of the Year” award for her work organizing the Hiawatha Halloween queen pageant.

A special award of appreciation was presented to Jere Bruning for his support of the Chamber and community events.

The meeting saw outgoing chamber president Mike Twombly past the gavel to incoming president Eric Thompson. “Im looking forward to carrying on the traditions that we've always done, and then we've got a lot of things that we're looking forward to”, said Thompson.

Other Chamber Board members include Kate Miller, vice president; Jake Wisdom, treasurer; Joey May, Mike Grier, Ryan Meininger, Kim Kleopfer and Jessica Rush. 

Charles Cunningham, a former area National Guard member who currently lives in the Kansas City area, was the keynote speaker.

Last August, the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce and city’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau merged as a means of better serving the community.      

 NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) - Authorities say a 43-year-old southeast Nebraska man has died in a collision between his car and a semi-trailer in Otoe County.
 
The accident occurred around 10:30 Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 75 south of Nebraska City. The Otoe County Sheriff's Office says the northbound car crossed the center line and struck the oncoming truck.
 
The car driver was identified as Scott Koch, from rural Auburn. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was identified as 56-year-old Mark Rieke, of Gretna. The Sheriff's Office says Rieke wasn't injured.
 
Deputies don't think weather conditions contributed to the crash, which remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioner Marvin Bohling was elected Chairman of the Board for 2017 when Commissioners met last week.  Bob Hutton will serve as Vice-Chairman for 2017. 

Commissioners appointed Sheriff Brent Lottman, Deputy County Attorney Angelo Ligouri,   Emergency Management Agency Director Renee Critser and Commissioners Bryan Mellage to serve on the building committee for the addition of offices to the Law Enforcement Center in Auburn. Barb Billesbach will serve as an at-large committee member from the community. 

Tom Catlett was reappointed as Nemaha County Surveyor and the Board of Commissioners will serve as Highway Superintendent for 2017.   

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reorganized for 2017 during their January 10th meeting.

David Sickel will serve another year as Board Chairman with Jim Davidson continuing as Vice-Chairman.  

Sickel and Third District Commissioner Terry Frank will be in charge of county roads with Davidson continuing to be in charge of the Courthouse Building and Grounds and the law Enforcement Center. 

Commissioners also voted to reappoint Scott Huppert as Highway Superintendent, Mona Godeman as Richardson County Veterans Service Officer, Brian Kirkendall as Emergency Manager and Joe Wittwer as County Noxious Weed Control Superintendent.  

A 2 percent pay increase from the previous year was approved for all four.

The Board also voted to reappoint Mark Jones, Charles Duryea and Dana Rathje to three year terms on the Richardson County Planning Commission and Dr. Allan Tramp to the County Health Board for 2017.

(KMZA)--An instructor has been hired to lead the new Vo-Ag/FFA programs to be implemented at Nemaha Central High School beginning next school year.

On the recommendation of Superintendent Darrel Kohlman,  the Nemaha Central Board of Education Monday evening approved the hiring of Bradley Goering of Ashby, Nebraska.

Kohlman says Goering has several years of experience as a Vo-Ag teacher and FFA advisor—including in Kansas.  He says Goering also has experience as an extension agent, in the private industry and ag business and operating his own cow/calf operation.

Goering was among six candidates interviewed for the position.

(KMZA)--The Pawnee County Village of Burchard has been awarded a $346,000 loan and grant from USDA Rural Development to make water improvements.

The announcement of the funding came in a press release issued Friday by the agency.

USDA Rural Development Community Programs Specialist Luann Brown says the funding will help the Village of Burchard improve its water system.  Currently, the village has abandoned service lines that are nearly 80 years old.  When there is a water leak the village has to shut off the water to the entire town, where more than 20 percent water loss occurrs.  In addition, Brown says the water tower needs repairing and repainting.  Also she says water meters need to be installed.    

$87,000 of the funding will be in the form of a 40-year loan at a nearly 1.4 percent interest rate.

Village of Burchard Board member Matthew McHenry says the Village is very appreciate of USDA Rural Development's financial assistance and look forward to the start of the project.

(KAIR)--Another development project may be on the way for downtown Atchison.

Atchison City Commissioners will hear from Tim Quigley of Cohen-Esrey Development Group about their potential redevelopment housing project at 121 N. 4th Street in Atchison.

According to the agenda for city commission, over the last several months, the developers have been working on a redevelopment plan to build a 30-unit, three-story affordable housing apartment building.

The development group is looking to the city to obtain Low Incoming Housing

Tax Credits through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

The agenda explained Cohen-Esrey presented their plan to the Economic Development Advisory Group last week.

Commissioners will consider the resolution and vote whether to continue working with the developers on the project.

(AP/KLZA)-- A Falls City man sentenced to death for his role in the December 31, 1993 slaying of Teena Brandon, Lisa Lambert and Phillip DeVine at a farmhouse south of Humboldt is challenging Nebraska’s three-judge method for determining death sentences. 

The Omaha World Herald reports that attorney’s for John Lotter argue that he had a right to have jurors, not judges, decide his fate when he was given the death sentence in 1996. The attorney’s cite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that struck down Florida’s death penalty process, saying it gave too much power to judges to make the ultimate decision.

In Nebraska three judges determine if a person convicted of murder receives a death sentence.  

(KAIR)--A previously planned bridge replacement project means an Atchison County road closure.

According to Seth Howard, the County's Road and Bridge Superintendent, the closure is expected to happen this week, with Sherman Road to close from Riverfront Road to Sheridan Road.

The closure could remain in place from 4 to 6 months, depending on the weather.

Howard says the work involves the bridge located at the intersection of Sherman Road and 266th Road.

He says the bridge structure will be removed and replaced with a concrete box structure.

WCI, Inc, is serving as the contractor for the project.

(KAIR)--An Atchison family is without a home, and the family's two dogs dead, following a late Saturday morning residential fire.

“Shortly before 10:00, the Atchison Fire Department received a page to respond to the address of 424 North Second in Atchison for a report of a structure fire,” said Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf. “Upon arrival, heavy fire and smoke were coming from the [south side of the] residence at that time. The fire had also extended to the neighboring residence at 420 North second.”

Graf told MSC News the fire at the second residence was extinguished quickly, with firefighters able to bring the original fire under control in about 30-minutes.

The home sustained heavy structural damage to a utility room and the kitchen, with smoke and heat damage extending throughout the two-story home, leaving the occupants displaced.

Two family members were home at the time of the fire; and although they escaped unhurt, the two family dogs were lost.

The cause of the fire, which appeared to have started in the utility room, appears to be accidental in nature but remains under investigation. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is assisting.

The displaced occupants are staying with relatives following the loss of their home.

(KAIR)--A multiple-vehicle pile-up on I-29 in Platte County, Missouri early Saturday morning claimed the life of a Kansas City, Kansas man.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, it was around 12:18 Saturday morning when 35-year-old Maung Hnin was traveling on I-29, in the left lane, in a 2008 Ford Econoline with several other occupants. The vehicle travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.

Hnin was ejected, and struck by an unidentified vehicle.

The patrol says he was pronounced dead at the scene by deputies from the Platte county Sheriff’s Office.

The report did not indicate whether wintery conditions were a factor in the wreck. Several others were injured in the wreck with injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

(KAIR)--Due to anticipated freezing rain and ice, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is implementing an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan.

According to a press release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the plan will take effect Saturday and last all weekend.

Drivers involved in NON-INJURY collisions outside the city limits, but inside Atchison County, are instructed to exchange driver information, insurance and tag information at the scene and then contact the Atchison County Communications Center with the contact information and accident location.

Again, this plan only applies to collisions where no one is injured, the wreck was not a hit and run, no alcohol or drugs were involved and all vehicles are safe to drive.

If those criteria apply to your collision, Laurie said to move your vehicle to a safe place if conditions allow—preventing more accidents from occurring. If conditions do not allow, leave your flashers on and do not attempt to push or pull your vehicle out of the ditch until conditions improve.

A deputy will contact you at a later time to take an accident report if necessary.

Again, Laurie says all other accidents of a serious nature should immediately be reported and Emergency Crews will be dispatched immediately.

He encourages everyone to avoid travel during these conditions.

(KLZA)-- Blayne Behrends and Tammy Westhart took the oath office to become the newest members of the Johnson-Brock Board of Education this week. 

Darren Oestmann was elected Board President for 2017. Steve Clark has been elected Vice-President. Keith Bohling will serve as Board Secretary and Kelli Bohling will serve as Board Treasurer.  

Following a nearly hour-long executive session to discuss the contract of Superintendent Jeff Koehler, the Board voted unanimously to extend the contract of Superintendent Koehler through the 2019-2020 school year.

(KAIR)--Applications for Kansans eligible for financial help with heating homes for the winter will begin to be accepted Tuesday.

According to a press release issued by the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the applications are for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP.

The program provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills.

In 2016, nearly 44,000 households received an average benefit of a little under $500. 

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills, with income eligibility requirements set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

Westar Energy will host a series of workshops across the state to provide on-site support for those filling out an application.

Locally, that will happen January 17, in Leavenworth, at 716 North 5th Street. Partnering with Catholic Charities, the assistance will be provided from 9 until 4:00.

Another assistance site is planned in Atchison, on January 31, again in partnership with Catholic Charities. It will run from 1 until 4:00 at 119 North 5th Street.

Applications for the program have been mailed to households that received energy assistance last year. LIEAP applications are also available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. For more information or to apply online, visit www.lieap.dcf.ks.gov.

(KMZA)---A Humboldt, Nebraska teenager convicted in Nemaha County, Kansas in what authorities say was a robbery committed with a baseball bat has been sentenced to prison.  

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says 18-year-old Joseph Creamer was sentenced Thursday in Nemaha County District Court to 45 months in prison on a charge of aggravated battery.  A request for probation was denied.

Creamer pleaded no contest to the charge last month.  In exchange for the plea, three additional felony counts were dismissed.

 Lippert says Creamer will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 37 months of his sentence.

 The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says Creamer used a bat to strike his victim in the head the evening of August 10th near 208th and F Roads in order to steal undisclosed items.

He was arrested November 23rd in Nebraska on a Nemaha County warrant and was transported to Nemaha County after waiving extradition.          

(KAIR)--Questionable activity on several bank accounts at a local Atchison bank lands one Atchison woman behind bars.

“That investigation led to the discovery of theft and forgery and quickly focused on an employee at the bank,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “20-year-old Erika Martinez was taken into custody on Thursday.”

Wilson says officers began the investigation earlier this week after the suspicious activity was reported. He says Martinez allegedly stole more than $20,000 from the bank over a period of two months.

“Between October and December of 2016, so the investigation determined that this happened over a period of time,” Wilson said. “It wasn’t just one incident or a scheme that was narrowed to a particular day, it was over a period of time between those months.”

Martinez was booked into the Atchison County Jail where she remains held on a $15,000 bond.

( KNZA)--Four candidates will be interviewed for the Holton USD 336 superintendent position.

The four were selected for interviews from among 12 applicants during a special meeting of the Holton school board Tuesday evening.

Next Tuesday through Friday, the board will be giving tours of the district to one superintendent candidate per day and then interviewing that candidate that evening.

A public reception for each candidate will be held in the afternoon 3 to 4 at the Holton Elementary School.

The board says they will not be releasing the names of any of the four candidates until the morning of their respective tour and interview.   

Current superintendent Dennis Stones will be retiring at the end of the current school year.

Clockwise: Jordan Monaghan, Tamatha Hearn, Waymon Parsons, and Dustin Montgomery

(KAIR)--A search warrant is served in Holton, and that leaves four people in custody on drug related charges.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, his office, working with Holton Police, executed the search warrant at 425 Wisconsin Street, in Holton, late Thursday night. The warrant was obtained based on suspicion of criminal narcotics activity.

Arrested at the scene were two Holton residents, 31-year-old Jordan Monaghan and 25-year-old Tamatha Hearn, 30-year-old Waymon Parsons, of Topeka, and 27-year-old Dustin Montgomery, of Osage City, Kansas.

Monaghan, Hearn, and Montgomery were taken into custody on charges including distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of possession of controlled substance and criminal use of weapons.

Parsons was arrested on charges including distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property and felony interference with law enforcement. He is also believed to be a parole absconder from the State of Missouri.

All four were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(MSC News)--An ice storm warning remains in place, with local areas likely to be impacted by severe wintry weather.

However, the latest examination of conditions has led the National Weather Service to delay the timeline for the previously implemented Winter Weather Warning.

Meteorologists expect the precipitation to begin Saturday evening, with periods of freezing rain continuing through Sunday evening. The heaviest periods of ice accumulation will be Saturday night into Sunday morning.

The state of Kansas has been preparing for the storm.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka to monitor the storm.

The Center will be staffed on a full-time basis until further notice to monitor weather conditions and keep in contact with county emergency managers to provide state assistance.

Soldiers of the Kansas National Guard have been alerted to mobilize to assist local authorities with emergency response measures across the state, if needed.

Governor Sam Brownback has approved a verbal State of Disaster Emergency declaration to facilitate state emergency response operations to the storms.

In Missouri, Governor Eric Greitens held an early Friday morning news conference at the state National Guard headquarters, saying he’s made arrangements for adequate response to the ice storm.

Greitens declared a state of emergency late Thursday afternoon.

The threat of ice means dangerous driving conditions and the threat of a loss of power.

Ice accumulation on trees and power lines may result in scattered power outages.

MSC Radio News wants to remind our listeners of the options we provide in terms of coverage in case the power goes out.

The possibility of power outages means the chance that any one of the six radio stations operating as Many Signals Communications could lose power. If that happens, Corporate Vice-President Justin Fluke says listeners are encouraged to tune into another of our radio stations. “I think sometimes people might forget that our company has six different radio station frequencies,” Fluke said. “So, if one of our stations gets knocked off the air, they can always try one of the other frequencies and get a lot of the same local news, local weather, important information and announcements.”

Many Signals Communications is comprised of KAIR 93.7 FM and 1470 AM in Atchison; KNZA 103.9 FM in Hiawatha; KMZA 92.1 FM in Seneca; KLZA Sunny 101.3 FM, in Falls City, and KTNC-AM, also in Falls City.

Fluke says even if a station if off the air on a traditional radio, it doesn't mean that the available internet streams aren't working. “All six of our radio stations are streaming world-wide and free 24/7, hopefully most people can hear any and all of our local stations on the app with their smartphone or through our mscnews.net website on a tablet or computer,” Fluke added. “That stream should always work—even if the station’s on-air signal loses power.”

Westar energy is working to prepare for the possibility of outages.
According to a statement released by the state's largest electricity provider, Westar crews are ready to make the needed repairs, but neighboring utilities are asked to be ready to help if needed.
Westar encourages customers to download a free mobile app that provides access to outage reporting, and allows enrollment to receive text updates that provide notification of power outages.
The MyWestar app is available in both the Android and Apple app stores. More information regarding Westar outage information is available here. 

Kansans are urged to stay home, if possible, and be prepared by making sure their home emergency kits are stocked and review their home emergency plan. Since travel may be impossible, residents need to make sure their home emergency kits are stocked for a 3-day supply.

Suggestions for Storm Preparations

In anticipation of the upcoming ice-storm predictions Atchison Hospital and Clinics suggests that you please consider the following recommendations. In addition to the listed items below you can get information from www.ready.gov

Medical Supplies:

• Oxygen – if you, or a family member, use oxygen, please make certain you have an adequate supply.

Medications:

• Have a (7-day supply)of all your prescription medications  and medical items suck as hearing aids, including extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.

Put together a Supply Kit:

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

• Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

• Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on the Red Cross Store]

• Extra batteries

• Matches in a waterproof container

• First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

• Manual can opener for food

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

• Tools/supplies for securing your home

• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery

• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

HFED President John Moore speaks at annual meeting

(KNZA)--Reflections on last year's accomplishments, including the hiring of a new director, while looking ahead to the future.

That happened Thursday night as the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development held it's annual meeting at the Klinefelter Barn, in rural Hiawatha.

HFED President John Moore says the organization looks toward expanding it's impact on economic growth, setting its sights on county-wide cooperation. “Sales tax, and all that stuff, whatever comes into our county, is going to help us all...so we hope that all the other towns around here, that we can work with them, and see what's out there.”

Brent Comstock with BCom Solutions was the guest speaker. Comstock spoke about providing opportunities to keep the young people from our rural areas in our rural areas.

During the annual meeting, board members were elected for the new year, with Angel Elliott, Irv Schwalm, and Virginia Freese all selected for roles of service. Moore continues to serve as President.

Mikaela Moore recently began work as the new director of HFED, replacing Kristen Hillyer who resigned in May after serving as director for more than 2 years.

(MSC News)--An ice storm is expected this weekend.

That word comes from the National Weather Service, which issues an ice storm warning for the local area.

Going into effect Friday, the warning is expected to remain in place through Sunday night.

Included in the warning are the Kansas counties of Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Leavenworth, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, Nemaha, and Pottawatomie.

In Missouri, local counties included are Platte and Buchanan.

The local Nebraska counties of Nemaha, Pawnee, and Richardson, are placed under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday evening through late Monday night.

The National Weather Service says periods of significant icing is likely across the area this weekend, starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday evening.
The most significant icing is expected Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Precipitation will gradually change over to rain from south to north Sunday afternoon and evening.

Major impacts to travel are likely as ice accumulates on area roadways.

Ice accumulation on trees and powerlines may result in scattered power outages.
Westar energy is working to prepare for that possibility.

According to a statement released by the state's largest electricity provider, Westar crews are ready to make the needed repairs, but neighboring utilities are asked to be ready to help if needed.

Westar encourages customers to download a free mobile app that provides access to outage reporting, and allows enrollment to receive text updates that provide notification of power outages.

The MyWestar app is available in both the Android and Apple app stores. 

(KAIR)--Four people are arrested on numerous charges including weapon and methamphetamine possession following the search of a residence by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies executed a search warrant at 1312 Crowell Street in Atchison at 4:00 Wednesday afternoon.

Arrested, was 33-year-old Kenneth Smith, of Atchison, on charges of distribution of methamphetamine with 1,000 feet of a school, possession of meth, felon in possession of a firearm, failure to have a drug tax stamp and possession of drug paraphernalia.

32-year-old Perez Smith, of Atchison, on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

30-year-old Skyler Myrick, of St. Joseph on charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

Lastly, Laurie said 25-year-old Hailey Burge, of Atchison, was also arrested during the search warrant for failure to appear in court.

All four were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office has received a more than $4,100 grant from Banner Creek’s member-driven 2016 Community Giving Drive.

According to a news release from Sheriff John Merchant, employees of Banner Creek LLC, of Holton, nominated deserving non-profit organizations to receive funding.  A member review team selected the Brown County Sheriff’s Office to receive the grant.

Merchant expressed gratitude to Banner Creek for their generosity.  He said the grant will help the sheriff’s office improve their first aid CPR program and assist with purchasing car seats.  Merchant added their inventory of car seats is currently at an all time low.

Banner Creek is affiliated with Johnsonville Sausage.

(KAIR)--An elderly Cummings woman goes to the hospital following a two-vehicle wreck in rural Atchison County Tuesday.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 73-year-old Sandra Sue Grandpre was driving a 2006 Ford Fusion on US 59 Highway in rural Atchison County when she rear-ended a 2007 Dodge Durango driven by 70-year-old Connie Lou Gering, of Cummings.

Grandpre was taken to the Atchison Hospital for examination of possible injures to the shoulder. Gering was not hurt.

(KAIR)--The search for a suspect is underway, but few details are being released, as the investigation proceeds.

That word from Kickapoo Tribal Assistant Chief of Police Josh Barnes, following what he identifies only as the theft of money from the Golden Eagle Casino.

The time, and date, of the crime are not made public.

Identified is a female suspect whose image was captured on surveillance cameras.

A red, or maroon car, believed to be connected with the suspect, was also captured by the cameras.

Anyone with information related to the crime is urged to contact Kickapoo Police at 785-486-3678 or 785-486-3665.

(KLZA)--Speed appears to have been a factor in a fatal rollover crash that killed a Lewiston woman in rural Johnson County, Nebraska Tuesday afternoon.

A news release from Johnson County Attorney Rick Smith identifies the victim as 46-year-old Cheri Speckmann.

Smith says Speckmann’s vehicle left 612 Avenue south of Vesta and rolled several times. Speckmann was transported to the Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh where she was pronounced dead.

Speckmann was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Sheriff Scott Walton said speed appeared to be a factor. Toxicology results are pending, but the wreck does not appear to be alcohol-releated according to the release.

Left to right: VFW Commander Les Smith, Lt. Patrick Weishaar, Fire Chief Ted Graf, and Junior Vice-Commander Fred Gage.

(KAIR)--Firefighter of the year.

That distinction is earned by Atchison Fire Department Lieutenant Patrick Weishaar, named with the honor by Atchison's VFW Post 1175. “I’m very honored, surprised.” Weishaar said. “It was a big surprise when they came in with a box of donuts and statue with the plaque on it and proceeded to tell me they had an award for firefighter of the year.”

The award, for 2016, was presented by Commander Les Smith and Junior Vice-Commander Fred Gage Monday.

Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf says Weishaar deserves the recognition, nominated in part for the internal efforts of assistance he provided following last year's retirement of longtime Fire Chief Mike McDermed. “With the departure and retirement of our account clerk and of our fire chief, this left a big hole in our department,” said Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf. “Pat was very instrumental in helping us getting the administrative side of our department figured out. It’s not so much about always what that individual does on an emergency scene, for example, it’s what they do behind the scenes as well. And that’s truly what makes Pat stand out.”

Weishaar began working for the Atchison Fire Department in 1999, serving in the role of lieutenant since 2011. “Guys I work with, co-workers, it’s kind of a team, kind of a family,” Weishaar said. “That’s probably the biggest motivation to come into work. But, I like the job, the calls we go on and helping the community. It’s a very rewarding job.”

VFW Post 1175 each year selects a Firefighter of the Year and a Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. That honor went to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie last month.

(MSC News)--Due to the possibility of dangerous conditions, a winter weather advisory for reduced travel has been issued in Missouri.

Motorists are being asked to avoid travel, if possible, late Thursday night through Sunday due to what a news release calls “incoming significant amounts of freezing rain, sleet, and ice.”

The statement, from the Missouri Department of Transportation, says it's expected that Friday morning rush hour commuters will be impacted by the freezing rain over most of the state.

Similar weather conditions are also forecast for Kansas.

MoDot State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth calls ice “the most difficult storm to fight” with “downed power lines and potential roadway closures” a possibility.

Allmeroth says crews will work ahead of the storm to treat roadways, with crews, through the week “gathering chain saws, chippers and other equipment that will be important [for handling] downed trees from the ice accumulation.”

(KAIR)--The Boys and Girls Club of Atchison is looking for adults to participate in the “Mentorship Program” at the club.

 Club Director Joel Hardy told MSC News the program is about a year old and was started to replace the “Big Brothers, Big Sisters.”

“A lot of kids are going through a lot of stuff and the club does their best to help that, but we can only do so much,” Hardy said.

It’s good to have that one on one with a caring adult that can help them with their homework and take them places, Hardy said.

To volunteer for the program, Hardy said adults should fill out an application located at The Boys and Girls Club, The Atchison Housing Authority Office or online at the club’s website.

“The mentors we have now are phenomenal and these kids have really related to their mentors,” Hardy said. “We’ve heard some success stories already.”

Mentors can be anyone over the age of 18. For more information about the program or to volunteer, contact the Boys and Girls Club of Atchison.

(KAIR)--New ownership for Crosswind Industries.

Announcement of the change comes in a press release dated January 10 and issued by Archer Daniels Midland, which says they have signed an acquisition agreement with the Parkville, Missouri-based pet food manufacturer.

Crosswind Industries has two local area operations, including a manufacturing facility in Sabetha and a packaging facility in Hiawatha.

Brent Fenton, president of ADM's Animal Nutrition business says the acquisition is ADM's next step in its already expansive pet food division, saying “Crosswind represents a strong opportunity to expand [ADM's] capabilities, and a great fit not just with the Animal Nutrition business, but across ADM's wider portfolio of ingredients, colors and flavors for pets.”

Crosswind Industries is an industry leader in the manufacture of contract and private label pet treats, foods, and specialty ingredients. The total operations of the company employs 300 workers.

Archer Daniels Midland anticipates closing the purchase deal in the coming weeks.

(KAIR)--One Atchison man goes to jail after an alleged domestic battery incident.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News officers responded to the 500 block of Riley Street Tuesday evening.

“There, they found a 38-year-old female victim who had been choked and injured and was subsequently transported to the hospital by EMS for examination,” Wilson said. “Her 36-year-old husband fled the scene when officers arrived. And, after a foot pursuit, he was apprehended several blocks away.”

Wilson said it was Nickolas Cosgrove who was arrested on charges of aggravated battery and obstructing legal process. He also faces a district court warrant for failure to appear in court.

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

(MSC News)--Despite looming financial shortfalls, forthcoming budget cuts, and tax increases, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback Tuesday evening worked to paint a positive portrait of the state during the annual State of the State Address. “Kansas is the envy of the world...our state has record population, record new businesses, record grain production, and record income. My fellow Kansans, it's for these reasons, and more, that I can report to you that the state of our state is, indeed, strong.”

Brownback's glowing assessment comes in light of projected budget shortfalls totaling $1.1 billion through June 2019.

Although Tuesday night's address offered no definite strategies, Brownback did acknowledge that Budged Director Shawn Sullivan Wednesday will present a plan on how to balance the budget.

Critics contend the state has struggled to balance its budget since Republican legislators slashed income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback's urging. Brownback Tuesday evening acknowledged the state's budget struggles, but was clear in stating he will not support any effort to undo those past cuts. “As a state, we have pioneered new ground on small business policy,” Brownback stated. “President-elect Trump’s tax plan targets small businesses. Speaker Ryan’s tax plan targets small businesses in much the same way as ours did.”

Following the State of the State Address, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley delivered the Democratic response, saying the speech shows “the governor is still in denial about the damage his policies have caused our families and our communities.”

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education has approved a bleacher replacement project at Falls City High School. 

The bleachers at McIntyre-Henderson Field House will be replaced this spring. The current bleachers were installed when the gymnasium was built. The first year the gymnasium was open was the 1979-80 school year.

During Monday’s School Board meeting Carroll Silva with Heartland Seating out of Shawnee, Kansas presented information on new bleachers. This is the same company that installed the bleachers at Falls City Middle School.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively suggested the Board approved going forward with the bleacher project, but wait to award the bid, noting he is expecting to receive a bid from another company yet.

Hopes are to have the new bleachers installed by late May or early June.  

(KAIR)--Project Atchison is asking for your input and help going into the new year.

“We’re looking for the next big thing to do and we want it to be a really good project,” said Project Atchison Vice President Nikki Durkin.

She said they’ve put a call on their Facebook page to ask for ideas for community members.

Most of their time at last Wednesday’s meeting was dedicated to discussion and brainstorming.

“We talked about our fundraisers last year that we would like to keep and enhance,” Durkin said.

Among those fundraisers are Party in the Park and the Mud Run. Another successful project for the group is First Fridays.

Mostly, Durkin said they want community input and ideas for future projects or events.

To get involved with Project Atchison, see their page on Facebook. The group meets the first Wednesday of every month in the basement of the Atchison Elks Lodge.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has reorganized for 2017.

That came Monday after new 2nd District Commissioner Thad Geiger and five other county officials elected in November were sworn in by Magistrate Judge Roy Roper.

On a 2-1 vote, Timothy Collins was elected as commission chairman for 2017. Commissioner Jerry McKernan cast the lone no vote.  Collins had served as chairman last year.

The Commission approved several appointments for 2017—including the reappointment of Francis Hubbard as noxious weed director and Sheryl Pierce as health department/home health administrator.
    
The Commission also approved the appointment of the slate of county  fire district board members and ambulance director as presented.

Monday marked the last meeting for outgoing 2nd District Commissioner Terry Horner, who was defeated by Geiger during the August Republican primary election.  Horner recapped his term of office on the county commission, thanking his fellow board members and the public.

A reception was held for Horner following the meeting.   

(KNZA)--An Oskaloosa woman was among three people seriously injured in a single-vehicle wreck on Interstate-70 in Geary County Tuesday evening.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Brandi Clark was a passenger in a westbound car driven by 38-year-old Topeka resident Timothy Musil that was traveling at a high rate of speed when he attempted to exit the highway and lost control of the vehicle.  The vehicle flipped end over end several times before coming to rest on its wheels.

Musil, Clark and another passenger, 34-year-old Topeka resident Michael Mahoney, were flown by helicopter to Topeka's Stormont-Vail hospital with what the Patrol described as disabling injuries.

The Patrol says none of the occupants were buckled up when the wreck happened shortly before 7:30.
  

(MSC News)--30 years in prison.

That’s the sentence handed down to a St. Joseph man convicted of holding a woman hostage at a St. Joseph motel in October 2015 after kidnapping and shooting her.

KQ2-TV reports 45-year-old Roderick Ellis was sentenced Monday in a Buchanan County courtroom on five felony counts.

A jury found Ellis guilty last November on charges of kidnapping, first-degree domestic assault, first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and two counts of armed criminal action.

Prosecutors say Ellis kidnapped Rebecca Urban, with whom he had been having an affair, from her work.  Ellis then forced her at gunpoint to drive to the Motel 6 on Frederick Boulevard where he shot her in the arm, dragged her into his motel room and held her hostage for nearly 11 hours before surrounding to law enforcement.

Urban was treated at a Kansas City hospital.  No officers were injured during the standoff.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha High School will be adding a baseball program beginning in the spring of 2018.

Superintendent Penny Hargrove informed the Hiawatha school board Monday evening that the $20,000 needed to fund the first two years of the program has been raised.  

Board Clerk Leslie Grimm says the last of the funds needed were submitted to the district last week.

A group of patrons approached the Board in August about adding the sport, saying they had secured pledges for the funding needed to begin the program.

The Board told the group the district would need the money in hand by February 1st of this year to add the sport beginning in the spring of 2018.

Hiawatha is currently the only Big 7 League school without a baseball program.

A local effort several years ago to add a baseball program fell short of raising the funds needed.  

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education elected Richard Malcolm President of the Board for 2017 when they met Monday evening. 

June Bowers was elected Vice-President.  

During the Superintendent’s report, Superintendent Tim Heckenlively noted  that ALICAP, the school’s risk liability pool insurance carrier has settled a claim against the school district filed by Teresa Chandler Pfister. 

Under the agreement, ALICAP will pay a lump sum settlement of $350,000 to Pfister and a release of liability will be executed. 

 Pfister brought a claim against the school district for injury that occurred while she r was on school property in April of 2014.  

In other action, the Board accepted the resignation District 56 Treasurer, Eva Stark. Stark will retire on May 31st, after working 35 years for seven different superintendents. 

Board members set the hiring incentive rate for new teachers at $3,000. That amount has been the same for several years.  Superintendent Heckenlively reported that so far he has received no resignations or notices of retirement from any of the teachers in the district.  

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners spent a portion of their meeting time last week reviewing insurance packages.

The Board reviewed correspondence from Miller, Monroe and Farrell Insurance Agency regarding property and liability insurance.  After discussion Commissioners decided the are not interested in making a change at this time. 

Dennis Maggart with the Nebraska Association of County Officials met with Commissioners regarding 2017 health insurance plans and premiums. After reviewing several plans, the Board voted to participate in the United HealthCare AMFI Gold plan.  The health insurance rates will increase 6.4 percent for 2017.  
 

(KAIR)--The Jefferson County Commission reorganizes for the new year.

That happened Monday during the regular meeting of the Commission.

Selected to serve as Chair of the Board of Commissioners for 2017 is Lynn Luck, who acquires the position from former Chair Wayne Ledbetter.

Commissioner Richard Malm was chosen to serve as Vice-Chair of the Board.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man has been convicted on charges in a local child abuse case.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says following a bench trial Monday, District Judge John Weingart found 25-year-old Frankie Rodriquez guilty on charges of aggravated battery and felony child abuse.

Sentencing was set for the morning of March 6th.

During the bench trial, Hill presented extensive testimony from Dr. Emily Killough, a pediatric child abuse expert at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Dr. Killough reviewed 13 graphic photographs of the injuries sustained by the two-year-old victim who was left in Rodriguez’ care along with the findings of a CT scan of the child’s brain. Dr. Killough then described the blunt force trauma that caused the child’s brain injuries.
 
Investigator Beau Hasenohr with the Hiawatha Police Department testified that after initially denying striking the child, Rodriguez admitted to investigators that after becoming upset with the child for not eating, he slammed the back of her chair to the floor, causing the child’s head to hit the floor. After the child stood up attempting to regain her balance, Rodriguez then struck the child hard in the back of the head, rendering her unconscious.
 
After spending several months at Children’s Mercy Hospital in critical condition, the child was released from the hospital in December.
 
Rodriguez was arrested in late August following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department and Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation was launched after the child was brought to the Hiawatha Community Hospital on August 26th with a severe head injury.

Rodriguez remains in the Brown County Jail after his bond was revoked Monday by Judge Weingart following the conclusion of the trial.

Left to right: Becky Shamburg was sworn in as the new Commissioner of Streets and Parks; Dustin Williams was sworn in as the new Commissioner of Police; Commissioner Toni Hull was sworn in to another term; Outgoing Commissioners John Sheeran and Irv Schwalm were presented with certificates of appreciation for their service on the Commission.

(KNZA)--Two new Hiawatha City Commissioners were sworn in during a special meeting Monday evening.

City Clerk Vivian Constable administered the oath of office to Becky Shamburg and Dustin Williams.

Shamburg was elected in November as the new Commissioner of Streets and Parks, replacing Irv Schwalm who did not seek re-election.

Williams was elected as the new Commissioner of Police, replacing John Sheeran  who did not seek to retain the seat he was appointed to.

Toni Hull was also sworn in to another term as Commissioner of Utilities.

All three will serve a 4-year term.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg presented certificates of appreciation to Sheeran and Schwalm in recognition of their service on the commission.

A reception was held following the short meeting for the two outgoing commissioners.      
 

(KAIR)--Atchison County officially marks the start of the new year, with leaders sworn in and the County Commission reorganizing.

On Monday morning, County officials, who were on the election ballot in November, were sworn in, as the oath of office was administered by outgoing County Clerk Pauline Lee.

The majority of the positions remained unchanged following the election, with the incumbents either running unopposed or defeating their challengers.

Lee's position was assumed by Michelle Phillips, who ran unopposed in November following her win in the August Republican primary election.

She was among the officials sworn in, with the ceremony effectively serving as the last of Lee's responsibilities, following decades of service to the county.

Once the Oath of Office ceremony was completed, and congratulations extended, the County Commission got down to business, meeting to reorganize for the new year.

Selected as Chairman was District 2 Commissioner Eric Noll, while 1st District Commissioner Jeff Schuele was chosen as Vice-Chair.

3rd District Commissioner Bill Pohl previously served as Chairman.

During the reorganization, the Commission made other decisions for 2017, including the selection of committee assignments for the Commissioners.

(KAIR)--More than five and a half years in prison.

That’s the sentence handed down to the Atchison educator charged with child sex crimes.

39-year-old Robert Bulk heard his sentence in Atchison County District Court Monday afternoon.  He was sentenced to a total of 68 months in prison on two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Bulk’s sentence includes a life-time supervised probation and order to register as a sex offender.

Before hearing his sentence, Bulk read an emotional statement expressing regret for his actions. He apologized to his victim as well as the community saying he admits full responsibility for his actions.

He stated he plans to use his time in prison for rehabilitation and promised to never be back in the court room again.

Charges for Bulk stem from incidents with an Atchison teenager.

After Bulk’s statement, Judge Robert Bednar read ethics codes that Bulk’s actions violated from various teacher’s code of ethics. He said Bulk failed to protect the 14-year-old student and used his relationship with him for personal gain.

According to a probable cause affidavit from Atchison County District Court, Bulk began an electronic relationship with the teen back in January. Their communication resulted in $745 that Bulk paid to the teen in exchange for sexual photographs.

During the relationship, investigators say Bulk sent the teen sexual images and videos and requested the male victim to do the same and arranged payment through Paypal.

The illegal communication is said to have occurred between March and June.

After sentencing, Bulk was remanded into the custody of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department for transfer to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Left: Outgoing Brown Co Commissioner Warren Ploeger was presented with a plaque for his 24 years of service on the commission. 

Right: Six Brown County officials elected in November--including new 3rd District Commissioner Dwight Kruse ( 2nd from left) --were sworn into office by District Judge John Weingart.   

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has re-organized for 2017.

That came Monday after new 3rd District Commissioner Dwight Kruse
and five other county officials elected in November were sworn into office by District Judge John Weingart.

Steve Roberts was elected commission chairman for 2017. 

Monday marked the last meeting for longtime 3rd District Commissioner Warren Ploeger, who announced his retirement last summer.  Ploeger was presented with a  plaque by his fellow commissioners for his 24 years of dedicated service to the county.

In an interview with MSC News, Ploeger was asked what he felt were the biggest accomplishments during his time on the Commission.  He cited construction of the new county jail, chip and sealing of all county-maintained roads except one, update of a number of bridges, improvements to the courthouse and update of road and bridge equipment.  He says the new updated equipment has allowed the county to operate with fewer employees.

A reception in honor of Ploeger was held following the meeting.
   

(KNZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the theft of a flatbed trailer.

The Sheriff’s office says the 20-foot trailer was taken from Henry Brothers station in Goff sometime between November 1st and January 6th.

The trailer is blue in color with white 16 inch wheels and a wood floor.

The loss was placed at about $6,000.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office in Seneca.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee and Johnson County representatives met January 3rd during the Pawnee County Commissioners meeting to finalize an agreement on a radio dispatching agreement and Motorola contract.

Under the agreement, Pawnee County will pay Johnson County $49,000 annually in quarterly installments for dispatching services. A three-percent automatic increase each year for radio dispatching is included in the agreement. 

In addition, the Pawnee County share of the Motorola contract is nearly $93,000.  Pawnee County is paying 40 percent of the more than $232,000 for new dispatch equipment purchased by Johnson County and a 10-year maintenance agreement.  

Pawnee County Sheriff Jaymee Reed, Johnson County Sheriff Scott Walton and Pawnee County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik Ladman met with the Commissioners to discuss the contract.  

(KLZA)--Two Tarkio women were hospitalized following a one-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Holt County, Missouri.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, 45-year-old Penny Caldwell was southbound on U.S. 59 Highway about a half-mile north of Craig when she lost control of her Nissen SUV shortly before 4 o’clock. The vehicle hit an embankment and ended up on its top on the west side of the highway. 

A passenger in the vehicle, 50-year-old Martha Johnson, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck, was taken by Lifeflight to Mosaic Care in St. Joseph with what were described as moderate injuries. 

Caldwell, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to the Fairfax Community Hospital with what the Patrol described as moderate injuries.

(MSC News)--Today is National Law Enforcement Day, a time set aside to appreciate the work of the men and women of law enforcement.

Kansas Attorney General Dereck Schmidt, in commemoration of the date, issued a statement voicing his “thanks and sincere gratitude to our Kansas law enforcement officers who choose to dedicate their lives” to protecting the citizens and communities across the state.

Schmidt, in the statement, encourages all Kansas residents to thank a police officer for their “service and sacrifice.”

Schmidt's full statement follows: 

TOPEKA – (January 9, 2017) – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today issued the following statement in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which is today. “This annual recognition has particular meaning this year coming after 140 law enforcement officers nationwide, including three in Kansas, were killed last year in the line of duty. On this annual day of appreciation, I want to express my thanks and sincere gratitude to our Kansas law enforcement officers who choose to dedicate their lives to protecting our citizens and communities across the state. I am deeply grateful for the work police officers do and the sacrifices they and their families make to protect all Kansans. I am honored to work alongside these dedicated men and women in Kansas law enforcement, and I hope Kansans will join me today in thanking a police officer for his or her service and sacrifice.”

To show support for our law enforcement community, Concerns of Police Survivors suggests the following activities:

• Change your profile picture on social media to the image provided at www.facebook.com/nationalcops.

• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.

• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.

• Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.

• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.

• Participate in Project Blue Light. Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement. Learn more athttp://www.dc-cops.org/campaign.php.

Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police office.

(Beth Mikita and Kalan Pyle )

(KNZA)--A report of suspicious drug activity leads to the arrest of two Hiawatha residents on drug charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says an observant resident contacted the Brown County K-9 deputy Friday and informed him of suspicious drug activity in the Hiawatha Wal-Mart parking lot. Upon arrival, K-9, Ari, indicated there were drugs in the vehicle carrying the two suspects.

44-year-old Beth Mikita and 25-year-old Kalan Pyle were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In addition, Mikita was charged with traffic in contraband in a correctional facility.

Pyle was also arrested on a Nemaha County warrant for failure to appear, Sabetha warrant for failure to appear and Richardson County warrant for possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Mikita and Pyle remain in the Brown County Jail on a bond of $75,000 each.

Merchant says additional charges are possible.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

(KLZA)-- Plans are underway to replace the bridge on U.S. Route 136 over the East Fork of the Little Tarkio Creek. The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold two community briefings on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. The first will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Tarkio R-1 School. The second will be from 6 to 7 p.m. at the West Nodaway R-1 School in Burlington Junction. Designers and engineers from the Missouri Department of Transportation will be on hand at both locations to discuss the construction plans for the new bridge and gather public input. The public may choose to attend either session.

These are open-house style meetings; no formal presentation will be made. The public is invited and encouraged to offer comments at any time during either meeting. Participants will also have the opportunity to document their comments and sign up to be included on project updates via e-mail.

The bridge over the East Fork of the Little Tarkio Creek is in Atchison County, but very near the Nodaway County line. Built in 1929 and carrying approximately 1,200 cars per day the bridge has exceeded its intended lifespan. The bridge will be closed during its replacement. The project is currently scheduled to go out for bid in June 2017.

For more information about this and other MoDOT projects, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/northwest and view the online Traveler Information Map.

(KMZA)--Plans for a new residential development south of Seneca move forward.

The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening approved an ordinance annexing a tract of land on Mason Drive for the South Amber Estates development, which is to consists of 12 lots.

Terri Luckeroth had submitted a petition seeking the voluntary annexation of the property located south of the Suther Subdivision.

The Council also approved an ordinance rezoning the property from agricultural to single family residential.   The city Planning Commission had recommended the zoning change.

The Council also approved an agreement with Wilson and Company Engineers, of Salina, to provide design services for the extension of water and sanitary sewer service to the new development for a maximum fee of $10,616.

In other business, the Council approved a zoning change for property at 532 Main Street, the former Koelzer Lumber Yard, from commercial to light industrial.

Wimer Industrial Millwrights has purchased the property and plans to locate a welding shop at the location.

The city Planning Commission had recommended approval of the zoning change.  
   
    
 
    

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners this week approved a purchase order of approximately $3,300 for kitchen utensils, appliances and other equipment from Federal Supply USA.

The utensils and equipment are for the Law Enforcement Center and Jail.

Jail Administrator Mike Dougherty updated Commissioners on business in the Jail and Sheriff’s Office. The kitchen equipment is being installed and should be ready for meal preparation next week.

Dougherty reported that Sheriff Don Pounds is compiling information for the purchase of two new patrol units through state bid pricing through the material division of the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services.

Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert discussed the possibility of purchasing a brush cutter to use in controlling brush along county road right-of-way

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall presented an agreement between his department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert and Warning System known as IPAWS. The Board approved the revised agreement.

Kirkendall also told the Board the emergency siren project is being completed.

(KMZA)--A $1,000 loss.

That's what Nemaha County authorities are investigating, following a report of a stolen air compressor.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the Campbell Hausfield air compressor was stolen from 1946 176th Road in rural Sabetha.

It's believed that it happened sometime between 8:30 on the morning of January 3 and 8:30 on the morning of January 4.

The door, and hardware on the building, was damaged by whoever is responsible for the crime.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with knowledge of the crime is encouraged to call the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--The two new Hiawatha City Commissioners-elect will be sworn into office during a special meeting Monday evening.

City Clerk Vivian Constable will administer the oaths of office to Becky Shamburg and Dustin Williams during the meeting, which is set to begin at 5:35.

Toni Hull will also be sworn in for another term as Commisssioner of Utilities.

Shamburg was elected in November as the new Commissioner of Streets and Parks.  She replaces Irv Schwalm who did not seek re-election.

Williams was elected as the new Commissioner of Police.  He replaces John Sheeran.

A reception for Schwalm and Sheeran will be held following the special meeting.     

(KAIR)--A traffic stop for a stolen license plate sent two Winchester men to jail.

Atchison Police Lieutenant Tim Stout says it was Thursday evening at about 5:30 when Atchison Police officers stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 73 just south of Atchison’s Walmart.

“At this time officers made contact with the driver of the vehicle, Alfred Gauger, and his passenger, Dakota Castor,” Stout said.

During an investigation, Stout said officers discovered the passenger, 22-year-old Castor was wanted on a Leavenworth County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

Additionally, officers discovered Castor to be in possession of a firearm, which was illegal to him to have due to his criminal history.

Castor was arrested on all three charges.

The driver, 45-year-old Gauger was taken into custody on a charge of stolen property in connection with the stolen license plate.

Both men were taken into county jail.

Gauger has posted his $1,500 bond; Castor remains in jail without bond.

(KAIR)--A possible burglary is investigated by Atchison County authorities following the reported disappearance of nearly $6,000 from a rural residence.

Sheriff Jack Laurie says Jeffrey Wayne Norris reported the possible burglary and theft Thursday.

He told investigators the home, located at 17360 286th Road had not been broken into, and nothing besides the $5,800 was missing or out of place.

Norris informed the investigating Deputies that the money was taken sometime during the past two months, but he was unsure of an exact date, and did not know who might be responsible.

No suspects are yet developed, and Laurie says the investigation is continuing.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved the purchase of two semi trucks and a backhoe for the county road and bridge department.

The Commission Tuesday approved the purchase of two 2012 10-speed Freightliner semi-trucks from Transport Truck Sales Inc., of Kansas City, Kansas for a total of $106,000.  One of the trucks has around 180,000 miles and the other more than 400,000 miles.

In addition, the Commission approved the purchase of a 2013 Caterpillar 420F backhoe from Foley Equipment, of Topeka, with a bucket and all attachments at a cost $76,000 with the trade-in of a 2005 backhoe.  The new backhoe has just over 11-hundred hours.

The Commission also approved the purchase of an extended 3-year/3,000 hour power train and hydraulics warranty for the backhoe for $4,000.

Commissioner Tim Collins informed commissioners he would like replace the track hoe in the 1st District road department during the current year.

 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - A traveling nurse has admitted to stealing three patches containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl in northwest Missouri.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that 38-year-old Kimberly Wickham pleaded guilty Thursday in Buchanan County to possession of a controlled substance. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to file no other charges.
 
Wickham admitted to using her emergency room position at Mosaic Life Care to attend to a patient at home. She said she stole the patches while in the home. She said she's been addicted to opiates like fentanyl for a long time. She's on probation for a similar crime in New York.
 
Sentencing is set for Feb. 9. The Missouri charge carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

 HOLTON, Kan. (AP) - An attorney for a Holton man accused of sexually assaulting five women and a teenager is requesting that the teen undergo a mental health examination.
 
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that attorney Kathleen Ambrosio wrote in a motion filed Wednesday that there are "concerns regarding mental stability."
 
Prosecutors allege that her client, 22-year-old Jacob Ewing, assaulted the teen at a rural cemetery when she was 13. The girl, now 15, went to authorities in August, after other women accused Ewing of similar crimes.
 
Court documents say the girl described herself as a "cutter" during interviews with police.
 
Prosecutors didn't immediately respond to the motion. Ewing is scheduled to go on trial in March in the case involving the teen. He's entered not guilty pleas in all the cases.

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle weather-related wreck Thursday morning on I-29 in St. Joseph sent a St. Joseph woman to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 54-year-old Kim Piercy was southbound when she lost control of her Ford Explorer on the ice and snow covered road.  Her vehicle left the roadway where it struck a guard rail and overturned.

Piercy was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what the patrol described as minor injuries.

The Patrol says she was buckled up when the wreck happened around 9:20.   

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Fire Department building will be getting a new roof.

The Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening accepted a bid from Midwest Coating, of Topeka, for replacement of the roof and roof apron in the amount of $21,330.

The bid includes replacement of the current shingle apron with a metal apron.

The bid was among three received.

In other business, the city will have a new IT service provider. The Commission accepted the lone bid received from Bachelor Controls, of Sabetha, to provide IT services at an annual cost of $8,100 and for a new server in the amount of $5,200.

The city is currently paying Rainbow Communications $14,000 annually for IT services.

And the Commission awarded the bid for curb, gutter and other concrete work for 2017 to J & B Contractors, of Hiawatha.  It was among two bids received.        

(KMZA)--A Sabetha teenager suffers injuries following a fiery, single vehicle Thursday morning crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened in Cloud County, Kansas, when 15-year-old Tristan Mikesell's vehicle slid off a roadway.

Following the slide-off, the GMC SUV rolled onto it's side and off of a bridge, where it caught on fire.

Mikesell was transported to the Cloud County Health Center for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The Patrol says Mikesell was buckled up at the time of the wreck, that happened shortly before 9:00.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man requires hospitalized treatment following a Thursday morning single vehicle crash in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports it happened on I-435 when an unknown vehicle, changing lanes, cut off the southbound pickup truck driven by Hubert C. Elias.

Elias lost control, which sent the truck off the left side of the roadway, where it struck a pole and the guardrail.

The 73-year-old Elias was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for the treatment of his injuries.

The Patrol says he was buckled up at the time of the crash, which happened shortly before 9:30, just north of Parallel Parkway, in Kansas City.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska 1st District State Senator Dan Watermeier from Syracuse was elected chairman of the Unicameral’s executive board Wednesday.

Watermeier’s duties will include assigning proposed bills to committees, managing term limits, setting senator and staff salaries and overseeing legislative ethics.   

Watermeier defeated sitting chairman Bob Krist of Omaha on a 28-21 vote.  Watermeier will also serve on the appropriations committee and Legislative Performance audit.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a number of appointments offered by Mayor Jerry Oliver Tuesday evening. 

The appointments included Meschelle Ferguson to the Library Board, Derrick Leyden to the Planning Commission, Tiffin Bauman to the Cemetery Board and Bob Ferguson to the Blue Rivers Area on Aging Committee.  

The Council also approved the appointment of Utility Superintendent Alan Romine to the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, to represent Falls City on the MEAN Management Committee with City Administrator Gary Jorn serving as the alternate.

Romine was also approved for a three-year term as director, to represent Falls City on the Board of Directors of MEAN for three years. Jorn will also serve as the alternate to this position.  
 

(KNZA)--A retirement reception is planned for longtime Brown County Commissioner Warren Ploeger.

It will take place Monday morning from 10 to 11:30 in the second floor lobby of the Brown County Courthouse.

Cake and punch will be provided.   The public is invited to attend.

Ploeger is retiring after 24 years on the commission.

Dwight Kruse, who was elected in November to replace Ploeger, will be sworn into office Monday as the new 3rd district commissioner.

(KNZA)--For the third year in row, the Hiawatha Elementary School is a national award winner in the Made By Milk Carton Construction Contest.

Evergreen Packaging announced Wednesday the school received the " People's Choice" award for its contest entry--a tractor constructed with 1,280 milk cartons.

As an award winner, the school will receive a $2,500 prize. According to the Hiawatha school district's Facebook page, the prize money will be used to continue work on the school's outdoor classroom.

The project was constructed by forty-one 3rd and 4th graders under the direction of Hiawatha Elementary School art instructor Kate Miller.

In addition to sending in a photos of its project, the group had to submit a 200-word essay detailing what made their entry unique.  People went to the Made By Milk contest web site to vote for the winner.   

171 entries were submitted from across the nation in the contest.

The theme for the contest was " Inventions."  Miller says the school chose a tractor because its an invention that impacts the local community.  Its on display in the Hiawatha Elementary School library.

(KAIR)--A local tradition of Catholic education comes to an end.

That comes as the Board of Trustees for the Leavenworth Regional Catholic School System announces the planned closure of Leavenworth's Immaculata High School.

In a statement posted on the school's website, Board Chair Rolly Dessert says the closure will be recommended to the Archbishop, and is tentatively expected to become effective June 2.

The statement says ending grades 9-12 would allow a restructuring for a more viable preschool through 8th grade Catholic school.

A declining enrollment is cited as the reason for the decision to close.

Because of the low number of students, Immaculata lacks “the resources to provide any further financial assistance” from the existing foundation. All funds from the 2015 Spring Appeal fundraiser campaign will be expended to meet current obligations in light of what the statement calls a “significant” cash flow problem.

The Board of Trustees plans to use the next 3 to 5 years to focus on a restructuring plan for the elementary and middle schools to achieve what the statement calls “a better posture for the schools to be sustainable.” Additionally, the Board plans to develop a new long-term plan that “leverages funding sources beyond the local community.”

Due to the announcement of the planned closure, the Board of Trustees will hold an information meeting at 7:00 on the evening of January 12 to address questions and to provide more information on planned future actions.

(KAIR)--Local communities, in both Kansas and Missouri, are losing two well known, long lived names in retail.

That comes as the Illinois-based Sears Holdings Corporation announces a second round of store closures nationwide.

According to the company, 150 stores, including both Sears and the company's other property, Kmart, will close sometime in 2017.

Locally, that includes the long standing Sears in Saint Joseph, Missouri, which serves as an anchor store for the city's East Hills Mall.

The store's manager tells KQ2-TV the closing is likely to happen in March.

Meanwhile, the long-standing, lone Leavenworth location of Kmart, is also set to close.

A date for the final day of operations for the South 4th Street store is not immediately known.

The latest round of closures, including 42 Sears stores and 108 Kmart stores, was announced Wednesday.

(MSC News)--Local road crews, along with the Kansas Department of Transportation, are gearing up to battle whatever winter weather gets thrown this way.

According to KDOT spokeswoman Kimberly Qualls, the agency has personnel at the ready, both day and night, along with around 130 snowplows.

Statewide, KDOT has 130,000 tons of salt and 60,000 tons of salt/sand mix ready for use.

Qualls says motorists should also take precautionary measures if needing to travel in the winter weather, including the use of resources provided by KDOT. Those services can be found here. 

Additionally, a winter weather survival kit, such as extra blankets, cell phone chargers, and canned food, should be placed in vehicles.

Qualls says that on a five-year average, $15.5 million has been spent annually for winter weather related operations in Kansas, with more than 6,000 miles of road covered in such efforts.

(KLZA)-- Friday, January 6, is the deadline to make nominations for the Falls City Area Jaycees annual Distinguished Service Awards.

The annual DSA Banquet will be held Monday, January 16 at the Falls City Elk’s Lodge. The ceremony begins that evening at 7, social hour begins at 6.

The Jaycees will present the following awards:  Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Educator, Boss of the Year, Outstanding Community Leader, Robert J. Chab Community Service and Good Neighbor.

If you would like to nominate someone, log onto to sites.google.com/site/fcjayceesdsa/

A list of past winners and descriptions for nomination categories can be found there. Nominations are due by January 6th. 

The Jaycees will also make their annual donations to various groups and swear in 2017 officers.

(MSC News)--A winter weather advisory is in place regionally.

The National Weather Service has issued the advisory from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.

Snowfall is expected to start early this evening and continue through tonight, with 2-3 inches of snow possible.

Travel may become difficult as snow is expected to cover roads and limit visibility.

Local northeast Kansas counties included in the advisory are Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth and Pottawatomie.

In northwest Missouri, local counties included in the advisory are Buchanan, Platte, Holt, and Atchison.

The southeast Nebraska counties of Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage and Otoe counties are also included.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department and the City of Falls City  has been honored for the August 2, 2016, National Night Out event. 

For the first time Falls City hosted a National Night Out Event and the program has been selected for the Rookie of the Year Award from the National Association of Town Watch. Well over 500 people attended the first-time event in Falls City. 

With the belief this event would help build a stronger relationship with the citizens the Falls City Police Department serves, the Falls City event was held, headed by Officer Zach Ractliffe.  

More than 16-thousand communities hosted events involving 38.5-million people in 2016.

The Falls City Police Department said the event would not have been possible without donations by the so many including the Sac & Fox Tribe, Sunmart; Ms. Beasley’s and Sonic. It was also pointed out that without so many volunteers from other City Departments and organizations in the area, the event would not have been such as success.

Plans for the 2017 National Night Out are already being made. The event is typically held in early August. 
 

(KNZA)--The Kickapoo Tribal Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a female suspect in a theft case.

Assistant Chief of Police Josh Barnes says the theft occurred Thursday, December 29th at the Golden Eagle Casino.

The Department has released surveillance photos of the female suspect and the dark-colored, four-door vehicle she was driving. 

Anyone with information is urged to call the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department at 785-486-3678 or 785-486-3665.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - A Leavenworth County man accused of killing a Kansas police detective has pleaded guilty to capital murder.

Curtis Ayers pleaded guilty Tuesday to gunning down Kansas City, Kansas, Detective Brad Lancaster on May 9. He also pleaded guilty to nine other charges related to Lancaster's death.

The 28-year-old Ayers agreed to serve life without parole on the murder count. He could face additional prison time on the nine other charges when he is sentenced March 14.

Prosecutors say Lancaster was shot seven times when he exchanged gunfire with Ayers near the Kansas Speedway. Ayers then stole the detective's car before carjacking another vehicle and then stealing a third. He drove into Kansas City, Missouri, where police shot and wounded him before taking him into custody.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Highway Patrol worked three fatal crashes during the New Year’s holiday weekend.

According to a news release, none of the fatal crashes were alcohol-related.  They occurred in Douglas, Harper and Ottawa Counties.

The release says 12 people were arrested for driving under the influence and 794 speeding citations were issued.

In addition, a total of 94 safety belt and child restraint citations were issued.

The agency’s holiday reporting period ran from 6:00 Friday evening to 11:59 Monday night.

A stack of prop money. Photo credit: Ebay

(KMZA)--Counterfeit cash is discovered in Pottawatomie County; and through a joint investigation involving the county's Sheriff's Office, and the Police Departments of Lansing and Olathe, a suspect was developed, located, and arrested.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat identifies him as 30-year-old Michael Baum, of Topeka. He's facing charges of theft by deception and making false information.

He remains in custody on a bond of $10,000.

Riat says the investigation was launched December 22 when his office was called to a Manhattan business that received counterfeit $100 bills for a $500 purchase. According to Riat, the bills were marked with the phrase “For Motion Picture Use Only.”

The prop money, intended to be used by film makers, is easily purchased at well known online retailers.

Riat says investigators have learned that other similar bills have reportedly been circulating not only in Pottawatomie County, but other northeast Kansas locations. He urges awareness by anyone accepting cash payments.

Anyone with information regarding the case should contact the Sheriff's Office at 785-457-3353.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph man was arrested Monday after an aggravated burglary was reported in Brown County.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a county resident arrived home Monday to find a man had broken in to his home.

Merchant says the resident subdued the man.  A short time later, a deputy arrived and arrested 36-year-old Jason Deming on charges of aggravated burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

Deming remains in the Brown County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Hamlin man is facing charges following a domestic incident New Year’s Day involving a weapon.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant,  the sheriff’s office received a call at about 5:30 Sunday evening about a domestic situation in the city of Hamlin and was advised that the male suspect was possibly armed.

Merchant says deputies arrived and arrested 34-year-old Casey Swogar without incident.  Swogar was arrested on charges of child endangerment, possession of a firearm under the influence, felon in possession of a firearm and felony obstruction.

He says Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Officer Scott Stoughton was called to the scene with his K-9, Hunter, and the firearm was recovered in small shed on the property.

Sac and Fox Tribal Police also assisted in the case.

Swogar remains in the Brown County Jail.

(KAIR)--The burn ban for Atchison County has been lifted.

According to an e-mail from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, burning is once again allowed in Atchison County.

Lanter reminds residents to call the Atchison County Dispatch Center with a permit number when burning.

(KAIR)--A structure fire over the weekend at an Atchison trailer park rendered one mobile home a total loss.

Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf says it was approximately 11:15 Saturday morning when firefighters were dispatched to 1501 North 7th Street, lot 14 which is located at Highview Trailer Park.

“Upon approaching the general area, heavy smoke was present with heavy smoke and flames showing,” Graf said. “They were told the structure was vacant at the time and currently undergoing an extensive remodel—basically the home was gutted.”

Graf said it was reported a small wood stove was being used for heat at the time of the remodel. It is believed the stove caused the fire.

“Fire crews remained on the scene for extinguishment and overhaul for about two hours,” Graf said. “The home is considered to be a total loss and no injuries were reported.”

Graf said no one was inside the home at the time of the fire.

(KAIR)--An Easton teenager went to the hospital after a single-vehicle, roll-over wreck on Rawlins Road in Atchison County near 206th Road.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said it was Saturday evening at 7:45 when 17-year-old Jordan Yonts-Skaggs went off the roadway and over corrected causing her to enter the west ditch. The vehicle hit a culvert while sliding in the ditch and overturned.

She was transported to Atchison Hospital by Atchison County EMS where she was treated for complaints of back and neck pain and nausea.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast Community College Board of Governors approved the purchase of nearly eight acres of land on the north edge of Falls City during their December meeting.  The land is to eventually be home to the Southeast Community College, Falls City Learning Center.

Bob Morgan, Dean of Virtual Learning / Beatrice Campus Director who led the SCC Site Team discussed the process, that’s taken more than a year to find a site. Morgan said the goal was to find space to lease for the facility, however space was difficult to find in Falls City.
Coupled with the need to have space for both manufacturing technology and healthcare, the best option turned out to be a new building. 

Morgan said the facility will include a new home for the existing nursing program and will also include space for training manufacturing skills.  The nearly 8-acre property will also allow for additions to the 10,000 square-foot facility if needed in the future. 

Morgan says the current entry from Old Highway 73 would work for the facility.  If the Nebraska Department of Roads were to allow it, an entry off of Highway 73 could also be added.  

This month and in February the SCC Board of Governors will discuss a number of projects, including the Learning Center in Falls City. He says as of now, there is not a definite time-line for opening the new facility.  

Failure of a $369-million bond issue has made it important for the Board of Governors to determine the best way to fund a couple of new Learning Centers in the next year.  

Morgan said SECC is excited about the land purchase and said SCC is appreciative for everything Falls City and EDGE has done for the college to move the project forward.  

SECC either has, or plans to open Learning Centers in Nebraska City, Hebron, Plattsmouth, York and Wahoo in addition to Falls City.  

(KAIR)--One Atchison woman went to the hospital after a Saturday afternoon two-vehicle wreck in rural Atchison County.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said it was 3:30 Saturday afternoon when 25-year-old Atchison resident, Kassidy Rethurst was driving south on U.S. 73 Highway in rural Atchison County when she crashed into 52-year-old Kevin Wagner, of Atchison, while he was turning East onto 222nd Road.

Rethurst told deputies she couldn’t see Wagner turning as the sun was in her eyes. She had minor injuries to her wrist and was taken to Atchison Hospital by a personal vehicle.

Wagner wasn’t hurt.

(KLZA)-- Brownville and Beatrice are among eight Nebraska communities recently awarded Community Development Block Grants for downtown revitalization. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded $2.8-million to the communities to complete Phase II in Downtown Revitalization category. The projects are designed to provide resources for commercial rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements in the downtowns of the selected communities. 

Brownville will receive $350,000 to implement commercial rehabilitation and public facility improvements to the Villlage’s downtown buildings and resources. The historic riverboat town was established in 1854 and annually hosts more than 15 events attracting thousands of visitors to the community of 128.

The community matching contribution is approximately $87,500. 

Beatrice will also received $350,000 to be used to complete façade improvements, and other commercial improvements in order to continue to revitalize the historic character of the downtown.  

The City’s matching contribution is approximately $105,000.

(KNZA)--Brown County employees have been granted a pay raise for 2017.

During their end of the month meeting Friday, the Brown County Commission unanimously approved a 50 cent an hour cost of living increase for all full-time employees and a 25 cent an hour increase for seasonal employees.

The pay increase will be effective with the first payroll this month.